power inverter in my rig?

[airmanwilliams]

So this last week I looked at a 2012 fj cruiser that had a 110 outlet in the back cargo area and thought AWESOME! Well now im thinking that would be a great idea in any vehicle on/off the trail and really anywhere. So I just got some amazon giftcards from family for my birthday and have started the search for a power inverter and wondered what you guys thought would be a good amount of watts to start with? Thinking of placing it behind my tailgate panel and integrate 2-3 plugs into the panel. One reason for this is that once I get a cpap machine im going to have to find a way to power it when we camp.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

The answer is easy, find out what you need to power and get an inverter capable of it. Check your CPAP machine and see how many watts it takes, add 50% as a cushion and go with it. Keep in mine 12VDC -> 120VAC inverters are generally very demanding on your battery system so if your running something overnight you need to make sure your battery is up to par with the anticipated loads as well. For example many of the Toyota ones are say 500W while the engine is running and just 100W while it is not running.

 

[MikeGyver]

Keep in mind most inverters won't run lots of things such as higly inductive loads (some motors, transformers, microwaves, etc.). This is because instead of an AC sine wave they put out a nasty 'modified' sine wave. Getting a 'true' or 'pure' sine wave inverter is always the best way to go but will cost more, but it also gets out of the the bottom of the barrell crap models into something that will probably actually last.

 

[Kevin B.]

Airman, a buddy of mine who travels with his cpap has a set of batteries that get him through a couple nights before needing a recharge, and charge straight off his 12v plug. Would that be a better solution for you?

 

[gijohn40]

I have a 1000 watt inverter in my truck and when I run my laptop (190 watt) with the engine off it will quickly discharge the battery down to 10 volt limit before it shuts the inverter off... now when I put the 200 watt inverter in and run the laptop it will go all day...

Something else to look at....

 

[Ram-on-Rocks!]

http://www.harborfreight.com/2000-watt-continuous-4000-watt-peak-power-inverter-95596.html
Bought this and have used it extensively. Had a extension cord/light and a cut off wheel both running and had no problems. Ran both for 2 hours (I wouldn't run any longer without starting). Plus if the fuses blow you can change them on this one (never had one blow). Stay away from the cheapy Black and Decker ones. This one only draws the power it's using. Doesn't draw max all the time. Oh! Guess I should say I'm running a 750CCA Optima Blue Top. Stay way from the red tops. Deep cycle batteries are better for having multiple stuff drawing from them and if they do get drained for some reason they don't get damaged.