traverler48

Any one ever used a inverter while traveling to keep things charged up Laptop,camera, phones. I would be using it while the engine is running and driving or in the TC while dry camping. Looking at a Duracell digital 400 watt.
I don't want to blow something up.

OldDodgeOwner

The only thing I'd be worried about is running your batteries down if you use it a lot camping without the truck running. With only 400W, I don't think that would be a huge worry though.

tankeryanker

I use a 300w inverter while camping when I want to watch a movie or charge my phone. I can get about 10 hrs of use with dual batteries in my tc before having to fire up the generator to recharge camper batteries.

traverler48

I would probably us it more while traveling the any other time. Maybe some when we stop for the night but very little.

haulin-rv

I've been using inverters in my trucks for years. I've popped a few fuses plugging in too much stuff, but other than that they are great. My laptop and printer are plugged in right now, gotta love mobile internet!

carl48

every day more chargers are using inverter technology and will not work on quasi square wave inverters. look at the charger if it states something like input voltage 100 to 220 it will be damaged plugging it in to the quasi square wave inverter. spend the extra money and get a true sine wave inverter. run the wires through the firewall and connect direct to the battery

Scotty

Someone might know better then what I heard...isn't there an inverter brand or model that has battery protection on it? I am sure I heard that you could get one that actually shuts down before your batteries are too low for starting the truck. Do not cheap out on inverter.

Scotty

06dodge4x4

My inverter shuts down if it is getting less than a certain voltage. I have used mine to run the TV, cable box, cable modem, and furnace intermittently for several hours and only ran the truck for 15 minutes and had no issues.

.boB

For small items like cell phone chargers and lap tops, you don't need much. I use a cheap one from Wally World and it works just fine. Cost me about $12.

traverler48

The one I was looking at is a Duracell Digital 400 Watt modified sine wave. Low battery alarm, low bat shut down, High bat shut down, digital display surge prtection. What is the difference between modified and pure sine wave.

traverler48

Well I done a little digging and it seems Carl 48 was right about the pure sine wave inverter. Modified is good for lamps and such but not computers or anything with a transformer or charger.

Colo_River_Ram

Here is some more options for the mobile office,

Targus does universal power chargers that will run the laptop and other accessories on just about any power source:

http://www.targus.com/us/productlist...tCategoryId=23

As for printers I use the 120V / 12V / Battery pack HP 470:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/store/pro...reg_R1002_USEN

You can get WiFi or Blue tooth connectivity.

Raspy

Small inverters are great! Been using one for about 14 years now on laptops and battery drills while out camping. My wife charges her camera batteries with it too.

One of the ones I have won't work at full 14.1 volts. So it doesn't always work when the engine is running, but works fine with the engine off. Then when starting there is a voltage drop that kicks it out too. It seems to want somewhere between 11 and 14 volts only. No worries about draining the battery if you are a little careful or just charging a phone or camera.

The bigger ones with a 1500 watt output can really do the draining with an amp draw of about 11 times the 120 volt amp rating. A 15 amp 120v draw (microwave, electric coffee pot, skillsaw, etc.) is about 165 amps from the battery. This is a quick drain and, if done enough times and deep enough, will damage a starting battery.

When you get a small one in the 200 to 400 watt range, get one that has a heavy aluminum case for a good heat sink. These also seem to have more robust electrtronics in them too. Beyond that range you'll need the type with battery clips because they will pop the cigarette lighter fuse if simply plugged in. 400 watts at 120 volts = 3.33 amps at 120 volts. 3.33 X 11 = 36.6 amps at 12 volts. Cigarette lighter plugs usually max out at about 30 amps.

FiverBob

I use a modified sine wave 300w in the truck sometimes. I have a 2000w sine wave in the RV. It is high quality unit and will give me 1 1/2 to 2 days in the RV running hair dryer in the morning, two pots of coffee per day, the computer, the TV and on 2 - 6v deep cycles batteries. It will shut off if the batteries get below the level I set it. It is also the charger for the batteries -- fully programable and multilevel. Love it.

Bob

traverler48

Thanks for the info. I don't need a large inverter mostly for laptop for streets and trips and one cell phone, one phone and camara has a car charger. Very seldom is the tv our other large applaince used while we are traveling.