Boot 12V power outlet
 

Just wondering, has anyone ever fitted one of these, if so where and how?
I guess it's fairly easy to slave one off the rear seat cigar lighter.... ;)

It's something I've been meaning to do for a long time but haven't got around to it yet.

I did fit one to one of my previous 8s (mainly for a 12v cool box I used to carry on long journeys). I just took a permanent feed from the battery area, via an inline fuse. I used something like this (cut the plug off and wired it in) and attached it inside the boot using Velcro. Worked ok, but I think I'd probably go for something a bit more OEM-looking next time.

I've been contemplating designing a circuit for this that would automatically turn the power off to the power outlet when the engine wasn't running (to save looking for a switched live and therefore simplify installation). I thought something might already exist but I couldn't find anything last time I searched. It should be quite simple to do using a couple of comparators (to detect the upper/lower voltage thresholds) and an R/S flip-flop. When the battery voltage is above the preset level (ie engine running, battery charging), the flip-flop is set, turning on a relay, applying power to the outlet. When the voltage drops below the lower threshold (ie battery no longer charging), the flip-flop is reset, turning the relay off. Alternatively it could all be done with a microcontroller, making the thresholds (and any time delays, etc) programmable.

A caravan split-charge relay should do that. They switch on with the voltage rise from the alternator and switch off again when it drops, to only charge the 'van when the engine is running :)

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I thought there must be something out there already but it's a difficult thing to 'google' for without a name or use-case. Never towed (or had the desire to tow) a caravan so wouldn't have thought of searching for caravany things.

I bought a programmable 12v relay to power a dash cam and USB sockets while protect the battery. Works without problem.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/152604603429?

I'm glad I never managed to find the time to design a circuit now.

That's one of the great things about China ... If you can imagine it, you can guarantee someone in China is already making it!

That's right. China produces huge range of hobby electronics. Whatever you need is there. Hard part is thinking of what it's called and listed under!

My problem is like the original Laser one.
I start meandering through the Chinese suppliers on fleebay and start to find something to do with what they are offering.
I have a hobby drawer full of started but never finally finished projects that hopefully I'll find time to complete.
Though sometimes, only rarely mind, a new "I want it now" job comes up from SWMBO and she thinks I'm clever 'cos I click my fingers and say something like "I have the ideal thingy for that". She is very good, never pokes around in that magic drawer.
Then again, I guess the total spend in that hidy hole is only about £20.I can't believe the stupidly low prices they charge and usually post free. I've only ever had one non delivery item that cost me £0.76 and the supplier wanted to send another one, but they were so nice I said don't bother I'll find something else to buy from you. Under a pound is always worth a punt. Their profit margins must be pretty low.