Power Inverters

[Tulebox]

I've been thinking about getting a power inverter so that I can run corded power tools remotely (electric drill, reciprocating saw, & circular saw...individually, not all 3 going at once).

I'm thinking something in the 1,500+ watt range.

How fast would this drain my battery & which battery should I hook it up to if I decided to get one?

[chris u]

I would not recommend running power tools off of your truck batteries as it would drain them quiet quickly. If you decide to it needs to be hooked to the passenger side batt. What I would do is buy a small generator to run your tools I have a 1100 watt honda it works very well and is more portable than a truck. Just my opinion.

[u2slow]

I went with a Tundra 1800W inverter in my service van. That's for power tools and my small laser printer (even the little ones pull ~5A and need something a little smoother than a square wave output.)

It was suggested I go with a pair of dedicated 6V golf cart batteries to have some good runtime. I went with a single 12V group 31 deep-cycle gel cell. I can usually keep the van running when I'm using hungry tools, so the reduced amp-hours isn't a big deal.

I added an ACR (automatic charging relay) to keep the gel and cranking batteries separate, yet keep the gel battery charged. Pics are in my gallery.


If you really want to stick with 2 batteries, replace one with a deep-cycle, and manage the bank with and ACR and a bridging switch. That way you can bring them both online for cranking, but otherwise keep the deep cycle charged and separate. Blue Sea Systems make some nice products.


Consider your usage though, and the involved installation. A small, cheap generator supplemented by a 100-300W cig. lighter inverter might suit you needs and wallet better.

[m_beeson]

I have a 1500 watt inverter in my work trailer. I just put a deep cycle in a plastic battery box, and wired it up. Mounted it under a shelf.

I don't use it much but it's nice when I need it. I was thinking about going with a solar charger to keep it topped off, but I don't drain it that quickly. Usually I have an outlet handy that I can utilize.

After I have used it I will put a charge on the battery, but the times that I do use it are few, and far between.

[drinkypoo]

1500W = 125A. No stock F-series alternator can do this sustained so the slack has to come from the battery. Indeed, auto alternators are not specified at a 100% duty rating, so even the 130A Taurus alternator can't do this sustained. You'd need a 200A alternator with a serpentine belt and the engine idle set high or you're running off the batteries. Now go away, John Marsh the spammer.

400 watts is basically trivial by comparison: 400=12*A for 33 1/3 amps. This is not a big draw for two batteries unless it goes on too long, and the stock alternator can put it out at high RPM, or a swap alternator at moderate RPM.