Accessory mode or Inverter for 12V cooler?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Travelinsoldier, May 4, 2019.

  1. Travelinsoldier

    Travelinsoldier Bobtail Member

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    May 4, 2019
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    3 batteries in this unit
     
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  3. Travelinsoldier

    Travelinsoldier Bobtail Member

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    May 4, 2019
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    Yeah but just had the vehicle service and honestly all the battery voltages check out including amperage
     
  4. Travelinsoldier

    Travelinsoldier Bobtail Member

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    This Coleman is practically a month old
     
  5. Travelinsoldier

    Travelinsoldier Bobtail Member

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    Well I'm not an electrician lol but would that be an easy job to run the bottom 12v on the passenger side constant?
     
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  6. Travelinsoldier

    Travelinsoldier Bobtail Member

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    Yeah when truck is off no 12v are on I tried them all lol
     
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  7. speedyk

    speedyk Road Train Member

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    Whatever the inverter is hooked to stays on. Maybe run a jack from those 12v terminals, keeping in mind tbat if you leave anything turned on without the truck running for too long you may have a dead battery to deal with.

    Or buy one of those jumpstart boxes at harbor freight and power the cooler with that while sleeping, then change it from the inverter while driving.
    If you're a company driver that is less likely to lead to trouble with the company.
     
    Last edited: May 5, 2019
  8. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    The reserve capacity of those batteries should handle the load for ten hours, this is a six amp load with all the overhead. Three batteries, or four ... if there is an under voltage alarm, it starts with the batteries,
     
    Travelinsoldier Thanks this.
  9. Travelinsoldier

    Travelinsoldier Bobtail Member

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    I guess I'll have to get a second opinion or service for the batteries
    So just wondering, this was going to be another thread, but here it goes. Now keep in mind my problem with it not lasting 10 hrs would the batteries be the problem if I cant even run a 700 watt microwave with the truck running on an 1800 watt inverter for more then 3 seconds before the alarm goes off and shuts down the inverter? Now this microwave is a kitchen essentials basic microwave that I've seen alot of truck drivers buying or have put in their own cabs.
     
  10. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    That sounds more like either the alternator is weak or you have mostly bad batteries.
    You should have both tested to see where the actual problem is.
    Or the voltage regulator...

    The inverter uses the batteries, but if they can not be charged by the alternator while the engine is running they stay pretty well dead. If the regulator is bad it will not allow the charge to be sent to the batteries.
     
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  11. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    Yup. I only ever use heavy load devices (microwave, frying pan, kettle) with the engine running at fast idle. Never have a problem.
    The one time I did have a problem I had a weak alternator. The diodes burned out on one side of the windings. During the day it worked fine, but at night it couldn’t keep up with the headlights on.
     
    Travelinsoldier Thanks this.
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