how to power my inflator with no car battery available?

Andi · 16 December 2010, 23:10

We have got a Hybrid car without a standard Car battery to use as a power source for inflating our Zodiac 3.1m. Can we convert to power from eg car cigarette lighter? any other options that would enable us to keep on using the one we have??

chewy · 16 December 2010, 23:27

Depends what the current is, if its designed for connecting straight to the battery they is usually a reason for this.
Fancy buying a hybrid!

martini · 16 December 2010, 23:40

I have a range rover with a big battery that works great for inflating boats, you should buy one too

Seriously though, don't put a cigarette plug on the end to go in the socket, fag lighter sockets can't cope with the current draw of an inflator. If there's 12v available on the car then there must be somewhere to take off the power safely?

piranha580 · 16 December 2010, 23:46

I have a booster pack for starting cars.. Just hook up the crocodile clips to the leads and hey presto! Handy too coz it's more portable than a battery. I got mine in halfords, I think t was only 30 or 40 euro!?
Mark

John Kennett · 17 December 2010, 06:45

That's what I would use (and did before I got the pump with a built in battery) . It's much more convenient than using the car's battery anyway.

Mollers · 17 December 2010, 08:15

A jump pack. Halfords sell 'em.

BogMonster · 17 December 2010, 08:37

I'd find a 12v source on the car and make up a flylead with Anderson connectors on it to plug the inflator in to.

lizardland · 17 December 2010, 15:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by piranha580

I have a booster pack for starting cars.. Just hook up the crocodile clips to the leads and hey presto! Handy too coz it's more portable than a battery. I got mine in halfords, I think t was only 30 or 40 euro!?
Mark

I got one from Costco with a built in compressor which runs off the booster battery. No idea what sort of capacity the pump is or what fittings are with it (other than tyre) though.

Seabay · 17 December 2010, 15:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by piranha580

I have a booster pack for starting cars.. Just hook up the crocodile clips to the leads and hey presto! Handy too coz it's more portable than a battery. I got mine in halfords, I think t was only 30 or 40 euro!?
Mark

Everytime

free · 17 December 2010, 23:43

WHAT HYBRID?

free

piranha580 · 18 December 2010, 00:37

Surely driving a hybrid contradicts driving a big guzzler on the back of a rib!? 

Stoo · 30 December 2010, 20:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by piranha580

Surely driving a hybrid contradicts driving a big guzzler on the back of a rib!? 

I think that makes him carbon-neutral...

prairie tuber · 30 December 2010, 20:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stoo

I think that makes him carbon-neutral...

I don't suppose Toyota had towing powerboats in mind when they designed the Prius.

spartacus · 30 December 2010, 21:00

We're only talking about a 3.1m boat here. Part of the attraction of a small SIB is inflating it in the pouring rain when your being eaten alive with midges! The Zodiac foot pump is more than adequate. Honestly, it will take you less than 20 minutes!

sonicoid · 30 December 2010, 21:07

All Hybrids have a 12v battery which is accessible for starting. Have a look in the right hand side of the boot. It will provide the power you require if you leave the vehicle on. The engine will cut in as required to recharge it as you draw current.