So I installed this Dual USB Fast Charger today. It also happens to have a volt meter gauge. So I got a Fast USB Charging Port(2) and a volt meter in one device.

I got it from Amazon and it was only 16$

 

Amazon link for the charger? Thanks!

 

Hey! I did the same thing a while ago, really like it. Installed one in my truck also!

Both from amazon

 

 

How hard to install it? Can i replace my old cigarette lighter with that?

 

We completed this mod today. Our “charging device” did not come with instructions, so we followed the instructions on this video:


two minor modifications:

1) we used a half round (sorta) file rather than a dremmel tool to increase the size of the housing;

2) we weren’t able to figure out how to release the clips holding the wires in place, so we used a sharp knife to cut the housing off of the negative wire. (The poles are clearly marked on the charging device - be sure to note which is which before you thread it into the cigarette lighter hole.)

It helped to do this as a team, if only so one person could hold the console stable or out of the way while the other was filing or fumbling with wires.

Looking forward to using this on our next road trip!

 

Yes I used a Dremel tool with a sanding barrel on it and just went around the inside of the hole a little at a time test fitting as I went, once I got it close I just screwed the USB adapter down in the hole and installed the retaining nut.

Congrats on finishing the project, post a photo, please

 

Looks really good.

How did you power this unit, or did you tap into an existing circuit ???

 

We used the wires that were powering the cigarette lighter. The prongs on the lighter are are configured differently than those on the charger - one lighter prong is perpendicular to the other, while the prongs on the charger are parallel - and the wires are held in place in a housing that mimics that configuration. That’s why we cut off and removed the housing from the negative polarity wire (it was solid brown in our car). You can plug the prong in even without this housing. But - unlike household plugs, the prongs on these devices are the same shape. They’re different colors, but you might not be able to see that when you’re plugging the device in. So, as I mentioned above, be sure to note which prong is which so you don’t get the wires crossed when you plug your device in, or you’ll fry the gizmo!

The charging device kit does include wires, but you don’t need them if you’re installing it in a MINI.