I have lots of gadgets, phones, netbook, notebook and so on and was wondering if there was any chance
of accessing power to charge these while on the road, besides the normal powered caravan park sites,
car charger etc.
For example has anyone asked an op shop owner for use of a power point for a small donation?
The op shop I volunteer at said they'd never been asked but it could be an option.
Would libraries be up for this?
Any personal experiences would be helpful.
scottynbulldog said
07:03 PM Sep 26, 2013
When we were crossing the Nullarbor 2 months ago someone was charging their phone in the petrol station shop. I guess you can only ask and hope for a good reply!
Happywanderer said
07:33 PM Sep 26, 2013
There are some towns that have available power points. Bundaberg has sheltered tables down by the river that have power points on each wall and also free WiFi connection.
I'm sure there has to be others around.
I did get to plug my laptop in their power in the restaurant, think its called Coolabah at the Wyalong service station. I asked, they were ok with it. The power points are around the walls out in the eating area.
Cruising Granny said
07:19 AM Sep 29, 2013
Most roadhouses will allow it, while you're having a shower or a meal. Offer to pay, but usually wi-fi is free, so phone charge probably would be too. The power source is usually a big generator out the back.
Or, you can do it off the cig lighter in the car.
valnrob said
03:58 PM Sep 29, 2013
Ciggie lighter points in car are great. Rob has installed 2 x 12v points on dressing table in van to recharge my gear when needed.
Cheers
Vegemite said
07:24 PM Sep 29, 2013
Thanks for the tips. I'll have to keep my eyes open for those free 240v outlets.
I have the 12v covered for the phone and GPS while in the car of course but keeping the notebooks charged is another issue.
I'd hate to be without my many gadgets while travelling but if push comes to shove I'll camp on powered sites if I have to :)
Happywanderer said
08:48 PM Sep 29, 2013
You can also buy 12 volt adaptors for most of your gadgets.
I have nothing in the van that I need 240 for anymore.
johmandkaz said
02:55 AM Sep 30, 2013
Aldi have a adapter that plugs into your ciggie lighter,its a 3 point cigarette lighter plug system that also has 2 usb posts, From memory it was about 7 dollars . K Mart ( and some of the bigger stores) usually stock cheap inverters that plug into your lighter, which will give you 240 v
Beth54 said
08:59 PM Oct 1, 2013
I bought an adaptor for the laptop from Jaycar a couple of years ago. It plugs into the ciggie lighter in the van. And I have a solar panel to keep the van battery charged.
The adaptor needs to be a particular wattage for your laptop/ipad or whatever. Ask at Jaycar and they'll set you on the right track.
jules47 said
12:35 AM Oct 2, 2013
We have 12v chargers for just about everything, and an inverter if we need it for - say camera battery. I bought three of the computer charging ones, with variable "speeds" for different laptops - i.e. 18v or 24v (think that is right) - cost be $35 for the three off ebay! Deals Xtreme sometimes have some good stuff as well.
beiffe said
04:31 PM Oct 6, 2013
If camped with other travelers, most will charge your phones etc for you.
If they have a good solar/battery system they should have plenty of power so the small amount you need to charge a computer etc would not be noticed.
Regards
Brian
Beth54 said
05:48 PM Oct 6, 2013
You've just reminded me Brian of that very thing happening to me a couple of years back. A fellow offered his power for my laptop. He set me up under his awning and left me to it. Later bringing me a drink of water. I must say, I was a little suspicious at first, but he obviously had no other intentions but to be kind to a fellow nomad.
oldbobsbus said
05:46 PM Oct 26, 2013
We travel around the countryside doing photography at festivals and as we have lots of solar power available to us at the ones that are bush camping we have had as many as 6 phones and 3 lappys on charge for people..
We are more than happy to help out where we can..
I have lots of gadgets, phones, netbook, notebook and so on and was wondering if there was any chance
of accessing power to charge these while on the road, besides the normal powered caravan park sites,
car charger etc.
For example has anyone asked an op shop owner for use of a power point for a small donation?
The op shop I volunteer at said they'd never been asked but it could be an option.
Would libraries be up for this?
Any personal experiences would be helpful.
I'm sure there has to be others around.
I did get to plug my laptop in their power in the restaurant, think its called Coolabah at the Wyalong service station. I asked, they were ok with it. The power points are around the walls out in the eating area.
Or, you can do it off the cig lighter in the car.
Cheers
I have the 12v covered for the phone and GPS while in the car of course but keeping the notebooks charged is another issue.
I'd hate to be without my many gadgets while travelling but if push comes to shove I'll camp on powered sites if I have to :)
I have nothing in the van that I need 240 for anymore.
I bought an adaptor for the laptop from Jaycar a couple of years ago. It plugs into the ciggie lighter in the van. And I have a solar panel to keep the van battery charged.
The adaptor needs to be a particular wattage for your laptop/ipad or whatever. Ask at Jaycar and they'll set you on the right track.
If they have a good solar/battery system they should have plenty of power so the small amount you need to charge a computer etc would not be noticed.
Regards
Brian
You've just reminded me Brian of that very thing happening to me a couple of years back. A fellow offered his power for my laptop. He set me up under his awning and left me to it. Later bringing me a drink of water. I must say, I was a little suspicious at first, but he obviously had no other intentions but to be kind to a fellow nomad.
We are more than happy to help out where we can..