Inverter in Truck?

[HoboPals]

I have a 2003 or 4 (not sure I bought it used and it says 2003 on some papers and 2004 on others.) It has two batteries-I have no idea why. My question: Can I run a very small inverter in it? Thanks for any advice.

[Paul R. Haller]

I'm guessing its a diesel? They almost always have 2 batteries because they draw a lot of power to start up and run the air heaters. Yes, you can run an inverter. Use large 2/0 or 4/0 wires from battery to inverter and keep the leads as short as possible. That's if you are using a 3000 watt inverter.
-Paul R. Haller-

[RustyJC]

Some details on the truck would help. If it has 2 batteries, I'm guessing it's a diesel - that's standard fare due to cold weather starting demands with combustion preheating (i.e., an intake heater grid or glow plugs).

Yes, you can run a small inverter in the truck. Mine came with a 160 watt inverter as standard equipment.

Rusty

[HoboPals]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyJC Some details on the truck would help. If it has 2 batteries, I'm guessing it's a diesel - that's standard fare due to cold weather starting demands with combustion preheating (i.e., an intake heater grid or glow plugs). Yes, you can run a small inverter in the truck. Mine came with a 160 watt inverter as standard equipment. Rusty

I apologize, Rusty. I thought I put diesel in the description-just looked and put hardly any information. Yes, it is a Dodge diesel 3500. I don't know what other details I should include. I *think* the inverter I have is a 100 watt - I was going to plug it into the 12 volt receptacle (cigarette lighter) or the one in the console. Do you think this would be okay? Again, I appreciate your help.

[wa8yxm]

Question: Can I run a very small inverter in it:
Answer: YES

Considerations: Some diesel systems are 24 volt, make sure the inverter's input voltage matches the system voltage.

NOTE: if it's small enough (100-waat or less) you may just plug into the lighter socket (Again check both voltage and polarity FIRST)

Now, if it is larger,, Connect direct to batteries

[RustyJC]

OK, if it's a Dodge Cummins, the batteries are wired in parallel. Typically, you would have a 20 amp fuse on the lighter circuit - check your owner's manual to verify, or look in the power distribution center under the hood on the driver's side wheel well or, alternately, the fuse panel on the left end of the dashboard (visible when driver's door is open). A 20 amp fuse would support 12 volts x 20 amps = 240 watts maximum, so a 100 watt inverter should be fine.

Rusty

[RustyJC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoboPals I have a 2003 or 4 (not sure I bought it used and it says 2003 on some papers and 2004 on others.)

If you'll type in your VIN HERE, it will tell you.

Rusty

[HoboPals]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyJC OK, if it's a Dodge Cummins, the batteries are wired in parallel. Typically, you would have a 20 amp fuse on the lighter circuit - check your owner's manual to verify, or look in the power distribution center under the hood on the driver's side wheel well or, alternately, the fuse panel on the left end of the dashboard (visible when driver's door is open). A 20 amp fuse would support 12 volts x 20 amps = 240 watts maximum, so a 100 watt inverter should be fine. Rusty

Thank you very much, Rusty. I'll check the manual and under the hood as you suggest (as soon as the rain stops)

[HoboPals]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm Question: Can I run a very small inverter in it: Answer: YES Considerations: Some diesel systems are 24 volt, make sure the inverter's input voltage matches the system voltage. NOTE: if it's small enough (100-waat or less) you may just plug into the lighter socket (Again check both voltage and polarity FIRST) Now, if it is larger,, Connect direct to batteries

Thanks for your help.

[HoboPals]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyJC If you'll type in your VIN HERE, it will tell you. Rusty

Oh, good deal! I don't plan on selling it-will pass it on to my boys-every family needs a truck, but you never know and I often wondered where I could get the information.

[Campingman]

I run a 200 watt inverter in my jeep wrangler. Use it to charge my cell or my cordless tool batteries. and run the Xmas lights ect. I can sit in it and watch DVDs on my laptop.

[HoboPals]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Campingman I run a 200 watt inverter in my jeep wrangler. Use it to charge my cell or my cordless tool batteries. and run the Xmas lights ect. I can sit in it and watch DVDs on my laptop.

I already charge my cell with a car charger if needed (usually it's charged overnight in the trailer), but I would like to be able to use my computer as a travel aid and to find campgrounds or pull up to a wifi spot or maybe play my ipod player while driving. Christmas lights! What a creative idea! Here's another idea from someone who knows nothing about the electrical workings of either her trailer or truck: Would it be too much of a drain on my truck batteries to leave the trailer hooked up and run the inverter in the trailer? I've thought about getting a small generator-maybe a Honda 1000, but I have to wait to see if I get to travel, again. I could cut down on camping costs. I can do without a lot of things, but I like my wifi, phone, and computer. Hmmm...what does that leave-oh, yeah, the TV! I can live without that.

[CD]

I have a 1200W invertor setting on the fuse box in our PU.(see picts. below. I used jumper cable clips to attach to battery when needed. I use it to run micro wave in the TT and Slide-in. I also use it to run tools when electriicity is not available. I also use a 300W invertor with the acessory plug in the PU, Slide-in and TT.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/attachmen...1&d=1299738611

http://www.irv2.com/forums/attachmen...1&d=1299738611

[HoboPals]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CD I have a 1200W invertor setting on the fuse box in our PU.(see picts. below. I used jumper cable clips to attach to battery when needed. I use it to run micro wave in the TT and Slide-in. I also use it to run tools when electriicity is not available. I also use a 300W invertor with the acessory plug in the PU, Slide-in and TT.

Wow! Who knew? Thanks for sharing. I am going to show this to my son. Do you need to have the truck running when you use the inverter?