As I watch the snow/sleet/rain fall and melt the remaining snow(hopefully) thoughts wonder to my summer road trips to the C3VR annual get together and Yellowstone.  I've been going over different routes and checking cool and uncool attractions to visit.  Looking for various stuff to compliment my sight seeing like binoculars, camera, tripod and day pack.  Down loading all the songs I can listen to on the ride.

I have an all purpose charger I got on e-bay that charges multiple devices (via adapters) by multiple means - cig lighter, USB, wall plug and even 9 volt! I'm also aware of solar chargers you can buy but I have no experience with those. A friend of mine got a charger around Christmas (I think it's called a Gorilla) for around $80 that holds multiple charges for various devices. With something like that you should be good for any day then charge it overnight. As for a cup holder, I strongly recommend going to your local Auto Zone and looking in the accessory section. For $5-7.99 you cand get a nice one that just slides in between the console and passenger seat. If you can't find one, Let me know and I can get you a band name or even pick one up for you

I wonder if I can charge the phone thru the usb port on a radio?  I'll have to try it on the stereo in the truck.  That would certainly make things easier.  I can also change my story to " I planned it that way".

I grabbed a few power ports out of SUV's at the wrecking yard. They are pretty much just cig lighter deals with a fiip over cap. Wire one in wherever you think it works. When I'm building a hot rod I always add one just under the dash out of sight or down by seat near the center console out of sight. I make sure my little portable electric air compressor can reach it. Handy dandy devices.
Dave

With the battery being so accessible in our cars, it would be really easy to wire a power port just about anywhere.  It would be hot all the time, but then again so is the stock cigarette lighter.  Just be sure you put a fuse in line with it.

Did you mention that your car had a USB port on the radio?  That should charge it...  The one in my truck keeps my iPod charged.

The fuse is a great idea but I would put in an auto reset circuit breaker instead.  They are available at any trailer or RV supply even over the net.  I plan on putting one on the circuit that comes from my RV to my Tow car battery (keeps the tow car battery topped off when).  It will auto-reset when the short or excessive load is taken off.  They run about $5 so it is not a lot more than a fuse holder and fuse.

All great ideas.  I really like throwing the power port in back with the reset button.  I could plug in an electric smoker for ribs or grill for a couple of Italian sausages on the drive.  Think how much I'd save on food!

Hey Dave - you might want to find one of these: http://www.mini-caravans.com/en/

Dennis, That would do the trick!  Looks like I could use a little imagination and make one out of a snowmobile trailer.