Adding inverter
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 576
Likes: 169
Adding inverter
22 F250 CCLB 7.3 dual alternators dual batteries. I am working on a plan to set this truck up to provide 120vac power when parked at a remote site.
My first thought was to just add an inverter but that would/could pull down the underhood batteries quickly depending on load and I'd rather not idle the truck and I'd rather not beat up the lead acid batteries running an inverter. So then I thought of installing a LiPo battery in the tool box that is in the truck bed with an inverter but someone told me I really should consider installing a DC to DC charger to handle charging the LiPo battery
So then I started looking at a Victron combination DC to DC charger along with an inverter and I keep seeing the dollar signs adding up. I have no idea what the connected load might be so right now I'm leaning towards a 2K inverter.
I know if I end up installing equipment inside the tool box I'll need to address ventilation issues.
My first thought was to just add an inverter but that would/could pull down the underhood batteries quickly depending on load and I'd rather not idle the truck and I'd rather not beat up the lead acid batteries running an inverter. So then I thought of installing a LiPo battery in the tool box that is in the truck bed with an inverter but someone told me I really should consider installing a DC to DC charger to handle charging the LiPo battery
So then I started looking at a Victron combination DC to DC charger along with an inverter and I keep seeing the dollar signs adding up. I have no idea what the connected load might be so right now I'm leaning towards a 2K inverter.
I know if I end up installing equipment inside the tool box I'll need to address ventilation issues.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,454
Likes: 4,952
Look at a battery power bank, has no connection to the truck, other than when charging the batteries, and can charge with a solar panel.
I've been looking at them lately to power my space heater when I sleep in my truck at night when on the road.
I've been looking at them lately to power my space heater when I sleep in my truck at night when on the road.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,410
Likes: 1,015
From: Central KY
I set my inverter up to run off the truck batteries. I don't mind to idle the truck occasionally if I really need to. I used a 30 foot jumper cable set that I cannibalized for the 2 AWG cable so I'd have enough to run from the battery to the rear of the cab of the truck, a 200 amp circuit breaker that I mounted near the battery, and some copper cable lugs and heat shrink tubing to tidy it all up. Picked up the inverter from Harbor Freight. I don't use it often, but it sure is nice to have 120VAC power onboard when I need it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,405
Likes: 1,171
From: East TN
HF sells a variety of inverter that does have sine wave output but you won't get a 2,000 watt unit for under $200.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 4,281
Likes: 2,415
From: Everywhere and nowhere
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,405
Likes: 1,171
From: East TN
Wow - nice find !! The HF near me never has the pure sine wave units in stock. All they have is the MSW stuff.
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,656
Likes: 965
From: Walpole, MA
Looks like the black friday party is over, back up to $299. Still not too bad.
https://www.harborfreight.com/2000-w...power+inverter
For a 4000 peak watt inverter you looking running 350 amps DC, so your looking at 4/0 cable and a monster fuse.
Video on the matter:
https://www.harborfreight.com/2000-w...power+inverter
For a 4000 peak watt inverter you looking running 350 amps DC, so your looking at 4/0 cable and a monster fuse.
Video on the matter:
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 576
Likes: 169
Looks like the black friday party is over, back up to $299. Still not too bad.
https://www.harborfreight.com/2000-w...power+inverter
For a 4000 peak watt inverter you looking running 350 amps DC, so your looking at 4/0 cable and a monster fuse.
Video on the matter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAVpG5S3lqQ&t=542s
https://www.harborfreight.com/2000-w...power+inverter
For a 4000 peak watt inverter you looking running 350 amps DC, so your looking at 4/0 cable and a monster fuse.
Video on the matter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAVpG5S3lqQ&t=542s
A combination DC to DC charger with inverter that has the ability to connect solar panels to seems like the ideal product for my project
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 997
Likes: 262
From: Central New York
This is what I am doing. Purchased a solid state 4000 watt 50 pound unit that can be used for truck heat while parked, rv power, or house backup for outages. I figured the multiple use idea was the way to go.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,410
Likes: 1,015
From: Central KY
Yes I have the 3500 watt Predator super quiet inverter generator from Harbor Freight. Been working flawlessly for a few years now. I use that when I need to power things overnight at a campsite.
My internally installed inverter is more for charging phones, laptops, etc. on the go or for those 15 minute jobs at remote sites that require power tools.
Here's when I installed it in my Ram. When I traded the Ram I transferred this over to the F-250 identically to how you see here.
My internally installed inverter is more for charging phones, laptops, etc. on the go or for those 15 minute jobs at remote sites that require power tools.
Here's when I installed it in my Ram. When I traded the Ram I transferred this over to the F-250 identically to how you see here.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,871
Likes: 767
From: SoCal/Wyoming
I have a 3000 watt but it’s setup with Anderson connectors like the winch and the jumper cables. I don’t use one enough to carry it on the truck full time so I don’t have a need to hardwire one on the truck.
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Mine is a diesel, and I let mine run all the time, especially on hot days when I have to run into the store to grab something real quick. Diesels are designed to idle for long periods. Installing an inverter on your Diesel F250/350/450 makes perfect sense to me. A 2000-3000-watt inverter would be perfect. I've been meaning to do one myself now that I have these AGM batteries that I installed because the Motorcraft OEM batteries don't last down here in the Phoenix Heat. The two year warranty don't cut it, the AGMs from Batteryplus have a 4 year warranty. My homie put up a youtube video years back on this topic.
Watch that video, that makes the most sense, run wire to the back to an Anderson plug, then attach that to an inverter when you need to use it, Much better way to do this in my opinion! ColtsWay is the way to go when it comes to modding the newer F250/350etc
Watch that video, that makes the most sense, run wire to the back to an Anderson plug, then attach that to an inverter when you need to use it, Much better way to do this in my opinion! ColtsWay is the way to go when it comes to modding the newer F250/350etc
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post