2 SUV questions

[Chris]

So I'm wondering about a couple things with my 4Runner.

I have a 115 VAC power outlet in the center console (haven't verified this exactly from my manual but just googled it) and I heard from someone its not good to charge 18v dewalt batteries off of it... is this true??

Also, there seems to be a few "performance" brake pads available for trucks and SUV's. I will be looking at new pads in a little while and I could really use a stronger brake pad. Has anyone upgraded these in their truck?

[Evan]

your battery charger has a transformer/rectifier built into it to turn that AC into DC.
It is a little inefficient to go from DC to AC then back to DC (youre loosing a lot of the source current in the conversion process) but its no different from using a inverter to power a laptop.
What does the charger say? It should say its output, probably around 1amp into 18volts. If its a bunch of amps, like 5 or 6 then that could be a problem but I doubt it would be.

I wouldnt charge it with the truck off, but there shouldnt be any problems with charging it with the truck on.

RJ upgraded his truck pads with some Performance Friction and was happy. He can chime in here.

[white_2kgt]

I charge my DeWalt batts all the time w/ my 300watt inverter.

[NTIman]

Don't run the VAC without the vehicle running....We have had a lot of people do it in Tacomas and they kill their battery and then whine about it. Otherwise it works ok.

Make sure you replace the rotors with aftermarket ones if you replace the pads, unless you want noise. I don't know what it is about Toyota pads and rotors, but only toyota pads will work with stock rotors and not make a shitload of noise.