Is this power inverter overkill?

[dport]

**Edited with link to owner's manual**

I ended up with this inverter for basically nothing. This thing weighs about 20lbs (actually 16), and came out of a mobile medical unit. Would this thing be considered overkill in the back of a 3rd Gen 4Runner?

http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Po...1800 Owner's Manual(445-0049-01-01_Rev-B).pdf

 

[Joe917]

What are you powering? how big is your battery bank?

 

[Rickbfried]

Of course it's overkill, but it sounds as if the price was right. One thing to remember is the "overhead " of just switching it on and having it run.

 

[sargeek]

Some is good,more is better - you can run a hair dryer, brew a pot of Coffee, or run a space heater without thinking about it. Most ambulances have multiple battery banks, and multiple alternators. It really depends on what AC accessories you need to run.

 

[dwh]

Woo. Prosine. Should also have a built-in 100a charger. Definitely overkill.

But sexy and in demand.

Sell it for half the retail price and use the proceeds.

 

[dport]

Because I have this in my garage, it made me think about ditching liquid fuels for cooking, and just cook using a folding griddle, and/or an electric skillet. I think it would make things simpler and easier when I'm on family trips. I would keep all of my cast iron for home use, and for guy trips, when I have less gear to pack. I have also considered going to a small electric chainsaw, which would be nice. No fuel to carry on top of the 4Runner, and no worries about maintenance! I just took our 01 4Runner from the wife. It's been the family vehicle for years, and has been replaced by an LX470. I'm ditching my two other rides in favor of the 4runner (04 corolla and 94 ZJ). The electrical system is stock, but I'm considering making it the first upgrade. Perfect scenario would be the upgrading the electrical system to support a fridge, electric cookware, coffee pot, a few small LED systems, and an electric chainsaw. Obviously, this all wouldn't have to run at once. But...
I'm sure an upgrade in the suspension would come soon thereafter, even if it was just stiffer OME springs.

 

[dport]

Here's the specs if anyone is curious.

Electrical Specifications
Output power 1800 watts
Surge rating 2900 watts
Peak output current 45 A
Output voltage (at no load) 120 VAC RSM +/-3%
Output voltage (over full load and battery voltage range) 120 VAC RMS +4%, -10%
Output frequency 60 Hz+/-0.05 (crystal controlled)
Output waveform* True sine wave (1% THD typical)
Peak efficiency 89% / 90%
No load power draw (search mode) <1.5 W
No load power draw (idle mode) -20 W
Input voltage range (12 V/24 V) 10 - 16 VDC / 20 - 32 VDC
Transfer relay rating (hardwire/transfer relay models) 15 A
Transfer time AC to inverter and inverter to AC* 1 cycle (typical, <20ms)
General Specifications
Operating temperature range 32°F − 140°F (0°C − 60°C)
Storage temperature range -22°F − 158°F (-30°C − 70°C)
AC output types Hardwire with transfer relay
LCD display panel Removable; can be mounted remotely (requires remote interface kit - see part number section)
Recommended DC fuse 12 V: 150 A or 175 A*
Dimensions 4.5 x 11.0 x 15.3 (115 x 280 x 390 mm)
Weight 16.5 lb (7.5 kg)

 

[verdesardog]

Being overkill or not depends on the no load current draw. If using something needing 1800 watts it will draw well over 100 amps from your battery bank so use it wisely!

 

[dport]

So, I would have to choose between the disco ball, and the electric griddle?

 

[dport]

The info I'm reading says to not exceed 5ft in power cable length. Is that just manufacturer's CYA, or would it be OK to run the length of the vehicle?

 

[Martinjmpr]

No fuel to carry on top of the 4Runner, and no worries about maintenance! I just took our 01 4Runner from the wife. It's been the family vehicle for years, and has been replaced by an LX470. I'm ditching my two other rides in favor of the 4runner (04 corolla and 94 ZJ).

.
If you plan on running all those electrical accessories you darn well better take extra fuel - for the 4runner! Power doesn't come for free and an 01 4runner has a tiny 18.5 gallon tank. If you are running that 1800 watt inverter at anywhere near capacity you will either have to have your engine running or you will discharge that battery very quickly to the point where you won't be able to start.
.
You also should look into your alternator capacity - can your alternator charge the battery(ies) at a faster rate than that big inverter can drain it?

 

[Hillbilly Heaven]

I know the cast iron cookware is heavy and bulky, but I say keep it. Use it every trip. Skip the electric appliances and get an induction cooktop. Electric chainsaw that means you have now carry, store, and maintain extension cords. Yeah it sounds easier than a gas chain saw, but think about it completely before ditching it. Carrying two gallon of extra fuel, if you don't mix oil, is no big problem. You can choose to mix the oil later. If you don't use the two gallons on your trip you can pour then in the vehicle when you get home or use them in the lawn mower. If you do premix the oil then use it in the lawn trimmer when you get home.

If you do carry vehicle fuel then you could just use some of that for a chainsaw if you feel the need to carry a saw. You can always mix the fuel and oil in any container that would not melt from the fuel. If you were in a big pinch you could mix it in a coffee cup. Just be sure to wash the cup before your morning cup coffee or you may run out of gas around noon. High octane brew to kick start your day.

 

[dport]

The electric chainsaw has been on my mind for several years. There was a trip posting of a couple of guys that were in S America, and they went that route. I feel the electric chainsaw would be a little less troublesome. I think I would carry a 30ft cord for it, which would reach the front of the vehicle, and side to side. That would be enough to clear a trail, and gather firewood immediately around camp.

 

[dport]

I would be adding at least one battery, and waiting for the alternator to give up to justify that upgrade. A roll out solar panel may help with the life of the alternator, tho.

 

[Johnston]

If you are looking at electric cord chainsaw you might start looking at battery chainsaw. There are some nice ones out there and just recharge battery on inverter. If you get 2 batteries you can almost go non- stop switching between the 2.

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