Power inverter anyone?

[scott]

i've got a b&d 400 w and i like it. it will recharge my phone, camera and even my laptop overnight in the field w/o the truck running. plus if i'm running the truck it will power small cutting tools for removing all the nuts and bolts i haven't already cut out and replaced.

[east high]

i've got a b&d 400 w and i like it. it will recharge my phone, camera and even my laptop overnight in the field w/o the truck running. plus if i'm running the truck it will power small cutting tools for removing all the nuts and bolts i haven't already cut out and replaced.

So you're using one of these: http://blackanddecker.com/ProductGui...roductID=17928 and you like it? Do use the little clips to hook it to your battery, or did you find a better way to hook it up?

[scott]

So you're using one of these: http://blackanddecker.com/ProductGui...roductID=17928 and you like it? Do use the little clips to hook it to your battery, or did you find a better way to hook it up?

right now i've a am/fm cd player mounted in an ammo can chained to the spare mount on the back of the center bulkhead. in the can i've a cig light w/ a 1 to 3 plug. in the plug i've got my cb, xm receiver and my inverter. the power into the ammo can is routed via a 12 gauge wire from the fuse that's is not wired to the ignition switch. eventually i will wire it to an aux fuse box power by a 2nd battery that is isolated from all but the charging system

[NickDawson]

The inverter I used is a 800W model from Sams Club (not branded by them, but not a brand I'd seen elsewhere either).

I mounted it on top of my amplifier which in turn is mounted in the flat space between my rear left bench seat and the bulkhead. Its a flat part of of the wheel well that is almost perfectly sized for both devices.

I mounted the amp first, using some rubber plumbing parts that serve as an offset and shock absorbers (about 3/4" high, dense rubber with hole in the middle. They are bolted through the body with nuts underneath. When I went to add the inverter, I got lucky and the mounting holes lined up pretty much in line with the amp. I got more rubber feet (doubled them up to make sure there was plenty of air room for cooling), got longer bolts and effectively clamped the inverter on top of the amp.

Its not completely done - I'm waiting on a relay before I wire it up. I thought about going straight to the battery but didn't want to have to remember to turn if off. The ground is grounded to the body (using the mounting bolt of the left rear bench seat.

[Nium]

The ground is grounded to the body (using the mounting bolt of the left rear bench seat.

What do you mean by "the ground is grounded to the body" that you have tied the "-" 12V DC input to the body. Or is there a "ground" lug on the inverter that you bonded to the body? Did it say to do this in the instructions? Not saying it's wrong just asking for clarity.

[kevkon]

This is all good information, but my original thought was just to add a power point in my truck. Something akin to a cigarette lighter or 12v power outlet. I got the idea when I stumbled upon the black & decker inverter. What I like about this one is that it has various receptor ports types, but what I don't like about it is that it doesn't have a hardwire mounting option. With the little guy above I could plug my ipod into the usb port and my 80s era portable radio could be plugged into the wall-type outlet.

Just make it hardwired or look at other makes like Cobrahttp://www.cobra.com/index.cfm?fusea...product_ID=407

If it's tunes and IPOD use you are after, I'd skip the inverter and get an IPOD capable radio.

[NickDawson]

What do you mean by "the ground is grounded to the body" that you have tied the "-" 12V DC input to the body. Or is there a "ground" lug on the inverter that you bonded to the body? Did it say to do this in the instructions? Not saying it's wrong just asking for clarity.

mis-spoke... sorry (aren't ya'll used to that from me yet?)
There are two terminals on the back + and -
+ (will go) to the battery through a relay
- goes to the body via the bolt for the rear seat.