Upgrading the power Inverter Questions

[Troybilt]

I have been thinking of upgrading the power inverter from the 400W to lets say a 2,000W inverter. Would there be any issue in doing this like the wiring in not big enough or anything that I am missing?

Does anyone know where the inverter is located? I have yet to look for it.

I would like to be able to run my Porter Cable 6 Gal air compressor and other larger tools from the truck.

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[sass JT]

I was watching a quadratec install video of the new alpine 9” radio... in the video they had to take out the inverter and rework the area for the brains of the new head unit.

the inverter is under the drivers dash on a bracket under the steering column.
I hope this helps.

 

[Troybilt]

I was watching a quadratec install video of the new alpine 9” radio... in the video they had to take out the inverter and rework the area for the brains of the new head unit.

the inverter is under the drivers dash on a bracket under the steering column.
I hope this helps.

So nice and easy to get to

Is there a reset button anywhere if you where to overload it?

 

[Gecko-JKU]

Looking at the install video, you only need to remove the kick panel under the steering colum and about 6 bolts and you should be able to get the inverter out. That being said I would question whether the wiring would be able to handle the draw from a 2k inverter.

 

[Troybilt]

Looking at the install video, you only need to remove the kick panel under the steering colum and about 6 bolts and you should be able to get the inverter out. That being said I would question whether the wiring would be able to handle the draw from a 2k inverter.

I asked a dumb question before looking into it at all. It didn't take me long to figure out that my plan was a dumb one. I'll grab another and try again

Looks like the reset is automatic in the inverter. There is no reset button to push. Once you unplug the device it should rest itself according to the manual.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Watts is amps times volts. So you can figure both ends. Not allowing for heat loss, etc. - assume watts out has to equal watts in.
So some math will tell you about wiring - and yeah, you will need to upgrade some wiring unless the stock wiring was greatly over-sized!
And no one ever does that at the costs of copper these days.
So a 400 watt inverter on 12 volts would be 33 amps draw. (actually a system at rest would be 12.6 volts, running closer to 14 volts. I do automotive electric restoration and upgrades in my shop)
You need to figure the wire size based on the number of feet long of the wire, the volts and the amps draw.
A 2,000 watt inverter at 12 volts could draw 165 amps - that's some heavy wire you'd need! You would need a very hefty breaker to handle it and some big wires - braided wiring to handle the flex and vibration.
I'd have to do some real math to get closer but I'm not so sure you'd want to go that big.
You would need to upgrade the output wiring to the outlet. You are looking at 3 amps up to about 15 amps with the bigger inverter.

All of the above very rough numbers - I could calculate the wire sizes needed if you REALLY wanted to do such a thing......... but 15 amps is the capacity of a typical home outlet.........

 

[jrf]

Definitely going to need bigger wiring for a bigger inverter. However I think you could easily wire the new inverter to the existing outlet locations...and at least it would appear factory. Could probably also use the factory inverter button to control the new one too. Plus gain that space back under the dash where the existing one is.... OR just run a whole new inverter and leave the stock system alone....lots of options.

 

[Troybilt]

Definitely going to need bigger wiring for a bigger inverter. However I think you could easily wire the new inverter to the existing outlet locations...and at least it would appear factory. Could probably also use the factory inverter button to control the new one too. Plus gain that space back under the dash where the existing one is.... OR just run a whole new inverter and leave the stock system alone....lots of options.

After looking into it a bit I would definitely just add another inverter as a stand alone unit leaving the factory one alone. I did not get the inverter in the bed package so I would simply use that knockout provided in the bed.

 

[WhatExit?]

After looking into it a bit I would definitely just add another inverter as a stand alone unit leaving the factory one alone. I did not get the inverter in the bed package so I would simply use that knockout provided in the bed.

Agreed. Given the need for heavier duty wiring you may as well install a new inverter with new wiring and put it in the best location

 

[steffen707]

After looking into it a bit I would definitely just add another inverter as a stand alone unit leaving the factory one alone. I did not get the inverter in the bed package so I would simply use that knockout provided in the bed.

HEY! i'm looking at all this too. Definately need some big wire for 1500-2000 watts. Also need to consider if the alternator can handle all that draw
let me know what you learn.

 

[Troybilt]

HEY! i'm looking at all this too. Definately need some big wire for 1500-2000 watts. Also need to consider if the alternator can handle all that draw
let me know what you learn.

I learned that I cant afford it right now so Im done looking into it for a bit.

I did see that you want to keep your inverter as close to the battery source as you can. A fella on the youtube has a very good video full of info. He is running a key cutting operation out of his van. Ill post it up if I can find it again.

 

[steffen707]

I learned that I cant afford it right now so Im done looking into it for a bit.

I did see that you want to keep your inverter as close to the battery source as you can. A fella on the youtube has a very good video full of info. He is running a key cutting operation out of his van. Ill post it up if I can find it again.

thanks, that would be helpful!

 

[steffen707]

I did see that you want to keep your inverter as close to the battery source as you can.

If its just for the inverter, then i would agree, but i also want to be able to run DC stuff, so i'm thinking of thick gauge wire with battery isolator to the bed with 2nd battery/fridge/12V lights/ect all mounted somewhere back there, also with the inverter.....

It looks very expensive, so its on hold for me too, but I like to dream.

 

[Troybilt]

@steffen707 here you go. I thought he was a Milwaukee guy until he picked up the Dewalt grinder. Maybe he makes bad choices

 

[steffen707]

@steffen707 here you go. I thought he was a Milwaukee guy until he picked up the Dewalt grinder. Maybe he makes bad choices

well this video is useless now.....lol

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