yea i know, sorry another thread about power inverters! I'm useless when it comes to electrics so I wanna make sure I'm not gonna FUBAR something! I have searched and learned some info, but just want to make sure. Anyways, my questions:
I have just ordered the dual battery set up from benchmark, I will be running 2 optima yellowtops. I want to run a power inverter (mounted under the seat i guess).

My uses for it will be to charge cell phones, computers, run power tools, fridges, heaters whatever else i need to have going, but nothing too heavy duty. What kind do i need? there seems to be a huge jump between like 500W and 1000W in terms of pricing. I'm guessing that 1000W would be best to make sure i'm covered?

Then in terms of wiring it up...4gauge wire? from the inverter to my aux battery, and to a ground? what about fuses?

am i okay to run a power bar (bunch of outlets) off the inverter and mount that somewhere more accessable that under the seat?

is there anything else I should know with regards to wiring or anything else? sorry for all the questions, but i'm a noob when it comes to electricity and i know there is a wealth of knowledge here! thanks guys!

 

k i think i found the inverter I will get, seems really good for the price
h**p://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/SolarPortablePower/Inverters/PRD~0111871P/Xantrex%2BXpower%2BInverters.jsp

 

That inverter looks fine...

Just make sure to place the fuse as close to the battery as you can, and keep your cable runs as short as possible. The longer the cable the thicker it needs to be.

You'll need a 100-120AMP fuse to get the full 1000W potential out of your inverter (read the manual, should help you with the calculations for this)....so plan for this as well.

When running equipment, try not to overload the inverter, always check the wattage rating on what ever your plugging in.

Cable run info:
1000 Watt Continuous
0 to 6 feet: 4 gauge
7 to 12 feet: 3 gauge
13 to 18 feet: 2 gauge


Fuse recommendations:
300 Watt Continuous: 35 amps
400 Watt Continuous: 50 amps
500 Watt Continuous: 60 amps
800 Watt Continuous: 100 amps
1000 Watt Continuous: 100 amps
1500 Watt Continuous: 200 amps


Enjoy!

 

Look at the items you want to run and find out if any of them need pure sine wave AC. Some things do, but most inverters make modified sine wave AC.
Something to look into.

 

Decent little write-up here on the different applications that might require a pure sine wave inverter....but these are generally not required for most day to day stuff you'll be doing in a Jeep.

http://www.roadtripamerica.com/dashb...-Inverters.htm

"Here are a few devices which could have problems when they are connected to an inverter producing a modified-sine wave signal: oxygen concentrators, fax machines, laser printers, high voltage cordless tool chargers, equipment with variable speed motors, electric shavers, and garage door openers."

 

awesome! thats why i love this site, thanks Atticka!

i'm not planning on running any of those things mentioned so I should be ok with the modified-sine inverter.

do most people mount these under the seats? or could it possibly be under/behind the dash somewhere? just lookin for ideas!

 

One other note: I've been doing research on whether or not you can charge cordless tool batteries (I have an 18V Dewalt kit). I'm getting a lot of different opinions on whether or not you should.

I read a lot of people have no problems doing this, some manufacturers recommend against it....etc... lots of different opinions.

I have my inverter under the front passenger seat.

 

Oh, yeah, thanks Attica. I hadn't thought of that.

 

Some power tool manufacturers (usually the Industrial or Professional side of things) make a car charger for power tools (I know Dewalt does).

 

My please guys glad I could help out.