Adding Inverter and Bed Outlet

[mrmo]

After seeing the stock inverter for 110/120v power is only 400w, i didnt order that option on my Willys. Instead Im looking at a custom install using a 1500w inverter to a factory bed outlet. First is the batt needs. How big is the aux batt for the stop/start? Could that be the DC source, using an isolator set up to keep from drawing down the main batt? Im going to eliminate or disable the dumb ass start/ stop anyway. Thinking about the inverter location to be behind one of the rear seats, use one of the aux switches to control it. Otherwise get a deep cycle batt and make an underbody/frame mount for it, in a batt box. something like an Optima lithium or similar

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[Mr._Bill]

The ESS battery is there to keep the computers stable so they don't reboot while the truck is in use. Trying to use it for anything else is asking for all kinds of odd computer and electrical problems.

Check the DIY section for other threads on adding a 120 volt outlet in the bed.
This one may give you some ideas for adding a battery and isolator to power the inverter.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/diy-dual-battery-setup.23232/

 

[Kevin_D]

You’ll want to keep the inverter as close to the battery as possible. A 1500W inverter will draw close to 150A at 12VDC.

Kevin

 

[mrmo]

Ok, thanks for the info and links. So the aux batt isnt a start/stop batt it is for the computer? I thought you could eliminate it. I can get a small lithium that has in the neighborhood of 24AH, and replace the aux and use it. And i might be over doing it on the inverter spec, maybe something in the 1000W range is good. Want to have 120v capability when out in the woods and camping

 

[mrmo]

After reading about the Genisis system i think that is the way to go. One other question, the spot where the 120v receptacle goes in the bed looks like its solid (under the bed liner). Anyone know if there is a removable plate? I will use the factory plug and harness

 

[Mr._Bill]

The secondary battery is referred to as the AUX battery by some, and the ESS battery by others. Its primary purpose is to keep the voltage stable for the computers during ESS events. It doesn't have enough capacity to be very useful as a secondary battery for accessories.

The Genesis system is a good option, and replaces the small secondary battery with a full size one. The Isolator keeps the batteries separated when the engine is not running so that you don't get stranded. There should always be one battery with enough charge to start the engine.

The plate where the outlet goes is removable. There are several threads in the DIY section that cover installing the factory parts to put an outlet there.

 

[Kevin_D]

And i might be over doing it on the inverter spec, maybe something in the 1000W range is good. Want to have 120v capability when out in the woods and camping

Even 1kW is still going to need ~100A at 12VDC into the inverter. Power into the inverter will be a bit more than power out of the inverter (inverters aren’t 100% efficient.) And with that much current, you need big, expensive wire, like 0 or 00. At 120VAC, your current is going to be in the neighborhood of 15A, so you can use 12-gauge wire that is much less expensive.
Also, consider your load: an inverter simply won’t work for some devices. A small generator may be a better answer. More research may be in order.

Kevin

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