Inverter

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Trucker327, Jun 23, 2019.

  1. Trucker327

    Trucker327 Light Load Member

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    How do you put on led lights behind by the catwalk? I know you unscrew the 3 screws..but how do you take out the entire light?
     
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  3. adayrider

    adayrider Road Train Member

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    Take the 3 screws out and have a look in there.
     
  4. Elroythekid

    Elroythekid Road Train Member

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    For 3000 watts and say a 12 ft run of cable he needs 000 and fuse it at 250 amps. Make sure any places you go thru the body or around corners or where ever you tie it down you have LOTS of insulation around it to protect it. Every months have a good look at it all to make sure it's not getting chafed thru. Too many drivers die in fires started electrically. I missed it by one day. Previous owner did some wiring on a truck I bought and it went up. Thankfully on Monday not Sunday or I would have been asleep In side.
     
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  5. Elroythekid

    Elroythekid Road Train Member

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    I owned this for almost 2 years ....
    And then this. It was wiring by the previous owner, who said it was done by the dealer, that chafed thru. I know I've posted it before but if I can help 1 driver not have this happen I'll gladly post it every day.
    IMG_0319.jpg
     
  6. HoneyBadger67

    HoneyBadger67 Road Train Member

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    3/0 is the same as typing 000. Some folks might get confused looking for 000 and only finding 3/0.
     
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  7. Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

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    000, 3/0, or three aught.
     
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  8. H2oburymatt

    H2oburymatt Light Load Member

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    I just installed a 3000 watt inverter so I could suppliment my old ac system that's converted to 134 a. It's starts to loose efficiency around 80°. My goal was to be able to power a 6000 btu portable ac unit.
    I used 2/0 welding cable purchased on Amazon that's good for 325 amps and super flexible and easy to work with. It's stranded cable and high 1255 strand count gives it great ampacity. A 3000 watt inverter has a rating of 300 amps input on DC side so get an anl 300 amp fuse and I'd recommend using a 250 amp DC breaker. Very important to use a ground cable big enough to properly handle the inverter power. For this setup you need a 4 awg size ground. In my opinion it's best to use the inverter and setup inverter so it's not ever running at or near capacity. If you'll be using almost 3000 watts get a 3500 watt inverter. Which would mean different cable size and fuse and breaker size etc.

    Try and get the inverter as close to the battery power source as possible as to not have too much voltage drop. 10' or under for your cable length best case scenario. Once you've found your mounting location screw down the inverter so it's running parralel to the ground. Don't mount it so the cooling fans are facing the sky or the ground.

    Once you've mounted your inverter. Drill Any holes necessary to keep the cables out of the way of anything. I'll post pics of mine. Run the cables using zip ties to hold them together and in place. I used chase nipples for my conduit through the floor in my sleeper and shelve I mounted inverter on. Once your cables are run you should have enough cable as to have a little extra on each end in case you need to adjust anything. You'll need a hydraulic crimp for the battery and inverter terminal ends. I purchased everything on Amazon. The cable, breaker, fuse, terminals, crimp, inverter etc.

    Find a safe dry place to mount your breaker and fuse. I used my battery box because you want them as close to the power source as possible.
    You're power or red cable is going to come off the positive battery post to the breaker then off the breaker to the fuse then off the other end of the fuse to the positive on the Inverter. I made sure to not make any sharp bends in the cables. You want them to flow in a natural way. Ideally you can fit the breaker and fuse in the battery box.

    When everything is mounted cut the cables and attach your terminal ends accordingly. Don't connect anything until the very end. Probably should've mentioned that in the beginning lol. I'm writing this fast and just in case it can help anyone. Always run your ground wire first and the ground should go from the ground post on Inverter to the chassis using the shortest possible path. I mean run and connect the ground before connecting the negative or positive. Once everything is in place and mounted and ground is attached to the chassis then connect negative first then positive to inverter then negative to battery then positive to fuse, then fuse to breaker, then last you connect positive from other side of the breaker to the positive battery terminal.
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2019
    Dino soar and Rideandrepair Thank this.
  9. rabbiporkchop

    rabbiporkchop Road Train Member

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    Maybe if you go to the shop on the backside of Best Buy. Not so if you go to a real shop.
     
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  10. H2oburymatt

    H2oburymatt Light Load Member

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    Looks like it started under the hood. Was it wiring under the hood?
     
  11. Elroythekid

    Elroythekid Road Train Member

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    Halifax Nova Scotia
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    Started between the inverter that was behind the drivers seat and the battery box below the drivers door then from there to the starter when that shorted.. or the "investigator" from the insurance company said.
     
    H2oburymatt Thanks this.
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