AC outlet in the bed

I used it for a rotary tool. worked fine with not problems. i also didn't have my engine running but the key was on the ON position.

 

I only used it to charge my laptop while I was driving to my in-laws 10 miles away. I wish it wasn't there. Could use the extra storage space.

 

Huh? You wish the laptop wasn't there? Or does a covered outlet sunken into the side of the bed really take up soooo much space when you've got 2 giant wheel wells to contend with?

Are we reading the same thread?

 

Has anyone tried using an engine stepper like on most emergency and military vehicles that use ac power onboard? it only steps up the engine 2 to 5 hundred rpm. Does anyone think that would make our ac outlet more useful?

 

Not without additional electronics. For those of you thst need higher current inverters just buy one and hardware it / the trd plug is for light and basic use. Drop lights small tools tcamping etc - it's not meant as a workplace power generator

 

It definitely does not suck, not even in the least! Yes, it won't run a fridge or anything that pushes a lot of watts to make heat like a cook top or coffee maker, but if you stay within it's limits it's kick ass. I have used it for numerous awesome things. A box fan for one. When camping one time it was horrifically wet but with the use of a big box fan hooked to the outlet it was like a jet turbine and I was able to get a raging campfire going which is obviously essential for camp drunkenness. Also as said, a small air pump for a mattress and a drop light. I keep a drop light in the truck actually for roadside emergencies. And no one has mentioned christmas lights! It was all the rage in December but now the outlet sucks! LOL

 

if you want real power there you'll need extra battery, and install a second alternator (there are kits but really messy in a tacoma) or replace the stock one with an HO alternator. and then change the circuit to allow higher watts

much less hassle to just buy a little honda generator

 

Will it run a small personal fan while driving? I can try to do the conversion but I don't think the fan has that info on it. I'm trying to cool a camper shell using the 5 gallon bucket AC trick...works we'll just don't wont to mess up the battery or alternator. I'm clueless when it comes to watts/amps, etc. thanks for the help!

 

Would like to use it on short road trips to the beach...looking at running it for 2 hrs.

 

I've run a box fan with mine.

 

can i run a trickle charger, to keep my battery charged, off of it? I would think the draw of the trickle charger would be within limits.

 

Better to go with a second battery in parallel and a higher output inverter. Then you could use a high amp charger/starter, so you could even start the truck up if your batteries were dead.

 

I would think a solar trickle charger would be a better bet. But you didn't state what battery you were trying to charge. Cell/Vehicle/Power Tools? That way you are'nt running one battery down to keep another one charged.

 

hah, was just trying to be a smartass...

 

Runs my small air compressor.

 

I can't believe no one else uses it for their blender. Easily the best/booziest way to get your wife camping more when you can whip up a daiquiri or margarita on arrival.

 

Solar chargers only produce DC, therefore you will not be able to charge anything other than a DC battery. You can't charge power tool batteries which require AC input.

And, unfortunately, solar panels don't produce much wattage in an array that's usable in a Tacoma. You'd need a folding solar panel (unless you plan on mounting a big solar array on top of your truck). And the folding solar panels are very expensive. http://www.altestore.com/store/Foldable-Flexible-Solar-Panels/c542/

Unfortunately, solar panels just do not provide enough wattage to be feasible for a mobile application in a truck. They can provide a very small trickle charge to a truck or trailer battery, but can't even keep up with discharge on said batteries. And, how do you mount them? A folding solar panel you have to mount it on a sheet of plywood, and when you're outdoors the wind will send that setup flying. Unfortunately, solar panels are just not feasible.

A DC/AC inverter, with appropriate HO alternator and Big Three wiring upgrade, maybe (but not absolutely necessary) a second battery then you're in business.

Or, a portable inverter generator. A generator can't be used when driving, but an inverter can be used.

 

Hi. Can someone tell me if the bed power, with engine running will power an electric chainsaw? It is 15 amps, cant find voltage? Anyone know if this will work? Thanks.

 

No it won't. Your chainsaw needs 15 amps, the bed outlet puts out 3.3 amps maximum. That AC outlet, as well as the AC outlets in your home are meant for an industry standard 120 volts. If your chainsaw required a different voltage then the plug would be different and you wouldn't be able to plug it into that type of outlet.