Portable 12v water heater
- Thread starter Bonniem
- Start date
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Space King
New member
The problem is that you can only pull 300W from the inverter when the vehicle isn't running. While it's running, that outlet is clamped down to 100W. 300W is a battery drainer, and could leave you in a no-start condition in relatively short order (depending on the capacity and condition of your battery).
Bumbo
New member
If this is for small volume consumption or just to take the edge off a jug of cold water for handwash or shower, then its significantly faster and more efficient to just use something like a gas operated Jetboil unit.
If you want to use something like this, regardless of if its inverted DC-AC to direct DC, you are going to need to improve the electrical in the truck, both with an additional battery and or a more capable inverter.
If you want to use something like this, regardless of if its inverted DC-AC to direct DC, you are going to need to improve the electrical in the truck, both with an additional battery and or a more capable inverter.
Jetboy
New member
Boil water for a shower or for consumption.
If it's for a shower - I wouldn't even consider this. The thermal loss from the water container will exceed the ability to warm it very much so you probably won't ever get a hot shower. In that case I'd either get a propane camp shower setup or heat up water on a camp stove. I use a solar shower or a cold shower. The old bushranger water heaters supposedly worked pretty good (they use the heater circuit fluid through a heat exchanger to warm up water).
If it's for food consumption - I'd still get a jeboil.
I have this cheapo kit. $25 plus a can of fuel for another $5ish. Lives in my 4Runner. I use it frequently and it works great. Amazon.com : AnimaMiracle 18 Pcs Camping Cookware Set Hiking Camping Backpacking Gear & Camping Outdoors Survival Utensils Cooking Equipment Cooking pots Mini pan, Lightweight, Camping Mess kit With Fire Starter : Sports & Outdoors
If you're just heating up a small amount of water a little bit - I guess that might work.
If it's for a shower - I wouldn't even consider this. The thermal loss from the water container will exceed the ability to warm it very much so you probably won't ever get a hot shower. In that case I'd either get a propane camp shower setup or heat up water on a camp stove. I use a solar shower or a cold shower. The old bushranger water heaters supposedly worked pretty good (they use the heater circuit fluid through a heat exchanger to warm up water).
If it's for food consumption - I'd still get a jeboil.
I have this cheapo kit. $25 plus a can of fuel for another $5ish. Lives in my 4Runner. I use it frequently and it works great. Amazon.com : AnimaMiracle 18 Pcs Camping Cookware Set Hiking Camping Backpacking Gear & Camping Outdoors Survival Utensils Cooking Equipment Cooking pots Mini pan, Lightweight, Camping Mess kit With Fire Starter : Sports & Outdoors
If you're just heating up a small amount of water a little bit - I guess that might work.
BobsTrail
Senior Member
It's cheap, buy one and try it at home.
IMO - The 120v unit should work fine. Engine running, shift in park. It will take 2.5 amps from the inverter and the inverter will take 25 amps from the T4. The inverter is on a 40 amp line and fuse.
I expect the alternator will keep up and the battery will not be discharged. If concerned, run it for another minute after the heater is finished. :tea:
IMO - The 120v unit should work fine. Engine running, shift in park. It will take 2.5 amps from the inverter and the inverter will take 25 amps from the T4. The inverter is on a 40 amp line and fuse.
I expect the alternator will keep up and the battery will not be discharged. If concerned, run it for another minute after the heater is finished. :tea:
