Guys, I've always wondered why somebody doesn't just do a project to install a power converter (somewhere under the hood?) and in the cab install a regular electrical recepticle to plug in the laptop or phone charger, etc?

I've tried using power converters that plug into the power outlet...but they don't seem to last long.

What is the feasibility of doing something like this? I'd almost be willing to bet money that I'm not the only one who has thought about this but I'm not well versed in the electrical world to figure this out on my own.

I'd be interested in hearing comments from the pros.

Thanks!

Joe

 

I can think of no reason this couldn't be done and easily at that. You could either take a small inverter or a larger, RV style unit and hard wire it to the battery, then use RV style, lightweight romex to wire the receptacle inside the cab. I'd recommend using a larger battery or perhaps two batteries if you're going to use this with the engine shutoff much. I'd wire a switch and/or relay to cut power to the inverter when it's not being used.

 

It works great. My Unimog has a 24V system so I installed a 24v to 12V converter to run a radio and my timing light. Mounted in the engine compartment and hooked up at the fuse block.

My Grandfather had a 12Vdc to 120Vac mounted in his truck to run power tools at work sites.

Regards,

Jim

 

I assume you are talking about an Inverter (turns 12V DC into 110V AC) not a converter (turns 110V AC into 12V DC). If so then many people have done it.

I personally had a 1000watt inverter installed under the drivers seat in my 99, wired directly to the battery. Never had any problems with it, and I plan to add it to my 07 when I get around to installing all the stereo equipment. An inverter isn't all that different from a stereo amplifier, so if you have a 1000 watt inverter you can use an installation kit for a 1000 watt amplifier, or just buy similar sized wiring. You will have a hard time finding a place to install a very big inverter under the hood, and most aren't made to be used in that kind of an environment. You are much better off installing it inside the cab.

One thing to mention though, almost all electronics run off DC. By using an inverter you are actually changing DC into AC and then back into DC through the electronic devices charger which wastes a bit of power and creates heat. The best thing to do is try to find a DC converter that will switch directly from 12V DC to whatever DC voltage the device needs. This is usually marked right on the device where the power cord plugs in. This makes much more sense for small items like cell phones, laptop computers (until you get into the big power hungry ones), and cd/mp3 players. Obviously though there aren't that many power tools that run off DC so if you are looking to run tools you will need an inverter.

 

Thanks BS....I'm really more interested for the cell phone charger and the laptop than for any powertools.

That was good to know info guys. I think this may be the first mod.

Thanks!
Joe

 

For the cell phone charger I would definitely just get one that plugs into the cigarrete lighter. Depending on what phone you have you can get them as cheap as $2, then just leave it in the truck. What phone do you have, I can help you find one.

What laptop do you have? As long as it isn't a power hog (like my Dell is) you can probably find a 12V charger for it too. Something like this, although this one doesn't have very good reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001JXAUW/sr=8-1/qid=1181151895/ref=noref/102-5370123-2667318?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1181151895&sr=8-1

 

My wife uses her Toshiba laptop, with a power adapter Beerstaker linked to. That and a cell card and we have mobile internet. It works well for finding a motel while on the road, puling up a map or weather, or her doing her college course work on long trips.

 

The cell phone is pretty easy...it's just mucho easier to carry just a single cord/charger in the laptop bag.

The laptop is a different story. Yup, it's a Dell power hog. I've got the Inspiron 8500 with the big screen. It's an oldie but goodie. Been to Europe and back and all over the US. I bought it for work but use it to store the tunes on too.

 

i just did the inverter thing :

 

Off topic, but you're the ONLY other person I've ever seen who owns a I8500, and a huge ditto on the power hogging issue. That thing'll suck down a battery quicker than I can suck down a 12oz!

 

Ive been thinking about putting an inverter in my truck for work purposes rather than dragging out the generator for little stuff. Im actually looking for a BOAT inverter because most boats run 24v systems and theyre more weather friendly than the others out there. I want to go for like 2000W at 120volts

 

Benny, just be sure you realize how big it is before you buy it. I actually made that mistake when I bought my first inverter. I wanted a 2000watt one so I could power about anything. DIdn't pay attention to how big it was when I bought it. It got ot my house and was way too big to install anywhere in my truck. The thing was like 4" x 14" x 24" or something like that. Way too big to put under any seat or under the hood.

 

Ya i know thats the dilema, they also have to disipate heat, they can be made small and true produce a true syn wave but the smaller the are the more expensive they are. lol. I need it to run small corded tools like a skil saw, chipping hammer,etc. Im still huntin

 

I cant remember what brand I have but it isnt too big physcially. I will try to post a picture of my setup soon. It is a 1000watt continuious. I mounted it behind the back seat on the passenger side. I have an outlet in the back seat, under the dash, and an outdoor style mounted in the bed of my truck to run floresent trailer lighting. It has the ability to remote the on/off switch with small wire, so I put the switch for it up front by my brake controller along with two LED bar graph meters to show load and battery. I also put a few extra switches to use for the high idle mod and LED caution strobes that I have. I will try to get a picture of it if someone is interested.....

 

I think a lot of people here would be interested.