I want to install a big-ass inverter under my rear seat
#1
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
I want to install a big-ass inverter under my rear seat
I want to install a big-ass inverter under my rear seat, like 1000-watt, for big jobs like charging drones for example, and other stuff. In the JK I've no idea where/how to run the power cables and what I should connect to. Is there an existing write-up with recommendations for this?
#2
Super Moderator
I would run a dedicated power wire to the battery and put a fuse on it. You can run the wire under the plastic molding at the base of the door jams and go into the engine compartment through the glove box area. Behind the batter is an access hole, at least on my 2011. Pull the black insulation behind the battery and you will see a black tape material and behind that is the access.
R/
Will
R/
Will
#5
Super Moderator
#6
JK Enthusiast
Some inverters include an internal relay to switch them on/off, otherwise you'll have to get a relay (sized properly) to do the same thing.
For the switched power, the easiest thing to do is either tap a fuse that is switched by the ignition.
#7
Super Moderator
The only way to do this is via a relay.
Some inverters include an internal relay to switch them on/off, otherwise you'll have to get a relay (sized properly) to do the same thing.
For the switched power, the easiest thing to do is either tap a fuse that is switched by the ignition.
Some inverters include an internal relay to switch them on/off, otherwise you'll have to get a relay (sized properly) to do the same thing.
For the switched power, the easiest thing to do is either tap a fuse that is switched by the ignition.
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#8
JK Jedi Master
I would run a dedicated wire back to the battery. A 1000 watt inverter can draw a lot of amps off the battery.
A circuit breaker on the positive lead near the battery may be a better option than a fuse.
Length of the wire run from battery to inverter plays a big role in determining wire size.
A circuit breaker on the positive lead near the battery may be a better option than a fuse.
Length of the wire run from battery to inverter plays a big role in determining wire size.
#9
Super Moderator
I would run a dedicated wire back to the battery. A 1000 watt inverter can draw a lot of amps off the battery.
A circuit breaker on the positive lead near the battery may be a better option than a fuse.
Length of the wire run from battery to inverter plays a big role in determining wire size.
A circuit breaker on the positive lead near the battery may be a better option than a fuse.
Length of the wire run from battery to inverter plays a big role in determining wire size.
If you want it ignition switched, then use a relay (needs to be a 100amp relay) close to the battery and switch it off one of the fuse spots in the fuse box).
Just so you know... let's estimate that your power line to the inverter is 8 feet long... you will need to use at least 10 gauge wire (though I would likely use 6 gauge)
#10
JK Jedi Master
To be more specific, using the 10 ga wire that jedg mentions above, you'd have just over 11 volts at the end of a ten foot run of wire when drawing maximum current, and assuming that you have a good battery outputting 12.8 VDC. That's a 13% drop in voltage, which is why jedg goes on to say he'd use 6 ga (5% voltage drop). So you'll want to be comparing the input requirement for your inverter versus expected usage scenario, wire size, and wire length. By "usage scenario" I mean situations such as if you have the engine running, you can expect higher battery voltage since the alternator is online. However, if you plan to use this to power some devices while camped for the night, you can expect that 12.8 VDC to be significantly less in the morning--perhaps down into the 10 volt range. You may find this calculator helpful for doing some basic engineering for your install ...
Voltage Drop Calculator
A second spurious thought: If you're thinking you can just plug anything into this inverter, then ensure you buy one that outputs a pure sine wave. Some less expensive ones output something cruder and can damage devices--especially motors.
A drone battery is not a particularly large draw. I used a 400 watt inverter to recharge drone and camera batteries, all simultaneously, without a hitch during the Beehive B-Sides trip.