[JB]

ive always wanted a power inverter in my truck to run various things. i want one so i can charge my camera batteries on trips, and other things you cant run from a ciggarete lighter. im thinking of getting one this weekend, because the new girlfriend, shes high maintinence, and i want to take her camping and to the beach and stuff, but she wants to use her blowdryer and hairstraightner :wacko

im looking for a cheap one, how does this one look

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4891079

 

[unixdude]

ive always wanted a power inverter in my truck to run various things. i want one so i can charge my camera batteries on trips, and other things you cant run from a ciggarete lighter. im thinking of getting one this weekend, because the new girlfriend, shes high maintinence, and i want to take her camping and to the beach and stuff, but she wants to use her blowdryer and hairstraightner :wacko

im looking for a cheap one, how does this one look

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4891079

Don't even think about trying to run a hairdryer off of that thing, unles you enjoy the smell of an electrical fire! The wiring suppling a stock 12v cig lighter cannot handle that kind of load which could lead to a fire under the dash.

 

[MyFullSize]

Its a good price for a good unit, but it *is* only 400 watt.

Keep in mind, a hairdryer normally requires 1200 watts to 1500 watts to run. Thats not near enough for that.

With 400 watts, you could run a laptop and 2 or 3 lights (60W), or 3 or 4 flurescent lights, as long as they are not all started at the same time (there is a power surge when they are in startup).

HTH,
Andrew

 

[JB]

thanks, i was looking for a better one with a higher wattage, but havent found any over 400, although im sure they make them

 

[Redwagon]

here check this out.
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?skunum=26433

 

[kf4amu]

WTF...400 watts from the cigarrette lighter?

Thats 30+ amps....woah

 

[Redwagon]

WTF...400 watts from the cigarrette lighter?

Thats 30+ amps....woah

na I think you might want hard wire that one in...

 

[JB]

woah redwagon that one is wayy too $$$

i wouldnt run it from the cig lighter, i would hardwire it

 

[Redwagon]

woah redwagon that one is wayy too $$$

i wouldnt run it from the cig lighter, i would hardwire it

ya but just think...you could even run a microwave with that one....:histerica

 

[MyFullSize]

ya but just think...you could even run a microwave with that one....:histerica

Yup, and the hairdryer too! :toothless

When it comes to inverters, the better they are the more expensive they are... Well, thats the case for most anything, isnt it!

 

[hipropos]

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductList.aspx?categorycode=3076

 

[Redwagon]

check here also....maxtool.com
looking thru there catalog the list a 700/1,800 watt invert for $99.99

 

[Bronco Rob]

buy a small generator

 

[Audra]

I run them all of the time. I have a 1200 watt one in the back of the truck which runs a tv and a playstation. I keep an 800 watt one in the front of the truck which runs a computer and charges cell phones and the camera battery. I haven't just tried it a few times, I use them so often that one I bought in 2001 finally died on me. Never had any dash fires/wire problems either. Both invertors typically run at the same time from different cigarette lighters in the truck; I've never had a bit of trouble. Now I will say make sure to get one with two plugs. I made the mistake once of buying a few inverters I never use that have only one plug.

 

[kf4amu]

you run a 1200 watt inverter off cigarrete plugs? Thats 100 amps at full capacity bro.

 

[Bronco Rob]

you run a 1200 watt inverter off cigarrete plugs? Thats 100 amps at full capacity bro.

you mean "hun"

 

[Audra]

ah he can be my brother

1200's regularly come with just cig plugs. One step up and they come with some dangling wires. Just gotta be careful the kids don't leave them plugged in after you turn the truck off.

 

[willjones4]

Here's one with 8000 Watss for $300, you could run all kinda stuff on it....http://cgi.ebay.com/8000w-max-16000w-power-inverter-12v-110-power-jack_W0QQitemZ9718714580QQcategoryZ32814QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

What you wanna do is get a high Amp deep cycle battery with a meter, charger and inverter-put the battery in the box (get one with handles), mount the other stuff on the box, wah lah instant generator-at least for four hours or so, then charge and store when you get home:thumbup

 

[kf4amu]

Or 800 watts if you use anything useful.

 

[jerelight]

Go buy your self a small Honda generator. They make real nice little ones that will run what you will need for your woman. Plus they are real quiet to. I would rather do that than burn up your wiring or kill a battery. Just my .02