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I can't install an inverter, but still need power. Help?

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by dvwii, Nov 10, 2009.

Page 1 of 5
  1. Nov 10, 2009 #1
    dvwii

    dvwii Bobtail Member

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    Jun 21, 2009
    Clarksville, TN
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    Alright, at the moment im using a 400watt Cobra inverter, which plugs directly into the cig lighter of course. All i really use it for atm is my Laptop, and occasionally charging my Zune when it gets low when I'm driving.

    I am BORED. I live in my truck, literally. I haven't been 'home' since xmas.

    I really want to get some more devices. Namely, a TV, and Xbox, and maybe something better than this pos Lunch box food heater I use religiously.

    Now, what I'm wondering is....

    Is there a non-invasive Inverter out there i can get for more power? By non-invasive I mean not something I have to install. I'm a company driver, and they will kick my ### for screwing around with the electrical system. Or having someone else do it.

    Honestly, what I'm looking for is... a sort of generator/inverter? Umm..

    Sort of a mid/high-end inverter that can charge off 200-400 watts or so from the cigarette lighter WITHOUT burning up the system or drawing too much, etc. Basically, a big stand alone battery since i can't screw with my own.

    I have found the following, but i'm not exactly sure if it fits what I'm talking about. I have no real clue on inverters tbh. It's all greek.

    http://www.amazon.com/Xantrex-Technologies-802-1500-Powerpack-500-Watt/dp/B00005RHQQ


    Help?
     
    dvwii, Nov 10, 2009
    dvwii, Nov 10, 2009
    #1
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  3. Nov 10, 2009 #2
    kajidono

    kajidono Road Train Member

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    You can get the 800 watt cobra and put the plug in off the 400 on it. Mine's been running fine that way.
     
    kajidono, Nov 10, 2009
    kajidono, Nov 10, 2009
    #2
  4. Nov 15, 2009 #3
    JohnnyC

    JohnnyC Light Load Member

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    Feb 17, 2009
    virginia beach, virginia
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    Believe it or not I've seen guys with a generator on the cat walk with a cover for traveling. Sort of a poor man's apu. If I wanted one for my truck I would check this out.
     
    JohnnyC, Nov 15, 2009
    JohnnyC, Nov 15, 2009
    #3
  5. Jan 26, 2010 #4
    newly crusin

    newly crusin Medium Load Member

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    Nov 19, 2009
    Roaming the East Coast and Beyond
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    dvwii,

    I would get a small portable generator and put it on the catwalk and chain it, run a power source inside.

    crusin


     
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2010
    newly crusin, Jan 26, 2010
    newly crusin, Jan 26, 2010
    #4
  7. Jan 26, 2010 #5
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    A generator might be the thing for you, but securing it and protecting it would be a problem.

    I have seen guys run jumper cables to a larger inverter, not installing it. These were company drivers. I have a 1500 for use where it's too far to run a cord but I have never used it in a truck.
     
    25(2)+2, Jan 26, 2010
    25(2)+2, Jan 26, 2010
    #5
  8. Jan 26, 2010 #6
    Hardlyevr

    Hardlyevr Road Train Member

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    The gizmo from Amazon in your link is really nothing but another battery with it's own inverter, so if you bought that, you would need a way to charge it. You might be better off looking for a small Honda or Yamaha generator. They are small enough you could keep in the cab when not using, and set out on the deck when running.
     
    Hardlyevr, Jan 26, 2010
    Hardlyevr, Jan 26, 2010
    #6
    squirrellsgnwild Thanks this.
  9. Jan 26, 2010 #7
    cherokeechief

    cherokeechief Light Load Member

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    Aug 10, 2009
    Gilson, il
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    i would agree that a small generator would be the way to go.
    i am surprised your company will not let you connect a larger invertor to the batteries.
    the company i worked for i connected one to the batteries and they did not say a thing about it.
    i bet the company you are with don't want you to idle your truck either, and they expect you to either freeze to death or cook alive in the heat.
     
    cherokeechief, Jan 26, 2010
    cherokeechief, Jan 26, 2010
    #7
  10. Jan 26, 2010 #8
    kajidono

    kajidono Road Train Member

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    Some of the companies had problems with the larger inverters being hooked up wrong or just being a hunk of crap that set their brand new trucks on fire and burned them to the frame. So they banned them entirely. Saw a video of that happening to nice new pete once. Kinda sad.
     
    kajidono, Jan 26, 2010
    kajidono, Jan 26, 2010
    #8
  11. Jan 26, 2010 #9
    IUFAN87

    IUFAN87 Light Load Member

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    Can you power one of those cheapie microwaves with that setup?
     
    IUFAN87, Jan 26, 2010
    IUFAN87, Jan 26, 2010
    #9
  12. Jan 26, 2010 #10
    kajidono

    kajidono Road Train Member

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    I haven't tried it but there's a 12v microwave called the WaveBox that I've seen good reviews on.
     
    kajidono, Jan 26, 2010
    kajidono, Jan 26, 2010
    #10
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