Power Inverters

Hey guy's,
I'm going to buy a inverter but i need a little advice/input from you guy's already running them. I know i need a 2500w or higher if i plan on a laptop, tv/dvd, small microwave, etc. What brand and model would you recomend for quality, durability, and quiet? I will be installing it in a 04 pete with 60" sleeper. Suggestions appreciated.
THANX...

 

I have not added up all the amps I'm drawing. But I have a Kenwood stereo amp and receiver that is always on. It serves for volume for everything in my truck from the satellite radio to computer, tv, dvd, xbox, etc. It's all wired. In addition to that, a number of other things are usually running when I'm stopped including a 22 inch flat screen.

I'm having problems maintaining power when I use the microwave for cooking more than a few minutes. And sometimes the coffee maker trips it out when I brew 10-12 cups. It's a 2500 watt inverter with 4 awg cables, 8-12ft. I don't know exactly how long. The shop requires 12 ft to install but I don't think they used it all.

If I get thicker cables, say 2/0 or 1/0, do you think this will solve my problem?

 

You probably could get by with a 1500. My last Cobra 2500 lasted almost 3 years. It just went out and I got another one. Oddly enough, the older one was quieter as the fan only came on when necessary. The fan is almost always on with this new one, but it's not too loud.

But I didn't have any choice. I was on the road and could not wait the 2-3 weeks, or however long it will be before I get home to order and have one shipped from online.

But I would recommend a "true sine wave" inverter. Do a Google search on it. I think there's another thread here about it as well. But they are extremely expensive when you get into the higher wattage, like over $1000 for a 2500 watt. But that's your best bet. It may save you money in the long run if it lasts.

edit: well doing a short search, I found one for under $500. I wish I had been able to wait to order one of these.

 

As a general rule just take the watts your laptop says it needs and multiply by 2. Mine says 115 watts, my 400 watt inverter barely covers it if I forget to plug it in and let the battery run down a bit Have to start the truck up and let it charge a bit. If I plug it in right away, no problems, I can run a small fan and the laptop off the 400w inverter.

And invest in that too while youre at it! Just go to Walmart and get a normal 10-13 inch fan, the 12v ones suck, and not in a good way.

 

A 400 watt inverter will run a laptop, charge a cell phone, or run a c pap machine. This type can be plugged into a power outlet and does not need a direct connection to the batteries.

A 1500 watt inverter will need a direct connection to the batteries but will run more appliances such as a small microwave, crockpot, coffee maker, electric skillet, or refrigerator.

If you need to run multiple appliances at the same time then a 2500 or 3000 watt inverter will be the ticket.

 

When we had our Cascadia we tried to run a 750 but it wouldn't last more than a few hours. We did have limited success with a 400, but had to change the fuse often. We had a 2500 installed in our Volvo, but it only runs successfully around 1000 watts. Good luck, while most guys will not agree with me on this, I think it depends on the truck.

 

My micro wave is 700 watts, the coffee pot is 1000 watts, TV is 500 watts, refrigerator/ freezer is 900 watts. You can also calculate it by the amps as well. They are by the cord of each appliance. watts/125= amps. All the inverters over 400 watts that Ive seen require a direct connection to the batteries. I used the starter cables that you can get at walmart, they already have the connectors on them and are about $4.00 each. The cables at the truck stops are about $40.00

 

My 750 I bought at Love's without the necessity to use direct battery connection although it was included. But it didn't work so good.

 

A pure sine wave type is the way to go, more $, better output voltage and consistent frequency.
Check eBay,better to go with a major manufacture.

crusin

 

I'm looking for an inverter to power my laptop, and a few other small gadgets : no microwaves, or fans or fridges. What would be a suitable choice, something which can be plugged in to the lighter socket, and not hardwired to the battery ? Thanks.