tailgating question

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Nov 29, 2006 | 08:33 PM

04F-250 stroked

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From: SFV, CALIFORNIA

tailgating question

First off thanks everyone for the wealth of information you provide on this sight!!!

I'll be tailgating this Saturday at the UCLA/USC football game, and unfortunatly not everyone that is going has a ticket to get in. I decided to bring along a TV and satillite dish. I was wondering if an inverter would run a 32" tv and sat receiver or would I have to purchase a generator? I know the generator would definatly work for the application however its very pricey.

If an inverter would do the job does anyone know the wattage I would need to purchase? and how long before I can use it before having to call AAA for a jump?

Thank in advance for your help!

usefull info:
2004 psd
duel batteries
not sure if it has duel alternators

non-usefull info:
4x4
lariet
4" DR lift
18" helo wheels
325/60/18 shoes

Nov 29, 2006 | 08:58 PM

ReAX

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From: Central Florida

Yes, they make some very big inverters. You should find a large gap between the little ones under 150w and 650 watts and up. A 750 should do fine.

http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/inverter_faq.html#size
http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/howmuch.html

According to the second link an Xbox360 and a 19" TV will take 255 watts. Figure you need atleast 300 watts.

Nov 29, 2006 | 09:04 PM

04F-250 stroked

Thread Starter

Senior User

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From: SFV, CALIFORNIA

Thanks for your help!!!!
Would it run a blender for the Margaritas also? Just playing!

Nov 29, 2006 | 09:41 PM

ReAX

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Joined: May 2006

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From: Central Florida

You mean you haven't seen the gas powered blenders?
http://www.totallygross.com/

Nov 29, 2006 | 09:56 PM

04F-250 stroked

Thread Starter

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From: SFV, CALIFORNIA

if it came in diesel would i get more MPG (margaritas per gallon)!!

Last edited by 04F-250 stroked; Nov 29, 2006 at 10:00 PM.

Nov 29, 2006 | 11:09 PM

jake00

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Joined: Apr 2004

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From: NW burbs of chicago

it will depend on the wattage required by the tv and sat reciever (look on back of em)

Nov 30, 2006 | 06:33 AM

RGT

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Joined: Sep 2006

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From: North Central Florida

Would renting a small Honda (quiet) genny be out of the question?

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Nov 30, 2006 | 07:30 AM

Dsl Lover

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From: Northwest OH

To give you an example, my 2001 27" TV draws 132 watts (according to the sticker on the back) Not sure about the sat dish, though. You just need to make sure that yor inverter can handle the initial spike load of the TV turning on.

As far as the blender, no joke, you actually should be able to run a typical 300w blender from a 400w inverter.

The only problem with the less expensive inverters is that they are modified sine wave and can cause lines/static on the screen. There is a huge difference in cost between modified sine wave (Almost all inverters available from your typical Walmart, Target, etc.) compared to true sine wave inverters (Available from campingworld.com, etc.).

Here is the math for battery life using all of a 400w inverter's power.

400w = 33.33 amps @ 12volts (400/12)
Inverter efficiency can vary, so estimate 85% at a high load
33.33 / 0.85 = 39.21 amps.
Typical battery = 70 to 80 amp/hour
80 amp hour x maximum 80% discharge = 64 amp hours max
64 amp hours @ 39.21 amps = ~1.6 hour maximum
Be sure to start your vehicle frequently and let it run for a while.