12-volt Outlets
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Got looking under the dash today and found the bundle of wires for the upfitter switches. Instead of the four wires described in the on-line literature I see a bundle of 12 blunt-cut and shrink-wrapped wires. What's up with that?
I am thinking if using the 25A #1 or #2 upfitter switch to power the 12V outlet under the front middle seat. The challenge will be (a) how to get the wire there and (b) how to get that 12V socket out for re-wiring.
I am thinking if using the 25A #1 or #2 upfitter switch to power the 12V outlet under the front middle seat. The challenge will be (a) how to get the wire there and (b) how to get that 12V socket out for re-wiring.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 83
I may be completely incorrect with my math here but my guess is 1.36 amps since the plug is 110v and is rated for 150 watts.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 1
From: Corinth, TX
using ohm's law, it's 1.25 max amps on the circuit @ 150w if we assume that the "110v" is actually "120v", which it may or may not be. *usually* AC power is generated at 120v and diminished to 110v by the time it gets to the plug in your house. Inverters are sometimes configured to supply 120v while being labeled 110... it would take a voltmeter to really know... and either way it really won't matter 
since amps = watts / volts
1.25 = 150 / 120
it's better to assume 120v and err on the side of caution. whatever you plug in won't really care if it's 110 or 120... I personally wouldn't put more than a 1.1 amp load on it anyway. most things that one might plug into the builtin inverter will be rated at less than 150w and less than 1amp. using a power strip or other multi-plug device there is not recommended.
since amps = watts / volts
1.25 = 150 / 120
it's better to assume 120v and err on the side of caution. whatever you plug in won't really care if it's 110 or 120... I personally wouldn't put more than a 1.1 amp load on it anyway. most things that one might plug into the builtin inverter will be rated at less than 150w and less than 1amp. using a power strip or other multi-plug device there is not recommended.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 83
As djjoshuad said, erroring on the side of caution is always a good rule.
On a side note, I have 119v at the AC plug to my PC according to the volt meter. I've never seen 100v and would actually concern me but voltage all depends on the area.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 1
From: Corinth, TX
you just made me notice a typo in my post . I meant that it diminishes to 110, not 100v. 100v might be cause for alarm lol
regarding pure sine wave, I would assume that this inverter does not generate pure sine. Not many devices require it, especially not ones that a typical person would bring into the truck, but it is a good thing to check for.
. I meant that it diminishes to 110, not 100v. 100v might be cause for alarm lolregarding pure sine wave, I would assume that this inverter does not generate pure sine. Not many devices require it, especially not ones that a typical person would bring into the truck, but it is a good thing to check for.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Today I connected one line (Aux 3) to a 12v outlet I added under the dash, and I plugged my GPS into that. So now the GPS turns on and off with the ignition, or I can leave the switch off and leave the GPS off.
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
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Alberta, Canada
I have installed a few inverters and I would suggest using the upfitter switch with a relay to maybe trigger the inverter but not for direct power hook up. Here is some info from a 400 watt SW inverter I'm going to install in the truck.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope this helps.
Rick
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the best load starting performance, the DC cables should be as short
and large as possible. See Table 2-1 for minimum recommended cable
size. Using a smaller cable may cause the inverter to shut down under
heavy load. A larger cable may be used.
and large as possible. See Table 2-1 for minimum recommended cable
size. Using a smaller cable may cause the inverter to shut down under
heavy load. A larger cable may be used.
Table 2-1
Minimum Recommended DC Input Cable (copper) — AWG
Cable Length: Battery to Inverter
(each cable)
Minimum Recommended
Cable Size — AWG
(each cable)
Minimum Recommended
Cable Size — AWG
0–10 feet (0–3 meters) No. 6
10–15 feet (3–4.5 meters) No. 4
15–30 feet (4.5–9 meters) No. 2
30–40 feet (9–12 meters) No. 010–15 feet (3–4.5 meters) No. 4
15–30 feet (4.5–9 meters) No. 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope this helps.
Rick
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
Good point! I was very happy to find that this factory inverter does provide clean enough power to charge the Makita Li-ion 18V batts, which requires a nice sine wave. That darn Makita charger is more sensitive than my computer!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 295
Likes: 1
From: Louisiana
That group of wires is for the SEIC/PTO controls. The four wires for the upfitters are closer to the dash and there are only four wires in that bundle. Just so you will know.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Ok, got another one wired up. I took apart the the lower centre storage bin under the front middle seat, removed the 12V outlet that's in the bin, then clipped the always-on wire that leads to the 12V outlet, and tapped in a new wire that I ran from the Aux 1 upfitter switch. It now powers a small inverter and two 12V outlets for the rear seat.
So now if the kids are acting up I can threaten to turn off all their electronic toys. Heh heh heh.
So now if the kids are acting up I can threaten to turn off all their electronic toys. Heh heh heh.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
zeus77
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Jul 24, 2012 11:41 PM
lexustbs
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
11
Jul 28, 2011 09:04 PM
