Inverter Questions

I used a 400 watt for my laptop until it quit on me. It ran my TV also, and it was a regular TV, I would imagine it would run an LCD Ok. After that I bought a 7 or 800 watt, had no problem either. The only thing is when I Started the truck, the TV shut off, because the 12 volt power was temporarily interrupted. And also when I had my TV on, it didnt take long to start Beeping Low Battery, So I would either have to quit Watching TV, or Start the Truck. Paying for my own fuel, I usually Quit watching TV!! LOL
I bought My 400 Watter at walmart, My 700 at flying J (I was in a bind, needed Laptop) Both under 75 bucks.

 

Yeah pretty much you just add up the watts usage of each of the devices you want to use and that's the inverter wattage you'd need. You want to either add some slush room or check for peak wattage of each device because if the devices spike above the inverters wattage capability something may go kaput.

If your devices don't list wattage you can calculate it this way:
Watts = Voltage * Amperes.

So for example a device that uses 115 volts and 150 milliamps (0.150 amps) would use 17.25 watts.

 

No ebay links

 

I have the Cobra CPI 875 (800 RMS/1600 Peak). Pushes 7 amps (as opposed to 4 on the 400 watts). I also have the CPI 1000 (1000 RMS/3000 Peak), pushes 13 amps, but I don't use it at all.

 

I use the $29 Cobra 400 watt inverter that's at Pilot. It will run the laptop and cell phone charger, no problem. I have somewhat of a home made tv, more about that here:
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/electronic-connection/56206-hd-tvs-and-whatnot-4.html
Another option is to get a usb tv tuner for your laptop and watch tv on it.

 

If you have wifi, and no tv, check out hulu.com - it's great.
Here's one I haven't tried:
...and MovieWatcherz.com

 

I have a Cobra 1500 watt with a 3300 peak watt. It runs my Microwave, My Cook top, My George Forman Grill, the TV, Computer, Stereo for my Sat radio, Wired with 4 gage wire 4 feet long to 12 volt side of batteries, With a Breaker on the Pos. lead. At night when I am not running the engine, it will run the Stereo and TV all night and the low voltage has yet to sound.

 

Hey Wiseguy, why do I get a picture of you with a striped awning off the side of the truck with lawnchairs, boombox, foot massager, tv with remote and all the trimmings?

 

That day IS coming! We go camping each year and add STUFF every year. I'll get home and drive out to the Camp Grounds and I don't even have to ask what lot number they have. I look for the glow in the sky and as I get close, I see all the lights strung out. I kinda like my Trucking to be like a camping experience. Eh