screw the inverter.. i want an OUTLET

[Jc12]

Okay so i know im not the first.. but i dont know if anyone has done a write up.. I saw some cool hardwired power inverters, but i decided i'd rather have a household outlet in the back (power computers, speakers when camping etc) rather than doing the inverter.. hiding it somewhere and having to find it when you want to plug in..

**DISCLAIMER : i know it is UGLY at the moment.. i am going to paint the hardware and trim back the molding so that its not so big and intrusive, any ideas?

Rmoved the ash tray ( i dont smoke )

got the hardware

wired it up

and woahla!

 

[Jc12]

these photos make it look much much worse .. and slightly angled, but like i said - i am going to paint it OEM color and make the outlet housing a snug fit to fill in the empty space around the actual outlet

 

[Dous]

Oh wow, very homey!

 

[bolantej]

Once you paint it, it won't stand out so much. So basically, it's just an extension cord?

 

[Jc12]

Once you paint it, it won't stand out so much. So basically, it's just an extension cord?

Hahaha yes 100% extension cord. But the plan is to have less clutter (it's for laptops on my roady trips primarily). But the best part is 90 percent of the time I use it I'll have an extension cord plugged in . Haha .. I'm just a tinker'er. If it ain't broke.. Fix it until it is.

 

[TheDurk]

...at least use a brown cordset. That white stands out.

 

[CaliCal]

lol, I like it

 

[Jc12]

...at least use a brown cordset. That white stands out.

Bahaha i knowwww its all going to be painted and tucked away better with a switch installed.. dont worry this is step one of ... lets say 3

 

[riffman12]

now hang a nice lamp in there and install the fireplace

 

[JohnsD90]

You still have an inverter, and now an ugly house outlet and extension cord.

 

[Ghosty]

You still have an inverter, and now an ugly house outlet and extension cord.

+1

Umm yeah even painted, seems goofy to me. Sorry, just my opinion. But if it works for you, without creating a fire hazard or fry your electrical system, that's cool.

I had one of those cheap power inverters in the past and it made an awful humming sound. I didn't trust it. Are they better quality nowadays?

 

[bolantej]

and...now you have a use for that old 36" tube television!

 

[JohnsD90]

+1

Umm yeah even painted, seems goofy to me. Sorry, just my opinion. But if it works for you, without creating a fire hazard or fry your electrical system, that's cool.

I had one of those cheap power inverters in the past and it made an awful humming sound. I didn't trust it. Are they better quality nowadays?

Inverters make that noise.

 

[Ghosty]

Even louder than a typical MetalHalide ballast? This was very noticeable, maybe mine was faulty, who knows.

 

[tbst]

Why not use some sheet metal screws and just screw the inverter under the seat. Since no one will come out and say it, it looks bad, IMO. It would look much more clean just under the seat, sticking out so it is easily accessible.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I remember recently seeing a post by someone that did a fantastic job of building in power outlets. I don't remember who it was, but I bet if you kept looking you would find it.

 

[GladeRunner]

I know Antpwr did a write-up on his set up. He hid his inverter opposite of the OP and also put one up front,passenger side.

the plugs are good ideas, so no need to rag on the OP. Everybody does different mods and different ideas. Do whats best for you.

 

[Jc12]

Okay so haha i must not have made the original point clear enough.. those photos were just of the very beginning. I am mounting the inverter and wiring a switch up front so you wont see ANYthing but the outlet. I painted the outlet and in the photo the flash really threw off the color but i swear it matches the seats quite nicely..still an ugly beige so when i find a more direct match ill re paint as i need to touch up some other pieces. The face is still too big IMO but the best part about it is i never sit in the back so rarely have to see it I have had several inverters mounted in different cars but i personally like the outlet.. it doesnt look "GOOD" but i had some fun doing it and its a nice conversation piece when camping. I am going to wire a deep cycle to it and of course.. pack an extension cord