Inverter - Making life easy

[oxydog]

I have an inverter which, on the SFA, I used to connect using two lugs that were permanently connected to my secondary (deep cycle) battery, which was located in the load bin. Now, however, I want to fit my secondary battery for the Vigo under the bonnet, but that is no good for connecting the inverter (will want to keep it out of the rain etc). Would it be possible for the installers to build something into the load bin, perhaps next to my two hella plugs, which would make it easier to connect and disconnect the inverter? Even better, has anyone found a nice spot inside the vehicle for (perhaps permanently) fitting an inverter?

Thanks chaps

[GI Jane]

The inverter we used on our trip was plugged into the lighter socket in the front cab and we charged camera batteries etc from the main battery. Inverter was on the consol between the two front seats. No problem..

[ThysdJ]

What size inverter?

You can do the Vigo rear seatback "fold forward" mod (posted elsewhere on the forum).. theres a LOT of space behind thet seat. Fit it there, out of harm's way.

[GI Jane]

[quote="ThysdJ"]What size inverter?

Not sure Thys, it plugged into the cigarette lighter, charged the batteries, and worked.... what sizes do they come in?

[JEEPIE]

What size inverter?

You can do the Vigo rear seatback "fold forward" mod (posted elsewhere on the forum).. theres a LOT of space behind thet seat. Fit it there, out of harm's way.

+1

[Mud Dog]

I prefer to keep my inverter 'loose' .... that way I can pack it or use it wherever it's most convenient. I also leave it out of the vehicle when not needed ..... all these 'fitted' gadgets just add unnecessary weight that adds up.

[oxydog]

I prefer to keep my inverter 'loose' .... that way I can pack it or use it wherever it's most convenient. I also leave it out of the vehicle when not needed ..... all these 'fitted' gadgets just add unnecessary weight that adds up.

I also prefer it that way, Andy. I do, however, see a couple of great hints on this thread which I will keep in mind when installing. Thanks everyone.

[WayneSchalk]

Depending on the size of the inverter, I would connect it with an anderson plug,

but then I moved away from using an inverter, everything runs 12v

[ThysdJ]

You dont have to fit it permanently behind the seat, but there sure is space to mount it when required.

Inverters that gets used for more than charging batteries should run off bigger plugs (BH) that can handle the current. I also have a 200W inverter that runs off a cig lighter plug, but that is only for charging batteries and cell phones.. maybe to run my laptop as well..

The best practice is to keep the leads between the battery and the inverter as short as possible..

[Family_Dog]

Inverters should never be run off a cigarette lighter plug unless they are really small Inverters, say, under 75W. But even a 75W Inverter will draw around 6 amps under full load, which will quite likely just burn out the CL socket over time. Fortunately, while charging cellphones and cameras the Inverter is not working flat out and therefore only draws about 3A, if that.

It is always wise to mount the Inverter away from any source of heat (behind the rear seat is a good choice) and then use decent cabling (red & black) directly from your battery, with a suitably rated fuse in the +ve lead no further than 10-20cm from the battery.


-F_D

[Haboob]

[AM Racing]

Depending on the size, i mounted mine above the passenger footwell justr below the ecu's. I made a brackect and it goes there nicely. I have a 1000w btw...

[Hoppy]

Inverters are power hungry, but it depends on what you plug into them. Mine is 300w, it is only used for C phone, laptop, camera and PSP batteries. I found that the original 220v chargers work the best for these units, 12v chargers are expensive and often stuffs up your expensive batteries.
Behind the seat or cubby, as high as possible is the best spots
Use the minimum 1mm/m rule for inverters up to about 800W

[Mud Dog]

Another thing to consider when using an inverter for a prolonged period is ventilation space ...... they can get hot. Mine's 800w (so that I can run a mini angle-grinder off it if needs be), so for the average use it stays fairly cool.