Charging Electronics in Vehicle with ignition on

[Javin]

Just wondering if any of you use your vehicle with the ignition on to charge things like laptops, phones ect. when no power is available at your campsite. Just wondering if it is risky to leave ignition on for extended periods of time or if its fine as long as you turn the engine on periodically? Our battery is new so its not an older vehicle.

Recently I was at a park and one of the campers literally had his Dodge Caravan stereo playing everyday for atleast 12 hours a day without the engine running. After 3 days of this he started the van up and drove away. I'm not looking to play the stereo, I just want to charge my laptop with the 115v plug in my vehicle which requires the ignition to be on. Any one else do this?

[vcbice]

I have. And have also run a battery flat, but, that was in the old days when laptops were more power hungry.

Do be aware the power inverters are power hogs as well.

Also, if you start the vehicle it has to run for a period of time to charge back the energy used for starting. At idles that can be more than 15min depending on the vehicle and charging system.

Forgot, do not leave the ignition in the 'ON' position. Find a 12V outlet that is powered with the switch in the 'ACC' position.