Where is the best place to install large power inverter?

[MCrossley]

This is not a question of what type or how to install the inverter I have installed many but a question as to where guys have installed there inverter. I am installing a Statpower (now Xantrex) Pro Watt 1500 and I am debating between under the drivers seat or under the rear seat. Anyone have pics or opinions. I am leaning towards the drivers seat as I am closer to the Batter (better to run longer A/C wiring than D/C wiring... and also it offers a flow through ventalation advantage. But if anyone has pictures I am installing it tomorow and would like to see it. Thanks in advance.

 

[Dreher]

I don't know how much size difference there is, but I have a 750/1500W mounted under the center section seat. I also have two amps under there, so there should be plenty of room.



It has worked out well for me - it's accessable turn on/off and to plug stuff in. I powered from the passenger's battery, through a 50A fuse mounted on the battery holddown, into the right fender, and in to the cab through the passenger's kick panel. Used a grommeted hole through the floor near the door sill to run ground to the frame.



Bob

 

[jcbrown]

Firewall Power Feed Through...

I'm using a pair of these for power and ground. Looking at installing above wheel well and to inside of truck bed. Oo.



Source under Products. Product search item number 47210.

 

[MCrossley]

interesting idea under the center seat... Only I woudl run to the driver's side battery at max surge load (3kw) you are pulling near 300 amps and at full rated load (1500 watts) you are pulling 150 amps if you consider the wiring between the two batteries and it's added length you have a considerable voltage drop issue plus you have to consider the current added to the line between the batteries for full altenator output. So if you place the connection on the driver's battery you can take full advantage of the second battery as well as the shortest path from the altenator. Granted running 1500 watts is rare and usually for very short periods but it does happen and I want to account for it. I am using a manual rest 150A Circuit breaker for the application as it tolerates the short surge current loads and is easy to reset. Thanks for the ideas so far keep em coming I will be working on this in about 2 hours or so I am going to remove the center seat and passenger seats as my roomate spilled his coke on the floor and cannot get a good cleaning without removing them anyhow so it should make things easier to install.

 

[JHerrlich]

Damn, that must be some serious power cable... I'm going with a 1000W Xantrex (Statpower), because I already have 4 AWG and I would like to have sustainability and not overdraw what the alternator can put out. I tried like the dickens to justify that 3000W inverter, but I'd have to have it right at the battery.



When you get some pictures, I'd like to see them. This is on my list of things to do, also.

 

[klenger]

I'm kind of curious what you plan on running on the inverter.

 

[MCrossley]

actually #2 wire is what is the recommended cable size for rated power and since I am keeping the cabling fairly short it will be just fine for normal rated power. The problem you run into with running larger cables of excessive size is you have to have a way of stepping down the wire size to the inverter and that can lead to more voltage drop and possible areas of shorting which by the time you figure all that in you gain nothing. For the most part I use the inverter for smaller applications such as computer equipment however more and more I am needing power for power tools, air compressor, high output lighting etc. I normally run around 800 watts or so in a high output use put it is nice to have the extra power to start hard loads. Many people forget that a motor can take up to 4 times the rated current and then they wonder why something won't start. Example is my compressor in my 5th wheel is rated for 10A running it takes almost 40A to start (measured) when the tank is not empty.

 

[stg2500]

I too have been considering this install. I am still undecided on what size inverter to go with. Does anyone have any suggestions for what wattage to get. I would probably use it for smaller power tools, lighting etc. I just don't want to install one and find out it is too small.

 

[MCrossley]

Well space limitations have kicked my butt! I have been out pondering where to put this thing and have concluded that I will be giving up the ability of power for the luxury of space. If I install the 1500 watt there is not enough room for anyone who sits behind the seat (i use rear seat a lot) and there is not enough availble height available under the center console plus the cup holder limits length. So in goes the 800 Watt Prowatt I guess. Just won't be able to use anything real high power but then again thats ok I guess. To answer an earlier question I would say that a 800 watt model is the most practical for 90% of the people out there I would recomend using a true sine wave model if you can afford it as it offers many advantage over the modified sine like I am using I just already own the 800 and the 1500 so there is a major cost advantage for me...