View Full Version : Power inverter


Rob Rockcrawler
09-19-2010, 02:11 PM
I just picked up a power inverter for my truck to power a coffee maker. I have never used one before. Having a new battery how often do i need to start my truck when using it. Its 100 watt i believe. I think i will also be using it to power an aerator for my eel bucket. Thanks for any help.

tattoobob
09-19-2010, 02:20 PM
A coffee maker draws alot of amps I would run the truck while the coffee is being made,

striperman36
09-19-2010, 05:44 PM
Depends on your amp draw.

JohnnyD
09-20-2010, 07:58 AM
I would guess that just about any coffee maker is going to blow the fuse on that inverter.

Make sure to check your coffee maker's power draw before plugging it in.

Rob Rockcrawler
09-22-2010, 03:42 AM
Thanks for the heads up about the fuse.

striperman36
09-22-2010, 07:16 AM
I have one for my truck, I can run my sawzall with it. I normally run the diesel every 15 min for 5 min and I am fine, I probably could do less engine.

tattoobob
09-22-2010, 03:56 PM
I just tried mine and it blew up the AERO BED and deflated it with no problem I am going to set up a small coffee maker tomorrow and test it out.

I have a Radio Shack 150 Watt, I guess the new models come with a USB port for charging you iPod/iPhone

JohnnyD
09-22-2010, 04:17 PM
I have one for my truck, I can run my sawzall with it. I normally run the diesel every 15 min for 5 min and I am fine, I probably could do less engine.

Is your converter the type you plug into a lighter socket or connect straight to the battery?

striperman36
09-22-2010, 06:47 PM
Battery direct. I'd melt the lighter thing.

JohnnyD
09-22-2010, 08:45 PM
Battery direct. I'd melt the lighter thing.

That's what I figured. Gotta be damn handy though.

striperman36
09-22-2010, 09:10 PM
best hundred bucks I spent for the Jeep.
I love being able to work on my trailer anywhere

And the blender drinks are awesome

new egg has a cobra 1500 W 3000 W surge for 117. cables are 25 bucks.

tattoobob
09-22-2010, 09:28 PM
Where do you have it mounted Bill

Saltheart
09-22-2010, 11:29 PM
I believe 150W allows only 1.3 AMPS . That's not much for any device that is generating heat. Its plenty for many other applications but once you want heat , you need lots of Amps.

I would think you can just see the amp draw of the coffee maker on the label or molded into the base and then just just multiply the amps by 110 to get a very close feel for the wattage of the inverter you need.

Now many of these things will deliver even 100% over their rating but only for a short time. A very short time. :)

I like the blender idea and had one on my boat for many years. For coffee , carry a small single burner stove , I always used a Peek1 and it was great and lasted 30 years. Alchohol evaporates lighter than air if spilled or leaked so is a fairly safe fuel....unless you drink it!! :)

striperman36
09-23-2010, 08:07 AM
Where do you have it mounted Bill

I have the wires threaded back to the back storage area. I hook it up when I need it. I did not mount it in the engine compartment as it does not appear to be waterproof, it has a fan and stuff.

Saltheart
09-23-2010, 09:06 AM
I wonder why my correction of the typo won't stay. I do the correction then I hit save and it comes back the same way with the error???

ivanputski
10-17-2010, 08:51 PM
I have been running a coffee maker in my truck while fishing for 2 years, and for my eels while driving... no worries. Its a small inverter too. But my coffee maker is a small 1-cup deal. Such a great move!!!

2na
10-18-2010, 08:20 AM
I have a 1000 watt that I ran into the bed of my truck and have it mounted next to the tail. I had a 2nd line run off of the alternator to the bed, and I have a 2nd battery under my bunk. You need to have the electrical counterpart of a backflow preventer installed in the line so that if you use too much juice it will not take it from the primary battery that starts the rig. I have run a coffeemaker, a blender, a dremel for taking off barbs and more.

If you are running the inverter for a prolonged period and are directly hooked to the battery, I would recommend running the rig while you are using it when you are using something that has a heavy draw (such as a blender or coffeemaker) but light draws (like a light bulb or a dremel) you shouldn't have a problem unless you are using them for a long time, and even then, just starting the rig every 30-45 minutes and letting it run for a few minutes should keep you safe.