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Rams
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Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2017, 08:15:37 AM » |
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Hook,
I use one very similar to that in my RV/Toy Hauler in much the same way you're talking about using one. I carry a total of four RV Deep Cycle batteries on my rig for circumstances exactly as you describe, times when I really don't want to go to the trouble of getting the generator out.
I've had mine for two plus years and use it to power my CPAP at night when I'm not hooked up to an outside power source. So far, so good. It's always worked well. Now, I'm not trying to operate a microwave or TV off of it so, my experience is limited but, it's worked for me in my limited application.
I've simply attached the power cord to two of my batteries, my CPAP is plugged into the inverter. Works like a charm. The deep cycle batteries re-charge while I'm driving or when I'm plugged in to an outside power source whether that's at an RV park or using the generator.
YMMV. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Hook#3287
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« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2017, 11:10:53 AM » |
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Thanks Ron, that's what I was looking for. I don't plan on using it any more than just to cut some 2 by's or drilling a hole, stuff like that.
Not going to heat the truck or cook dinner.
Thanks.
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gordonv
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Posts: 5766
VRCC # 31419
Richmond BC
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« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2017, 11:14:15 AM » |
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They either attach with jumper cables, or wire onto a battery. They work great, they've come a long way and are inexpensive.
But it's all about the output of the inverter. You need to know what you want it for, and what it's peak current draw is, not the running.
I use on an almost daily bases a 7.5 w one, plugged into the acess. port in my vehicle. I recharge my portable drill battery. From a non running vehicle (battery), it won't charge. But once I start up and driving, it charges fine.
If you want to run a skill saw, it might blow when you turn it on, or if you cut too fast. It might be nice to bring the tool and try it out with the inverter first.
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1999 Black with custom paint IS   |
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #4 on: March 11, 2017, 11:45:13 AM » |
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But it's all about the output of the inverter. You need to know what you want it for, and what it's peak current draw is, not the running.
If you want to run a skill saw, it might blow when you turn it on, or if you cut too fast. It might be nice to bring the tool and try it out with the inverter first.
Agreed, start up draw is going to be pretty high and if you cut too fast, it'll draw more juice. Be sure you get one big enough for the task. Sorry, I can't help you with that. My CPAP is a pretty low amp draw. |
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #5 on: March 11, 2017, 12:15:41 PM » |
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Bill, something else to keep in mind. They can drain a battery pretty quick, depending on what you are doing. It's not that big of a deal in a RV with separate deep cycle batteries that are isolated. But if you just have your regular starting battery in your truck. It would suck to get done with the job and find you can't start your truck.
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Hook#3287
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« Reply #6 on: March 11, 2017, 08:02:44 PM » |
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Bill, something else to keep in mind. They can drain a battery pretty quick, depending on what you are doing. It's not that big of a deal in a RV with separate deep cycle batteries that are isolated. But if you just have your regular starting battery in your truck. It would suck to get done with the job and find you can't start your truck.
Agreed, that would suck. I thought I would only run equipment with the truck motor idling. That is what I thought was best. Any issues, outside of burning gas, with that plan? |
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #7 on: March 11, 2017, 08:09:25 PM » |
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Bill, something else to keep in mind. They can drain a battery pretty quick, depending on what you are doing. It's not that big of a deal in a RV with separate deep cycle batteries that are isolated. But if you just have your regular starting battery in your truck. It would suck to get done with the job and find you can't start your truck.
Agreed, that would suck. I thought I would only run equipment with the truck motor idling. That is what I thought was best. Any issues, outside of burning gas, with that plan? Gas with a single battery or diesel with a set of batteries? It really depends on how hard you work that saw/drill and how much you draw down that battery. Running the engine will cause the alternator to stay in a charging mode but, you can draw too much. I honestly don't know where that line is drawn but, I think you'd be ok as long as you weren't doing a lot of work through the inverter. It really depends on the draw of the equipment you're running. I'd think a circular saw would pull a lot of power but, not really sure. Personally, I think you'd be better off with a battery powered saw with a couple of batteries and keep one on the charger plugged into that inverter. But, you should ask someone with more expertise than me about that. My son in law has several battery power tools and he is constantly recharging them with the method I just described. |
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2017, 08:19:13 PM » |
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Bill, something else to keep in mind. They can drain a battery pretty quick, depending on what you are doing. It's not that big of a deal in a RV with separate deep cycle batteries that are isolated. But if you just have your regular starting battery in your truck. It would suck to get done with the job and find you can't start your truck.
Agreed, that would suck. I thought I would only run equipment with the truck motor idling. That is what I thought was best. Any issues, outside of burning gas, with that plan? I think that would work. |
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Hook#3287
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« Reply #9 on: March 11, 2017, 08:20:45 PM » |
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I currently run 10-12 different DeWalt 18V cordless tools. I have over 14 batteries and 7 chargers, but sometimes a corded tool is needed where power is not available.
I have a gas with 1 battery, chev 350, and a dodge with a double battery cummings.
Looks like I'll have to look into this a little deeper, last thing I want to do is damage the electrical system on my trucks.
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« Last Edit: March 12, 2017, 06:43:09 AM by Hook#3287 »
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #10 on: March 11, 2017, 08:25:10 PM » |
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I currently run 10-12 different DeWalt 12V cordless tools. I have over 14 batteries and 7 chargers, but sometimes a corded tool is needed where power is not available.
I have a gas with 1 battery, chev 350, and a dodge with a double battery cummings.
Looks like I'll have to look into this a little deeper, last thing I want to do is damage the electrical system on my trucks.
While I still think you'll be alright, I'd feel much more confident using the twin battery Dodge than the single battery Chevy. What I would consider would be adding an additional battery to the charging system of the chevy. Reserve capacity is pretty important. I'd probably use a deep cycle battery similar to what I have in my RV but, I run four of them.  As you may have surmised, I'm a big Tim Taylor (Tool Man) fan. |
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Hook#3287
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« Reply #11 on: March 11, 2017, 08:29:07 PM » |
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Tim Taylor  I like his new show also. Thanks for all the help guys, got me thinking. |
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art
Member
Posts: 2737
Grants Pass,Or
Grants Pass,Or
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« Reply #12 on: March 11, 2017, 09:59:27 PM » |
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They are only as good as your battery. I have a 750 w inverter and it works good but will draw down the battery fast. I bought a WEN 2000 W X 1600 W inverter generator from Amazon for $445 for the RV fridge and AC. It's so quite that while sitting on my cargo carrier mounted on the rear hitch I can barely hear it inside. I can sit next to it in the garage and still talk.
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Jess Tolbirt
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« Reply #13 on: March 12, 2017, 09:27:04 AM » |
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i use one in my truck to power saw-zall, band saw, skill saw, drills and such,,beats dragging the generator out for small jobs,,no problems in 2 years yet,,
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Hook#3287
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« Reply #14 on: March 12, 2017, 09:36:26 AM » |
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i use one in my truck to power saw-zall, band saw, skill saw, drills and such,,beats dragging the generator out for small jobs,,no problems in 2 years yet,,
Thanks for the post Jess. Sounds like what I plan on using it for. What size are you using? Do you run the truck when using it? |
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Jess Tolbirt
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« Reply #16 on: March 12, 2017, 09:42:07 AM » |
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i use one in my truck to power saw-zall, band saw, skill saw, drills and such,,beats dragging the generator out for small jobs,,no problems in 2 years yet,,
Thanks for the post Jess. Sounds like what I plan on using it for. What size are you using? Do you run the truck when using it? since i use it just for me and not a crew of people i can run it for 2 to 3 hours with no problem starting the truck. if the battery voltage drops below 11 volts the inverter turns itself off so you dont get stranded..i forget the name of mine, shumaker or something like that and 2000 watts...skill saw pulls 13 amps and no problems with it... |
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Hook#3287
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« Reply #17 on: March 12, 2017, 09:49:04 AM » |
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i use one in my truck to power saw-zall, band saw, skill saw, drills and such,,beats dragging the generator out for small jobs,,no problems in 2 years yet,,
Thanks for the post Jess. Sounds like what I plan on using it for. What size are you using? Do you run the truck when using it? since i use it just for me and not a crew of people i can run it for 2 to 3 hours with no problem starting the truck. if the battery voltage drops below 11 volts the inverter turns itself off so you dont get stranded..i forget the name of mine, shumaker or something like that and 2000 watts...skill saw pulls 13 amps and no problems with it... Yeah, that's pretty much my plan, just sporadic short use. Thanks for the info. |
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Atl-Jerry
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« Reply #18 on: March 12, 2017, 10:12:52 AM » |
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In a previous life I was with AT&T, all the trucks had inverters that were hardwired, all power tools, laptop and test equipment were battery operated. We used the inverter to recharge everything enroute to the next job or back to the barn. If you left it turned on WITHOUT the engine running, you'd need a jump start very quickly.
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