Inverters

[marsgal42]

I want to plug in a power bar and recharge 2 camera's, 2 phones, 2 laptops and possibly more at once. I also don't have a lot of excess room.

That's only a couple of hundred watts. No problem! The only real issue is the usual one, zillions of little devices that all need to be plugged in.

Many new inverters have a USB charging port as well. Something like this will run laptops and things just fine http://www.rpelectronics.com/sam-250-12 ... erter.html. I use a similar model for radio gear in the field.

You can also get dedicated USB chargers that plug in to the cigarette lighter. I bought one at London Drugs. It works fine.

Big inverters like this one http://www.rpelectronics.com/sam-2000-1 ... erter.html draw as much current as the starter does. Is your electrical system up to it?

...laura

[nxski]

I don't mind going for a smaller invert it can handle the equipment. Less draw on the batterries is always good. Both of those are modified sine wave inverters. You would suggest that over pure sine wave?

[jessef]

Modified is cheaper than pure sine.

For what you are using it for (charging batteries/laptops,etc..) modified is fine.

Just make sure your wiring, batteries and alternator are up to it and you'll be fine.

Doing the trip you have planned, I would bring with me either a complete spare alternator or at the very least a rebuild kit with diodes and voltage regulator (small package) so that any shop in the US can repair yours on site if required.

[nxski]

I've just recently had mine rebuilt, if it turns out that my electronics are killing it would it not be better to have a shop pit in a larger one than try to repair one that will fail again shortly? Mine is the 90A one too.

What exactly is the difference between pure and modified then and why would you ever buy pure if it's so much more expensive and you can power everything off of modified anyways?

[jessef]

Alternators are electric and thus prone to failure at any time with or without warning.

Doing a long trip like yours, the electrical system (starter/lights/heater/etc..) are vital so having a backup incase your alternator dies is worth the $100-150 for the spare parts that can fit in a zip lock bag. Buy it, pack it and forget it until they are needed. Very minor $ input for the added insurance on the road. Me personally, I would just bring a spare alternator $250-280 average cost. Once back, sell it.

You can't put in a typical NA alternator because it has a vacuum pump/oil sump in the rear of the housing. That's what makes it a royal PIA to work on. It will cost you a lot more to have a shop rebuild it plus you have to wait for the parts to come from Canada compared to simply dropping the bad one out and popping in the replacement yourself. Money saved and time saved.

The reason I recommend it is because you have a thumping stereo and are specifically using your electrical system to charge more than what the average draw running the rig pulls. You will be pulling more than normal and it's a case like that where it's a good idea to be prepared 'in case'. Knock on wood of course.

Pure sine are more so meant for RV's and constant power use that does not drop off like microwaves.

Since you're just charging batteries and small gear, voltage fluctuation won't affect the charging process.

[thedjjack]

I wired a 12volt input to the inside of my truck laptop so it plugs into the lighter plug...no more 12volt DC to 120AC to 15volt...now just 14volts straight in . I think my warranty is voided ....

But it works great!

[nxski]

Good to know and I'll keep that in mind when I'm buying spare parts before the trip.

[jessef]

word of the wise. bypass the stock cigarette lighter socket if you're using it to power anything.

either re-wire it with thicker gauge or run good quality wire direct from the battery to a relay connected to a switched source (ignition) with an inline fuse. That way your charging is isolated from the stock wiring system and easy to diagnose.

[nxski]

I have a cigarette lighter installed right behind the battery with a larger gauge wire but I may just hardware the inverter in.

[rezdiver]

if you are going for a xantrex modified sinewave get a canadian tire special. i believe they are made by xantrex.
70 dollars on sale for 1000w continuous rating.

[nxski]

Well it turn out the one I have now pugs into a cigarette lighter and is rated for 150 Watts. Since the average laptop uses 25 watts, 2 of those, 2 camera's and 2 phones shouldn't be a problem right!? I had mine confused with the one my dad bought which was 80 watts.

http://www.onecall.com/ImageCache/Xantr ... x300_s.jpg

If this isn't a good option I'm debating these...

http://www.amazon.com/XANTREX-PROWATT-S ... 038&sr=8-9

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_267 ... -400W.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_343 ... PI350.html

Thanks for all the feedback!