115V AC power outlet

[RayRay]

sup everybody,

does anyone know if i can get 115V AC power outlet on my sr5? Is it something i can buy and install myself?

ray

 

[Hitman]

Sure, there are plenty of aftermarket power inverters that will convert your 12v system to power common household appliances or laptops etc...

Just do a search on "12v power inverters"

Funny thing is that I actually have the opposite-- a 12v power regulator. It allows me to work on 12v car stuff inside my house. I've used it for everything from testing an auto-dimming mirror to powering an old CB radio.

 

[rando]

The cheapest route is as described above -- just get an inverter and be happy. Trying to add the factory system is prohibitively expensive (more than $500) unless you can get a deal on the parts (maybe at a wrecking yard). If you're still interested, search the forums. There are several threads discussing this topic.

 

[Guest]

Does anybody know the max power output for the stock A/C outlet? Every inverter I've seen has had a max rating... maybe the one for the 4Runner does too, but I haven't got mine so I'm not sure. I'm sure you probably wouldn't want to run anything super high powered off of it such a a microwave or hair dryer... but what else would be ok? What about splitters for multiple devices?

 

[boston_kevin]

115V power outlet capacity

Per page 250-251 in the manual:

"Maximum capacity for this power outlet is 115 VAC/100W. If you attempt to use an appliance that requires more than 115 VAC or 100W, the protection circuit will activate and cut the power supply. The power supply will restart automatically when you use an appliance that operates within the 115VAC/100W limits."

 

[Toy-Man]

The outlet (inside the center console) on my 4R says max 100w.

-TM-

 

[ZonaT4R]

100W isn't that much. Your best bet is to figure out what you really want to use it for, then by an aftermarket unit to support that wattage.

I use mine for tailgating, primarily just a TV, maybe an aux cooler, so I went with a 400Wer...

 

[RayRay]

Thanks for the replys everyone

I plan to use it for charging a laptop. My girlfriend likes to watch movies on it during long car rides. Do you guys know if charging a laptop would be too much wattage? Thanks!

ray

 

[boston_kevin]

laptop should be fine

I run my laptop with GPS in the car all the time... No issues to report. I have run the following with no issue:

Small TV/VCR combo unit
Laptop
Light duty power tools (orbit sander, dremel)
Small fan

 

[rando]

Look at the power brick for you laptop. It should indicate the maximum input power rating. It will say something like 100-240V ~1.5A. In the U.S. this equates to rougly 110V * 1.5A = ~165W max. Unfortunately because inverters generally output a modified sine output signal, the power consumption of your device might actually be higher or lower -- depending on internal circuitry in the power brick.

Even if the maximum is higher than your inverter can supply, it may still work fine. Your laptop is unlikely to consume the maximum power at all times. Typically a ~100W inverter is just about right for a laptop. If you need more power than the OEM system can deliver you can always get a cheapo (Coleman etc) 400W inverter for ~$40. You'll may need to wire it to the battery though since the 12V (cig lighter) adapter can only supply 15A (~180W) max. Due to inverter inefficiency (typically 60% or less), 180W at the input equates to roughly 110W output power.

 

[Guest]

Most laptop power inverters, even though they may be rated for higher, only charge at a rate that roughly equates to 60 watts. Some slightly more, some slightly less, but I feel confident that you will never run into a problem if the only thing you have plugged into your 4Runner is your laptop's A/C adapter.

 

[DaveS]

If you primarily want something for a laptop I would consider a Targus charger for the laptop - they plug direct into the 12V output in any car and can also be used on a plane if there is a powersupply available on board.

If you use something like this

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=PAPWR200U

you can use it with other laptops by swapping the tips.

 

[skategoat]

I just bought a 300w inverter at Canadian Tire for $34.95. And that's Canadian dollars. It's small enough to hide in the centre console or one of the compartments in the back.

 

[jharris2]

If you primarily want something for a laptop I would consider a Targus charger for the laptop - they plug direct into the 12V output in any car and can also be used on a plane if there is a powersupply available on board.

Another alternative is the Juice by iGo. It's a universal power adapter. It's also available from Kensington. Targus and IBM also offer similar products.

I've traveled with the Juice all over the world and it was one of the best investments I ever made. Added a $20 cable so I can charge the cell phone at the same time as the laptop.

 

[estobaughn]

Where is the inverter for the factory option? Can it be replaced with a higher output unit? In a more or less stock fashion.

 

[HokieRunner]

To the best of my knowledge the factory inverter is located above the driver's side wheel well under the cargo area trim. You could probably locate a small aftermarket unit there but I'd suggest forgoing the factory wiring and components if you are going to pulling heavier amps than cellphone charging, etc.

Do a forum search for '115v', 'inverter', etc and you should find some good info.