EDO Tech Replacement Car Charger for Garmin Nuvi Drive DriveSmart DriveAssist DriveTrack RV GPS TA20
Quick take
This EDO Tech replacement car charger is built to power and charge compatible Garmin Nuvi, Drive, DriveSmart, and DriveAssist GPS units using a mini-USB connection. It delivers 5V DC at 2A and includes a long, heavy-duty cable plus an LED power-status indicator. The main caveat is that traffic features depend on whether your Garmin model has a built-in traffic receiver.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Designed for many Garmin Nuvi, Drive, DriveSmart, and DriveAssist models that use a compatible DC adapter and mini-USB cable.
- 5V DC output at 2A for vehicle charging, plus an LED power-status indicator.
- Includes a built-in traffic antenna, with Live Traffic working only on units that have a built-in traffic receiver.
- Long, double-insulated cable intended for automotive use.
Cons
- Not compatible with several listed Garmin models (including specific RV and Nuvi variants), so you need to verify your exact GPS.
- Traffic support is not universal, even with the antenna, because it requires a built-in traffic receiver.
- Some buyers note the cable can be thinner than an OEM charger, which may matter if you are rough on cables or frequently plug and unplug.
What buyers think
Buyer feedback is largely positive on fit and everyday charging. Multiple comments describe the cable as functioning properly as a car power source, including cases where a prior charger powered the GPS but did not charge the internal battery. There are also reviews mentioning traffic behavior working when paired with Garmin units that have built-in Live Traffic capability. At the same time, buyers encourage others to confirm compatibility and the presence of a built-in traffic receiver, since traffic features may not work for every Garmin model.
How it works with your Garmin (and what to double-check)
This is a vehicle DC adapter that outputs 5V at 2A to charge your Garmin through a mini-USB connection. It is intended for select Garmin lines including many Nuvi and various Drive and DriveSmart/DriveAssist models.
Before buying, check two things:
- Model compatibility: It is not meant for certain Garmin models on the exclusion list, so match your exact GPS model number.
- Traffic capability: The charger includes a built-in traffic antenna, but Live Traffic depends on your GPS having a built-in traffic receiver.
Charging performance and cable design
The charger is rated for 5V DC, 2A, which is the kind of output you typically want for keeping a GPS powered and supporting battery charging while driving. The cable is described as heavy-duty, double-insulated, and long (about 6.5 ft), which can help with placement when your mount position is not next to the outlet.
There is also an LED power-status indicator, which makes it easier to tell at a glance whether the adapter is receiving power.
Traffic antenna feature, explained simply
If you rely on traffic on your Garmin, do not assume the included traffic antenna guarantees traffic on every device. The built-in antenna works only when your GPS model can actually receive traffic data via its internal built-in traffic receiver.
If your Garmin does have that receiver, the traffic setup can work as expected while driving. If it does not, you would need an external add-on receiver solution to get traffic support.
Pros and cons, for real-world decisions
Best for
- Owners of compatible Garmin Nuvi, Drive, DriveSmart, or DriveAssist units who need a replacement car power cable.
- Drivers who want the adapter to both power the GPS and support charging the internal battery while in the car.
- People who want a long cable with basic visual confirmation via an LED indicator.
Who should avoid it
- Shoppers with Garmin models that are explicitly not compatible, including some specific RV and older Nuvi variants.
- Buyers expecting traffic features to work regardless of whether their GPS has a built-in traffic receiver.
- Anyone who needs a very robust, thick OEM-style cable and regularly swaps chargers in and out during short trips.
Verdict
The EDO Tech replacement car charger is a solid choice if you have a compatible Garmin model that uses the right mini-USB charging style and you are looking for a 5V 2A vehicle adapter with a long cable and an LED indicator. The biggest “make or break” factor is traffic support: confirm your Garmin has a built-in traffic receiver before expecting Live Traffic to work with the included antenna.
FAQ
Will this charger charge my Garmin battery in the car?
It is designed to power the GPS and deliver the stated 5V DC, 2A output through a compatible mini-USB connection, which means it can support charging behavior on compatible Garmin models. If your current charger only powers the device, this replacement may resolve that, but battery-charging behavior depends on your specific Garmin.
Does this car charger work with Live Traffic?
It includes a built-in traffic antenna, but Live Traffic requires your Garmin to have an internal built-in traffic receiver. If your model shows a built-in traffic receiver, traffic can work; if not, you will likely need an external traffic receiver add-on.
What connector does the cable use?
The charger uses a mini-USB connection to the Garmin device.
What output does it provide?
It provides 5V DC at 2A (about 10 watts) for vehicle charging.
Is it compatible with all Garmin GPS models?
No. It is made for select Garmin Nuvi, Drive, DriveSmart, DriveAssist, and related models and is not compatible with several specific excluded versions. Confirm your exact model number before purchasing.
How long is the cable?
The cable length is listed as about 6.5 ft (approximately 200 cm).
Specifications
| Product Title | EDO Tech Replacement Car Charger for Garmin Nuvi Drive DriveSmart DriveAssist DriveTrack RV GPS TA20 Compatible Power Cord DC Vehicle Adapter |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > GPS, Finders & Accessories > GPS System Accessories > Chargers & Cables |
| Brand | EDOTech |
| Manufacturer | Edo Tech Supply |
| Model Number | DCR2TA |
| Color | Black |
| Connector Type | Mini USB |
| Compatible Devices | GPS |
| Compatible Phone Models | Apple iPhone 5S |
| Additional Features | Charging Indicator |
| Input Voltage | 24 Volts |
| Amperage | 2 Amps |
| Total Usb Ports | 1 |
| Wattage | 10 watts |
| Output Current | 2 Amps |
| Output Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Power Source | DC |
| Current Rating | 2 Amps |
| Main Power Connector Type | Auxillary Power Outlet |
| Portable | No |
| Number of Power Levels | 1 |
| Power Plug | Type A - 2 pin (North American) |
| Number of Concurrent Devices | 1 |
| Current | DC |
| Compatible Power Plug Type | Type A - 2 pin (North American) |
| Wired Charging Connector Type | USB Mini A, USB Type A |
| Plug Type | Mini USB |
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