Power port for tube inflator

[cane.mba]

Are there any issues using the cigarette lighter power port to power a towable inflator? Should I consider installing a power inverter and going with a 110v blower? Option 3 should I look for a blower with alligator clips for a direct battery connection?

I've been thinking of keeping a High Pressure Pump on the boat so I don't have to inflate the tubes in the garage and carry them down to the boat. Yes I am already feeling lazy this season!

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/o-rageous-12v-high-pressure-pump/pid-500020?N=830450254&Ntt=O'Rageous® 12V High Pressure Pump&Ntk=All

 

[JC6275]

I used my 12v port for mine on Saturday, it's a 4 person air head round tube, I had no problems at all, it worked really well. I think if there would be any problem the circuit breaker would trip before any damage would be done.

 

[JC6275]

I would say as long as the amps the pump requires does not exceed the breaker on your outlet you should be fine..,

 

[Julian]

My accessory post blows the breaker after a couple of minutes....it will depend on the current draw of our inflator. I installed my own 12v outlet that can handle heavy current. I plan to add another one on the passenger side for phone charging etc - like the idea of USB ports (as other member did - see FAQ for link to their install)

 

[Implosion]

The 12V port blows instantly with our inflation pump. So I got the alligator clip type from overtons or west marine and it works great.

 

[biglar155]

My 12v port doesn't like my inflation device either. I bought a little cable that has alligator clips on one end and a 12v "cigarette lighter" style female port on the other. I just clip directly to the battery and plug the inflator into it.

 

[steined]

These are 15 AMP - http://www.marinco.com/en/12vrc But you need to supply it with appropriate sized wire from the battery or its own terminal. For 15-20 feet about 10 gauge would do it looks like: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/amps-wire-gauge-d_730.html

 

[txav8r]

Most air pumps are going to draw more amps than the 12V accessory plug on the boat. It is intended as a charger supplying about 3 amps, not 15amps+, but it is rated at 10 amps I believe. It is dangerous even if it doesn't pop the circuit breaker. Get a set of alligator clips and hook straight to the battery posts. Or...do like many have done and buy a higher amperage fuse and 12V connection to use. My Airhead 12V high pressure pump draws 28 amps!!! Ya'll be careful out there!

 

[JC6275]

Good grief!!!! I just have a hand held 12v pump, takes about 2-3 minutes to inflate our 4 person tube. Some of the ones you guys have could be used to bead a semi tire. LOL I feel inadequate now!!!

 

[ratchetdu]

We use our accessory plug all the time for 5 seasons now with a coleman inflator. We have a big 4person tube that its gets used for mostly. Works great. Never tripped anything. http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-12-Vo...d=1400035775&sr=8-3&keywords=coleman+inflator

 

[cane.mba]

My Porsche had the same issue, which is why I was curious. Since there's no spare tire, they provide green slime and a small compressor. Apparently the compressor would cause the circuit to fail and you had to go straight to the battery.

I'd love to mount a small compressor in the battery compartment and install a quick disconnect on the swim deck. That way I would just hook up the hose and inflate the tube. After some research I figured out it's not about pressure, but volume. So instead, I'll just go with a small portable inflator...

 

[Julian]

@cane.mba you got that right! You need volume and some pressure (but not HIGH pressure that a compressor delivers). I have 3 air pumps, 1 old Yamaha one that doesn't blow anything, an Aero pump that is custom for an Aero Tube I have (they stopped making them), and a Rave Sports pump I bought at Dicks. The aero and Rave pumps definitely get tubes harder (which makes a big difference when it comes to getting good back and forth movement of a tube) (3 PSI)

 

[TechRider]

I did what most others are doing and went with one of these that connect to the battery. Before that I used a Ryobi pump because I already had their power tools and had batteries to use. The downside of that is to remember the batteries or recharge them. Now I just store the pump in the battery compartment, hook up the alligator clips and away you go. Just don't drop it in the water

 

[cane.mba]

Thanks everyone! Think I'll hit my local Academy this weekend and look for an inflator with battery clips.

 

[txav8r]

Let us know what pump you get Mike! I have seen that high pressure Airhead, the same one I have bought twice, a $59 pump, on sale for as low as $29 occasionally. And Overtons is running a sale that ends today too. But I just realized to get 10% off, spend over $100, 15% for over $200, and 20% for over $300. So if you need a few things, you can get a pretty good savings! TWENTYOFF is the code.

 

[bgood188]

Are there any issues using the cigarette lighter power port to power a towable inflator? Should I consider installing a power inverter and going with a 110v blower? Option 3 should I look for a blower with alligator clips for a direct battery connection?

I've been thinking of keeping a High Pressure Pump on the boat so I don't have to inflate the tubes in the garage and carry them down to the boat. Yes I am already feeling lazy this season!

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/o-rageous-12v-high-pressure-pump/pid-500020?N=830450254&Ntt=O'Rageous® 12V High Pressure Pump&Ntk=All

I just went through this over the weekend. New boat new toys and the need to inflate on the boat. I tried the inverters and ended up just buying this from walmart for 18 bucks http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-12V-QuickPump-Air-Pump/9870593 I inflated a single tube in 2 min and 2 seater big marble in under 4 min. I also have a power pack I have on the boat that has the 12V cigarette lighter ports.

The pic on the website is not correct. In the store they are red.

 

[steined]

I just went through this over the weekend. New boat new toys and the need to inflate on the boat. I tried the inverters and ended up just buying this from walmart for 18 bucks http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-12V-QuickPump-Air-Pump/9870593 I inflated a single tube in 2 min and 2 seater big marble in under 4 min. I also have a power pack I have on the boat that has the 12V cigarette lighter ports.

The pic on the website is not correct. In the store they are red.

I've had this same one for about 4 or 5 years. I don't do a ton of inflation with it, but it seems pretty quick and works for us.

 

[Kevin M]

Most air pumps are going to draw more amps than the 12V accessory plug on the boat. It is intended as a charger supplying about 3 amps, not 15amps+, but it is rated at 10 amps I believe. It is dangerous even if it doesn't pop the circuit breaker. Get a set of alligator clips and hook straight to the battery posts. Or...do like many have done and buy a higher amperage fuse and 12V connection to use. My Airhead 12V high pressure pump draws 28 amps!!! Ya'll be careful out there!

What effect would that have on my battery? Should I be concerned about the battery after filling the tube or once I'm done and on the water, it will charge back up?

Kevin

 

[txav8r]

It won't hurt your battery @Kevin M . But depending on how much you use the pump, you can deplete the battery somewhat. If you use good shore charging habits, you should be fine, since your boat came with two batteries, you have plenty of reserve. You just want to make sure you keep them charged after you get off the lake. If one of your two batteries is a deep cycle, use that one. If both are dual purpose (what most dealers install), it won't matter, you can use either. But be aware that one of the big pumps like mine, will draw 28 amps/hour, so if you spend an hour total inflating/deflating tubes, your down about 25% on most batteries...luckily you have two batteries!

 

[Kevin M]

That's good to know @txav8r . I am in the process of making a decision on "on board" battery charging systems for my boat. I do have a battery charger that I keep the batteries maintained in the winter that I can throw on periodically until I complete that project. Being armed with that information you provided makes me feel better. Thanks!