Question Inverter Project Help Needed!

[duffyatkinson]

I would like to run A/C power to the aluminum bed box in my 2002 Tundra V8. I need help figuring out the best wiring/mounting solution.

I'd like to have access to A/C power for low-wattage lights, radios, small air pumps, cell-phone recharger, and maybe a coffee machine. No blenders, hair dryers, TVs, or other high-torque motors etc would be used.

Here's my ideal specs:

1. Inverter mounted externally
2. Not sure about min size (800W? 1500W?)
3. Two A/C outlets accessible from inside the bed box (maybe cut outlet holes in the box for the plugs with waterproof covers??)
4. Cutoff switch to disconnect the inverter from the battery
5. Power available without the engine running

Q: I've read members recommending installing the larger inverters in the engine compartment close to the battery due to heat buildup issues in the cab, but wouldn't the high ambient heat generated by the engine be an issue as well?

Q: If the inverter IS mounted close to the battery, is it possible to run a cable to carry the 110-120V from the inverter back to the bed box to a waterproof junction box to mount the power plugs in?

Would this address my requirements? It has thermal protection, low battery shutoff sensor, and some sort of ethernet-based remote on/off system: Northern Industrial 1500 Watt Inverter — Model# 11150 | Modified Sinewave | Northern Tool + Equipment

Any recommendations as to inverter brand, size, mounting options, and wiring solutions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks all!

[rambrush]

There is much more info available on this subject over here Power Systems: 12v, Solar, Gen. - Expedition Portal Forums
Bet you will find something.

[duffyatkinson]

Originally Posted by rambrush

There is much more info available on this subject over here Power Systems: 12v, Solar, Gen. - Expedition Portal Forums
Bet you will find something.

No real help there. I need more pointed answers, specifically to the following:

1. I've read from the inverter manufacturers that they do NOT recommend installing inverters under the hood due to moisture and/or ambient heat issues degrading performance, and they strongly recommend that the leads from the supply battery to the inverter be as short as possible, i.e. 6-12" (with one saying 5' max). Well, that doesn't allow a permanent mounting position anywhere BUT the engine compartment (inside the cab not being usable to due to the aforementioned heat buildup isses...) So where are you guys doing your permanent installs?

2. Is there an inverter wattage rating that above which would mandate a dual-battery setup due to the drain level, i.e. 1200W? 1500W?

I'm trying to avoid having the inverter just sitting loose in the bed box and having to connect all the wiring from the battery just to run a damn coffe maker!

Any help would be great here guys. I'm looking for real-world installs, experiences, and things I definitely should avoid doing.

Thanks in advance.

[rambrush]

I see a couple of options:

If the invertor leads can not be run long distance bring the power to it.

Run large cables 10ga = 30amp which should be sufficent. But if its a longer run drop down in size say to a #6.

This hot lead will run to a load center circuit breaker/fuse buss. Run a seperate ground to the frame if possible.

Then you would be in compliance with a short run.

I would suggest a tru sine wave vs a modified to run computer items and some battery chargers..

Ambulance and emergency vehicles utilize inverters and keep them inside there cabs due to heat.

[masterofstuff]

I actually put a 1500/3200 watt inverter into the bottom portion of my center console. I put the duplex outlet, after some modification, where the small recessed tray in the back was. I ran 2ga wire up and out the grommet on the passanger side to my auxillary battery.

I removed the stock air box and put in a custom cold intake which opened up a lot of space for the auxillary battery.
It was a tight fit for the inverter, but it fit. Just remember to put some well placed out of sight vent holes.

[hofkamp83]

for what you want to run a 400 watt would be fine. i have a 400 watt and run a small tv and labtop without problems. modified sine wave is fine because most of the sensitive electronics have the adapters that convert the 110 down to dc volts anyway. i would mount it in the cab just to keep it protected to the elements. just remember the farther away the larger the power cable you will need and then ground to like a seat mount. then i would get some household wiring (14 gauge would be fine but would recommend 12 gauge) with the flexible conduit and run that to back to a weatherproof outlet box.

Andrew