How are you powering your stuff?

So I’m curious as to how y’all power your devices in a company truck? For example I would like to power a tv, game console, microwave, refrigerator. I would assume I need a power inverter? Do I install that myself?

 

the search function is available, and amazingly informative. We had this same talk 2 days ago.

 

2 days ago? I havnt posted anything on this forum in almost a month.

 

Then read everything posted in the last month and get back to us.

See you in 2027.

Yes, you’ll need an inverter, correctly installed.

 

If you have to ask, then the answer is an emphatic NO! Are you now currently driving?

 

No I’m going to a private school for my CDL and I’m trying to get all the information I can to prepare for that year of OTR. You see these truckers with microwaves and refrigerators but no idea how they have those things when most companies won’t allow you to install inverters. I mean they can’t possibly expect us to eat out every single day. We have to live in that truck so we need that stuff. Google search and a search of these forums only turns up answers that will get you fired or set your truck on fire literally.

 

Patience, take one step at a time. Get the CDL, get finished with training, THEN worry about this. You have MUCH more to be concerned about right now. At some point when you get a truck of your own the carrier will tell you what their policy is on inverters.

 

Most companies I've been working for (as a company driver) either equipped their trucks with an APU and inverter, or had an inverter already installed. Those that didn't have it already installed allowed me to purchase my own and have their shop install it (not that I don't know how, but if they install it and it burns the truck down, it's on them). If a company doesn't equip their OTR trucks with some sort of power option, they should be avoided if at all possible.

 

A 400 watt inverter plugs into a cig socket.
Powered my TV, laptop, printer, cell phone.

Those don't use much current.

A microwave and fridge is at the company's discretion. And whether they allow inverters wired to the batteries. To run those.

You can buy 12v coolers. Not the greatest but they work. You can buy propane stoves and burners. Just pack water to clean the pans.

In time. You'll figure it out.

Just don't buy those 12v cookers at the truckstop. Those will leave your sockets almost useless. I had 2 Freightliners that didn't last long. One actually got fixed but again. Didn't last long.

 

Not a true 400 watt.
On a 20 amp circuit, which most cig circuits are, the max is 240 watt. (12v x 20 amps) Even a 30 amp circuit the max is 360 watt before popping the fuse.