Im thinking that I want to add one or maybe two small inverters inside the X.

I want the kids to be able to bring their Wii on long road trips, plus having 110v to plug in their other gadgets would be nice too.

Not to mention, my wife would like to be able to plug in her laptop on the road.

I was thinking one could go at the bottom of the center console. I would just cut a hole in the back side and stick the plug end of the inverter through the neatly trimmed hole. That would work for the two kids in the second row.

For the two kids in the third row, I was thinking about mounting one under thier seat.

Any of you guys have install ideas, tips, or pics?

 

Look up the thread "looking at F650 dash" someone in there has mounted an inverter

 

Although I don't have an inverter installed, I did mount AV wall plugs in the rear of the center console. I used an electrical outlet box from Home Depot and mounted it. I have the AV RCA plugs in mine, but you could easily install a standard 120V AC wall outlet in there and a wall plate. You'll have to fiddle with the wiring, but it's feasible.

I did have to Dremel the outer corners and bottom a bit to fit.

 

Probably a bit overkill for your needs...


I used to run a 400w in my Expedition to power my laptop, charge stuff, etc. I can tell you DON'T tie into existing cig lighter wires...run your own heavier-than-you-think-you'll-ever-need wires.

I smelled something burning one day and stopped to find the additional 12v outlet I spliced in to the existing outlet melting. Burned my hand when I went to unplug the cig adapter to find the plastic was so hot and soft I later found my fingerprints in the plastic.

Had I driven on much longer, could have been one of those roadside fires you can't figure out happen.

Turns out one of the cheap Chinese adapters shorted out...not sure if it was the harness between the inverter and the plug or the plug and the splice into the other OEM power point (that wasn't in use at the time).

Play it safe and check the max amps the device will pull, figure out the distance of wire and buy the proper gauge. I went one size over as a safety. For my 2300/4600 peak I am running 1/0 gauge. I'm sure something small like you are looking at can get away with 4 or 8 gauge depending on distance from the battery and the inverter.

Fuse both sides if you plan on putting it somewhere where the wires can be damaged or kicked...as close to the batt and ground as possible.

Make sure the leads can be damaged by vibration, heat or cuts...but you probably know most of that part already.

 

I am also considering it. Lots of other forums give examples for reference.

Clean 110volt outlets wired inside/outside the Xterra (Done) - Second Generation Nissan Xterra Forums (2005+)
Hardwiring a Power Inverter - Detailed Example - JeepForum.com
Hardwiring an inverter options - Second Generation Nissan Xterra Forums (2005+)

If you do it... take pics to share.

 

I too have a want/need for an inverter. I installed my 400W on the lower dash under the cup holders with industrial strength velcro. It weighs maybe, 2-3lbs. I came out after work the next day and it was laying on the floor. The velcro adhesive failed to stick to the vinyl.

I wanted to avoid a permanent install so I could do something similar in my wife's car.

Are you thinking about hard wiring an inverter? If not, then I'd just get a couple different 100W inverters that plug directly into a cigarette lighter. I'm not sure what fuse circuits the various outlets are on but I imagine the rear outlets are on a separate fuse. I'll try to remember to check ole Haynes.

You could easily run a Wii and some portable headrest DVD players on a 100W supply. A laptop could be pushing it depending on size. My netbook could easily handle it. But my 17" monster always killed my 75W. It barely survives on my 100W. But you really don't want to draw that much current through the cig lighter constantly.

The point is, you can run several gadgets just fine on a 100W cig plug inverter with no hassle. A laptop may require a little more consideration, but maybe not. Just check the power draw to be safe.

 

Thanks for the ideas...

I plan to hardwire them for sure. I have no intention of running them off the cigarette lighter. I dont trust that wiring.

Here is the inverter Ive been eyeballing... Small, inexpensive, yet powerfull enough for what I need.

Amazon.com: Cobra CPI 480 400-Watt 12-Volt DC to 120-Volt AC Power Inverter with 5-Volt USB Output: Car Electronics

 

This will help with a clean install, one would fit nicely in the back of the center console:

Mobile Video Game Plate 205-054

They also have a nice selection of inverters, reasonable prices, super fast shipping, and very nice customer service (americans).

 

Oh, I just saw that its no longer available. Thats sad. I was planning on installing one eventually. *gloom*

Here is an alternative that comes with an inverter... http://www.qualitymobilevideo.com/game110k400.aspx

Here is just the plate from that kit, on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Anaba-AVA13P-P.../dp/B004Z875LA

 

Thats a good price from Amazon... I didnt plan on running AV cables since there is already a set on the factory DVD player. However, it would be nice to not have them dangling down from the roof...

 

I put mine in the center console With the plugs accessible from the rear bottom. I have been having problems with posting pictures so if it doesn't come out just look in my folder labeled center console.

Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - ericmmcv's Album: Center Console - Picture

 

Thanks for the pics. Thats pretty much exactly what I am wanting to do. I plan to use a two plug inverter, but otherwise, pretty much the same.

 

I bought my ex with one installed. 600 watts and it is under the middle bench seat drivers side next to an amp. Ill try to get pics up. No problem with it there even with the seats down.

 

My inverter (blue) is mounted in the green plastic box next to the honda inverter. lol