Inverter questions

With a laptop, it actually uses less power if you take the battery out completely and run it off AC power only. Not all laptops can bypass a battery though.

For just a TV and DVD player you won't have any issues with a 1500. I ran both of those off the same cigarette lighter inverter for a couple years.

 

Mt 5000 watt Tripplite inverter does indeed have a shore power connection where it can be plugged in and it will charge the batteries in the tractor as well as power the inverter while plugged in to 110vac.

 

or you could just buy a portable jump start for much cheaper. LOL.

but then. some trucks aren't easy to get to the batteries. but if you can get to the positive terminal of the starter. which also connects to battery. and ground to engine. it might do the trick.

 

I've got two inverters but only need one unless I'm cooking a good meal. The factory one is tied into my apu and runs most everything. Like most of you I've got the tv DVD but unlike most I cook all of my meals in the truck. For those that use gas I would have to say that's an accident waiting to happen. I've gotta microwave an oven nada two plate cook top. Everything you can use at home you can use in your truck with a little ingenuity. Now I know some will say oh you can't do that but I beg to differ I
've been doing it for a few years now with no issues.

 

I used a Xantrex IP1012 AL in my last truck and now in this one. It is a totally weather proof unit about the size of a standard Group 31 truck battery that I have mounted right along side the batteries in the box. Has shore power hookup also and I usually plug it in when I am home on the weekend to make sure my batteries have a total charge up once a week. When on shore power, the AC is run straight thru to receptacles. It is not a true sine wave unit when acting as an inverter, so for that I use a line conditioner in the sleeper and plug everything into that. It also has all the battery protection circuitry including 50 amp fuse protection. Basically using 1 foot length cables from the unit to the batteries. On/Off switch for the unit wired into the sleeper and wiring to a GFCI receptacle in the sleeper. All wiring for running everything to sleeper included with the unit. Not cheap, but it is built like a tank. You can submerge this thing in sea water and this will not hurt the unit. I have used pressure washer on it when I was cleaning out the battery box. Unfortunately, they are not made anymore, but I have found new units occasionally listed on Ebay and such.

Another neat thing about it is that since it is a totally sealed/enclosed unit, there is virtually no CB radio interference. The enclosure seems to act just like a Faraday cage in suppressing interference.

 

I bought two 10 foot heavy duty extension cords from Lowes. I ran one up to each cubby hole to provide 3 outlets each. Others have provided guidance on how much is too much. I have a microwave, keurig coffeepot, and a george foreman grille. I cannot run any two at once.

 

Jeez Gilro,
That Plate looks awful to me.
Two loaded Chili Hot Dogs, a burger, or a plate of Romaine Noodles would have looked better.

 

LOL taking pictures of food is an art, but that looks like a pretty good meal. I never thought about takeing any pics but last Christmas we had; turkey breast, ham, stuffing, scalloped potatoes, pinto beans and corn bread, all cooked in the truck. At that time I had a toaster oven instead of microwave, coooked the cornbread golden brown.

 

Lol...yeah the picture isn't the best but thanks for showing some tact there. Lemme see two loaded chili dogs a burger and a cup o noodles cost about 10 bucks. Calories out the tail and hit or miss if it tastes good. Good luck with that method.....

 

Its good to see some guys using top quality power inverters especially the pure sine versions that do an excellent job. I've never had much luck with the ones sold in truck stops so this time around I bought a Go Power 1500 Watt pure sine inverter, via Amazon. Not cheap but good. This thing is big, heavy and built like a tank, but works within its means and does the job.
The only appliance that uses any kind of draw is a microwave oven on my truck, and even with the engine down, it does the job well. An additional APU helps keep things up to snuff.
As long as you use the correct connecting cables to the truck batteries and have a 50 amp fuse installed, it should be a piece of cake.
I've got mine installed behind the drivers seat in a vertical position so the cables can't become loose and detach.
Good luck