Power/Cig Socket

[Jarvis]

Hi all

i have a 2016 avensis and I find the positioning of the cigarette lighter socket very frustrating. I have a double USB adapter in it and the cables run atop the gear area and up to the vent to power my phone and my echo auto. 

I can live with it but wonder does anyone know how to do it nearer and neater? Also I think I really need a dash cam but this would be a third wire and I don’t even know if a triple adapter is a thing? Anyone running 3 things like this but in a neater way?

[paul9]

You can get a triple adapter, but it may not be the best idea. There's a chance that you could have too high of a current draw for the fuse, or the very likely underspecified wire from the plug to the adapter. It is highly likely to be a piece of junk from a random factory in China. A USB hardwire kit or two may be better. There is also a second power socket in the rear of the car. I use that one for my USB charger unit, and keep it tucked away in the centre console storage.

[bobabobajob]

For a dash cam i would run it into the fuse box behind the glovebox using a hardwire kit. Just done it on my sons Yaris which has fusebox in same position and orientation. Only problem was that with the piggyback fuse jn place you cant put the lid back on the fuse box. Not really a problem as long as you keep it handy as it lists the function of the fuses on the lid. Other option is an inline fuse and tap into the cig light wire. 

[Konrad C]

A few points. 
My 2009 '58 plate T27 has to power sockets. One just under the heater controls and a second in the centre storage box, next to the USB (I added)and AUX socket. My dash cam is plugged into the dash socket, with minimum cable showing. Doesn't the last face lift have the second storage box socket?
I just bought this from Lidl and plugged in the centre console socket https://www.lidl.co.uk/en/p/car-care/silvercrest-car-charger/p28694 -

   

I can run my phone, and charge any other items like family/friends iPhones (which seem to constantly need charging, compared to other phones. Provides 2 amp to each USB socket.
I have my USB/MP3/Bluetooth adapter for music from memory stick, phone calls, satnav directions, plus a another USB for charging at 1 amp. 
There are not too much trailing wires and any wires are tucked away unless needed.

If you are going to hard wire Make sure it is on a fuse with accessory switch, so as not to drain the Battery, and turn on and off with the key. I have a Nextbase 222X and always remove it. If I had a low profile dash cam that is not too obvious, then I would consider hard wiring. I sometimes drive other cars, so have suitable cables/adapters/mounts to use the dash cam.