How to use the 110v bed outlet

I'm sorry it just isn't the case. A motor's VA (volt amps) will be higher due to power factor, not lower.

Not like I need wikipedia to tell me this, but maybe the source will convince you:

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_factor
A low power factor always results in a higher current. It is also the reason transformers are rated in VA rather than watts. If you power an inductive load (like a motor) your apparent current will be higher so your transformer will need to be appropriately rated. So in your example a 400W drill should draw 3.33 amps, but due to the power factor, will draw 3.7 amps. Since the 400W rating on the inverter is really a current rating not taking power factor into account, your inverter will be under sized. (Yes I know watts is a power rating, but it is a bit misleading since the current supplied is what they have to use to spec components, trip protection circuits etc.)

Back EMF is a different phenomena that causes (fortunately) the moving current need of a motor to be less than the inrush current. This UNfortunately also often increases the size of your power supple needs due to this inrush current. So a drill that may only be 400W and can run happily on your 400W inverter, will have an inrush current causing the temporary draw to be much higher, and trip the protection circuit. The reason the draw is less when running is due to back EMF.

Again from wiki:

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter-electromotive_force

To summarize: A low power factor is a bad thing, causing an INCREASE in the current ratings needed in your wires, supply, etc. I understand you think you know a thing or two about electricity, but having took electrical engineering in school also taught me a thing or two

 

I used mine to power my soldering iron while I was doing a pop and lock install in the tailgate. I didn't want the connectors and extra cable in the tailgate so I just plugged into the bed and soldered right on the spot!

 

I'm reading this trying to figure out if I'll be able to run a 115 volt puma air compressor that pulls a claimed 6.3 amps, no start up info. Thinking that I might be better off with a 12 volt unit, found a good deal on the puma 115 v though. Tires, air bags, future lockers, will the inverter supply enough power to run the 115 v compressor at full speed?

 

Very doubtful.

That is 724.5 watts, and no matter how you slice it, way over the rating of the inverter. You would need a bigger inverter for sure.

 

Volts x amps = watts. As mentioned above me that's 115 x 6.3 = 724.5

Way about the 400 watts rating of our inverters.

 

Thank you for the replies, I have made my mind up on 12 volt for sure, way easier to wire in, thanks again.

 

All I need to know is this...
Can I run my Keurig coffee maker in the morning while camping off of this thing? And do it safely?

edit* Welp.. Keurig says 1000w on bottom. So I take it that is a NO

 

Well, what about my Mr Coffee?

 

That is what mine is. A cheap $69 Mr Coffee Keurig and it says 1000w on the bottom. I'm only guessing, but I don't think that our trucks can handle that. 400w max. idk.

 

Just get a cheap 1200 watt inverter you can clip onto the battery terminals with the hood raised. Bear in mind that 1000w on 120v AC is only 8 amps. If you pull 1000 watts on a 12v DC circuit, you're talking 80 amps. If the coffee doesn't "jolt" you, that might.

It might be cheaper and easier just to heat some water with a propane torch and manually pour it over the coffee grounds. Low tech solution if you really want coffee in the woods.

 

If you're camping and have a stove, just heat water. Check www.campmor.com - they have several coffee presses.

 

I have a Jetboil (awesome for anyone that camps) and I use a bodem french press usually.. I just wanted to try my Keurig.

No worries. I'm not going to try an inverter and possibly break something, or myself. haha

 

I tried to plug in a air compressor, it didn't work. After I pressed the button my fog lights quite working anyone have an idea why that might be?

 

Pulled to much power at once, same principle as headlights dimming when a subwoofer hits hard. An example of something suitable to use it for is a small battery tender or charger anything more than that your taking a risk of tripping it. Best of luck

 

I ran a computer and an xbox 360
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Didn't realize how old a thread this was

 

Ran a small black n white TV off it to watch a US Open tennis match on a long trip once. Kids weren't too impressed.

 

Crom,
You seem to know quite a bit, I have a question maybe you can help answer. I purchased a trailer. I'm running 2 batteries with a 2000watt pure sine inverter to power the trailer off-grid. I will eventually get solar panels but want the ability to charge the batteries while towing with the tacoma...will the 110v outlet in the bed of the tacoma power a 60amp battery charger so I can charge while towing? Thanks!

 

Without explaining why, it probably won't work, however, there in so harm in trying. So, I say run the batteries down, and try it. Let it charge for up to 20 mins or however long it can go.

If that doesn't work, for not a lot of money you could use a split charge relay (battery isolator), like this one:

$24 Stinger SGP38 80-AMP Battery Isolator and Relay,BLACK

Stinger SGP38 80-AMP Battery Isolator and Relay.

 

Not sure why anybody would ever call this a "waste" of a component. I can run my Traeger BBQ and a string of Christmas lights while camping no questions asked! Easily one of the best features

 

large LED flat screen for tail gate party