"Robert Fenster" wrote in message

My concern is based on the fact that both cars i have are small 4 cyln
engines.


The number or cylinders has nothing to do with it. The capacity of the
alternator has everything to do with it.


Assuming i remove the lighter adapter if while i drive throught the
mountains of West Virigina (once a year), what are the pro's and con's of
such a solution.

No need to take it out when you are otherwise putting out plenty of current
in the alternator. It is when the engine it turned off th at you'd have a
potential problem of discharging the battery.