power invertor

Register to hide this ad
J.A. said:
100 watts located in the driver side cargo panel.
By cargo panel you mean the very back, like where the floor jack is stored? So basically there are 12v lines that run all the way back, then 120V lines that run all the way back to the front to the center console? Also there would be a lenght of wire running from the switch to the rear. Seems kinda round about.

I have an 800 watt inverter that I was planning on replacing the stock inverter with, but I dont know if simply swappin it out would be a good idea for a couple reasons:
-Most writeups on power inverters say to keep the length of wire between the battery and the inverter as minimal as possible, preferably under 4 ft. Im not entirely sure why but it has something to do with the quality of the sine wave that is outputted.
- going from an inverter that draws 100w to one that draws 800w, the stock wiring from battery to inverter might not be thick enough to handle the increased power. Same problem could occur with the 120v out wires but probably not.

I will probably just mount my 800w inverter in my engine compartment, wire in some household wall sockets up front and in the rear, connect the stock switch to control the power inverter, and do away with the stock inverter. Expect a write up soon, and if anyone wants a 100w power inverter let me know.
 
Yes as in the very back. I wouldnt do a simple swap as the factory wiring will not support the increased load. Also wouldnt mount it in an area such as underhood as it will be exposed to water there.
 
J.A. said:
wouldnt mount it in an area such as underhood as it will be exposed to water there.

Oh thats a good point. Ill have to rethink that. Hopefully theres room to bolt it up against the firewall (inside)
 
dylanc said:
By cargo panel you mean the very back, like where the floor jack is stored? So basically there are 12v lines that run all the way back, then 120V lines that run all the way back to the front to the center console? Also there would be a lenght of wire running from the switch to the rear. Seems kinda round about.

I have an 800 watt inverter that I was planning on replacing the stock inverter with, but I dont know if simply swappin it out would be a good idea for a couple reasons:
-Most writeups on power inverters say to keep the length of wire between the battery and the inverter as minimal as possible, preferably under 4 ft. Im not entirely sure why but it has something to do with the quality of the sine wave that is outputted.
- going from an inverter that draws 100w to one that draws 800w, the stock wiring from battery to inverter might not be thick enough to handle the increased power. Same problem could occur with the 120v out wires but probably not.

I will probably just mount my 800w inverter in my engine compartment, wire in some household wall sockets up front and in the rear, connect the stock switch to control the power inverter, and do away with the stock inverter. Expect a write up soon, and if anyone wants a 100w power inverter let me know.

Mounting it in the engine compartment might be the way to go, just take into account heat form the engine; inverters get hot on their own. As far as the length of cable goes, a battery is DC and does not send power in a sine wave. Sine waves alternate between positive and negative values (in this case, positive and negative voltages) and a battery has a more or less constant positive current. Shorter wires are better for efficiency. Make sure you use low gauge wires from the battery to the inverter.
 
I would DEFINITELY upgrade the wiring to be used with the aftermarket unit (both to the inverter, and from it).
And I definitely wouldn't suggest mounting it in the engine compartment. Unless the inverter is waterproof, you'll have problems with it there. Aside from the obvious water & electricity problems (let's see, short circuiting, electrical shock, fire, etc), you would also have corrosion problems. You also have the immense heat buildup from the hot thingy next to it (the engine) which would probably lead to premature failure. If you were to build an enclosure to protect it from the moisture, my guess is you'd still be in the same boat and it most likely wouldn't have the ventilation needed for the heatsinks to keep it cool.

If you use the right size wire, you shouldn't have any problem mounting it under a seat, or in the back. If you mount it under the seat, make sure you face the fans towards the back or you will always have the hot air blowing on your feet. That would drive me nuts! Of course, you could always try mounting it in the factory position and see whether or not you have thermal issues.

Again, just make sure you use the correct wire size. Factory size wires will not do. Except for the switch wiring which you can have control a relay to turn your inverter on & off.
 
Last edited:

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,306
Messages
3,554,045
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top