Truckers Report Jobs

Find Trucking Jobs

Company Driver Company Driver Dry Van Dry Van Flatbed Flatbed Refrigerated Refrigerated Specialized Specialized Owner Operator Owner Operator
More Trucking Job Searches ⌄ Fewer Trucking Job Searches
⌃

Inverter in Pete 386

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by Buckeye91, Oct 15, 2013.

  1. Oct 15, 2013 #1
    Buckeye91

    Buckeye91 Road Train Member

    1,095
    677
    Sep 26, 2011
    Midwest, USA
    0
    I just got seated in a 386, so now im free to put any brand inverter in my truck, just as long as its "professionally" installed.

    Dont need it for much, just microwave, (800w?) laptop, small things. so Im thinking this 1500w would do.

    http://www.harborfreight.com/1500-watt-continuous3000-watt-peak-power-inverter-60601.html

    Or a 2000w for $30 more.

    My options are to buy all the things needed, fuse, wiring, lug nuts, etc. and do it myself with my uncle, a diesel mechanic, watching over me (he wont do it because its not his equipment). Or buy all the things and let the shop install it for $134.

    Well they said that when they install it, they put it under the bunk, and run extension cords into the cab. So what I dont get, is if theyre running extension cords in the cab, cant they run the wires in the cab?

    I have a 2010 pete 386, so if anyone knows about pre drilled holes in these, or where to put them, etc. let me know.

    Also, If im understanding inverters correctly, when im running my microwave, or another high voltage item, run the engine, correct? but the small things, laptop, tv, etc. should be ok with the engine off?
     
    Buckeye91, Oct 15, 2013
    Buckeye91, Oct 15, 2013
    #1
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Oct 16, 2013 #2
    kasandera

    kasandera Bobtail Member

    30
    3
    Nov 3, 2012
    0
    I would go with the larger inverter just make sure its a sine wave or at least modified sine wave..also make sure its a good quality..as to running the truck when using a microwave...we don't..we have a 3.3cu frig plugged in all the time and I believe its a 900 watt microwave...we have pretty much a whole kitchen in the truck minus the kitchen sink.. :)
     
    kasandera, Oct 16, 2013
    kasandera, Oct 16, 2013
    #2
  4. Oct 16, 2013 #3
    Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

    15,317
    209
    Jan 31, 2012
    Green Bay Wi
    0
    let your company install the inverter after you purchase it
    then liability is on them
     
    Cranky Yankee, Oct 16, 2013
    Cranky Yankee, Oct 16, 2013
    #3
  5. Oct 17, 2013 #4
    pcfreak

    pcfreak Heavy Load Member

    835
    385
    Apr 22, 2007
    Alberta, Canada
    0
    I have a 2014 Pete 386 and my apu inverter is mounted directly under the bed in the open space on the right side. I have easy access to it. It is an 1800 watt rebranded Xantrex. My microwave doesn't like it, so I have my PowerDrive 1500 watt unit hooked to the same leads in parallel. Can't run both flat out at the same time or I'd blow the fuse.

    My apu keeps everything charged if using the microwave for 10 minutes at a time. 700 watt. I also have a George Foreman grill and when I use that (1200 watt) I have the engine running. My inverter pulls 100 amps for the grill.
     
    pcfreak, Oct 17, 2013
    pcfreak, Oct 17, 2013
    #4
    DoneYourWay Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.