HELP Need Info about 110v socket in BED !!!

I Noticed the tag on the 110v socket in my truck bed. The tag on the cover states that it is 400 watts idling or 100 watts running. Does this mean there is more watts available at the plug in when the truck is sitting still vs. running down the road say at highway speeds? Can someone explain to me how this system produces electricity, is this a inverter, converter, how does it work, and where this is located or mounted on the truck? Is this fused or not? Can you give me some examples of what you have powered with this socket, or could be using this electrical socket for? Is it OK to connect an extension cord to it, say to run to the cab to charge a Laptop etc. Any info would be appreciated. This is on a new 2010 Taco DC. Thanks..

 

I don't have this in my truck, but from my knowledge of electrical thingamajigs...

The system produces electricity by inverting (i.e. changing dc into ac) the battery voltage. This is achieved by using electronic components. You can use it to power anything up to 400 W (depending on whether you're idling or not)... people have charged phones, batteries for power tools, run small TVs. Basically, 400 W at 110 V gives you rouhly 4 A, and about an amp for 100 W - so don't expect to run a 15 A circular saw with it. You could use an extenion cord on it if you so desired (best not to use too long a cord, though it only really becomes an issue with high currents).

Not too sure where the inverter itself is mounted, perhaps someone will chime in to let us know. But in terms of fuses, check out your owner's manual, refer to the section on fuses and look for inverter/bed-mount receptacle (don't know what it'll be called) for the fuse number and rating.

 

The inverter itself is mounted underneath the center console. I have no idea why the difference in load capacity. Perhaps it is due to the constant changing in the RPMs during driving conditions. I could speculate that a sudden drop in RPM would put a heavier strain on the battery than the alternator, and thus might cause the battery to fail sooner than anticipated. That is just a speculation though.

 

I have one on my truck and I think for the most part, it pretty useless. Yes, you can charge cordless batteries with it. I wish it was powerful enough to run, say, a small shop vac or an angle grinder. Not enough watts produced though.

 

they are fairly useful depending on what you use your truck for. those that camp find the most uses for them i would say. there is a mod that you can preform that will make the inverter run at 400 watts all the time regardless of whether you are driving or not. also some of us have chosen to add outlets inside the cab as well for charging things while driving. i just preformed both of those mods recently and love it. they will come in very handy when we go on extended trips camping or traveling.

inverter always 400 watts mod... http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/25944-110v-factory-inverter-always-400w.html

outlets inside truck mod... http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/25900-cab-110-ac-outlets-option-2-a.html

 

It is well described in the owners manual. That is located in the glove box located forward of the passenger seat. It should be in a black fake leather folder.

 

Thanks a lot for your very informative Post. No where in the owners manual does it say what people are using it for or describes what kind of load you can put on it or where it is located inside the truck. I was trying to find out what other owners have to say about the outlet, isn't that what this forum is for, INFORMATION? Do you use it just to post smart axx responses to new Taco owners or other Taco owners that have a legitimate question? If you can't say something nice, I wouldn't speak at all. Have a Blessed Day.

 

Not true. I used my bed outlet to run an angle grinder and cut through a budbuilt skid plate. If it gets to bogged down it'll throw the overload cut off and you have to reset it but it's apsolutely possible to run power tools off it.

I'm not saying you can drive into your backyard, throw a table saw on the tailgate and build a shed but it's plenty for basic work on the truck.

I'm on constant lookout for a low-power coffee maker for tailgate java but so far no luck.

 

keep looking.. one person i went wheeling with had one hooked up to their FJ so they do exist small enough to run off em....

 

Is there any way to add power to the outlet, so I could run a circular saw?

 

Do this so you can use it anytime
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/251597-inverter-anytime-stock.html

 

Well this only works to have a constant 400w even when driving ...but he wants more power so for that he needs a bigger capacity inverter

 

And..... The Richard Head Award for today goes too..... ^

 

I've run a circular saw, drill, and several lights using it with absolutely no problem.

 

I've run a Makita 7-1/4 circular saw with it with no problems.

 

It can provide 3.6 amps or so at 400 watts. It can run many different things but you have to pay attention to amp draw. If the item pulls too many amps, the inverter cuts off.

 

Wouldn't that have been the Richard Head™ award for Oct 21, 2009?

 

Haha... Why yes it would! That's what I get for posting on my phone lol