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Indeed! The worst thing about the lighter socket is that the plug falls out too easily. If you install a (fused) power feed from the battery or fuse box consider a PowerPole outlet. You'll have to modify the plug on your inverter, or get an adapter, but PowerPoles are IMHO the way to go.
I installed one of these in my dash:
http://www.powerwerx.com/product.asp?ProdID=1783&CtgID=1681I filed down the housing a little, and snapped it into an empty switch cutout in the centre console.
A