[sixty4]

Hi all. I am looking for a power inverter to mount in my truck. I am a Building Contractor, so I need to find something that can run some tools when service is not yet installed to the new homes we frame. I would imagine that I would need something huge to power the compressor for the nail guns and a cirular saw.

Any help would be Great. The problem is I am getting to old to lift the generator in and out of the truck.

Thanks as Always!!

Frank.

 

[my3wags]

Something like this maybe? There largest one can produce 8K watts continuously..... Seems like it would run a compressor

 

[cb1000]

why not a gasoline/lp/diesel generator...that would
certainly save wear and tear on the TRUCK engine....cause
no 8k inverter is gonna run very long w/out killing BOTH
batteries on the truck <w/out the truck idling...>

 

[sixty4]

I own a Honda generator but I am 62 years young. The guys meet me at the job site and its getting heavy to lift in and out of the truck when needed. There must be a way to set up something for what I am looking to do.

Thank you.

Frank.

 

[dwtoolco]

Contract

I don't think that even the best inverter will stand up to the kind of use you are talking about for very long. These things are mainly designed for use with low wattage electrical items (ie.. computers battery chargers, coffee pot, toaster) ALTHOUGH you can use them in a limited sense for power tools. A compressor draws lots of juice(amps) especially at start-up! Even if it works at first, like the last post said it will kill the batteries OR SOMETHING ELSE!!! wouldn't chance it, wiring harness are expensive and worse they are a PITA to put in!

 

[cb1000]

try these guys http://www.realacpower.com/

they make a PTO based generator that mounts
UNDER the truck...50a @ 240 volt and 100a @ 120 volt

consumption is .9gal per hour (better keep an eye on that fuel
gauge cause theres no safe stop...itll run the tank dry if you
let it.)

as i recall they were 2-3 times the cost of a comparable
"portable" generator.

 

[sixty4]

Thanks all..

 

[arisley]

Why not mount a generator in your truck, and just run it from there. Or have the guys that meet you at the job site unload it. You're the boss, they work for you.

Not being a smart a^&, just giving some ideas.

 

[MOUNTAINMAN444]

Sorry, you won't find an inverter that will fit your needs. They would all run down your batteries before you could turn around. If you get one big enough to run a saw it will wear out your batteries very quickly. I believe you'll be better off and less expensive staying with a generator.
Joe

 

[PSDForever]

Buy an inverter generator, like a Honda eu 2000i or eu 3000i. I use a 2000 watt for camping and when I'm out without service. Real quiet and will run about 8 hours on full throttle and 13+ on idle. Only uses 1.1 gallon for that run time. You can shop around and find one for about $859. Weighs about 46 lbs. Others are on the market now copying the Honda.
Dave

 

[HeliPilot]

Yea those little Hondas are great. I know a thing or two about generators too. I install full house systems (80 kW) on the side. I use the 2000i for my motocross trailer and it is so quiet that the fans we run off it make more noise than the gen. My 10 year old can lift it up. I can run my electric pressure washer off it no prob. A gal. of gas goes a loooong way as was previously noted. You can even parallel 2 of them together for 4kW. I'll probably be able to rent mine out for what I paid for it in the next hurricane.....

 

[THEDIESELMAN]

If you don't want to unload it or mount it in your truck just make a little trailer for it and you can just tow it to the site and unhook it and be on your way.

 

[Black05]

Contracting -- Build a boom hoist and bolt it into the truck bed. Use it to lift the generator in and out of the truck. For the cost of an inverter, you can have this setup and buy two or three generators.

 

[vanmantraveler]

OK here is an idea... Run a pair of Batteries under the bed for powering the Inverter, run a 4 gauge wire to a boat power switch or a solenoid relay that turns on only when the truck is running to recharge the batteries from the truck... it is also great if you hook them up with a switch so you can have your own jump start on your truck. We do this for our customers all the time... works great.

 

[sixty4]

Not bad......Hmmmmmm

 

[cb1000]

[ QUOTE ]
OK here is an idea... Run a pair of Batteries under the bed for powering the Inverter, run a 4 gauge wire to a boat power switch or a solenoid relay that turns on only when the truck is running to recharge the batteries from the truck... it is also great if you hook them up with a switch so you can have your own jump start on your truck. We do this for our customers all the time... works great.

[/ QUOTE ]


its a great idea & ive seen others do this...BUT...even THOSE
xtra batteries wont last long w/ the load hes requiring.

 

[jnickisc]

You can get an RV style inverter, plus a couple of deep cycle batteries, to run your power needs.

http://www.tripplite.com/products/inverters/rv.cfm

There's a 2000 watt model with a 4000 watt surge. RV2012.

However, large power draw will quickly drain your batteries even with the vehicle running at high idle. It's fine for short duration high power draw (~5 min.) Normal intermittent use (nail gun compressor, drill, saw etc.) would be fine. You'll use a lot of fuel keeping the vehicle engine running running during high draw use, not to mention the wear and tear.

Have you considered a hitch mounted generator? They make boxes you can mount and run the generator from. This way you wouldn't have to load / unload the genny.

http://www.hayesequipment.com/hayes_products.htm
(Scroll down to GEN-BOX.)

Something like this is likely the easiest and most cost effective solution to your problem.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[vanmantraveler]

I don't draw that much power so it works for me.... I just run a small drill and recharge my batteries for my cordless stuff.... works fine.

 

[12pack]

How about a lift gate for the truck.

It would come in handy for more than lifting the generator in and out.