C10 Inverter Installs

[68 C10 Driver]

Anyone install a 12vdc to 120 vac inverter in their truck?

If so, how did you do the install and do you have any photos?

Thanks in advance!

[Wrenchbender Ret]

I didn't install it but I use one all the time with it. I use the clamps on the cables to a hot 12 volts & ground. I plug the charger for my mobility scooter into it & charge the batteries while i'm driving. I don't want to use it while parked as it may run down the truck bat.
Just make Shure you get one to handle the load you are going to put on it.

George

[MARKDTN]

What do you want to power? Are you trying to weld or run a compressor or just run a light bulb? How "clean" do you need the power to be? Inverters come in many sizes from tiny to huge (both in physical size and capacity). Some are waterproof, some are not. Kinda depends on what you intend to do with it.

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by MARKDTN

What do you want to power? Are you trying to weld or run a compressor or just run a light bulb? How "clean" do you need the power to be? Inverters come in many sizes from tiny to huge (both in physical size and capacity). Some are waterproof, some are not. Kinda depends on what you intend to do with it.

The primary purpose would be to power to operate or charge a laptop while on a trip. The inverter wouldn't need to be that big, maybe 400 watts at the low end, really no need for anything bigger than 800 watts if I need power for a corded power tool or vacuum cleaner. I will have a couple USB outlets available for keeping the phone charged.

[weq92f]

Originally Posted by 68 C10 Driver

The primary purpose would be to power to operate or charge a laptop while on a trip. The inverter wouldn't need to be that big, maybe 400 watts at the low end, really no need for anything bigger than 800 watts if I need power for a corded power tool or vacuum cleaner. I will have a couple USB outlets available for keeping the phone charged.

I bought this over 20 years ago for just that purpose. It works just fine...

-klb

[54blackhornet]

I have this one that at one time powered my cabin. Very high quality item. Runs sensitive electronics without worry. It just sits now.

[franken]

The OP may want to look at the power supply for the laptop for the voltage output. If it's 12V, why convert DC to AC, then back to DC?

[MARKDTN]

Originally Posted by franken

The OP may want to look at the power supply for the laptop for the voltage output. If it's 12V, why convert DC to AC, then back to DC?

Agree.

We use Eaton/Bussmann inverters at work but they are bigger ones like 1800 or more Watts. Looks like Eaton has a smaller line though. PINV600SW-120 is a 600W one. It was like $168 when I searched. This would be permanently installed, not a cigar lighter plug style. I like to see these as close to the battery as possible to minimize voltage drop and also minimize exposed cables but with the right size wire it could go many places.

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by franken

The OP may want to look at the power supply for the laptop for the voltage output. If it's 12V, why convert DC to AC, then back to DC?

It wouldn't be just for my laptop, I would also use it to recharge the batteries on my power tools as well. It is just a convenience to have. The laptop uses a 120v plug, and I want to use the power adapter it came with so I do not void the warranty. I will also use this inverter to power my video camera when I go on drives.

I was thinking of using 4 or 6 ga power wires to the primary terminals from the battery. I just want to ensure they are big enough so they do not heat up.