Who's installed a better inverter?

Looking to add a better inverter to the cab. The 400w in the back won't do anything for me. Curious if anyone has done this and where they put the inverter. Want it to be a very clean install.

 

400 watts requires 35+ amps at 12VDC. 35 amps will flatten your truck battery in a bit over 2 hours. a larger inverter will require even more amps, which will require some really heavy gauge wiring direct from the battery... what are you running??

 

Nothing really huge, but some of the stuff I've tried running need 9amp at 120v to kick over, then run at 3amp. Roughly 1100 surge watts is what I need. If it were to be used for an extended period of time it would be for the kids on road trips, charging tablets etc. And this inverter won't be running with the truck off. I have the truck basically set up for it now, just don't know where I want to mount the inverter.

 

so that surge current will be about 1000 watts, thats 75 amps DC at 14V (alternator output voltage, with engine running). if you have the factory tow kit, then you should have a 130A alternator, at least my 2008 does, so 70A won't fry it. you'll be running some VERY large wires from the battery or alternator for that 75 amp surge, with a 100A fuse as close to the battery as practical.... AWG 4 would be a good idea, 10 feet of that each way will have a 0.5V drop at 72A and 14VDC, and you'll want a AWG4 ground wire to a very good chassis ground to handle that current going back.. I'd be trying to put that 1100W inverter as close to the battery as practical without being in the engine compartment, so somewhere up behind the dashboard might be a good idea. the 120VAC part can use a piece of 14/3 AWG outdoor cord or whatever, but I'd want to put it in a shield to protect it in case of accident etc. the stock inverter is under the arm rest storage cubby, thats actually a pretty good place to put it, but you'll need to replace the DC power wiring, and run your own in-cab outlets

You'll also want a 100A relay in series, to disable it when the car is switched off. I'd want this as close to the 100A fuse as practical. I would put a switch in series with the coil circuit of this relay, so you can leave the inverter completely off when you're not using it.

remember, you can ARC WELD with 75 amps, even tho its only 14VDC. treat that stuff with respect, remove that 100A fuse any time you're messing with the wiring, make sure ALL +12 heavy gauge connections are fully insulated, no bare screws showing.

 

Wow that's quite the reply, thanks! That's pretty much what I was thinking. With the set up I have now I left myself room for up a 150 amp fuse, although I doubt I'll be putting in an inverter that large. I have a 250 amp breaker I use as a shut off/ kill switch when working on the system that feeds a 100 amp fuse to a bluesea fuse box. It will also feed the fuse for the inverter. I know it is alot of wiring but wanted to keep everything completely separate from factory wiring. Behind the dash is what I was thinking, but would like it accessible so was thinking under the pasenger seat.

 

Great thread! This is one of the first things I will need to have done when mine gets here. My truck will basically be my office so I need some kind of inverter.

 

I never thought to install the inverter somewhere out of sight and run power to ac plugs elsewhere. Thought I'd have to look at an ugly inverter. Man you guys are smart. Anyone seen aftermarket ac plugs? Outdoor ones would not be pretty lol

 

you can get outdoor grade extension cords in a wide range of colors. but for vehicle plug use, I dunno, I think I'd install a standard wall outlet on the back of the arm rest,

$10 uxcell US Plug AC 125V 15A Panel Mount Outlet Power Socket Black

https://www.amazon.com/Panel-Mount-Outlet-Power-Socket/dp/B008X0WM5U

and use it with a short splitter cord if you need multiple things plugged in...

ClearMax 1-to-4 Power Cord Splitter Cable -18" Inches - Black

https://www.amazon.com/ClearMax-Prong-Power-Splitter-Cable/dp/B01IRIQSY8

 

I was thinking something more like this. I just don't think it would fit. Panel would be too thick. Any thoughts? Anyone figured out how to remove center console? I couldn't figure it out or find anywhere that had directions

 

for a gen2, look at these instructions for removing and modifying the center armrest/console box to install a 'stealthbox' subwoofer...
http://mediacdn.jlaudio.com/media/mfg/9013/media_document/live_1/SB_T_TACACCAB_MAN.pdf?1305758661

the factory AC inverter, if you have one, is under there too (and has to be removed if you install said stealthbox sub).

 

I was typing up the exact same reply but he beat me to it....

 

Wasnt paying attention lol. Yeah this is what I'm looking for. For you guys who know more about electrical than I do and are good with numbers: Ran a 4 ga line to my own wiring setup. 250amp breaker/kill switch feeds a 100 amp fuse for a blue sea box and a (up to) 150 amp fuse for the inverter. Inverter will mostly be used for kids electronics on road trips, but also the odd power tool. I want it to be able to run my back up pump for the sump on my house during a power outage. That would be the biggest draw. Runs at 3amp 120v (30 amp on 12v) and surges at 9amp to start (90amp on 12v). To start the pump I need roughly 1080 watts. Even with the biggest draw on it it will only consistently draw 360 watts. Won't be huge drain on the battery, especially with the upgraded alternator from the tow package and a relay to make sure the inverter only runs when the truck does. I'm satisfied with all the head scratching for now, just need to find the parts I want for a clean install. Like I said earlier I want it to look good. I really like the idea of having just outlets wired to the inverter rather than trying to find somewhere to mount the inverter that looks good. They can be big and ugly. Thanks for the help guys. I'll check out that thread on console removal, but if I remember right I watched it already, and I'll be back with more questions. Thanks again!

 

Even though this is a 3rd gen thread I'm going to follow this. Inverter upgrade = good but all the wiring and electrical = big flaming explosions for me

 

Ok maybe not explosions but you get what I'm saying

 

Honestly it isn't that bad. Find some time, do some research, and the guys here are great. You'll pick it up, I did!

 

Did you ever end up installing a better inverter?

 

another mod i wanna do as well

 

I know this amperage is wayyyy below what you're trying to do, BUT, the mounting location is great for folks who might not need much more than basic. It'll fit right on the wall of your center console with some Velcro and plug into the secondary cig outlet there. Also...it's cheap

FOVAL 150W Car Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Converter with 3.1A Dual USB Car Charger

$18 FOVAL 150W Car Power Inverter 12V DC to 110V AC Converter Vehicle Adapter Plug Outlet with 3.1A Dual USB Car Charger for Laptop Computer Red

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H2XD2DY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_JvqZCbA62JBGR

 

Installing one of these soon

$90 Krieger 1100 Watt 12V Power Inverter Dual 110V AC Outlets, Installation Kit Included, Automotive Back Up Power Supply For Blenders, Vacuums, Power Tools - ETL Approved Under UL STD 458

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00T564EIY?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title. I'll let you guys know in a couple weeks how the setup works. Got a fridge and stuff to.

 

Not sure I could live without my inverter...