I used to have a vector 400/800 peak inverter. That was till someone stole it.

So, I'm looking into a new one... what would you suggest?

Brand, size, where to mount, etc.

I have been looking at a vector 1500, but I am open to any suggestions.

Thanks

 

Hello,

Get at least a 500W unit. That way you can make daiquiris anywhere! Blender needs about 450 watts.

Damon

 

if you are running sensitive electronics like computer/ laptop / tv get one with a true sine wave, or at minimum a modified sine wave or you will kill your electronics

light bulbs, motors and other less sophisticated electronics do not care about quality of the power

 

What are you doing with it? If electronics I like my little Belkin it's only 150/300 but it will run my sat receiver, 15" lcd, DVD and external computer speakers just fine at the same time. I also use it to charge my laptop while on the road. On a bigger inverter you need watch how much power (amps) it uses just being plugged in and turned on normally ~.9A at least on my 2500/3500 Colman. Just leaving that inverter on will kill a 12v battery in a few hours, down to 10v.

Good luck.

 

a true sine wave around 800 watts more than that you are better off with the new type dc generator with built in converter one big enough to run a microwave or air conditioner is very small and they are true sine wave 60hz

 

Im glad someone posted up about this because I have been looking for on and Im totaly clueless about them. I want one that I can use during power outages, one that I can fire up the CTD and have power. What size and wattage does one reasonably need? Thanks.

 

Most inverters have a graph to show what common appliances can run on what modle of their converters.

I have a 750 Vector and its a great little unit. It just barely runs my sawzall with light load. Not a circular saw though. So I'm certainly in the market for something bigger.

I would like a 3000 watt unit for more power, or possibly an under hood gen setup. I just dread having to load my 8500 watt gen for small things.

 

My thinking is for emergencies you need to power a microwave to heat food run a fridge, some lights and power your furnace for heat in the winter. Not all at the same time. Mine is 1500 watts continuous with surge up to 2000W. I just attached very short booster cables to clamp onto any battery.

 

Harbor Freight has this one.

OR
You could go with this one.

 

I have a Xantrex ProSine 3000-watt inverter in the back of my truck and when I had my last accident some of my tools interfaced with the display panel and did some expensive damage so I took it out and I bought an inexpensive Vector 1500-watt to take it's place until I can get the other one repaired, I also have a Vector 3000-watt that I use in the truck.

I have my Vector’s connected to my 8-D deep cycle battery with #2 welding cable and an Anderson Connector.

Something to consider with the larger inverters is the current they will consume, my 3000-watt ProSine under full load would draw in excess 100 amps.
But whatever inverter you get, connect it directly to your battery using welding cable and good crimped ends and don’t forget the fuse.

Welding cable is unforgiving when it is shorted out, things tend to melt.

There is a BIG difference between a ProSine and a Vector.

I use my inverter to run anything from soldering irons to submersible pumps to an electric blanket in the cab when we went to the snow.
Hey, I am from So Cal where we have 70* winters.

Jim

BTW If you are going to try and use power tools, check the nameplate a Skill Saw draws 12 amps.

 

Inverters are wonderful creatures for creating AC when you are in the woods and don't want to fire up the generator. BUT, you need to determine how you intend to use. What do you wish to run on it? As stated, if you intend to run the TV or computer, make sure it is a sine wave. If mama wants to curl her hair or make coffee, you better make sure it is a big one. If you are using it in an RV, do you wish to run around finding a 12v outlet (there is usually only one) and then try to plug in the appliance to it or do you wish to wire it in permanently? Figure what you want to use it for, find the max power usage for its intended use (look at the label on the appliance), add in some fudge factor for efficiencies and suddenly you will know what size to buy. Be sure to consider the size and kind of the batteries supplying power and how long you can use this without pulling them down past their recommended low voltage point.

I have the Prosine 2000w installed in my fiver and run the coffee pot, hair curler, microwave or tv and computer on it. It also has the smart charging circuitry to replace the normal one voltage converter to charge batteries. I love it. We hit the woods quite often with no power and it is nice to use this for a couple days before running the genny to recharge.

Bob

 

Got one similar to this hard wired in the tool box on the truck.

http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/vector_3000.html

Also got a 140 psi compressor mounted and wired in as well.

http://www.awdirect.com/12-volt-dc-a.../portable-air/