Can I instal a inverter to the cb wires

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by tylegg, Jun 22, 2022.

  1. tylegg

    tylegg Bobtail Member

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    Jun 22, 2022
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    I an a local company Driver that sits alot at docks. I want to bring my laptop to use during the down times. Is this something that's doable? I'd rather not wire to thr battery, takes too long to remove every day since I'm never in the same truck
     
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  3. keebler13579

    keebler13579 Heavy Load Member

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    I would say no since the inverter will pull more amps than the cb. I would look at one of those inverters they sell that plug into the cigarette lighter. That should supply enough juice to keep your laptop charged
     
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  4. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    It'd have to be a very small inverter. Somewhere around 75 to 100 watts. CB circuit is probably only good for what, 10-15 amps?
     
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  5. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    Just buy one of those 400 watt inverters and some long decent guage aligator clips. Clip onto batterys in box or on some models the jump posts under the hood and then clip the inverter to those. Profit.

    If you find installing to long clips to the batterys which only take a moment or two still too long and have some cash to spare you can get one of these. https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Port...uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

    They charge off 12V and the bigger ones can give several extra hours to a modern laptop. Though if your using a gaming rig you will get at best 2 le 3 hours off a large one. I keep one in my truck for emergencys as it will power a heated blanket for hours for example.
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2022
  6. pnw guy

    pnw guy Light Load Member

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    Newer trucks run such small gauge wiring that it would be impossible to pull the amps needed, let alone the 2,5,10amp fuse in the fuse box.

    200watt cig lighter inverter or alligator clip the batteries is your best bet.
     
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  7. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    The cb posts on my truck is barely a 3 amp fuse... Buy a cigarrete lighter inverter like mentioned. U can get one off amazon for 30 bucks or so
     
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