Power Inverters
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Freshman User
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Power Inverters
I am considering installing a 1000 Watt power inverter on my 99 PSD. It has to be hard wired and I am thinking of putting it under the hood. Anybody done this before? Would be handy for remote farm construction projects to run power tools. Had someone tell me to put it in the cab, but under the hood would more convenient. Any thoughts/opinions?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: NJ
As far as I know inverters are dry install only (no under hood) make sure it is well ventilated and run nice heavy cables to it. Also buy an inverter larger than you need this seems to help with reliability.
Last edited by rwilimo; Oct 5, 2005 at 03:03 PM.
Postmaster
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From: Peoria, IL
I have a 750 Watt inverter mounted underneath the drivers seat in my truck. It works great for my laptop and pretty much anything else I've needed. I just bought a cheap 1000watt car audio amplifier installation kit and used the wires from it. You probably could get away ccheaper buying the wire elsewhere though. I've recently found that you can get pretty good deals on wire from your local welding supply store. It's usually small stranded wire too which is good for running stuff in vehicles. I think I paid like $0.80/ft for 4AWG and $1.10/ft for 1AWG.
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Mifflin, PA
Heavy wire is right. A 1000 Watt inverter will draw a whole lot of amps. Rough rule of thumb - divide the watts out by 10 - that's the max draw in amps from your battery at full load. So a 1000 Watt inverter will draw approx 100 amps at full load. Now you know why you need a 140 amp alternator and a second battery! 
Postmaster
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From: Durham, NC
Originally Posted by alchymist
Heavy wire is right. A 1000 Watt inverter will draw a whole lot of amps. Rough rule of thumb - divide the watts out by 10 - that's the max draw in amps from your battery at full load. So a 1000 Watt inverter will draw approx 100 amps at full load. Now you know why you need a 140 amp alternator and a second battery!
Postmaster
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From: Peoria, IL
Not really. If he was assuming the inverter was 100% efficient he would be diving by at least 12 Volts if not 14. By only using 10 he is estimating and efficiency of around 70-80% which is about right.
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A pure-sine unit is a good idea, if you can afford it. Some of the units (ProSine) are very expensive. Samlex has a series of pure-sine inverters which are quite impressive and are reasonably priced.
2500 watts? Assuming 85% efficiency, you'll need 2,941 watts input... at 13 volts, that's 226 amps and change. You better be running 2/0 wire, dual alternators, and have a separate, isolated battery bank to handle that. If you want 2500 watts, your best bet is to look into an AuraGen from Aura Systems or run an outboard generator.
2500 watts? Assuming 85% efficiency, you'll need 2,941 watts input... at 13 volts, that's 226 amps and change. You better be running 2/0 wire, dual alternators, and have a separate, isolated battery bank to handle that. If you want 2500 watts, your best bet is to look into an AuraGen from Aura Systems or run an outboard generator.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: San Diego USA
I did the same. I mounted mine under the center seat/console and used 12 guage to hook it up to my upfitter. Works great. I did pop it once trying to use a drill. Maybe the 7 amp drill was to much. That was my only issue.
...Rich
...Rich
Postmaster
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From: Durham, NC
Originally Posted by Beerstalker
Not really. If he was assuming the inverter was 100% efficient he would be diving by at least 12 Volts if not 14. By only using 10 he is estimating and efficiency of around 70-80% which is about right.
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Freshman User
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Is 1000 watts enough to run a circular saw? Or 3/8" drill? I'm looking at a Vector for about $120. The talk about 2 alternators is scarey to me. I plan on letting the truck idle while using it, it's a PSD with 2 batts and it will be used only for short periods. Cut a few 2x4's...turn it off while I nail them up, etc. Those pure sine waves are big $$, is that REALLY necessary?
Postmaster
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From: Durham, NC
Originally Posted by Commandohorn
Is 1000 watts enough to run a circular saw? Or 3/8" drill? I'm looking at a Vector for about $120. The talk about 2 alternators is scarey to me. I plan on letting the truck idle while using it, it's a PSD with 2 batts and it will be used only for short periods. Cut a few 2x4's...turn it off while I nail them up, etc. Those pure sine waves are big $$, is that REALLY necessary?
Senior User
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From: Whistler, BC, Canada
What I would do (and what I do do) is have an 18v kit with drill, recip, circ, and jig saws. Get an inverter which plugs into your power point to recharge the tool batteries. Dewalt makes a nice kit, and with some smooth talking you can get rid of some of the stuff that might be ideal for you, and replace it with stuff that is.
