Phone charging

[Kev0607]

Hello all,

I’m just wondering is there a solution to this…

My phone charger plugs into the cigarette port where the sliding piece of trim is, in front of the arm rest. When I plug it in, I can’t close the sliding lid to cover what’s chucked inside the cup holders because the usb lead that goes into the charger catches the sliding trim. When I stop charging, I have to plug out the charger to close the lid. Not that its a massive inconvenience, but is there a “flusher” charger that I could use?

Its not like there’s anything of value where the cup holders are, but if someone was to peep in the window, it may encourage a break in. I’d much prefer if I could charge my phone with the sliding flap closed.

I have an iPhone X, so its not new enough for wireless charging.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[FreshAir]

I have a cable with a 90 degree plug on it like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/90-Degree-C...a1b7ed8a0e6d1b

I drilled a small hole (or 2 small holes filled out to rectangle to be more precise - big enough for smallest end of cable) in the side of the storage area, under the lip so it cannot be seen, and then the cable runs outside to where I have my phone.

Use an USB adapter that sits flush with top of the 12V socket like this, but 1A is a bit low so this is just for image really https://www.halfords.com/technology/...mp-615660.html

The lid of the area can stay shut, or be opened if you want to use cup holders either for cups or sweet journey supplies.

[Kev0607]

Thanks for your reply.

Are you using a phone cradle? I've noticed a lot of these usb wires are quite short and they struggle to reach the phone.

[Baffler]

The later cars came with a USB/Aux port on the rear of the cubby hole under the armrest. I have yet to use mine in two years of ownership but you may have more reason than I, especially on longer journeys. What if you were to take the feed from the rear passenger 12v port, feed the cable through the armrest hinge and leave your phone in the cubby hole out of sight...or is that port being used?

[FreshAir]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

Thanks for your reply.

Are you using a phone cradle? I've noticed a lot of these usb wires are quite short and they struggle to reach the phone.

Yes, I made something that fits into the front of the CD slot from a vent cradle that had broken on the vent attachment part but phone holder was still good. The phone holder I used is no longer for sale so no link for that one.

The plastic piece that goes into the front of the CD slot, about 12mm deep, has got the furry side of velcro on it so it has some give as it was pushed in the front of the CD slot.

You can normally get USB cables as long as you like.

[JonnyA]

I use a flush fitting usb adaptor https://amzn.to/49Mgpzo into the socket , this allows a usb-b to (just) fit under the closed slider. a usb-c cable has plenty of space.
to reach the phone on a cradle i have a 1metre USB cable that i run beside and then behind the console.

[Kev0607]

Thanks for your reply. Where is your phone cradle mounted?

[JonnyA]

my cradle is on the centre air vents. it's one that clamps to the fins (i can't stand adhesive marks). i have it to the left so it doesnot obstruct the screen or hazard switch

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Baffler

The later cars came with a USB/Aux port on the rear of the cubby hole under the armrest. I have yet to use mine in two years of ownership but you may have more reason than I, especially on longer journeys. What if you were to take the feed from the rear passenger 12v port, feed the cable through the armrest hinge and leave your phone in the cubby hole out of sight...or is that port being used?

That's actually a decent idea, thanks. Sadly, mine doesn't have the usb at the rear of the cubby.

I just have to check if the rear port actually works (not sure about that) and get a lead long enough. My existing lead is very short and it wouldn't allow me to put the phone out of sight as you suggest.