HELP: Converters

[tmilam]

Ok folks, I need some help. I have a Craftsman 6 horse, 33 gallon air compressor that I use in my garage. There are times that I would like to take this with me in my CTD. What size/type of converter do I need to run this in the bed of my truck, and where is a good source to by one. Thanks in advance.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

WOW a minimal 5K watt INVERTER is really what you want as the startup load is high @ full pressure. You are going to spend about 1800-2600 bucks for it tho.

6 Horse @ 746 watts per horse- 4476 watts



Don't go less as the inverter may overheat OR burn out the motor.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Also to elaborate a bit Look for a PURE sine wave unit as it is motor friendly. Modified Sine wave units alltho inexpensive do throw off "Dirty" power.



5K modified Sine= $539. 99

Pure Sine 6K watt = $2,499. 99

 

[tmilam]

Ok TMTT, so I should be looking at a small generator to carry around. It would be cheaper, no? If I go generator, what would I need?

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Well to be honest a 5K generator is not going to be a small item either (200-500 Lbs). What do you intend to use it for? (Occasional tire removal . inflation / Air horns etc??) With a large inverter you will need quality 0 guage or larger welding cable, and a large space for the inverter itself as they are not small and need to breathe as they throw off H E A T!. (Seems like a hassle for just a couple teeny uses allready eh?)



Yeah it's nice because with an inverter you can run anything in the cab that you would at home (Hell that size you can load up the maytag fridge and do a load of laundry as you drive :-laf ) With a generator you have to lug that arround and keep it fueled up and secure in the bed so sticky fingers don't decide they need it more than you do And for safety reasons too.



Now if it's a work site thing a generator is KEY as it is invaluable AND can be used at home in the event of a power outage (Y2K :-laf )

It would be far esier to leave the craftsman at home and buy an onboard air kit from a source like:



http://www.oasisoffroad.com



http://www.kilbyenterprises.com/KE-3000N-K.htm

 

[tmilam]

Ok, thanks. I will have to do some hard thinking on what I really need.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

BTW how old is that compressor? Most current 33 gallon units are 2-3 horse. A 6 horse would be far more economical as a 240V unit.



If it were me (And I AM) I would mount This in my toolbox and run a 2500 watt inverter in the cab so I can run my computer , battery chargers (Which I do) and have the compressor in my toolbox (Which I don't but could) ready to go.

 

[rrab1]

Tim,I just sold my craftsman 33 gal six horse and it had two pig tails with it ,you could run 110 volts or 220, just got the 60 gal craftsman, Don

 

[AMink]

I was going to put a 2500 watt inverter in my truck until I really sat down and looked at it. I would have to have extra batteries if I was ever going to do anything with the truck not running, a bigger alternator (or some switch system to charge batteries seperately), cables the size of my arm, etc. etc. It got very involved to do it safely, and also very expensive. When I need to, I carry my small 5 gallon compressor and my cheapy Coleman 1850 generator. It's not perfect, but it works. I've also thought about getting a portable air tank. You could also get something like this. After all, it's only money. :-laf :-laf

 

[SnoKing]

How about a gas power compressor???? DuH! SNOKING

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Dirr umm yeah that would work too Having power is nice too



Aww heck loose the bed and get a genset with a 120CFM 6 station compressor / welder