Many accessories truckers use in the truck, including appliances, laptops, and printers, run on AC power, and need an AC connection to plug into. Power inverters plug into the 12 volt receptacles within the truck and allow AC plug connections.
A 12 Volt or 24 Volt DC to AC power inverter converts the vehicle's DC current into conventional AC electricity which can run all kinds of household products such as: kitchen appliances, microwaves, TV's, radios, computers and more.
Connect the inverter to a battery or to a cigarette lighter and plug your AC devices into the power inverter. The higher wattage inverters need to be connected directly to the truck's batteries, so consider your accessory needs before you make your purchase.
Using the Power Inverter in Your Truck
When you power up through your inverter, it's recommended that you keep your truck idling, unless you use a generator to run everything. If you run on battery power alone, it won't take long to kill the truck's batteries, depending on how much power you use. Consult your vehicles manufacturer or a reliable mechanic to determine if your truck's alternator will be able to keep up with the amps being used. If you only have an appliance's amps, take the amps x 120 to get the watts. Note: If you're not using a generator in your truck, it's recommended that you only use up to a 2500 watts (continuous) power inverter.
Selecting the Right Power Inverter for Your Needs
You must make sure the power inverter you select has enough power for the appliances you plan to run. Learn the wattage requirements for each appliance, and add up the wattage total for all the appliances you plan to run at the same time. It's also a good idea to add 10-20% to the total to be on the safe side.
The next section has wattage estimates for some of the appliances and electronics truckers typically run in the truck.
Electronics and Small Appliance Wattage Estimates
The following wattages are estimates. Actual wattage may vary from one appliance to another. Most appliances have a nameplate or sticker, usually on the bottom, that gives their wattage.
Electronic Device
Wattage
Laptop
50-100
PC & Monitor
250-500
Printer
50-100
Laser Printer
500-800
Fax Machine
120
Television
100-300
VCR
40-60
DVD Player
50
Stereo
50-100
Clock Radio
50
Satellite Dish
50
Game Players
100-150
Small Appliance
Wattage
Coffee Maker
500-1000
Toaster
750-1500
Blender
300-500
Microwave
1000-2000
Blow Dryer
1000-1500
Continuous Versus Peak Wattages
The peak wattage is the start-up wattage or start-up load. An appliance (or electronic device, tool, etc.) requires an initial surge of power to start up. When start-up is complete, the appliance requires less power for "continuous" operation.
Take the appliance's wattage and double it to get the start-up/peak load. For example, a coffe maker with a 500 wattage amount may require 1000 watts or more to start up. Note: Some appliances with motors, and tools may require 3-7 times start-up power.
Find the Lowest Prices on the Best Power Inverters
Features of the Cobra CPI2550 Dual Outlet AC/DC Power Inverter: AC power that goes where you go! Cobra's power inverter line revolutionizes the power inverter category with an unsurpassed combination of power, reliability and value-added features. With a modified sine wave output these four models are ideal for powering most small appliances, tools and mobile office equipment to outfitting your vehicle or trailer with an entire kitchen/entertainment system. Just connect to any 12 VDC source and convert vehicle battery power to clean, safe and efficient 115 volt AC power.
Provides 2500 watts peak, and 5000 watts peak power handling
Modified sine wave output waveforms
Converts 12v DC to 115v AC power
Dual AC outlets for operating multiple devices
Low voltage, overload and thermal shutdown protection
This popular power inverter retails for over $300.
Features of the Vector Power Inverter- 3000 Watt: Features noise-free technology and filtered modified sine wave, which works to eliminate the horizontal lines and static that can appear on TV sets. Includes many more features.
: AC power that goes where you go! Cobra's power inverter line revolutionizes the power inverter category with an unsurpassed combination of power, reliability and value-added features. With a modified sine wave output these four models are ideal for powering most small appliances, tools and mobile office equipment to outfitting your vehicle or trailer with an entire kitchen/entertainment system. Just connect to any 12 VDC source and convert vehicle battery power to clean, safe and efficient 115 volt AC power.
: Features noise-free technology and filtered modified sine wave, which works to eliminate the horizontal lines and static that can appear on TV sets. Includes many more features.
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