How Big Is Your Power Inverter?

Jay Harding

I want to get a 110v power inverter for my van... How big do I need to get? I want to charge tool batteries, power my laptop...etc

Anyone use one? Any issues with the size you have?

72chevy4x4

I have a small 600w-never had it trip when charging batteries, but only do so one at a time. Next time...I would like to get a larger inverter and wire a few outlets-one in the cab (phone charger, laptio, etc..) and one or two in the back-on either side of the sliding door. whatever you choose, make sure the watts are rated RMS versus peak (the 'gotcha' rating)

rbsremodeling

I am not sure if i feel comfortable discussing the size of my inverter with another man

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RobertCDF

I have a 400 for 1 cordless battery or my laptop and printer. Works fine. Next one I buy will be a 3000 watt or more. Then I can leave my generator elsewere and just start the truck and use the inverter.

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Robert Shaw
Colorado Springs Custom Decks
Colorado Custom Decks
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72chevy4x4

I've considered a Onan generator like what is found in RV's-maybe a used one would be reasonable-to mount under the truck (if possible). The exhaust of a generator gets monotonous after awhile-wouldn't have that problem w/ a large inverter.

the 6.5td diesels have preset idle levels which could be used with a generator and a PTO-never heard of anyone using it for that purpose though.

TempestV

120V x 15amps is 1800 amps, so a 2000 watt inverter would make sense for use with power tools that top out at 15 amps. It would probably work pretty well for a few quick cuts with a skil saw, where you don't want to roll out a generator.

golester

[quote=Jay Harding;352810]I want to get a 110v power inverter for my van... How big do I need to get? I want to charge tool batteries, power my laptop...etc

Anyone use one? Any issues with the size you have?[/quote
2000 watt continous and 400 peak. Bought it at a truck stop, not agent orange or Harbor freight. Keep it well exposed to allow for heat dissipation, mine is under the seat and gets to hot.

mharrold

I purchased the largest invertor available on that day. It is a Craftsman 750 watt (which sounds small but the package said it would meet my needs) to run a Craftsman grinder. Needed it for one job. It would not run the grinder.
It said right on the package "power tools" had hefty looking battery connections but was unable to turn the grinder. I only needed it for one job so I don't know what it will do. All I know is it wouldn't do what I needed.

Not happy with my $80.00 purchase.

woodchuck2

I bought the 2k watt,4k surge inverter from Harbor Freight for $149, it is mounted in my enclosd trailer. It charges batteries with no problems, runs sawzall, grinder, shop lights, propane salemander and even powers up the skil-saw. I have it powered off a 875 CCA marine battery mounted in my enclosed trailer which recharges off the truck when plugged in.