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Ok, so this isn't really a truck question.. but I need some help here. I'm working on a project which requires me to use a video projector in a public space which has no power outlets available. The projector draws 275 watts, and I have a 300 watt power inverter. What I'm looking to figure out is how long I can run this projector off a car battery?
I don't think the battery will last very long and your 300 watt inverter may not be able to handle that kind of load for a long period of time, you may want to look into renting a gas powered generator.
A 300 watt inverter will draw about 25 AMPS from a 12V battery. (12V X 25A = 300 watts). Your scheme might work OK if you start the truck occasionally to keep the battery charged. The answer to how long you can run the inverter depends on the amp hour rating of your battery. But, I would reccomend keeping a set of jumper cables handy.
I have a 1000 watt inverter in my truck, which I used before power was connected to my house. My inverter shuts down when the battery gets low, but not too low to start. If yours doesn't do that, you probably should keep it idling. At idle, the alternator may not keep up with the draw, but at least you won't be stuck. There's too many variables to try to predict how long your battery will last. Incidentally, drawing a non-deep cycle battery down close to discharged will shorten its life considerably.
Hmm.. starting to sound like my idea might not work, cause I can't get a vehicle into the space I'm at, it would have to be just the battery. Maybe I could hook up several batteries in parallel? Or just get a generator..