Power Inverters

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

  1. Mickey

    Mickey Bobtail Member

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    Jan 21, 2008
    San Antonio TX
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    I know at a few of the companies i and others have worked for tha ti know had inverters in the trucks or linniers or kikcers etc....

    They pretty much said if they install them to the bat. then this was ok.

    BUT make sure you check with them on this.
    it basically comes to this. they dont want some one to connect it the wrong way and either damage or blow the batteries.

    But in my past exp. you can ask the MEch. shop and they will help you out or at least tell you how or what to use to beabel to run the ele. stuff you have.

    it is kind of the nature of the beast for us to use either 12volt stuff or inverters for other stuff. so most of the time it can be gotten around in some form or another with out stepping on toes with corpreate.

    Good luck
    Also if you can please post how you did with your company so that others will know how to do it also.
     
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  3. star12

    star12 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 7, 2008
    Ocala, FL
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    Can anyone recommend a power inverter that can run a computer, microwave. Do these device actually work?

    What are the pro/cons?

    Thanks
    Drive safe
     
  4. thetez

    thetez Medium Load Member

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    Jul 10, 2006
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    ah, yes they deff work! i got one online its a 2500 watt inverter with two outlets, 180amps, and two fans which dont let the thing heat up, only thing is something that draws a lot of power is taking it right from your vehicle battery, make sure you get one that works on a 24v system, make sure you hook it up right, other wise youll bbq your truck
     
    scottied67 Thanks this.
  5. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    WY
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    All of the modern day trucks ARE NOT 24v. They have been 12v for many yrs now.



    My advice is to get a larger inverter than what you think you need. I used to run a 900w microwave with a 1000w inverter. Now I have a 2500w. It just seems to work SO MUCH better.
    And for what its worth a Cobra may not be the cheapest around, but they are the only one that I've seen that has a remote control. So if you are like me and install the inverter in the side box with a remote control you do not need to get outside the truck to turn the inverter on and off. I generally shut mine off on nights that I don't idle. I hate dead batteries in the mornin.
     
    scottied67 Thanks this.
  6. Native Dancer

    Native Dancer Heavy Load Member

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    Dec 28, 2007
    Portland, Or.
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    I have a 3000 watt Vanner, made in Ohio. I've had it since 1984. It has automatic shut off for low voltage and remote shut off in the sleeper as well as shut off at the unit in the jockey box.
     
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  7. Pur48Ted

    Pur48Ted Road Train Member

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    Jun 14, 2006
    Grand Rapids, MI
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    Almost all of them have Low Voltage shut-off.
    Actually, the LARGER Wattage Inverters offer the best long term service and best safety. There have been a few instances of the smaller "plug-in" units catching fire. I have had a 3000W continuous/5000W peak unit for about 8 years. It is also a "remote controlled" unit, which makes it easy to turn off if I am not going to be in the truck for an extended period of time. I can't remember the name of the maker, but the company was purchased by Cobra several weeks after I purchased it. All Cobra did was change the name on the unit, and they still make a quality product.
    One thing to consider is purchasing one from an online source, like the manufacturer. You will pay a couple hundred dollars LESS than what truckstops charge.
     
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  8. wally92

    wally92 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 12, 2007
    washington , ill
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    does anyone have a 600 watt microwave? what size inverter do you have? can a 800 watt work?
     
  9. lostNfound

    lostNfound Road Train Member

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    Jun 28, 2007
    Home of the Stampede
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    Look for the label on the microwave that states power consumption (usually on the back, possibly the bottom). You are looking for either the wattage of consumption (not output), or amps. If amps, then amps X volts (nominally 115, or 120) = watts. You could need an inverter that has as much as 1.1-1.5 times the required consumption in order to handle starts.

    There is also quite a bit of information on the net ... Google is your friend (invertersrus is a good place to look).
     
    chipper9 and Rotten Thank this.
  10. IGM 462

    IGM 462 Light Load Member

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    Jan 26, 2008
    Kingman, Arizona
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    lostnfound is absolutly correct.
    Always-Always add 1.1 -1.8 as a power factor to the size needed to run your total wattage of all goodies on board!:biggrin_2558:
     
    Rotten Thanks this.
  11. IGM 462

    IGM 462 Light Load Member

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    Jan 26, 2008
    Kingman, Arizona
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    That should not have been add it should read multiply !!!!!!.
    lostnfound is absolutly correct.
    Always-Always add 1.1 -1.8 as a power factor to the size needed to run your total wattage of all goodies on board!:biggrin_2558:
     
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