Upgrading 400W inverter possible?

[TacoHolder]

2000W gas generator. The gold standard is the Honda at $1100, but there are some really nice units in the sub $500 price range. They are lightweight, portable and easy to use.

This is probably the best idea if you need more than 400W. Strap it down to the bed and carry it around if you need it consistently. Here's a 2300W "Ford" inverter generator for under $500. Design and reviews seem to indicate it is actually a rebranded Pulsar/Westinghouse, but at least you get the OEM look. But like the knowledgeable gentleman I quoted says, get the Honda if you can spare the cash.

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[Decayed]

Saw a video where the 12v outlet was ised for a Ranger pellet smoker/grill for tailgating. Thought that was a pretty cool use for bed outlet.

400 watts is plenty, provided you don't want to power something that heats up or runs a powerful motor like a chain saw or large compressor.

If you want to run something bigger, you can get one that runs 1000 or even 2000 watts on amazon. They aren't really expensive, particularly if you don't need a pure sine wave inverter. Given that you probably won't be using it while you are actually driving, they clamp directly to the battery and can draw pretty much as many amps as you need.

 

[Decayed]

This is probably the best idea if you need more than 400W. Strap it down to the bed and carry it around if you need it consistently. Here's a 2300W "Ford" inverter generator for under $500. Design and reviews seem to indicate it is actually a rebranded Pulsar/Westinghouse, but at least you get the OEM look. But like the knowledgeable gentleman I quoted says, get the Honda if you can spare the cash.

Those things regularly go on sale for just over $300.

 

[grimkenpo]

I bought this option in the XL hoping it came with the two USB ports seen in a Lariat I test drove at a dealership. I may well be mistaken.

 

[Ronaldo]

I think your analogy got a little sideways. Here's a typical explanation:


What are amps, watts, volts and ohms? | HowStuffWorks

Great explanation. I’ll keep a in my notes

 

[FordRick]

I hope it's okay to ask my question here. I have an XL, so no AC outlets included. Can I plug a low wattage AC inverter into the cigarette plug to charge my laptop? If so how many watts should the inverter be?

 

[MostlySafeBear]

I hope it's okay to ask my question here. I have an XL, so no AC outlets included. Can I plug a low wattage AC inverter into the cigarette plug to charge my laptop? If so how many watts should the inverter be?

Anything that you plug into the 12V power point(s) should be no more than 180 watts (12 volts DC times 15 amps) all together at any time, since (as far as I know) all the power points receive power from a single fuse.

 

[mjkladis]

I’d use that cubby hole more than the 400W power so I looking at either a 2000W generator or power station.

 

[Dechion]

The one I have in my work van is 1200 watts. It charges multiple tools at once, can also run my key cutting machine, hammer drill, and other assorted tools.

I'll include a pic of my spare from the storeroom as well as the 2AWG wiring thats supposed to power it. (Roll of electric tape for size reference)

I don't have my Maverick yet so I can't test fit it into the spot the regular inverter goes behind the seat. (finally got a build date, so that's progress)

Assuming it will physically fit I will likely swap mine out for one of these at some point, but I'll be planning on upgrading the wiring at the same time.

One thing to watch out for is draining the battery if using a larger inverter with the vehicle not running. One of my coworkers ran his hammer drill and grinder long enough to cut off and re-drill sixteen 1/2 studs into 4 inchs of concrete and I had to come give him a jump afterwards.

 

[Darnon]

I don't have my Maverick yet so I can't test fit it into the spot the regular inverter goes behind the seat. (finally got a build date, so that's progress)

IIRC the inverter module is beneath the center console and the box behind the driver's side rear seat might be associated with the trailer hookup.

 

[uh50]

The one I have in my work van is 1200 watts. It charges multiple tools at once, can also run my key cutting machine, hammer drill, and other assorted tools.

I'll include a pic of my spare from the storeroom as well as the 2AWG wiring thats supposed to power it. (Roll of electric tape for size reference)

I don't have my Maverick yet so I can't test fit it into the spot the regular inverter goes behind the seat. (finally got a build date, so that's progress)

Assuming it will physically fit I will likely swap mine out for one of these at some point, but I'll be planning on upgrading the wiring at the same time.

One thing to watch out for is draining the battery if using a larger inverter with the vehicle not running. One of my coworkers ran his hammer drill and grinder long enough to cut off and re-drill sixteen 1/2 studs into 4 inchs of concrete and I had to come give him a jump afterwards.

Good info...thanks.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

You will not plug in a 400 or 700w inverter to a cigarette lighter. They pull too much power and will blow the fuse. A 400w will pull around 40a.

Note that the cigarette style power points are not rated to run a cigarette lighter which is why they are called power points and not cigarette lighter points.

 

[NJBob]

This is probably the best idea if you need more than 400W. Strap it down to the bed and carry it around if you need it consistently. Here's a 2300W "Ford" inverter generator for under $500. Design and reviews seem to indicate it is actually a rebranded Pulsar/Westinghouse, but at least you get the OEM look. But like the knowledgeable gentleman I quoted says, get the Honda if you can spare the cash.

Hondas are the gold standard. But one at Harbor Frieght is half the cost and they work.

 

[uh50]

There are a number of ways to increase the capabilities of AC power available in your truck. Here are a couple of excellent articles.

Add more batteries = larger inverter size. This makes me wonder how big the hybrid batteries are and what could be done with them as emergency power for the home. But to do have to consider the size of the Maverick's alternator.

Here is a diagram used in a Family Handyman article.

I like the idea of adding an optional battery and a isolation relay which helps to protect your truck's electrical system.

There are a number of web sites that offer guidance, and here are a couple that I like:

How to Turn Your Truck Into a Generator - Family Handyman​

​

Add 120v Power to Your Vehicle With an Inverter - Instructables​

Hope this helps some.

 

[FordRick]

Anything that you plug into the 12V power point(s) should be no more than 180 watts (12 volts DC times 15 amps) all together at any time, since (as far as I know) all the power points receive power from a single fuse.

Thank you for the reply, I will buy an inverter to plug into power point. I don't require much power. Reading this entire thread gave me great info, maybe too much as my brain was starting to get twisted.

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