Inverter upgrade

Thinking about installing a more powerful inverter in my ‘18 trd sport. The stock 100/400w does come in handy at times but I’m looking for something around 2000-3000w so as to be able to run a power tool(grinder, drill, circular saw). We have a farm and my taco loves working out there with me, but with only that 5.5ft bed there’s no room for a gas genny. I had a 900w/1000w peak on my 08 with the stock alternator and it was great to have, just not quite enough for a power tool. I figure I need a minimum of 1500 continuous watts, 2000 peak. Anyone have experience with something for that rating? Any recommendations as far as a brand of inverter? And at what point should I upgrade the alternator? Thanks y’all!

 

I think if you want 2000W-3000W you should look into a high output alternator, and dual battery setup if you want to put out that kind of power for an extended period of time. Also if you want to use the factory bed plug you are going to need to run new larger wire to take that wattage.

 

I know you mentioned no room for a gas generator, but there are some small options available. Why not get a 3200 watt peak generator?…they aren’t that big and I have plenty of room in my short bed for other things and can have a full bed of gear with the generator. The cost will likely be less and it’s mobile. I use the dual gas (gas or propane) Firman brand from Costco and I’m impressed with how small, quiet and efficient it is (1.8 gal tank takes about 2.5-3hours to empty). Using propane it’s starting watts is 2900 vs 3200 with gas. Plus it was $599. Also, if you have other uses it can run other things like a travel trailer AC unit…just a thought

 

For the price, you can just spend $1,000 and move to lithium tools and charge them off your stock inverter. I ditched cords 10 years ago and never looked back. I don't think the amount of work to convert it is worth the risk to the electrical systems personally. A small generator is also a cheap and easier option.

 

Solid info on feasible options all around. Thanks guys, I love this forum, like my tacoma(s) it’s never let me down!

 

Even with a dual battery, I don't think getting 1500 watts continuous through an inverter is all that feasible. I had dual 27f AGMs for a total of 132ah/66 usable amp hours, separate from my starting battery (yes, I had three batteries, 2 mounted in bed of truck). That's only about 792 watts of usable power capacity to 50% discharge. You could run your 1500 watt tool for a max of 30 minutes, plus a little extra since you'd be charging via alternator if your truck was running. This of course requires at least one extra battery if also using your starting battery, but I'd be careful running that much off your starting battery, since you want to make sure you can get home!

I'm gonna agree with @SpeySquatch above about doing a generator. That one he posted is prolly overkill, but still great. I purchased a 2500 watt champion dual fuel that's a bit smaller (no wheels, just suitcase style). It's prolly only the size of 2 x 27F truck batteries, but will run for hours on a tank of gas.

 

In addition, if discharging that much, you'd need to invest in 2 deep cycles, which are far more expensive than the lead acid that came in the Tacoma. My generator cost less than two deep cycles, and installing a second battery requires a lot more for cabling, battery isolator, fuses, etc. And that isn't even taking into consideration the price of the Inverter itself.

 

A small genny is best bang for the buck. I have a lithium setup on mine with a 2200w inverter… get the generator.

 

Find a shop to swap your Tacoma body onto a Ford Lightning chasis?



In all seriousness, the little Firman generators are great...I love mine! Leave the tacoma inverter to blow up inflatables at the lake

 

Boss bought a firman generator to use propane. The pos battery wont hold a charge so i have to plug in the 110v so the electronic gas valve will open to start the genny. Total shit show.

 

I run a 1200w pure sinewave Bestek inverter off the battery with the supplied heavy duty alligator clips to run a 1100w griddle for tailgates. Works great but I run the engine while I use it. Anything else I can run off the bed plug.