Power Inverter & Upfitter Switch - Diesel Forum

HoustonPerson · 07-03-2005, 08:53 AM

It would be nice to have a power inverter available at the back of the bed on a F250 - for air pumps, trouble lights etc. Possibly built-in to the bed of the truck on the side (inside of bed). Also, maybe have the "master switch" through the up-fitter switch to keep the power "Off" unless it is being used.

Any suggestions on how and where to install an inverter? Another, and maybe better option would be to install under the bed, so would not have to cut through the bed. Of course that would have to be protected from dirt and mud.

So I am looking for suggestions. Thanks.

racerman_27410 · 07-03-2005, 11:23 AM

being electronic i would not mount any inverter exposed to the outside elements. better to mount it inside the cab and buy a drop cord.

Frank

**Steve Campbell** · 07-03-2005, 11:55 AM

I have one inside in the back for Xbox just remeber you are dealing with 120 volt so I also would not put one outside my truck.

paconstruction · 07-03-2005, 12:05 PM

I mounted my inverter (4000 watt) inside my cross box tool box. I have the wiring ran to the battery but don't have it switched yet, I have jumper cable ends on it and just hook it up when I need it. Eventualy I am going to mount a solinoid or relay of some sort so I can have a switch inside the cab that will supply power to the inverter. I made a cage out of expanded metal to keep tools and stuff from laying on top if it and will later install a weather proof outdoor plug and box at the rear of the bed.

I would not recommend mounting one under the hood due to heat, water and dirt.

Lee [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

HoustonPerson · 07-04-2005, 05:36 AM

As anyone yet, connected an "inverter" to switch on and off from the upfitter switch?

msaskin · 07-04-2005, 01:23 PM

[ QUOTE ]
As anyone yet, connected an "inverter" to switch on and off from the upfitter switch?

[/ QUOTE ]

Easy to do. Get a high current relay (a Glow plug relay will do the trick), run your power straight from the battery through the relay, and then out to the inverter. Then use the upfitter switch of your choice to open/close the switch circuit on the relay.

~matt

HoustonPerson · 07-04-2005, 06:15 PM

Thanks for the input.........I have a lot of choices to make, may just keep the inverter inside the cab for safety etc.

**Kanman** · 07-04-2005, 10:28 PM

When you figure everything out, would you please post your results. Photos would be very nice [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

TexasStroke · 07-17-2006, 03:09 PM

I am looking to install an inverter too, I have a cobra 3000 watt that I had under the back seat in my 2000 but now I can't find a place to mount one. I have the bench front seat and it will not fit under the center seat. Has anyone found a large inverter to mount under the front bench seat?

ramblin_wreck · 07-18-2006, 08:18 PM

I don't see the advantage to using an upfitter switch. The unit has a switch on it. I mounted a circuit breaker with reset on it under the hood close to the battery. I can easily open the breaker if I wanted to, but I never had.

If I remember correctly my inverter draws 300 mA on, but with no load. With the switch off it essentially draws no current at all.

Now that I think of it, maybe if you mount it somewhere not easily reachable I can see the need for a switch.

QtrHorse · 07-18-2006, 10:56 PM

Most inverters will always draw a very, very small amount of power, even when there turned off. It would most likely not cause any problems unless you let your truck sit for 5 days or more.

**CPSS** · 07-19-2006, 11:02 AM

I wired my 1750W inverter with 4/0 welding cables, thru a 175A type "T" fuse, at the battery. At full load the unit draws 170 amps from the battery.

ramblin_wreck · 07-19-2006, 11:42 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Most inverters will always draw a very, very small amount of power, even when there turned off. It would most likely not cause any problems unless you let your truck sit for 5 days or more.

[/ QUOTE ]

I can think of ways to assure it is zero. If a mechanical switch is used, then all the batteries see is a wire hanging off them, right? I design electronics with much, much lower current drains so I don't know how they disconnect them from the batteries.

Are you sure your not thinking of the state where the inverter switch is left on, but without a load attached? I remember seeing a spec for that case, but have never seen a spec for off current drain. If you know of one please share

Since I don't know what kind of switch mine uses, and don't plan on taking the time to learn - I can just open the breaker up if I don't plan on starting the truck for more than a week (which I never do anyway).

justinthurn · 07-19-2006, 06:05 PM

the way i was going to wire mine was to take the wires for the switch on the inverter and run them through the upfitter switch, all it would have taken was to cut the power to one of the switches and use it as an open or closed switch between the two wires for the power inverter. i got lazy and decided not to do it. should have worked great though

trunderw · 08-04-2010, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinthurn

the way i was going to wire mine was to take the wires for the switch on the inverter and run them through the upfitter switch, all it would have taken was to cut the power to one of the switches and use it as an open or closed switch between the two wires for the power inverter. i got lazy and decided not to do it. should have worked great though

I'm pretty sure that you should use a relay instead of pulling this kind of load through the upfitter switches but I'm no expert