Power Inverter

I am looking to install a power inverter in my truck... It will be aftermarket one with at least 800w output (6.9amps). Ideally 1600w output (12.9amps). I need to run my 6.3amp sawzall out of this and ideally my 12amp circular saw but that's not a priority...

If I do this I would like to get an inverter I could eventually hardwire to the battery, so the inverter has to have an on/off switch.

I have seen some with 400w RMS and 800w peak for $30 on ebay, I believe it was Cobra brand... Would this power up my 6.3amp sawzall?

Who has hardwired an inverter? Which inverter did you use and what location did you choose?

 

Here's mine:





750W

It's relocated under the seat and the receptacles are extended out to where you see them.

 

What brand? How did you extend the outlets and switch?

 

I forgot what brand, but to extend the outlets and switch, I just popped the outlets off the inverter, cut the wires, got more wire, soldered, heatshrinked. That's all. It was kind of time consuming but it's worth it. I've used it plenty of times.

 

Mjohnags,

I know the TRDs have the 400w inverter built in that you can just hop off. I've been using the 12v jack up front on the console which of course only puts out 120w, enough for a cell phone and barely enough for my laptop. Where on the harness can I get more wattage?

Oh, and i have an AC 5-lug 2.7

 

Gotta go straight from the battery and hard wire an inverter. The 400w OEM inverter doesn't put out enough power for anything serious.. It puts out about 3.5amps... Get at least 800w inverter which puts out 6.9amps...

 

Yeah I didn't tap into the OEM one, just installed an aftermarket one.

 

Thought so. I'll have to wire a switch onto it so I dont leave it on by accident. Either that, or 500' of extension cord and a battery tender

 

though i haven't had a chance to install it in a permanent manner yet, i have a 5000w cobra waiting to be put in. this is the second cobra i've owned (first was a 1500w). they are very well made inverters, so i'm assuming the lower wattage ones are of similar quality. mine has an on/off switch and fuse built in, but when i hard wire it, i'm putting in a seperate switch and fuse as well.

 

If I am not mistaken, aren't some of our trucks factory equipped with inverters? I wander if the factory wires are there for the taking.

 

I bought a Cobra 800w-1600w peak on ebay, about $45. You have to switch them with a relay. Mine looks like a starter relay, you can use a low power dash switch to activate the relay. I also put a breaker in my cable lines. Hope this helps. Sorry no pics.

 

I ass u me u ran this direct off batt ? That's pretty good wattage.

 

I don't think you can run a 5,000W inverter off you battery or even the alternator. The upgraded alternator that comes with the tow package only outputs 1,500W or so.
I think the limit you can realistically run is a 1,000W inverter.

 

just because it's a 5000 doesn't mean it always pulls that. i've only ever gotten the guage on it to read 25% output. i'm sure it spiked to 100% for a second when i tested a welder on it, but that's not a regular deal.

i'm also looking into high output altornators and dual batteries to beter handle the loads like that.

 

I have a 750W inverter that I plan to install under/behind my bench seat soon. I plan to use an 80 amp inline fuse and a 300 amp battery isolater switch (overkill, but cheaper than a relay and I can mount the switch inconspicuously). I'll probably never use it for anything more than charging cell phone or laptop on occasion, but I figured that as long the inverter has the capacity I might as well make sure that the hardware matches in case I need to use it for something heavier duty.

I'm trying to do this fairly cheaply, and am having trouble locating 10 feet of somewhat pliable 4-6 gauge wire for a decent price. I've checked welding supply stores, but their prices are a little steep. Then I saw a set of 6 gauge jumper cables from Walmart for about $20 that I thought might work. Can anyone think of a reason that this wouldn't be a good idea?

 

Don't have a educated answer but are the Walmart cables aluminum or copper ? Are there enough strands in the wire to make it flexible ?

 

$20 jumper cables are probably #10 wire with #6 insulation. Full smoke your inverter will draw around 60 amps #4 is more like what you need.

 

What about running two plugins on either side behind arm rest console(for the back seat people)? I think that there is heater vents in there, is it something that could be done?

 

Well the best bet would put it as close to the battery as you can get it to avoid the voltage loss. I don't know if there is any electrical code involved with cars/trucks but I would run SJ cord inside of split tubing if I was going inside of a cab. The voltage loss is far less at 120 volts and the most you'll get out of the inverter is less then 6.5 amps so a # 14 would actually do just be real sure that the 120 volt wire can not get damaged.

 

You probably can but not for very long! That's a 400 amp load close to 4 times the alternator output not to mention about 3 minutes run time on the battery start batteries have very little reserve capacity.