Great organizing suggestions Loren, I already mark all my cables using the tape gambit.  The plastic bag idea will appeal to my girlfriend - I just through them in the glove box so the passenger can sort them out when I need one :-)

Dan
Los Angeles, CA
"Winky" the '85 Westy Weekender

On Aug 1, 2011, at 9:12 AM, Loren Busch wrote:

> RE: Laptops and such
> While into the topic of laptop current draw, etc.  let me repeat what has
> been said many times before on this subject:  12v adapters are just as
> efficient (and probably more so) as an inverter!  With an inverter you are
> taking 12v DC, pumping it up to 110v AC, plugging in the laptop adapter that
> then drops the voltage way back down to (typical) 19v DC to supply the
> laptop.  And there is going to be a loss (assume 85% efficiency) each step
> along the way.  The 12v adapter is only doing that once.  If in doubt just
> put your hand on the laptop AC adapter and feel the heat loss during the
> conversion. Another advantage is that the 12v adapters are usually more
> compact and easier to haul around and store than the AC adapters.  Use the
> inverter only for those items that are 110v AC only.  And a tip to minimize
> confusion (and possible problems):  Label each power cord/adapter your have
> with a piece of tape and the description of the device it came with and is
> intended to be used with!!  Then put those power cords into their own
> individual Zip Lock bags (along with any other items for that device) and
> label that bag also.  Now find just one place in the Westy and put ALL power
> cords and adapters in that one place for storage.  I carry several devices
> and since I started doing this I've eliminated a lot of confusion, believe
> me.
> Two more items on power in the Westy.  First, I added a 110v AC power strip
> mounted at the top of the kitchen cabinet behind the drivers seat.  The cord
> goes through the space between the cabinet and the outer wall and down to
> the second socket where the refrigerator is plugged in, easy to access in
> the back of the kitchen cabinet.  This allows plugging in several 110v AC
> devices when I have shore power.  The inverter is mounted just below there
> and a four socket 12v DC outlet just below that.  Now ALL power needs are
> fed from the same general physical location.  And no cords running
> through/across the living space!  Nothing to trip on since all wires are in
> that corner and out of the way.  The stock 110v AC outlet is not used when I
> have shore power, no cords along the floor.