Should be starting a new job on containers in the next couple of weeks, and after doing a couple of trial days i realise how much waiting around is envolved!!
Quick question. I want to take my laptop with me when im out and about to watch DVD’s and use the internet etc. But the battery wont last all day!
I want to get an inverter but one of those ones that plug in to the cigarette lighter as i dont really want to hardwire anything in.
Wont be using a kettle or anything like that just want it purely for charging a laptop. (well not yet)
Are these type any good, and also how quickly will it drain the batterys? Could i leave it plugged in all night and not have to worry (if im on a night out)
Also on a Volvo the key has to be in pos 1 for electrics to work, correct? If i leave it in this position all night will it just drain the batterys as its running other stuff as well?
Dont want to be calling the boss telling him my batterys are flat!
Cheers.
Ok overnight in pos 1 but unplug laptop inverter 
I used a 300 watt inverter from the truck stop, no probs at all.
Now I have a 2200 watt inverter hard wired in.
Ive got a 300watt 24v moonraker and use it all the time with my laptop. The inverter stills works in the scania i drive with out the keys being in, the ■■■ lighter doesnt work with out the keys though but i use the plug socket think its called a hella plug? on the other side for the inverter, mite be the same on your volvo.
ashbyspannerman:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Laptop-NoteBook-Power-Supply-Adapter-Laptop-PSU-90W-12V-24V-/300887994041?pt=UK_Computing_LaptopAccessories_PowerSupplies&hash=item460e526eb9
Great idea that one, but i use a mac and it has a different connector 
greggy:
I used a 300 watt inverter from the truck stop, no probs at all.
Now I have a 2200 watt inverter hard wired in.
So you can leave the laptop on charge over night and you can still start the motor in the morning?
Whats the idea of the hella plug as well?
What advantage does it have over the normal cigarette socket?
If you get the chance try your laptop on some ones inverter, most are ok but some dont like the modified sine wave (the cheap ones).
300 watts should be ample and try to get one with low power warning, this will alert you if truck batteries are fading.
Leaving it on all night is not a good idea though. When mine charges from flat it do work the inverter hard.
greggy:
I used a 300 watt inverter from the truck stop, no probs at all.
Now I have a 2200 watt inverter hard wired in.
So you can leave the laptop on charge over night and you can still start the motor in the morning?
[/quote]
Correct. Yes I can never had a flat one yet.
Make sure the inverter is switched off before you start engine, and when you switch the inverter on do not have your laptop plug plugged in to the inverter
I night out in a Volvo. only a low cab though but should be the same for yours.
I bought a 350w inverter for my laptop with a ciggie lighter plug. the sockets on the dashboard under the cupholders only work with the ignition in pos 1 apart from the right hand one which only works with the ignition on. I use the plug near the bed.
on the passenger side at the end of the bed is a little cubby hole with a lift up lid. this has a socket in it as well which also works with the key in pos 1. since I have my radio, satnav and phone charger in the three on the dash I always the bunk socket for the laptop.
I do this every night and have never had a flat battery. I do unplug it all when I go to bed tho 
I charge the lappy when I’m driving, coz it ain’t in use. Will also plug it into inverter (on position 1) when parked up to boost the charge sometimes. Never needed to leave it on all night, and don’t see the necessity tbh. When I go beddy-byes I turn ignition off.
mataos32:
I night out in a Volvo. only a low cab though but should be the same for yours.
I bought a 350w inverter for my laptop with a ciggie lighter plug. the sockets on the dashboard under the cupholders only work with the ignition in pos 1 apart from the right hand one which only works with the ignition on. I use the plug near the bed.
on the passenger side at the end of the bed is a little cubby hole with a lift up lid. this has a socket in it as well which also works with the key in pos 1. since I have my radio, satnav and phone charger in the three on the dash I always the bunk socket for the laptop.
I do this every night and have never had a flat battery. I do unplug it all when I go to bed tho
Ill take a look for that when im in next 
give it a blast!
What will a 300w inverter run out of interest?
Search ebay for a Ring E can.
Its a coke can sized inverter that works from the cig plug. Had my laptop on it for 2 years, just plug the normal house charger into it.
Look at this on eBay:
Ring FM E:can 12v 240w 3-in-1 Inverter 150w USB Charger
bit.ly/YvZh6R