inverter question

[pantherii]

new to using an inverter just wondering if anyone can tell me how to properly run it. the machine is in the side compartment and it runs the fridge,microwave,and interior lights in the sleeper.

I charge up the inverter at the house before we go back into service and its seems to only last 1or 2 days. theres a black switch on the side of a cabinet in the sleeper that has a red light, it says red light on when charging or in use, so weve kept the light on and have kept the light off trying to figure out why its not keeping charge. so im out 3 weeks with an inverter that only lasts 1 to 2 days.
I thought when the truck is running it should be charging the inverter, so any info or help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks...

 

[Packmule]

I am a little confused as to what type of inverter you have. The normal operation of an inverter is to convert 12 volt battery power into normal household current to be able to run 115 volt appliances.
The converter draws power from your batteries to do this. It does not itself store any type of charge.
Also in normal truck setups the interior lights are 12V and draw direct from battery. Your fridge and microwave would require a 115V supply from the inverter.
If you are losing operating power from the inverter to these appliances and your batteries are still strong for starting the engine, I would say you have a bad inverter and should be replaced.
I would recommend looking at a Corbra 1500 or 2500 watt inverter which can be purchased at any TA, Flyin J or Pilot, or go to Walmart and check out their inverters. They are very easy to replace and normally last a few years under normal use.

Good luck.
Dan

Question; Do you hear a buzzing or high pitch squeel before it shuts down?

 

[davekc]

Your post is slightly confusing. If you are running the batteries down, you either have something on or a item that is not grounded correctly. As mentioned, it could be the inverter. I would first check to ensure the inverter is gounded properly. A simple amp meter test will tell if there is a draw on your system.
The other issue is whether it is drawing from the truck batteries or a seperate deep cycle battery.
Several places to look.
Don't over look the obvious. Is your radio, cb, rear fan, or fridge on?
And the most common vehicle battery jumps......don't laugh. Leaving the cargo box light on.

Let us know what you find out.



Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator

 

[raceman]

Dave, I had to laugh about your box light comment. You are dead on though. That little cab dome light will do it just as quick.

As for this post. Man I am lost. When you say "You charge it up" what exactly are you charging up? It may help if you ask your question again.


Raceman
OTR O/O

 

[msturtz]

I have a another question about inverters. What size should I look for ?
I realize I need to add up all the stuff I may run at the same time to get the right size.
I belive a 1000 to 1500 watt will serve my purposes . I would like to run a small microwave . I do not see the need for a larger one . However I see them as large as 3000 watts.

Is there something I may want to use in my truck that would need this much power ?

The truck I am driving came w a 3000 watt inverter which is not currently working and my 600 watt is to small to run the micro.

What size inverter do you have? What do you power ?and do you whis you had bought a different size???

I would like to learn from you drivers out there who have already been down this road !
Thank you Mark S Panther II straight truck

 

[greg334]

Add up the consumption (wattage)for every thing that is plugged into the inverter and add 15% - this is the minumal inverter size you will need. UNLESS you use have a refrig, than add 20% to be safe (the start up current for a compressor is usually 20% higher than running current).

The bigger - the less work it does - the less heat it produces - the less heat, the less wasted power. Remember that there is a parisitic current that all inverters use just sitting there, sometimes it is as high as 5 amps (bad and cheap inverters). I have a 500 Watt inverter and it draws 1.5 amps just sitting.

 

[msturtz]

Greg ,
Thank you for the reply. I belive 1500 watts will do then!!!

I do not belive i will need any more. I was hoping I would not need something that large and $$$$!!!

What do you think drivers are using 3000 watts for ????
micro and tv and desk top with a movie on a large tv at the same time ???

Mark

 

[greg334]

3000 watts?

let's see....

using the refrig at the same time as the microwave and the crock pot and the VCR and the tv and the heater and the ....... well .... a lot of stuff. it does not take much to reach the limit of an inverter.

 

[ratwell71]

You should keep the switch on the inverter in the on position. There should be a button inside the cab to turn the inverter on/off. The inverter runs off the batteries. So I would check to make sure it is grounded correctly like the other members said. Hope this helps