Power Inverter Project

So I'm looking to add a power inverter to my 2014 double cab base model. I removed the console today just to get a look around. I have a factory wire run behind the top right switch blank on the drivers side where the power inverter switch usually is from what I've seen. Would the factory inverter sit under that silver bracket in the picture and connect to that white switch connector towards the top left side? Basically could I plug and play the oem inverter if that's what I wanted to do?

 

Mine sits as far back as possible in that area. I'm not 100% positive but I remember more than 1 connector going to it.

 

Maybe it was only 1 connector.
This might help you:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-ac-outlet-in-cab-400-watt-anytime-mod.322320/

 

yea that helps a bit at least to be able to see the factory power inverter how it's connected and placed. It looks like I could buy the inverter and just plug and play. The other wiring coming out of the converter in that picture I'm guessing goes to the bed outlet? But I'm not sure. This would be the easy thing to do, however I also want to look into adding a larger after market power inverter that has a little more power to it. Anyone have any thoughts on this or experience?

 

I would imagine that the bigger inverter will need bigger wiring than the factory provides. My 700watt would need a 4 gauge wire for that run from the battery.

 

Yea I figured if I went with a larger inverter I probably wouldn't use the factory wiring at all. I would still like to put it underneath the console preferably and connect a couple 110 and USB outlets with an external power switch for the converter as well. How I would wire all that up is mainly the part I have trouble with

 

Something like this:

 

Plug the cord into the inverter and wire it into the outlet.

 

Alright that's exactly what I'm looking for what would you call that wire if I were to search for it? How would I wire the switch in to turn the inverter on and off, just wire a switch in between the inverter and the power source?

 

Any 120v 3-prong appliance pigtail will work. Home Depot and lowes carry plenty. A switch between the power supply and inverter would be the best.

 

You're not exactly going to run 4 gauge welding cable to a dash switch. Surely the aftermarket inverter has a low current turn on switch. You might have to disect the switch from the inverter though.

 

They make these things called "relays".

 

Too much current for a Bosch relay. You could probably use one of the constant duty solenoids that look like a Ford starter solenoid.

 

Wire the outlet before plugging into the inverter...

 

Yea I'll need to narrow down what inverter I want to get. Is it worth it to invest in a larger one than the 400 watt oem? Any suggestions on a brand to purchase or any particular specs if I go aftermarket?

 

It all depends on what you decide to power with the ac inverter. Personally I have not run into a situation requiring more than 100w while the truck is moving nor 400w while idling so I left the stock inverter power selector as is. I did add an AC usb outlet combo in the cab.

 

The cord with the plug is called an appliance cord. Usually available with #14 or #16 AWG wire, 3 or 6 feet long. They got them pretty much at all the home improvement stores

Stuffing a #4 wire through the firewall grommet will be a challenge I think. I'd consider running the feed along the frame and go into the cab from the grommet under the driver's seat. Some will say, poke a hole in the grommet. I remove the tape and feed my wires in with the rest. Then use scotch 33+ electrical tape to redo the grommet.

You could also drill a hole in the firewall and use a compression cord connector with a sealing (gasketed) washer. That'll squeeze around the cord and the washer seals the firewall.

The insulation type should have a W in it. Such as thhw, xhhw. This tells you that the insulation is water resistant, water proof...
Welding cable is easy to run and is very flexible, but the insulation isn't very tough.
I think this would work nicely.
https://www.wireandcableyourway.com/Type-W-Cable/

Here's a100 amp rated relay.
https://www.zoro.com/white-rodgers-...eYeKQLf7ywc4d34MiyqXx0VE8GO8XNnxoChM8QAvD_BwE

However you decide to run your wire, dooooooooon't forget the fuse!

Any questions, hmu...

 

The bed outlet in my 2014 is as road2cycle said, 400w idle, 100w running. unfortunately I need 200w running so I can recharge the battery for my e-bike while driving. It charges fine at idle but I can't justify idling for a couple of hours for that. What should I do?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-ac-outlet-in-cab-400-watt-anytime-mod.322320/

 

It didn't work, BTW its a 2014 automatic tranny. Clarification: rather than adding another interior receptacle, I'm just using the existing bed outlet. I cut and capped both ends of the violet wire w/ white stripe. The green 400w light on the dash switch still goes out and switches to 100w when shifted to drive. Any ideas?