DC to AC power inverter install

[ChuckH]

Well, despite the fact I screwed up my console in the process, my power inverter is all hooked up and operative. The screwup was that I drilled two holes where I was going to put my AUX. stereo inputs, but then realized they would sit right under where a box end power cord would go. So, I have two extra holes! After realizing the other problem though, I still may put the stereo plugs there. Here's the deal: Not only do power cords with the big boxes on the end cover up those holes, they are also too wide and turn the power switch off when I plug them in. This happened when I plugged my DiscMan in for testing. So, I may need to buy a very short extension cord or some other sort of plug adapter to remedy this problem, meaning the stereo plugs may not be an issue then either. Not sure yet though.

The good news is it seems to work fine. I haven't tried it with the engine running though, but I'm fearing major electrical noise through audio sources. I'll try it this weekend or tomorrow and report back. So far I haven't had any complications from power up routine changes or anything like that.

Oh, the green wires in the picture are the extensions that go to the inverter itself which is mounted up in the dashboard to the left of the glove box. I only mounted the plug and switch down in the console.

Anyway, just thought I'd share my latest project!

[rrdstarr]

You beat me to it! I was going to put it under the passenger seat and have the plug-ins facing out the passenger door! I saw a 650 watt model with two AC plug-ins that I really liked! Okay Chuck, now you get to install mine!

[ChuckH]

Sheesh! Mine's just a wimpy little 150 watt inverter. What are you planning on powering anyway?

Under the seat's a good idea. I already used that space though. It's getting harder and harder to find places to hide stuff!

[OffroadX]

I've got a 650 sitting under my passenger seat too, though I can't exactly have the outlets facing out the door because the DC power cord is too short and the inverter has to be all the way against the transmission hump. I picked up a couple of 1' extensions at Home Depot, they work like a charm. I also got a 15' coiled extension in case I need something like that.

Brent

[mudphud]

I saw a 700 watt one at GI Joes for $70. If you put it under the passenger seat, can you still move the seat back and forth or does the converter get in the way? Also, why would you face the outlet towards the door vs forward?

[OffroadX]

The seat can still move as long as the inverter isn't too tall.
As for the orientation, go outside and open your door and look under the seat and you'll quickly see why you would have the outlets facing the door.

Brent

[beto]

Just read the owners manual (after 2 years - can u believe it?) It says not to use the cigarette plug to plug anything in (just the cig lighter accessory). I was thinking I could use one plug for my inverter and one for my tv/vcr (cig plug type). It also says it only handles 10A or 120 Watts.
Anyone know the reason for not using both as power sources? Are there wiring differences?
Both on the same fuse?

Will running the inverter (300W 2 outlet) off the cig lighter be any worse than using the power outlet? are the front and rear outlets on the same fuse?

[OffroadX]

On the 2000 models anyway, the 2 power points share a single 10A fuse, while the lighter outlet is on its own 15A fuse.

Brent

[Mobycat]

When you guys are talking about 650 and 700 watt inverters, is that the peak power or the steady power?

I was under the impression that anything about a 400watt (what I have - 700 peak) will not have a cigarette lighter plug on it.

[KillerX]

Anything over 400W continuous will not have a cigarette adapter plug and should be directly connected to the battery due to the current draw such a high wattage inverter will have. I just picked up a used 500W inverter off e-bay for something like $35 plus shipping. Works like a charm.

[Goliath the X]

I have run my 300W off every plug in the X, no problems.

Any inverter over 400W should be run directly to the battery IMHO. Just get some 8 guage power wire from a stereo shop and run it to the batter, ground the unit to the bolts for the seat.

I'm planning on running 4 guage into the cabin and into a 6 way fuse block. This will give me plenty of access to power. I would rather have my GPS, Cellphone and power inverter all hard wired. This will probably have to wait until I get a new center console, easier to do it all at once.

You wonder why you would need an inverter larger than 300W. Well, for one reason.... a blender is 375W.

[OffroadX]

Here's a blender that doesn't require any electricity at all!!!


Brent

[Synchro]

Originally posted by OffroadX
Here's a blender that doesn't require any electricity at all!!!

i rememebr being a pic somewhere of a woman holding a blender on the hood of a truck and hooked up to an air hose. the hose ran into the truck next to her and to the air compressor. cheap trail drinks!! way better than a gas powered blender and MUCH smaller. i wish i could remeber where that was and how to get one.

[Schludwiller]

Originally posted by OffroadX
Here's a blender that doesn't require any electricity at all!!!


Brent

G.I. Joes (chain in the NW) has blenders with cigarette adapters for cheap. Low-draw heated blankets too.

[wqbang]

Originally posted by Schludwiller
G.I. Joes (chain in the NW)

G.I. Joes rocks!