Power Inverters

My inverter problem's are giving me headaches.

3 months ago, leaving a rest area in TN, my 800w inverter popped...followed by lots of smoke. had that disconnected quick.

Last week, I finally got around to installing a 1500w cobra while at the petro in carlisle. The cb shop sold me the 80a glass fuse. I have it installed with #4guage wire.

The only items i run are a 115w 1.7cb ft compressor fridge, and my laptop.

The issues I've found with this are that the output load on the display always reads 0. briefly it cycles up to 10...20, then to zero again.

Now the headache part... it's stops working today.

what can cause this to stop working? the unit has the proper protections....overload, underload, overheat shutdown..etc..

I had the mechanics at the shop run a battery check...all my batteries are rock solid.

wits end!

 

I had something similar and discovered one of the leads was not connected securely. Check your fuse once again. It may be stupid, but mine's not fuse protected. If overloaded, the thing shuts down on it's own. Probably not the right thing to do, but works for me.

 

I have a 1500 watt Cobra and was "told" by other drivers to hook the negative lead to the frame rather than the negative post on the battery. When I tried this I found the inverter wouldn't work. I called Cobra directly and after discussing the installation over the phone I was told to hook the leads to the battery directly and not install any inline fuses. The inverter has worked perfect ever since. I have run a dorm style fridge as well as a microwave with this set up for years.

 

That's how mine's wired too.

 

I had a Cobra 1500 for awhile and it caused alot of problems with my CB (lots of RF noise) and then gradually stopped powering my Microwave. I replaced it with a very large inverter from Harbor Freight. All problems solved, CB works properly and Microwave works the way it should as well. Might be a Cobra problem, not sure though...dont want to start rumours. Good luck

 

If anyone is looking for a KILLER deal on 2500 watt inverters, you can get one on Amazon right now for $105.

It's a RoadPro, and takes about 2 weeks to ship - but for that price, I was more than willing to wait.

Got it last week, and hooked it up - works perfectly! Now I'm just waiting to find a fridge to fit into my storage cabinet, and I'll be good to go.

*I'm new to the site, so it won't let me post the link - but this is the item/model - you should be able to find it by using this:*
Roadpro RPPI-2500W 2000/5000 Watt DC to AC Power Inverter

 

Go to home depot, ask where they taverns scratch and dent models.
I found mine and a microwave for less then 150.0 for both. Runs on a 2000brake watt inverter hooked straight to the bat. Been That way for 5yearsa and works great.

You can use welding candle or get some of the 4ga. Jumper candle and cut the clamps off. I did this and then I soderded on the brass eyelets for them hook to the bat. Post.

 

I do, just don't overload the thing!

 

Should be able to as long as you're not trying to run 6 refrigerators or something.

 

I would , if I could fit them in my truck. Heck, I'm the generator on wheels. 5000w . I don't need to carry a gun . I'll just BBQ you - well done to extra crispy.