key on for them to work is kind of a failsafe to not leave somthing on and kill the battery... im sure you can probably ground something out fooling it to think key is on, otherwise just add your own constant hot toggle in an inconspicuous spot...
I realize that, but my ham radio that I plan on installing already has that feature. It will turn off after inactivity after a user programmed time (0.5 hr, 1 hr, then 1 hr increments up to 12 hrs or something to that effect).
Also have an ARB fridge freezer I plan on using (will plug into a 12v outlet) is very efficient and is able to run for a few days without draining the battery. It will maintain 30 F in 90 F heat, using less power than a standard headlight uses. It is also protected by a low battery protection which will shut down the fridge if the battery drain is too much (ie you havent ran your vehicle for 4 or 5 days but have left the fridge plugged in the whole time).
I just hope that the 12v outlets are not wired such that the key is required to be in for them to be hot. My truck has two outlets in the dash, one in the tray below the front jump seat, and one in the tray under the rear seat.
Anyone know about the 12v outlets needing the key to be inserted in order to work? It probably says in the user manual... just too lazy to go out and fetch it. Would be nice to have it as a PDF...