Inverter Question.

I use the inverter Loves sells. 2000 watt, first one died in 3 months, second one is still in use after 9 mos, although it's starting to make noise. It also runs 24/7. If you have to cash and plan on it being used a lot, go for a good one, pure sin wave lets you use it on more sensitive electronics and most likely last longer. Check these out:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s... sine wave&sprefix=1000+watt+inverter,aps,452

 

Tell them a 1000 watt inverter won't run a microwave that you need at least a 1500 watt inverter. Then you can buy you a cheap 700 watt microwave to heat stuff. If you don't want a microwave then a 1000 watt will do you.

I've used Cobra my whole time on the road and never had a problem. I started with a 400 watt and gradually worked my way up to 2500 watts. You'll end up with a 2500 watt one day so you might as well break down and buy one or you'll be like me and have a closet full of them. They are cheaper on Amazon

 

Op, you are on the right track. If the inverter is going to be used to run more than one device at a time, the power requirements for all devices should be added up to figure out how many watts the inverter needs to be. Another important point is the surge requirement to start the device. An example would be an electric motor, such as a fan. Inexpensive inverters typically do not use a transformer and are capable of very little surge.

The second thing is the power input requirement. Inverters can accept many input voltages from 12 volts all the way up to 400 volts. Most trucks only have a 12 volt charging system but can also have have a 24 or 48 volt systems. Choosing the wrong voltage could destroy the inverter. I know because I have a dead inverter right now for this same reason.

Another important thing to consider is the type of wave form. Sensitive equipment will need to have what is known as a pure sine wave in order to operate correctly. Devices such as a tv will get a horizontal bar of interference with an inverter that does not produce a sine wave output. Some portable refrigerators also require a sine wave in order to start the compressor.

 

Before.u spend yo money u need 2 ask the company ur gonna work 4 what is the largest inverter you can have my company I could only have a 400wt their excuse is they had trks 2.burn up from the inverter ova 400
If your gonna have microwave u need 2000 or better

 

he said his microwave he already has puills 400 watts.

them prices for sine waves are all over the map. don't know if i'd trust them cheap ones to last though.

everyone talks about sine waves. but i don't hear anyone using one or having any problems with what's in the truckstops.

you all run the same things. and none of you have problems with the dirty waves.

 

Pure sine waves are only important for stuff like digital clocks that utilize 60 waves to count. Also stuff like a variable speed fans rely on a pure sine wave or the brushes will wear quicker than normal. But even a pure sine wave inverter is not pure itself. The wave is distorted and might have 56 hertz instead of 60. If you had sleep apnea and an expensive CPap then I would invest in a better sine wave inverter because of the ramp motor. Everyday electronics it's not necessary.

I never had a problem with anything. I did play with the clock thing just to see how bad it was and it was way off. But my dorm fridge, TV, laptop, DVD player and microwave worked great and still do. Your wattage hogs are a microwave and coffee maker. Microwaves need at least double their rating for the capacitor start. The same with a dorm fridge but mine didn't need but about 150 watts to start.

 

I've use cobra and agree just breakdown and get a cobra from the beginning. I'm still a reserve police officer and I use one in my patrol vehicle to run a printer, and radio battery charger.

 

1000 watt will run microwave if you turn everything else off first. A 1000 inverter peeks at 1500 or 2000 and your only pulling 700 if you get a cheap microwave. I wouldnt buy a 100o microwave though cuz that would push it.

 

If you have a true 400 watt microwave, the 1000 watt inverter will be fine. One thing to consider is, when you use the MW, you should run the truck engine. I had a 700 watt MW, and found it worked better with the truck engine running.
After getting an APU, and a 2000 watt inverter, it didn't matter.
The limiting factor as to the size of the inverter is the number of batteries in your truck. Some companies try to scrape by with only 3 instead of the 4 normally installed. With only three, you will not be able to run as many thing's for as long as with four.
And finally, the size wire run from the batteries to the inverter has a direct affect on how well it works. And make sure there is a 125 amp fuse inline on the positive power lead. That will save the truck, if for some reason you get a short.