Securing your 12 volt socket

[Jacket]

I've read a few threads about creative 12 volt socket solutions, but I'm looking for more ideas. The creativity and knowledge of the Expo community is unmatched! Some good stuff here:

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16842

I'm having trouble with my bed-mounted 12 volt socket plugs coming loose from the receptacles (which are the weatherproof units from West Marine). I've read a bit about the locking plug units, but it would seemingly require that I cut my existing wires (like on the 12volt power plug for a fridge), and solder on the new plug that locks into the receptacle - not something I'm excited about.

So I'm looking for other knowledge on how to keep the plug secured for long distance travel over less than smooth roads.

 

[Corey]

Good thread, as I want to add another 12v socket down by my trailer hitch to power the Maggiolina's 12v light.

I have been running the wire through the rear door to one of the dual 12v sockets inside which the fridge is plugged into.

 

[ntsqd]

Having used those plugs I would suggest biting the bullet and just doing it. Any other solution using the typical power point/cigarette lighter socket that I've seen was considerably more klugey.

That, or convert to some other plug arrangement like the 2 conductor molded rubber or Weatherpak or similar that has a self-locking feature built in.

 

[adventureduo]

The reason why the cigarette plug comes loose with the West Marine versions is because its an oddball size.. i have the same one and researched it one time. Don't ask me why there's different size cig plus recepts.

 

[grahamfitter]

The reason why the cigarette plug comes loose with the West Marine versions is because its an oddball size.. i have the same one and researched it one time. Don't ask me why there's different size cig plus recepts.

The replacement plugs sold by Radio Shack stay put in the West Marine outlets. I replaced the plug on my Edgestar fridge and all is well. I definitely consider it a temporary fix though.

Can those Engel posilock thingmabobs be attached to any 12V cable?

Cheers,
Graham

 

[Jacket]

I have a few of the West Marine 12 volt plugs in the garage, so I went ahead and swapped it onto the fridge cord. Given that the receptacle is WM, the fit should be better, plus the WM plug has a rubber seal that fits snug at the opening of the receptacle and makes a stronger connection. And there's a nifty green LED on the WM plug that lets you know when it's getting power.

Seems like a better fit - a quarter twist of the seal onto the plug seems to make it nice and snug. If this one doesn't hold, I'll rip everything out and replace with something that locks.

 

[TreeTopFlyer]

So it isn't just me that is having issues with the WM receptacles? I guess not all plugs are created equal? I just finished a seat bracket mount for my tablet. I cut a provision in the bracket to hold two WM receptacles. I can't get a good connection using the plug for my tablet inverter. The plug works fine on my OEM receptacle though. I think i will try and find a better receptacle first, I hate to start chopping off plugs. Quite frustrating.

 

[jbs]

I had the same problem with the West Marine sockets and my GPS plugs. I just added a couple wraps of tape around the plug and they are nice and snug. Not the nicest fix, but mine are out of site behind the dash (another reason I wanted to make sure they stay tight).

 

[TreeTopFlyer]

I had the same problem with the West Marine sockets and my GPS plugs. I just added a couple wraps of tape around the plug and they are nice and snug. Not the nicest fix, but mine are out of site behind the dash (another reason I wanted to make sure they stay tight).

LOL, I did the same thing, but only did one wrap. I'll try a few more when I get home from work. But I am not sure it's the cure. I can push down hard on the plug and hold it and the LED indicator still doesn't light up. I'll give it another try this afternoon with the tape and see if anything changes.

 

[TreeTopFlyer]

Figure out the problem, I forgot to hook up the doll. Yes, it's a weird science callback.

My distribution panel power feed wasn't tight. Luckily I didn't start cutting plugs off. I went back to check a fuse and noticed the power feed loose. Problem solved.

 

[bajabloke]

A different approach..........

..............I bought a plastic 110v box from home depot and u bolted it to the frame on my CanBack shell and bought the female plug, cigarette type, from camping world. This is mounted to the metal face plate that attaches to the plastic 110v box. My Engel plug seems to fit in there very snugly..........but I haven't tried it off road yet!!!

 

[Jacket]

In my limited searching for alternative options, I've found that most products look to be the same thing that I got from West Marine. I don't know if there's one maker overseas somewhere that rebadges these for whoever wants them? I've been disappointed thus far.

I plan to call AT and try out one of their locking 12 volt sockets. In the mean time, I'm rockin' a heavy application of duct tape and it's holding strong.