Power Inverter

[STRALEY]

I would like to be able to run 110 power with my truck. I bought a 400 watt inverter..... not enough... . I tried to run my air compressor... OVERLOAD... how do I wire up to my alternator and build something myself that will give me enough power to run an impact and the air compressor. The compressor is 1 1/2 horse. And if I can't wire it, how big do I really need. I can't find any information on the compressor and the box is long gone to let me know what I need to run it. All the help is appreciated



Ramm

 

[RBeard]

Inverter size

TO RUN A COMP. THAT SIZE YOU WOULD NEED A MUCH LARGER INVERTER. IT PROBABLY TAKES ABOUT 2000 WATTS TO START THE MOTOR(1. 5 SECONDS) AND THEN 1000-1200 WATTS TO RUN THE MOTOR. THEN YOU HAVE TO FACTOR IN THE LOAD THE COMPRESSOR PUTS ON THE MOTOR. LOOK AT THE PLATE ON THE MOTOR AND USE THIS EQUATION. (VOLTS X AMPS = WATTS) THEN ADD SOME WATTS FOR RESERVE. YOU MAY FIND YOU NEED A GASOLINE GENERATOR.

 

[dresslered]

With an inverter of 80% efficiency (not modified sine), you would need 1,500 watts minimum (I'm not accounting for surge current or margin as RBeard suggests either). With an inverter of this size, it would be cheaper to buy a generator to sit in the back.

 

[Bigramguy]

You would need a fairly big invertor to run an 1 1/2 HP compressor. They are out there,but are big dollars and need a pretty hefty DC supply as well. Probably better off with a generator to run it. Another thought is to rig up a generator run from the engine. We did one for a siding company for their mobile install truck,but it was a SB chevy,so there was lots of mounting options,unlike our cummins. We picked up the generator from a local surplus for under $200 and it put out 5000 watts (120/240 V),and wired the whole truck with AC outlets. I think you can also get an alternator/AC generator/welder,but again big bucks,and they don't last long. Another option would be an on-board air setup,but again you are limited as to mounting options. I eventually plan on running an old AC compressor off the rear drive shaft for this purpose. I have made the mounting setup,just haven't got around to finishing it yet.

 

[Archive]

There is a company that makes generators that mount under the hood. (Kind of a giant alternator. ) Generac or something like that. I'll see if I can dig up the info for you. I never really priced them, but I can imagine... Here is another link I just found. Not as nice as the one I can't find, but a start.





http://www.fabcopower.com/generat/bgen.htm

 

[klenger]

I think it would be easier and cheaper to buy a gas engine air compressor.

 

[Don M]

Looks like a smal gasoline generator is going to be cheaper.

But the things are heavy and loud.

A large inveter is gonna cost some money as well. I have a 1500 watt inverter in my trailer to run things like battery chargers and 120 volt lighting. We even run a small refrigerator. I have 4 deep cycle batteries feeding the inverter.



Like RBeard said the formual is volts x amps for the total watts you will be using... . the kicker is startup current for an electric motor. I would suspect that a an air compressor would need somewhere around 3 times the normal current.

Average watts per horse power is 865. That is a low figure for your air compressor.



I would try to find at least a 3500 watt inverter that has a good surge capacity. A smaller one may work but you are putting alot of stress on them.



Don~

 

[446]

http://www.extremeoutback.com/catalog.htm

here is something that might help. Scroll down tto endless air

 

[Big Jon]

Ramm, the proper sized inverter is going to take up about as much space as a gas generator to power your compressor once you build a weather tight enclosure, and account for the cable runs, in-line safety fuse, and cut-out switch. Also, most inverters are real sensitive to vibration (lots of solder joints to jiggle loose) and moisture (condensation inside the unit could lead to a rather spectacular failure). Also heavy duty use with lots of compressor run time (which you'll get using an impact wrench) will really strain the batteries. Consider that at 12 volts, the 1200 or so watts you're going to need to run the thing (twice that to start it) will draw 100 amps from your batteries (about as bad as the intake grid heater running all the time). To handle the 100 amp draw for running and the 200 amp draw for starting, you'll need 0000 gauge cable - pretty heavy stuff - connected directly to the batteries.



And then there's the cost. For a good modified sine wave inverter designed for service truck applications, such as what Trace Engineering has (see them at http://www.traceengineering.com ), you're looking at around $1000. If you go with a true sine wave inverter (80% efficiency) the cost is quite a bit more. You could probably by a gas powered compressor for that kind of money and leave the plug-in model in the garage.



I've got a 1400 watt Trace inverter for refer and freezer operation during the night (generator during the day) in our power outage prone area. I would not consider putting it in my truck for AC power.



Good luck,



Jon

 

[The patriot]

Do you have a PTO opening on the trans?

Maybe you could hook up an air compressor there.

Get a small (5-10 gallon) tank, and youre set to go.

Just thinking out loud... ...

Eric

 

[Doc Tinker]

Moved to Products/Accessories Forum

 

[Sageair]

ac power

If you decide that 1600 watts will do what you need take a look at product mfg by Rediline @www.rediline.com. These are a really slick one piece unit that uses a 12vdc motor to drive a 110v ac generator. They are compact can be mounted in any position and are extremely reliable. We have used them at the utility company where I work for years. I am really impressed with them. A little spendy but worth it

 

[wrk2mtch]

You might give these guys a call. It looks like of pricey though.

http://www.aurasystems.com