plug in cords for camping (blowing up matress)?

Question

They have regular electrical outlets for basically everything, and then they have outlets in your car right? (for cellphones and stuff. I bought an electrical air pump for a camping mattress and I assumed it would be made for the car outlet, however it is for a regular outlet. I did not bother looking at the box closely because for some reason I did not think they would make one if it was for camping. Anyhow, can you buy extension cords to plug into the car that will convert a regular cord? For example can you use a truck outlet to somehow use a hairdryer or something? Do they even exist?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Some places actually have outlets for you to use.

Trish · Answer

Look in either the camping or the automotive section of a big department store, and you will find inverters that plug into the car's power outlet and let you plug in a regular power cord.  However, you must note the wattage they provide, and check each specific appliance you intend to use.  In general, the more watts, the more expensive the inverter.

If the air pump is the only thing you are planning to plug in, you might prefer to take it back and exchange it for a battery-operated pump.  You can usually find a very similar style of pump available for battery power.  However, if there are several small appliances you think you'd like to plug in at some point, it can be worthwhile to invest in an inverter.

Remember not to run down your battery!  If you are going to use an electrical appliance for more than a minute or two, idle the car's engine while using it.

MountainMan · Answer

I have an electrical inverter with a standard plug outlet that uses my cigarette lighter outlet in the car.  You could keep the electric pump that you erroneously purchased.  However, I recommend that you purchase the rechargeable air mattress pump designed by Coleman.  It has a very powerful pump and lasts through many filling tasks before needing a recharge at a standard outlet.  As far as hairdryers and other high-wattage appliances, insufficient amps exist from vehicle batteries to sustain many devices.

? · Answer

This is an indoor/outdoor pump that I have and it is very nice to have!  I use it for my mattress and for all of my water toys and rafts.  

http://www.shopthreebees.com/Outdoors/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-gear/air-pumps/quick-fill-indoor-outd-elec-pump

Here is one that is cheap....but be sure to take a look to see if it would match the valve for your mattress, then you could have one for your house or an outlet, and this one for your car.  It's under $10.00 worth a look. 

http://www.shopthreebees.com/Outdoors/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-gear/air-pumps/12v-dc-electric-pump


For All of their pumps:
http://www.shopthreebees.com/Outdoors/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-gear/air-pumps

plug in cords for camping (blowing up matress)?

4 Answers