Going camping. Charging gadgets problem

[SmartMAC]

Couple of years ago while camping I managed to flat the battery of my W204 coupe by just charging the phones while camping in Spain. I know how stupid that sounds but I could not find a way to just enable the cigarette lighter in the cabin without all sorts of other bits and pieces coming on at the same time.

Am I missing something here? Can I just enable the cigarette lighter somehow or maybe find an adapter to link directly onto the accesories battery in the boot?

Any help appreciated.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Rather than charge from the car, here are two alternatives:

I've had one of these for probably 15+ years and it never ceases to amaze me how much charge it holds:

Nikkai Portable Jumpstarter 3 in 1 400A | Maplin

I carry one of these whilst travelling and on holiday, a great piece of kit:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BQ5KHJW/?tag=amazon0e9db-21

 

[jaymanek]

Many models have charging points that work when the car is off but not sure about c class coupe.

I would also not risk the car battery, you can buy battery powered gadget chargers or a cheap battery pack as above which can be recharged in the car when it's running.

 

[SmartMAC]

Rather than charge from the car, here are two alternatives:

I've had one of these for probably 15+ years and it never ceases to amaze me how much charge it holds:

Nikkai Portable Jumpstarter 3 in 1 400A | Maplin

I carry one of these whilst travelling and on holiday, a great piece of kit:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BQ5KHJW/?tag=amazon0e9db-21

Great ideas. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[SmartMAC]

I like the portable jump starter idea and ideally want one with a USB port built in and the possibility to recharge the unit from the car as I will not have any access to a mains socket for the duration of the holidays.

I found this in costco and looks like it will do the job but it is quite expensive.
Costco UK - PowerStation 12 Volt Portable Jumpstart - Model PSX3EU

Any reviews on this and any alternatives form someone who has one. In the unlikely even that I need this for the merc, will this jump start the C250 CDI or an Alfa MiTo 155.

 

[richard]

Given (I hope) it is sunny in Spain when you are camping, have you thought about a solar charger to provide some extra charge for the whole system ?

I'd add a fused permanent fed cigarette lighter outlet somewhere (such as the boot)

Richard