Using a USB Hub

Has anyone ever tried to expand the single USB port to multiple jacks using one of those 1 to 4 hubs you can buy? Does it work for charging and which brand did you buy?

 

I don’t think it would work. At least not efficiently. The output is only like 2.7 amps so now you have 2-4 devices splitting those amps.

I installed the TPAM and swapped my cig lighter for USB so I have four 4.8 amp USBs up front.

 

From what I understand, that USB port is not designed for charging devices. It's main purpose is for data.

 

I just use the usb for myself, and provide my passengers with a dual usb-to-dc adapter for the cigarette lighter. If more than 3 people need a charge at once, they’ll have to play Rock Paper Scissors or something. Not my problem


EDIT: oh, almost forgot, I also have a single usb-to-dc inside the middle console. So I guess 4 people could charge at once. Whoever is riding in that middle back seat (if I have 5 people in the truck) just has the worst of both worlds.

EDIT AGAIN: come to think of it, if you have the wireless charger, that’s also another place to charge. OP, why would you need even more USB ports? What kind of FBI Surveillance are you running over there?

 

I put this up front (and in the console). Plus the Blue light matches the rest of the Blue lighting.

 

The mounted USB port sucks for charging.... like stated before it’s for data.

If you are interested in charging, just get a USB adapter for your cig lighter

 

Ok - all good responses. So can anyone recommend a good one? That is: a lighter plug in that provides at least 2 USB ports that can carry a charge.

 

Where did you get it?

 

Amazon. It’s low profile. $9.99 today w/prime.

 

I don't think so. I plug my NOCO battery charger into the port in the console and it keeps it charged.

 

I have a four port hub tucked in my glove box. Fed its lead through a hole in behind the dash. Popped the factory USB port out from the dash, plugged a 4 port hub into it, taped it up and tucked it neatly behind the dash. Currently have two 32gb thumb drives plugged in, along with my phone cord. Phone cord comes from it, up out of the dash to my phone mount and it all works fine.
Android auto works OK. Thumb drives show up as two separate sources. I did try a 1 Terabyte drive with it also, just for fun. It worked as well, just took forever, like twenty minutes, for the head unit to eventually sort through the music files. MP3,WMA and ACC files set to FAT32
If I get a second, I will take some pictures. I know, not worth anything without images.