USB charge/data cables for car...

cowman

cowman

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I've bought many of these things over the years and it seems like they go bad after a relatively short time period. Anyone have a brand/source for ones that hold up better? Our phones are all USB-C connectors, most of the cars are the standard USB-A but I just got a new truck that has a type C port as well.
 
USB cables come in all shapes and sizes. As the USB standard has evolved and proprietary 3rd-party power-over-USB protocols have been implemented, the situation has become ever murkier.

Best bet is to buy brand-name cables. Anker is a reliable brand. Pay attention to wattage ratings.
 
Yeah Anker has been one of my go-to brands... I actually buy piles of these things for work purposes. Just seem to have bad luck with the in-vehicle cables, I'm assuming it's repeated stress on the wires from the phone being constantly re-positioned. Failure mode is usually occasional disconnection as things are jostled around which eventually becomes only occasionally connecting at all.

Just getting tired of re-buying all the time or getting into(usually spouse's) vehicle and finding out I have no working charge cord.
 
cowman said:
Just seem to have bad luck with the in-vehicle cables, I'm assuming it's repeated stress on the wires from the phone being constantly re-positioned. Failure mode is usually occasional disconnection as things are jostled around which eventually becomes only occasionally connecting at all.
Click to expand...
Go wireless. If iPhone, use MagSafe to hold it in place.
 
If you keep the phone in a cradle, and buy the shortest cable that reaches, with angled ends if appropriate, it can last a long time. If you're constantly flexing and tugging at the cable and its connectors, it won't last. The cable I use in my Jeep is 12" long with right angle connectors at both ends (the cable has one right angle and and one straight end, I added a right angle adapter to the straight end as well).
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Also, get a USB charger with a current display, even if only for test purposes. I've had cables that looked high qualuty choke at anything more than 1 amp, and flimsy cheapo stuff handle 3 amps with no issues.
 
Dana said:
The cable I use in my Jeep is 12" long with right angle connectors at both ends (the cable has one right angle and and one straight end, I added a right angle adapter to the straight end as well).
Click to expand...

I use cables with right angle connectors in my plane. Keeps things neat and clean on the panel. One complication is USB-A connectors are directional. After numerous failed attempts to figure out the difference between a right and left angle connector, I started buying bundles from Amazon with one of each.
 
Anker is a reliable brand, but I tend to get off-brand chargers and cables. Never had one fail at home, in car, or plane.
 
For automotive use, get cables that have a flexible reinforcement at the ends. This one is USB A to USB C, but you can get the idea by looking at it.
 
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