Charging NAV devices while driving?

Hey all.

I have an IPhone and an IPad connected to my cigarette lighter circuit via a 12v 6A 30W dual USB charging module. I notice that both devices lose charge very slowly while connected and “charging” and actively in use (Gaia nav).

Is this normal from what others have experienced and do I really risk getting to 0%?

Is there a better electrical solution to provide more power and keep the charge level at 100%?

thanks

 

Have you tried the two usb connections?

 

Looks like an iPhone wants a minimum of 20 watts to charge. If you are splitting 30 watts between two devices each device may only be getting 15 watts might be the problem.

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/power-adapters-iph8c1e31583/ios#:~:text=Minimum Power Output: 20 W,Output Port: USB-C

 

+1. also be sure that your charger adapter, and cables are specifically compatible with your devices to provide the full charging power. there's a lot of knockoff chargers and cables that can't actually do the stated output levels.

 

An an iPad likely requires even more.

 

Maybe not.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210133

 

In any case, I’ve never tried to use the cigarette lighter for charging, because there are USB connections in the truck. I’m not sure what they are rated at, but I’ve never had any problems using the phone and charging it at the same time. The wireless charger is another story.

Note that some apps are more power hungry than others.

 

Thanks for the tips everyone. It does feel like I need more wattage.

I’ve wired this all behind the dash so that I don’t have cables running all over the place and tapped into the cig circuit.

I see people out there with all kinds of nav devices mounted on their dash, so was hoping someone might have advice on other circuits they tapped into or alternative wiring plans. But, I’m going for hidden cables, so don’t want cables strung in front of the dash or center console.

 

Separate sources for the phone and tablet. I run my phone to the USB in my dash and have the 400W anytime mod to run a 110v adapter for my tablet. The only problem I ever have is if I forget to turn the inverter on. Even then, the AC adapter will catch up quickly.

 

My iPhone SE plugged into the USB to provide CarPlay, I always arrive at my destination at 100%
Wife uses a dual-plug cigarette adapter to plug in her iPhone and iPad and hotspots the iPhone to the iPad to watch movies. She gets there with both of hers at full charge as well.

 

I added a quick charger and it does a good job of fast charging my phone.

 

Quick update for folks after my long off-roading weekend:

Turns out, while both devices dropped in battery % a little bit, they typically stayed in the 90%-97% range, while under continuous use for 8 - 10 hour days (music and GAIA, screens on). If I would completely stop using either device and turn off the screen, they would charge back up to 100% within 20 minutes or so.