Need help mounting inverter

[Domoso]

I live in Florida and due to all the hurricanes I decided to purchase an inverter to be able to run a fan and TV in the event the lights went off which they did......many times....for several days. I got good use out of the inverter but, it wasn't mounted in the car. I just had cables running from the car into the garage.

Anyway, now I'd like to mount the inverter. Due to the operating temp. specifications mounting it in the engine compartment is not viable. So I think the trunk would be an appropriate place. I've got the spot and am all ready to start drilling holes for mounting bolts. Then it occurs to me: How am I going to run the cable from the trunk to the engine compartment to the battery. This is where I need some assistance from someone that has run cables from the trunk to the engine compartment. Whats the best way? Through the car or under the car? I think under the car would be best as I don't have to tear up the upholstery to hide the cable or figure out a way to run the cable through the firewall.

First I looked for a drainplug in the trunk and found one that would be suitable to run the cable through the trunk to the underside of the car. But, now I'm wondering how should I run the cable under the car. Any ideas?

[Bmaintz]

I would be concerned of the Current (amps) draw & lenght & guage of your cable... I have installed 2-way radios that kicked out 130 watts at a 25 amp drain (dims headlights)... I would also consider some type of cooling fan (12volts DC)... Give the premiters so we can be of help.... Why not mount near the battery & install a protective cover with a cooling fan??..Bob

[Domoso]

Originally Posted by Bmaintz

I would be concerned of the Current (amps) draw & lenght & guage of your cable... I have installed 2-way radios that kicked out 130 watts at a 25 amp drain (dims headlights)... I would also consider some type of cooling fan (12volts DC)... Give the premiters so we can be of help.... Why not mount near the battery & install a protective cover with a cooling fan??..Bob

It's a 700 watt inverter. I currently have 6 gauge wire with an inline fuse as suggested by the instructions for runs of 10' or more. Like I said, I was using the inverter in the garage with the cable running to the battery during the power outages.

The inverter has a built in cooling fan. It isn't hard to see that having a running engine will quickly heat the engine compartment beyond the limits of the inverter (140 F). I want to be able to use the inverter while in motion with a laptop or other AC powered appliances. This is why I've decided on the trunk for the mount point.

[Domoso]

bump

[Bmaintz]

A good way to see if your guage of wire is heavy enough is to temparily hook up outside the Camry with the length of wire needed including the fuse if you use it.... Measure voltage at your Camry's battery & then at the converter with the typical load you plan on running.... This will give you a voltage drop.... I would say if you had more than a 1/2 volt to use larger wire.... Bob

[Domoso]

Originally Posted by Bmaintz

A good way to see if your guage of wire is heavy enough is to temparily hook up outside the Camry with the length of wire needed including the fuse if you use it.... Measure voltage at your Camry's battery & then at the converter with the typical load you plan on running.... This will give you a voltage drop.... I would say if you had more than a 1/2 volt to use larger wire.... Bob

Ok, lets assume the gauge of wire is sufficient. Now, what would be the best route to run the cable under the body of the car and into the engine compartment?

[Bmaintz]

I would go under the carpet near the door edge, other electrical wires are there.... You should be able to drill through the firewall & seal up, make sure you use a rubber gorrmet in the firewall hole.... When we installed the 2-ways for Motorola we woul drill a 3/4" hole & use a rubber gorrmet designed to fit a 3/4" hole... Bob