How can I step up the trunk power outlet from 110V to 230V?

So being based in Dubai, all of our electrical devices are rated at 230V. Plugging in any device (400W or below) will not operate and could get damaged as the car's output is rated at 110V (US Spec).

Do you think using a step up converter is safe?

Could there be a different solution to internally convert the 110V to 230V without the need to use an adapter?

 

There's only 3+ amps on that outlet, I'd say get an aftermarket inverter.

 

Step up transformer.

 

Why not replace the Inverter with one with 230 VAC out? They should be readily available.

 

110V -> 230V Transformer. I lived in the UK for a number of years but didn't want to sell my entertainment system and a bunch of 110V tools. It was cheaper to purchase transformers, as I knew I would be coming back to the US a few years later. Worked fine, as I imagine it would for your purposes. Installing an inverter in place of the stock one could work as well, but would also require a change in the bed plug to the standard in Dubai (which is same as UK). Another thing to think about is the truck inverter currently supplies power at 60 hz (US standard) while Dubai operates on 50 hz standard. This will have an impact on some devices. Step up transformers only change voltage and the power supplied would still be 60 hz. A new inverter would be able to supply 230V at 50 hz.

 

I would not put a step up transformer on it. After efficiency loss you would have no power left to drive anything.

replace the inverter as others have said.

 

replace the inverter or add a better one. I think the outlet back there is pretty useless for most things anyway. As noted you won't have much juice left to work with after a transformer, you would be down to < 1.5A on the secondary, also a transformer would still be at 60hz.

 

Interesting. So an inverter that can supply 230V at 50 Hz is what I need to look for. Thanks for the info!

I'm completely new to Tacomas, I haven't found any write ups or anyone else who did something like this on the forums. Any suggestions where to start and what I need to look for?

 

The best inverters I have found are designed for marine / RV applications. At least here in the US. That would be a place to look if I was wanting to find an aftermarket one.

 

I'll have a look around the marine market tomorrow and see what I can find.
12V DC to 230V 50Hz output.

Just wondering if there's a specific size to look for so it replaces the OEM unit and be able to reuse the same wiring.
If I'm going with an inverter, should I stay at 400W?

 

I would say that you can safely go as high as 500W without putting a severe strain on the alternator (as long as you aren't drawing multiple things simultaneously like a stereo amplifier, off-road lights, towing a trailer with electric brakes, etc...), but keeping it to 400W as designed would be ideal.

 

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what kind of output our alternators are rated at?

 

130 amp, 1500 watt.

Though to tell the truth, I have no idea how much the truck needs to run all things stock. I guess I could go add up all the fuses and assume it's somewhere less than that.