Just been looking around the web and found some nice power inverters. Before I decide on any, I wanted to know from the people that have had them in the past the pros and cons of different models and how much power to get, what they use it for, where they located it and how its hooked up?

Found a few on this website that has alot of other accessories for CB's too. Nice website and good prices.
Walcott CB: Power Inverters

Pics would be great too. Thanks,
Angelo

I have a mid-sized Alpine unit, plugs into the cig lighter, got it 4 years ago.
Used in the truck, on the boat, and in the RV trailer.
Mostly charges cell phone/camera/computer/etc batteries.

The dividing lines seem to be what you want it for...
For small battery chargers only,
For heavy chargers like laptop pc's and power tools,
For power tools.

I have a 300 watt that i took apart and mounted in the dash of my suburban. I took the 110 plug out of the side of the inverter housing and rewired it and flush mounted the plug outlet in a blank plat right on the dash. it is very easy to do and i could tell you how. i can post a pic if you want. i also sell them. pm me if you want more info <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Defintially, any help or tips would be greatly appreciated. I'm that kind of person that researches everything and every possiblility to make sure I do it right the first time to avoid further customizing and purchasing of different items in the future.

You have a website of the inverters you sell. Plus, I'm not a pro on these things so would they be a pretty well known brand compared to the leading brands? What kind of power do I need to run small plug-in compressors, small tvs, battery chargers, electrical coolers and such. Nothing major like tools.

PM me the pics or you can post them for others to view in the future for tips and such.

Thanks,
Angelo

I would actually be interested in flush mounting an outlet in my dash.Been looking at inverters lately too.Camping season is quickly approaching.

Here are a few pictures of mine (400W Vector Marine model) - big enough to run a decent air compressor or an electric drill, etc. From the battery, the wiring runs through an 85A continuous duty marine relay, through a 70A circuit breaker (mounted in front of the battery) to protect the feed to the rear in case of a short from an accident, then feeds a 50A main breaker which supplies the inverter (with 2 110VAC outlets) and two 12v outlets (one on each side). The inverter is fused and the 12V outlets are on breakers. Click on the thumbnails for a larger image:













Frank

Whats up Frank, you've posted that before. I remember now, Very nice work and clean I might add. What exactly are the switches for. Cant wait to wheel with you guys down South next time and check it all out. Great work again! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Angelo

Let me tell you all the setups on Frank's Montero will blow your mind, it is so clean and so well thought that you'll wish to be able to make a download to Frank's brain <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />
All the details are way cool and I bet that all of those who went on our last N Georgia Trail bash will agree.
great job Frank... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
I think this is another project i want to do as well.

1) The top breaker switch (5A red one) labeled "Master" triggers the 85A continuous duty relay at the battery to put juice in the feed wire that runs through the fender to the rear power terminal post junction. Power to feed the breaker runs through the ignition switch to make sure it can't be left on with the ignition turned off.

2) The next one labeled "12 Volt" is a 50A breaker that serves as a main breaker and throws power from the power post junction to a smaller junction terminal which supplies power to the inverter and to the two lower "Port" and "Starboard" breakers. When the "12 Volt" breaker is thrown, the inverter is live (if the inverter switch is turned on) and power is available at the lower two 12v breakers.

3 & 4) These are individual 10A breakers that protect the 12v receptacles (each rated at 15A).

Larger inverters are available, but require heavier wiring. I'm happy to have the use of a fridge, battery charger and air compressor with convenient outlets on each side. If a second battery is desired, the inverter can handle a small charger for it as well. What makes the whole package work without a fuss is the HO alternator feeding a Concorde 100AH AGM battery that takes the alternator charge in a hurry - supposedly up to 10-15 times faster than a regular lead acid flooded cell battery.

Frank

I dont know what you said, but it sounded good <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" /> J/k. I got most of it, but still would like to look into something like that. Maybe not exactly like that, but sounds like it was well thought through <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> Maybe one day when we meet, you can show me in more detail. I work in Rock Hill, so feel free to come over and make me something like that <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Of course, I might take the more simple approach to installing an inverter, but yours just put more ideas in my head. Thanks Frank, now I have to add something else to my loooooong list of things to do. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Great work again,
Angelo