Hey guy's,
I'm going to buy a inverter but i need a little advice/input from you guy's already running them. I know i need a 2500w or higher if i plan on a laptop, tv/dvd, small microwave, etc. What brand and model would you recomend for quality, durability, and quiet? I will be installing it in a 04 pete with 60" sleeper. Suggestions appreciated.
THANX...
Power Inverters
Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by rdubill, Jan 25, 2007.
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I'm having problems maintaining power when I use the microwave for cooking more than a few minutes. And sometimes the coffee maker trips it out when I brew 10-12 cups. It's a 2500 watt inverter with 4 awg cables, 8-12ft. I don't know exactly how long. The shop requires 12 ft to install but I don't think they used it all.
If I get thicker cables, say 2/0 or 1/0, do you think this will solve my problem? -
But I didn't have any choice. I was on the road and could not wait the 2-3 weeks, or however long it will be before I get home to order and have one shipped from online.
But I would recommend a "true sine wave" inverter. Do a Google search on it. I think there's another thread here about it as well. But they are extremely expensive when you get into the higher wattage, like over $1000 for a 2500 watt. But that's your best bet. It may save you money in the long run if it lasts.
edit: well doing a short search, I found one for under $500. I wish I had been able to wait to order one of these. -
As a general rule just take the watts your laptop says it needs and multiply by 2. Mine says 115 watts, my 400 watt inverter barely covers it if I forget to plug it in and let the battery run down a bit Have to start the truck up and let it charge a bit. If I plug it in right away, no problems, I can run a small fan and the laptop off the 400w inverter.
And invest in that too while youre at it! Just go to Walmart and get a normal 10-13 inch fan, the 12v ones suck, and not in a good way. -
A 400 watt inverter will run a laptop, charge a cell phone, or run a c pap machine. This type can be plugged into a power outlet and does not need a direct connection to the batteries.
A 1500 watt inverter will need a direct connection to the batteries but will run more appliances such as a small microwave, crockpot, coffee maker, electric skillet, or refrigerator.
If you need to run multiple appliances at the same time then a 2500 or 3000 watt inverter will be the ticket. -
When we had our Cascadia we tried to run a 750 but it wouldn't last more than a few hours. We did have limited success with a 400, but had to change the fuse often. We had a 2500 installed in our Volvo, but it only runs successfully around 1000 watts. Good luck, while most guys will not agree with me on this, I think it depends on the truck.
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My micro wave is 700 watts, the coffee pot is 1000 watts, TV is 500 watts, refrigerator/ freezer is 900 watts. You can also calculate it by the amps as well. They are by the cord of each appliance. watts/125= amps. All the inverters over 400 watts that Ive seen require a direct connection to the batteries. I used the starter cables that you can get at walmart, they already have the connectors on them and are about $4.00 each. The cables at the truck stops are about $40.00
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My 750 I bought at Love's without the necessity to use direct battery connection although it was included. But it didn't work so good. -
A pure sine wave type is the way to go, more $, better output voltage and consistent frequency.
Check eBay,better to go with a major manufacture.
crusindaddy&mama2go Thanks this. -
I'm looking for an inverter to power my laptop, and a few other small gadgets : no microwaves, or fans or fridges. What would be a suitable choice, something which can be plugged in to the lighter socket, and not hardwired to the battery ? Thanks.
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