110 volt AC outlet

roadblock · December 29, 2013

I saw a guy with a string of LED xmas lights running on the plug

So wanted to do this! But christmas came up pretty fast.

I'm sure someone will figure out a mod to increase the output soon, at least I hope so

lrymal · December 29, 2013

What is your laptop? My 15" MacBook is like 90w. And honestly you won't find any better on other vehicles. The outlet is weak on all of them.

Just looked on the transformer for my MacBook Pro... sez 85 watts. Has no problem charging it, never winked out even on a multi-tank trip. Likewise, no problem charging my iPad and iPhone via the USB port.

The only issue I could see is that my truck has three 120 volt outlets. I don't see those powering three items at the same time, which some folks will try to do.

Bikewhisperer · January 1, 2014

I've also got an ASUS 17" that according to the adapter draws 2 amps, so 220 watts. That must be the maximum amps it would ever draw since the output is 19 volts and 6.32 amps, that's only 120 watts. Seems pretty damn inefficient to draw almost twice the watts as it puts out. The wife's laptop adapter puts out 19 volts and 3.42 amps, 65 watts.

Something is not right, excuse my lack of knowledge with electricity.

Anyway, just went out to the garage and plugged my larger laptop into the AC outlet on the truck, turned the key on, and it worked. So I tried with the wife's, and it works too. I try them both again with the truck running and the larger laptop charges, but the smaller one continues to trip the breaker.

Bottom line, not so sure it's an under power issue like I first thought. Either a GM warranty issue or an issue in the smaller laptop I guess.

block8head · January 6, 2014

got a chance to test my Dell studio 1537 17" laptop today and it work fine..

an hour later into the trip:

Also the 3D nav kinda cool,

ms55330 · January 6, 2014

interesting way to get google maps in the truck

block8head · January 6, 2014

LOL, it is part of the NAV system . you can set them in the Setting menu. ;)

Edited January 6, 2014 by block8head

Dcarver · January 15, 2014

The wire size and breaker are usually determined by the output capacity of the actual inverter itself. The breakers (protection relay) are usually built into the inverter. Most wires in these trucks are 18awg and that is good for up to 2.3 amps. Armed with that information, my guess is that you could probably replace the actual inverter itself with an inverter with a larger capacity (up to 250 watts) and use the stock wires.

BlaznSaddles · January 15, 2014

I have my NAV system set on 3D and it does not show any buildings like yours does. And this is while driving through Austin and San Antonio.

roadblock · January 16, 2014

My nav has the buildings, not all of them though, and I live in Canada

mking417 · January 16, 2014

ford.com states that the 15 f150 will have a 400W outlet that can run power tools. Looks like they have been reading this topic....... LOL

Dozzer LTZ · January 16, 2014

While I will probably never use mine so it doesn't affect me, I did see where the new F150 has one that puts out 400 Watts and that alone irritates me.

Abjonesiii · January 17, 2014

i was really disappointed with the 110 outlet too. GM could have definitely done better. i don't need to be able to run a mini fridge or anything but i would really like to be able to plug in a cordless drill battery to be charging while i drive (which it won't do).

Basstoon · January 17, 2014

I would think there is an OEM inverter located somwhere in or around the dash, has anyone figured out where it's located? It may be an easy aftermarket upgrade and the aftermarkets are relatively inexpensive.

bogeypro · January 17, 2014

I would think there is an OEM inverter located somwhere in or around the dash, has anyone figured out where it's located? It may be an easy aftermarket upgrade and the aftermarkets are relatively inexpensive.

Great idea

Dnt · January 30, 2014

I used it for plugging in a drop light recently and it worked great (probably a 100 watt bulb) it was a life saver in that situation. Handy little feature. Would be pretty cool if you could run a power tool such as a skill saw off of it. From what i am reading the 12 volt auto systems are about to go the way of the dinosaur and we will start seeing 24 and 36 volt systems soon. Then they can have 240 volt plugs and almost unlimited amps so we can drive up and hook directly into our homes power panel in case our power goes out. Note you may have to use the high idle setting when you do this. haha