In Cab Inverter questions and plan.

Hi guys

So part of my birthday list is a blue sea aux fuse block and a black and decker 500 watt inverter. http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ12l0/R-202564876/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053



My plan is to mount the investor behind the rear seats. Run a USB extension cable to the dashboard where I'll pop it out where one of the blank switches is so that I can easily power my iPhone through it. I'm not sure where I'll put the power outlets yet. The phone charger will be what I mostly use it for. I figured a car charger would be like 25 bucks and the investor is 40, so it's a good value. I plan to fuse it through my new blue sea fuse block ( which is limited at 32 amps. This means the max I'll be able to run on my investor is 360 watts, but I don't see many cases where the 360 watts will be much of a difference from 500... I've got 400 watts in the bed which will power my 3gallon air compressor or my dremel or most things....

Anyways.. heres my questions

What gauge wire should I use to run 32 amps from the investor to the fuse block safely.

Is behind the seats a good spot?

Whats the easiest way to run the wire from behind the seats to under the hood? I wouldn't mind drilling a small hole somewhere if it will be well hidden and would mean I don't have to hide this wire all the way up to the firewall and then deal with getting it through the fire wall...?


My best friend is, in addition to other things, getting me ARB valve stem caps for my wheels. What can I say.. I like the details.. and if I can't have an ARB bumper, next best thing!

 

this guy might be able to help you out man

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...21-custom-auxiliary-fuse-panel-fs-thread.html

 

for wire, match whatever wire the inverter comes with (to hook up to the battery). i'm guessing 8 AWG

behind the seats is ok, but you'll have to run a ton of wire from the batter to the inverter, then the inverter to wherever you want to install the outlets and the USB port. I personally have mine underneath the driver seat. I have weathertec mats, so rain and snow never has been a problem with getting to it.

the easiest way to wire them? follow what this guy did for his CB

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/134082-my-cb-installation-detail.html

 

I've thought about putting the investor under the drivers seat. I may do that.. I would like to be able to see the battery indicator lights on it.

do you have an inverter? if so, what kind?

and how do i get access behind the blanks on the center part of the dashboard above where the cup holders are?

 

i have a cosco 1000w inverter under my drivers seat. I relocated the two outlets and the on/off switch to my center console by lengthening the wiring. Now I can plug anything I want from the front seat.

 

Yours didn't come with the stock 400w inverter?

 

i have the stock 400w, but its not in the cab, and its not 1000w

 

i want one in the cab too

only 40 bucks, why not?

 

I just installed a 750W inverter under the driver's seat two weeks ago. I ran 4 gauge flexible welding wire ($2.34/ft from True Value hardware) from the positive side of the battery to an inline 60 amp fuse, then through the inside of the existing rubber grommet in the firewall to a 500 amp battery switch I mounted in the center console (switch is optional). From there the wire goes under carpet to the inverter under the seat, which is grounded on the bolt for the center seat belt anchor (I don't use that seat belt). I put the battery switch in because 1) the inverter draws current when it's left on and there's nothing plugged in, 2) the wires for the on/off switch on the inverter are very difficult to get to, 3) I wanted the inverter to be portable.

I've been having a really hard time finding 110v outlets that I can install in the dash, so for now I just have an extension cord stuffed under the seat that I pull out when needed. The whole setup has been working without any problems.

 

^^
I've used these 110v outlets in other applications, but they should work fine in your dash. They fit into a 1"x1" square opening.
$1.21 here:
http://www.lightbulbemporium.com/satco_80_1142_80_1142.asp

 

That's awesome, thanks man!!

 

No Problem, glad to help.

 

See, THIS ^^^ is why I really like TW!!!
I searched the web for hours the other night looking for exactly that piece.
THANK YOU!!

 

Will that 110 plug with the link posted above fit into any of the blanks? I haven't checked, but I feel like the blanks aren't an inch wide.

 

It wouldnt fit without some cutting.

Also, your inverter needs to be as close to the power source (battery) as possible to cut down on the resistance and get the most power from your inverter as possible. Longer runs on the DC side will cause more resistance and possibly enough heat to melt some stuff especially if you use a thin wire. The AC side of the inverter shouldn't have any issues with resistance or over heating so it would be better to mount the inverter close and run wires to your outlets.

 

Agreed, also ventilation is your friend, and underseat location is bound to be hot in addition to longer initial leads creating heat as well.

 

"and how do i get access behind the blanks on the center part of the dashboard above where the cup holders are?"

access to those blanks isn't difficult. Pull out the cup holders, there are screws on either side and the pull the whole thing out. Check out some of the audio posts for pictures and details or PM me.

 

Anyone have experience with resistance problems or over heating problems? We've talked about them as possibilities, how about in reality?

 

http://www.whistlergroup.com/faq-inverters-answers.asp this might help people too.