Power Inverters

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by rdubill, Jan 25, 2007.

  1. rockee

    rockee Road Train Member

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    I am not a Swifty but every 12v cooler I have owned have worked very well for us
     
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  3. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Also not a Swift driver, I don't know what size they will allow, up 400 watts works with a lighter plug but supposed to work better with terminals hooked to larger wires from the battery. It takes at least an 800 to run a small microwave, not sure about a refrigerator. I have a 1500 but never had it installed, I don't care to have a microwave in the truck.

    The direct conversion cooler heater refrigerators work well, but draw a fair amount of current and can discharge your batteries in a couple of days, I had to unplug mine whenever I wasn't in the truck. The 12 volt compressor models don't draw as much current and it isn't constant, they don't need to be shut off if the truck sits for a few days,they also will make ice, but they are expensive. I'm thinking maybe they have refrigerators in your trucks, CRST does from what my wife told me, it wouldn't hurt to ask about it with Swift.
     
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  4. cman

    cman Bobtail Member

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    Jun 21, 2007
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    I talked to 2 different people at Swift and got 2 different answers. You can and can't hard wire an inverter in the truck. Go fiqure! No they don't have fridges on the trucks. My wife and I really want to have a fridge and micro. I can run my laptop from a lighter socket inverter that I have. You know if nothing else we would like to eat right. That's why I thought I would try and ask some Swift drivers and see what they do. Thanks for the post, I appreciate it.
     
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  5. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    You're Welcome,

    OK, see if there is anything in your orientation materials, it should tell you what they allow as to additional equipment, it's too bad about the fridge, the 12 volt compressor models do work much better, but they are pricey.

    A friend suggested I use jumper cables and wire it temporary when I wanted to use the big inverter, I just don't need it at this time.
     
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  6. bubbavirus

    bubbavirus Medium Load Member

    hide the inverters, you'll lose them...also any magnetic ribbons,...
     
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  7. cman

    cman Bobtail Member

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    Jun 21, 2007
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    What's the magnetic ribbons???????
     
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  8. kenny67456

    kenny67456 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 19, 2008
    wenatchee, washington
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    Not sure if this is the right forum as i just joined. However i was wondering if it was possible to get around 300 watts of power out of a cigarette lighter using an inverter.

    I just started going solo last week and i wanted to be able to put my xbox 360 and 13 inch tv in the truck to use it on. I know they have connections to connect the tv to normally, however my tv is a bit older and doesnt have the connections on the back for it.

    The xbox takes around 160-204 watts and the tv 58 watts. So i was just wondering if there is a inverter that will put out 300 watts of power from the cigarette lighter or not, because swift transportation (the company i work for) doesnt allow you to connect the inverter directly to the battery which could easily put out that kind of power.

    Anyways i was just wondering if im going to have to buy a small generator or if an inverter would work or not.

    Thanks alot for the help.
     
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  9. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    You can get a small 300 or 400 watt invertor that plugs into the lighter.

    I'm not sure how much of a load it will actually handle though. My laptop will flip a 400 watt when I do any hard gaming on it, so I have a 1500 now.

    I'd advise buying 2, and connecting them to seperate sockets. That way you don't put too much of a load on either.

    Maybe someone who has an Xbox can give you more detail.

    Additionally, your wattage will drop when you sit without the engine running.
     
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  10. Rebel Patriot

    Rebel Patriot Light Load Member

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    Jun 20, 2006
    Boston, MA
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    My truck came with the heavy gauge wire running from the batteries to under the bunk. They are wrapped up to prevent contact as I am not running an inverter yet.

    However, I am going to get a power distribution block that used to be used for stereo electrical supply and hook up an inverter and run heavier gauge wire to my CB unit. Also, I plan on hooking up a 1-2 farad stiffening capacitor to smooth out voltage to my CB.

    Instead of going to the standard Pilot, TA's, Petro's etc, for their look-a-like Barjan supplies...try going to a high end mobile stereo shop to get your vehicle electrical needs. They do a lot of custom installs, and exotic electrical demands and can probably get you higher quality components.
     
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  11. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    You need to find out what your co policy is first. We are not allowed to use the plug in types. Has to installed by one of our shops.
     
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