Phone charging solutions for T6 campervan

[NicolasH]

I’m interested to know how owners charge their phones in their campervan, as I’m after a smart solution. Do people just plug them in to a usb socket, or use wireless charging?

We use MagSafe chargers which are magnetic but it doesn’t look very neat as we have to plug these into a usb socket and I don’t want to drill into the cabinets or see the cables. I know, it’s a first world problem!

Has anyone got a better solution?

 

[Bigsidavies]

We just use usb cables but you can have a flush-fitting wireless charger if you're happy to cut a hole in the worktop.
For me that loses the flexibility of being able to use the phone whilst it is charging so cables it is.
What is the advantage of a magsafe charger plugged into a usb socket over just a cable from usb to phone? Seems an ugly and cluttered alternative unless it has a charging advantage over cable only.

 

[NicolasH]

I think the only advantage with MagSafe is that the phone attaches to it whilst you are charging so it frees up space on the worktop. I want a smarter solution.

I’ve thought about a Qi surface mounted charger but again it takes up valuable space, but I’d love to hear if others have done this and how they have found it.

 

[Bigsidavies]

I have usb charge sockets in the rear area of the van and leave leads plugged in so can just plug a phone in and put it on the table, but we have a u-shaped seating arrangement so I guess we have more space. I guess being able to stick the phone to the wall whilst charging is the advantage.
Something like this would be a neat solution, but anything other than your current setup would necessitate some cabinet cutting.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/922288165/ms0-magsafe-flush-mount-insert-various?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_d-electronics_and_accessories&utm_custom1=_k_Cj0KCQiAv628BhC2ARIsAIJIiK9Mjc56z2Mrtq2KPBiWpY-dOGyAKayMpMvr9P_zVOi-q4Rxgbq-3GcaAuNNEALw_wcB_k_&utm_content=go_21811975134_169452888856_717564634487_pla-315906365651_c__922288165engb_102858184&utm_custom2=21811975134&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAv628BhC2ARIsAIJIiK9Mjc56z2Mrtq2KPBiWpY-dOGyAKayMpMvr9P_zVOi-q4Rxgbq-3GcaAuNNEALw_wcB

 

[Dellmassive]

60w USB C chargers with cable.

And powered from the leisure battery

A quick effective charge.

, wireless charging is inefficient and makes the phone hot.

 

[ginkster]

I use a MagSafe power pack to charge in the evening or at night so the phone can be used with no cables trailing. I charge the pack during the day from one of the USB sockets.

 

[NicolasH]

I have usb charge sockets in the rear area of the van and leave leads plugged in so can just plug a phone in and put it on the table, but we have a u-shaped seating arrangement so I guess we have more space. I guess being able to stick the phone to the wall whilst charging is the advantage.
Something like this would be a neat solution, but anything other than your current setup would necessitate some cabinet cutting.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/922288165/ms0-magsafe-flush-mount-insert-various?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_d-electronics_and_accessories&utm_custom1=_k_Cj0KCQiAv628BhC2ARIsAIJIiK9Mjc56z2Mrtq2KPBiWpY-dOGyAKayMpMvr9P_zVOi-q4Rxgbq-3GcaAuNNEALw_wcB_k_&utm_content=go_21811975134_169452888856_717564634487_pla-315906365651_c__922288165engb_102858184&utm_custom2=21811975134&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAv628BhC2ARIsAIJIiK9Mjc56z2Mrtq2KPBiWpY-dOGyAKayMpMvr9P_zVOi-q4Rxgbq-3GcaAuNNEALw_wcB

I’m think about putting in a usb socket in the rear of the van and a wall mounted phone cradle so that we can charge overnight but the phone is in easy reach should we need it.

 

[NicolasH]

I use a MagSafe power pack to charge in the evening or at night so the phone can be used with no cables trailing. I charge the pack during the day from one of the USB sockets.

Can share which one you are using?

 

[ginkster]

Can share which one you are using?

It’s this one from Anker.

MagSafe power pack.

 

[TeeCeeJay]

We use a little 500Wh Bluetti power bank for phones and tablets, torches, laptop and camera. When it's empty, charge up off the solar /DCDC fed LB. It has 240v and USB plugs and cig lighter socket. I ran spare cable during the build and was going to put USB ports in the furniture but have never needed to as we are usually within cable length of the power bank. Not a very 'smart' solution but it works for us. Power bank can also move into awning if we need it out there.

 

[NicolasH]

We use a little 500Wh Bluetti power bank for phones and tablets, torches, laptop and camera. When it's empty, charge up off the solar /DCDC fed LB. It has 240v and USB plugs and cig lighter socket. I ran spare cable during the build and was going to put USB ports in the furniture but have never needed to as we are usually within cable length of the power bank. Not a very 'smart' solution but it works for us. Power bank can also move into awning if we need it out there.

View attachment 271359

Thanks for sharing. Looks a good solution.