Here's a video on how the isolator between the two batteries is wired: kzread.info/dash/bejne/h5isw7yLZKrIhqQ.html

As someone who knows nothing about this kinda stuff, I can't thank you enough for that simple diagram. You're awesome.

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

Oh great! You’re gonna love having it hooked up

I like that crimping trick with a screwdriver. Always learning things from you. Thanks!

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

haha ... thanks, man!

@chrisw1462

5 жыл бұрын

That crimping trick might end up kicking him later.. there's a reason crimp tools have a 'V' shape on Both sides.

@cheekygeek

5 жыл бұрын

Chris W Same idea using two triangular files then. Still saves buying a crimping tool for a single job.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

That sounds like it would work well

@chrisfi3d

4 жыл бұрын

They say, give a competent man a tool and he can find a 1000 uses for it.

We really love your ingenuity that you show in your projects! The screwdriver in the vice as a crimp line and the extra hand of vice grips holding a nut while you tighten the screw will be two tricks we're stealing from you. Thank you! :)

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

hey, nice of you to say! I really appreciate that. take care!

Best video I've found that explains all of this so well. I'm trying to to the exact same thing and this very clearly explained a lot of things I don't know much about. THANK YOU.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Oh good! Good luck with the project!

One of the best instructional vids for this. Simple and to the point. Much OBLIGED!

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it!

This gives me lots of ideas. Thank you!!

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

Oh good! You’re gonna love it

I mounted my 4000 watt inverter near the tail gate at the back end of the truck with the cord outlets facing the tail gate. Climbing in and out of the truck for power is a pain. I did learn two neat tricks as others had mentioned. Enjoyed the video and good job on the install. The bracket for the inverter could have been much lighter by changing it to just a belt strap with one bolt and washer in the middle of each strap and then using that to hold the inverter with no wood needed. Again good job. Love the videos on youtube. Mark Jones from Springfield MO

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Man, I'm jealous! How did you get a long enough wire to reach the tailgate? I know what you mean about it being a pain, but I've been using a 10ft extension cord, which is less annoying. Take care!

@MarkJonesRanger

5 жыл бұрын

I purchased stranded #6 house wire. Put it in the flex duct like you did yet the cheap duct rotted out after about 8 years. Just got a new f150 and will reinstall this wiring and some new duct. I may have to buy some new wire. Welding cable is a good choice as well for longer runs. Again good job on the video and install.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Oh, very good. I think I'll follow your advice on my other truck. It would be great to have the plugs way in back

You are one talented dude. Good communication skills too. Thank you very much.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Real nice of you to say

Came here looking for some info on putting an inverter into my Tundra, found a great channel to subscribe to. Thx!

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Tundra will great with more power options

Cutting the jumpers cables up to make your leads was just genius. I priced the same gauge cable against buying jumper cables and the cables where cheaper. Thanks.

@metaspencer

2 жыл бұрын

Most excellent! Gotta get the good deals when ya can

@shanekasper4587

2 жыл бұрын

@@metaspencer you bet!

One major thing needs saying. A Certain manufacturer,on Amazon, was describing their 2 gauge wiring as #2 AWG wire. American Wire Gauge is a TECHNICAL STANDARD stating current and voltage handling characteristics. When checked,the wire was ultra-light and questionable as "copper". When checked,the wire was magnetically attracted. It was arc-sprayed cast iron wire with a copper coating. ALWAYS use wire supplied by a standard manufacturer,rather than depending on junk jumper cables for constant power transfer. Welding cable is best !!

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Wow, crazy story! Thanks for the tips

@imark7777777

4 жыл бұрын

There are some good jumper cables out there I have one I don't want to cut, there is also another trend of 10 pounds of insulation on a 20 gauge wire they were free.

@chrisgraham2904

4 жыл бұрын

Yes! For the best quality and price for cable, source it from a welding supplier. Even Harbor Freight (U.S.) or Princess Auto (Canada) welding cable by the foot is a better gamble than recycled booster cables. Size the wire as large as you can tolerate for DC current and keep the runs as short as possible. Never exceed 10 feet per run.

@donalddluckerii3147

3 жыл бұрын

@@chrisgraham2904 10 ft? If you never exceed 10ft per run than no car amplifiers could ever be installed in trunks etc. As this is common practice what is your reasoning?

@chrisgraham2904

3 жыл бұрын

@@donalddluckerii3147 For every inverter manufacturer that I investigated, somewhere in their fine print they state that the wire length between the battery and the inverter must not exceed 10 ft. The inverter warranty is void if that length is exceeded, so I assume that this is their legal liability issue. Many people do exceed that limit when installing on pick-up trucks, etc. and seem to have little issues. Don't skimp on wire size and oversize beyond recommended where ever possible. Solar panel manufacturers and retailers are also a good resource for expert advise on inverter installations.

Nice explanation. Simple and easy to follow. Thank you! Hope it's held up well, I like the breaker idea.

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yeah still liking my setup

Another good point. Thanks

This is great step by step instructions! I have 1994 Silverado so I'll be doing pretty much the same. I'm needing to live in my truck for a few months sadly while I go to school. But this video is one of many glad you posted!

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

I installed this inverter after spending a week sleeping in the back of the truck -- it's great to be able to plug in and charge things back there. You're gonna like it. Note that you might be able to save some money and time by installing the unit under the hood and simply plugging in an extension cord for your power. That's another option. Good luck with the project and truck life!

@SDRacing88

4 жыл бұрын

I wonder if this inverter is strong enough to run a small 100 psi air compressor.

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

I think it would be. Just check amps on the compressor

@uber2tuber

2 жыл бұрын

@@metaspencer Great vid.... question please. I have read that car batteries are inherently limited to about 150 to 200w power draws? can that be true? how does a 2000w inverter work with a regular battery then? Thank you so much.

@metaspencer

2 жыл бұрын

@@uber2tuber Yeah you will surely encounter limits when pulling from a car battery ... from what I know it all depends on the size of the batteries, alternator, etc

great job, gives me an option running a small portable a/c unit in my ancient truck

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a coool idea :)

Another clean job! 👍

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

thanks, man

informative to the point and clear . Thanks !

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man!

Awesome video! Thanks for going into detail!

@metaspencer

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks man!

Me & pop watched & both enjoyed nice work ..

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

hey guys! :) I hope he's feeling better

@michaelhorsford403

5 жыл бұрын

@@metaspencer he's better than ever thanks

This was such a well done video that allows an idiot like me to do this! And really smart tip about the vice-grips. Thanks for the detailed instructions. Very well done!

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

Most excellent! Nice of you to say

This was super helpful thank you!

@no_peace

4 жыл бұрын

I have a Corolla so i don't have to drill any holes in the back--I can just use one of the holes they added to let mice in

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

Love those carollas! I had one for 20 years

Awesome video thanks!

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

You bet!

Thanks!

Awesome video, easy to follow, Nice Job thank you

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man. It's great having the 110 AC power option. A real game changer

I learned a lot, thank you very much

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for checking it out!

Great explanation!

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It's still running well and very useful

Good job.

Solid video!

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Big thanks!

Everyone makes it so difficult except metaspencer. Thank you.

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

haha ... big thanks!

I love the Chevy!!

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

oh yeah! me to ... thanks!

Great work, just what a needed to watch.

@metaspencer

2 жыл бұрын

Good to hear! You'll like the setup

Nice useful project.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

I'm super happy about it ...

An inverter on a truck is MUST HAVE. I have a big 140min reserve Bosch led acid on my 2012 Ram 1500 and have been running a pure 1200 watt inverter on my truck for several years now. Here's what I've learned. The closer the inverter to the battery the more power you get. The shorter and thicker the cables from the inverter to the battery the more power you get. IMO, your inverter might be 2000 Watts, but you likely can't get more 900 watts from your battery even with lights off and while running your engine. My 1200 Watt inverter sits right on top of my battery's insulation locked safely under the hood and the cables are 4 gauge and about 5 inches short. I ran a heavy duty 110v extension chord safely and securely down the side of the engine bay and zip locked it to some other cables running on the top of the frame (away from any exhaust and fuel lines) and then up into the bed under the tailgate. No drilling, very secure and you can't see the cable unless you open the tailgate. Been running like this for years and am able to cut and drill 4x4 PT, make coffee, cook rice and even fry a steak. I keep the inverter off when I'm not using it for safety and since it's fan does consume some amps.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Okay, now why didn't I think of that! Put the inverter up front and then just run an extension cord to the rear of the truck. Doh! Great plan there, man. I really like that idea. Plus, it's flexible if you need to run the cord out the front end. Thanks for that tip and the thinking of power reduction.

@bobmanfredonia8412

5 жыл бұрын

wouldnt you have to open the hood and switch the inverter on everytime you wanted to use it. what about water getting in the inverter.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

@@bobmanfredonia8412 I could keep the breaker switched on all the time, but prefer to keep it off when not using the inverter. For me, using the inverter is just an occasional thing, so switching it under the hood is not a big deal. I'm sure others have different needs. As for water, it's not a problem: the unit is nice and dry under my topper.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

I wonder about the heat AND the water ...

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

@Hell's favorite NPC #69OU812 . exe Yeah, that makes sense ... seems to work for the low draw uses I put it to, at least

Very nice!

@metaspencer

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks man

did this to my 94 Silverado with a leer top.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Cool truck!

inverter is in a good location, and you don't need to put it in the engine compartment but a few notes: 1) Your Red power wires should be wrapped with electrical tape (depending on voltage, select appropriate electrical tape) so you do not see any exposed terminals or wire! 2) I like your vice with screwdriver trick! 3) You can ground to the bed (shorter grounds are safer. Ground wires should be the same size or larger than your power wires. Less resistance = better ground. Wire brush your frame and use a fat ass bolt torque nicely to the frame as your ground location. Running it all the way to the battery was completely unnecessary and less-safe than a shorter ground. 4) Great idea with the secondary battery & Isolator!

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

Solid ideas, thanks !

Great job my friend.

@metaspencer

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for checking it out!

Screwdriver in the vice crimping tip is a top trick, nice one mate . Cutting the damn cables without a super duty cutter is something i'd love to know , them cutters are big bucks ! A hacksaw makes a right old birds nest !

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

I just cut and cut and cut until all the strands are cut ... seems to work!

@Silentaudits7

5 жыл бұрын

@@metaspencer I'll give it a go on an old cable , my snips are probably crap and dull too. cheers

great job

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I like the idea I did something very similar to what you did I used to be over the road truck driver and I got sleep apnea so I had to have the power inverter to run my CPAP machine and the semi had a battery operated APU it worked out excellent I went and bought some cable from Farm & Fleet both were red but I did color coat the ends the only downfall there was in the system is when the batteries got low I had to fire up the main engine to recharge system if I sat too long and being in a no idle state made it interesting not to get caught charging the batteries back up

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

sounds like a pretty good setup -- I would have figured that those CPAP machines took more power than the battery could produce. but no! I'm pretty psyched to have this AC power option for trips and remote builds. take care!

@elcoyote9410

5 жыл бұрын

Man that's rough glad it's been working out for you!

very good sir, now can you do a vid on how I would use a solar panel with this setup?? Its just what I'm looking for. It would be soooo helpful since I'm a bit of a twit when it comes to this sort of thing.. cheers

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

I guess I really should put a solar panel on top of my topper for off-grid camping ... cool idea! Solar is definitely a bit more complicated, as you'll need a charge controller and all that, but you should be able to find some useful diagrams online. Good luck with it!

Nice install 👍👍

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for checking it out

Since the truck is negative ground, you only needed to route the red positive wire through the truck and drill one less hole. Then you will only need a short negative wire between the inverter and the truck frame.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

I get that now - thanks. Too many years of house wiring on my end I guess haha ... take care

@TeamWagy

5 жыл бұрын

In my opinion it's still best to run straight to the battery especially when drawing a lot from the battery

@jasonpintler8150

4 жыл бұрын

Any inverter over 1000 watt must have both - & +, 2 awg (or larger) cables. Im not an expert, but every one I've ever owned would clearly state that in the manual.....

@awesomesauce2935

4 жыл бұрын

@@jasonpintler8150 but isn't several hundred square feet (guess) of conductive metal at least 0 gauge? Its an honest question as I don't know the answer.

@thomasjohnson3895

3 жыл бұрын

@@awesomesauce2935 The ground circuit thru the chassis must still be connected to the battery. The small size of the battery to chassis ground cable will result in a voltage drop going to the inverter. The greater the load on the inverter the greater the voltage drop. The more the voltage drop the more amps required to deliver the same watts/power. The greater the amp draw the more the wires will heat up. The resistance from the heat will farther reduce will the voltage requiring even more amps.

another thing to do , oh boy. !!!!! Thanks.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

It's really great to have in the truck when working far from an outlet ... though I need a better, higher quality inverter

pretty neat i have a 92 silverado thinking of doing the same thing

@metaspencer

Жыл бұрын

92! Excellent

Great vid dude and thank you☺️👍🏻

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

Oh you bet! It's great having AC power back there

@hjohnstone6921

4 жыл бұрын

metaspencer would it run a original Xbox One, I’m a trucker and tried to run my Xbox one of a cigarette lighter inverter🥴🤣... I then realised in need something bigger and better🤣😉

@hjohnstone6921

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for reply btw👍🏻☺️☺️☺️

@hjohnstone6921

4 жыл бұрын

Just subscribed 👍🏻😊😎

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

@@hjohnstone6921 That's quite a bit of juice ... it all depends on the inverter. You've gotta check what load the device needs then compare it to the inverter.

Great video

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man

Good stuff

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Add at least 100w solar panel 💪 Thanks for sharing 👏

@metaspencer

2 жыл бұрын

Yep you said it. Great idea

that's very cool

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

It's a great setup

Excellent video

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! I'm glad it was useful!

One improvement. Add two small strips of ears there stripping on the jig where the bottom of the inverter touches it to keep it in place for sure and vibrations down.

very good 👍

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

The way you use a table saw like a jigsaw both terrifies and impresses me.

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

Haha ... yeah, definitely a little bit sketchy. :)

Thank you

@metaspencer

Жыл бұрын

Good luck with it!

Things that i recommend with this setup! Get a meanwell inverter, u can have a 1500w model for 250$ and they are way better quality and most importantly won't burn ur truck down!. Get a 12v 100ah Lifepo4 battery from Amazon and use 100amp contractor so that it will only connect to your truck battery only when the engine is running. When engine is not running the inverter will only drain the 100ah Lifepo4 battery which should give u about 1100w/hr to use. Don't forget to install an temperature controller for the alternator or the lithium will pull too much current from the alternator at idle & fry the coil!

@metaspencer

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting ideas and insights. Thanks buddy!

Very nice.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@2:55 great tip, thanks

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

works for me! :)

hello ser good day from phillipines

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Good to hear from you!

Great idea about the crimping trick, but how did you crimp the cables on the inverter end?

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Vice grips with screwdrivers .... I really need a good crimping tool

@JPG23

5 жыл бұрын

@@metaspencer Good call, it's one of those tools that get used very seldom, so your method is perfect for your needs

thanks for the video, how do you decide the current rating of the circuit breaker?

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

Your inverter should have a load description in amps ...

Good Job. I would heat shrink the terminals, there could be a chance of shorting the terminal on the CB to the chassis of the truck

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

Oh good idea! Never thought of that. Maybe I'll apply some liquid electrical "tape" ... thanks!

Wow bro that's was a nice video I was in pain when you drill a hole in your truck 😱

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

You and me both: I'm checking those holes all the time for leaks :)

Nice install brother. Quick question. Could you connect the ground to the chassis instead of going all the way to the battery? Thank you for your time!

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah, that will save you time and wire. The chassis is definitely a good ground

That was pretty cool the way you instructed that but what charges your second battery from when you're done using it it doesn't bring back a charge

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

it charges just like the main battery: off the alternator

You could have done a better bracket for your inverter! But the important thing is that it works for you.. 👍🏻 good job

@metaspencer

2 жыл бұрын

Haha … you are absolutely right!

I have a 96 Z71 with almost 400 thousand, she did run pretty good till my 17 yr old got hold of her. makes me sad! maybe he needs one of these Inverters.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

woah, 400k! it's hard to believe, but this 1990 has just, wait for it, 53k miles. hardly any miles and next to zero rust. so you can imagine that I really like it :)

@pamcolechadwell1302

5 жыл бұрын

WOW, you better love that truck.

@tedskam

4 жыл бұрын

"ran pretty good till my 17 year old got ahold of it..." Wish I had a dollar for everytime that was uttered...….

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

They’re dangerous!

Hey great job I like the way you crimped your ends with a vice and a screw driver , I just bought a 1500 watt inverter to charge batteries and plug in my laptops and my computers I’ll probably get a second battery like you have so I can run my power with the van off

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

Oh how I'd love a van! Now I'm jealous. Good luck as you set it all up ... you're gonna love being able to charge stuff up

@joshuajonathanhood1227

4 жыл бұрын

metaspencer I just got the unit up and running now I can charge my phone I’m taking a road trip so now I have power for my 2 laptops and I can put in work When I build my new house I’m going to wire it up for direct current I may have an underground wire to a utility shed with city power but other then that AC power useless in my mind

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

@@joshuajonathanhood1227 Sounds excellent. I've got a buddy who has a full solar setup and it's awesome

@joshuajonathanhood1227

4 жыл бұрын

metaspencer I already am using my laptop and charging my phone it’s awesome ! My inverter already has a switch in it so I didn’t have to install one , the vans nice I’m living in my van while I travel across country working from vehicle it’s a must to have power

@joshuajonathanhood1227

4 жыл бұрын

metaspencer does he have a KZread ? I would love to see his set up I’m actually friends with Elon Musk & will be lobbying for solid energy above all other energy sources . When I build my new house I’m going to install solar panel roofing shingles do you own your own home ? If so how long does your roof have left on it’s life ? I may be able to get you some solar panels at cost once available I’m I’m thinking in the next 1-3 years....

Pls note: Change that breaker to 100amp. Put the inverter in the engine bay. Need to be as close as possible to the battery. No need to run negative cable. If slave battery is already grounded to truck, then simply ground inverter to truck. If that inverter fails you could have a real problem.. fire. You are a very talented guy. Just change the amp rating. If it blows at 100 amps. The inverter needs to be relocated closer to battery. God Bless. Be Safe. Cheers!

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

That all makes good sense ... 100 amp is way safer. I use it sparingly but see what you mean. Thanks!

@gradyrm237

4 жыл бұрын

And open the hood every time I need to use it? Hmmm

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

@@gradyrm237 for me that works since I use it only once a week or even less ...

@AdventuresofGraywolf

3 ай бұрын

@@gradyrm237 You can run an extension cord to the back of the truck. AC has less loss/heat than DC does and doesn't require as thick of a cable

Like the set , but the only thing I would change is the location of the off/on switch I would find a place in the cab.👍🏻

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

cool idea, especially if you plan to use it a lot

I had a 400W inverter installed. I upgraded it to a 800W. I also installed an inline fuse when I installed the 400W. I don't run that much: a laptop, a printer, a hotspot and my phone. The 400W ran off of 12AWG wire and I never had the fuse blow. As long as I don't increase my load, will the 800W be OK until I get the chance upgrade the wire? I didn't use a conduit. Good idea BTW.

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

Check a wire size chart. Depends on load but also length of the wire. Fuse is a good idea

you shod get a inverter for the bus and have it so if you do need it you can have some sort of backup power while driving

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Yep, on my list for when I replace the leisure battery. Also an isolator

metaspencer = thanks....I only want to hook up a stereo to it and an MP3 player...

Can I use a DT wiring harness with switch you know the one they make with the LED connect at one and I was thinking of just cutting off the LED connection and connecting to the power inverter are those wires strong enough do I have to go with wires as big as the jumper cables you have I have a peek 2.1 amp5 V DC

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

The best way to answer that question is to look at a wire gauge chart. The chart will get you to consider your load and the distance of the run. I tend to go with larger wires than I may need just to be safe and avoid overheating or melted wires. Now, another way to set this up is just to install the inverter under the hood and then run an extension cord from there ... good luck with the project!

@dualdodgeownerlift5795

5 жыл бұрын

If you brought the wires in through the bottom of the beds lower back wall, the wires would reach further towards the back so the plug could be reached from the back of the truck without having to jump in to plug in. Could also remove the cap without having to disconnect everything.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Oh so true! But I didn’t want to drill through my bed. Great point

Can I use a deep cycle battery for my secondary as long as I'm using an isolator?

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

Woah, I don't know exactly and you should ask around and do some research, but my gut reaction would be YES. Seems to make sense to me

Personally, I think going underneath along the frame rails and coming up through the bottom of the bed would have made a cleaner job. Also if you ever remove the cable a rubber plug could fill the hole. I have a cobra 1800 watt inverter and have thought about installing it in my 2018 sierra, but the 28 feet of wire was cost preventive but yhe harbor freight jumper cables might work.

@metaspencer

Жыл бұрын

I see your point on that routing method for the wire but didn't want to come in low as I was thinking about water infiltration. But I see your point.

I plan to put breaker inside cab. There isn't an issue with distance of breaker from source is there,?

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

That sounds smart. You can put the breaker anywhere, but keep in mind that the wire leading up to the breaker is not protected and, if cut into or something could arc

👍👍👍👍

I think I got the same jumper they were from a local store, i was a little disappointed to find out that they were copper clad aluminum but it will work. I ended up drilling out the rivet so I could save the clips for other uses and keep the extra 6in of wire.

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

That copper coated aluminum is too common! Saving the clips was smart

@imark7777777

4 жыл бұрын

@@metaspencer I was between a set at Walmart and a set an a bargain Close out store, from what I could tell thoroughly looking at them in the store they looked good and that they were supposedly 2 gauge. the price was about the same and I couldn't see the Walmart version which was smaller. So I went with these big suckers they're about the size of my thumb and nice and flexible, now if only my fuse holder would come in I would have to force myself to find a way through the firewall and be good. My biggest inverter is a 750w MSW :-( I keep saying my next is going to be a true sine-wave output it runs things more efficiently and some audio/amps/motors don't like modified. so I'm like way overkill anyway with a little bit of expansion. And all I have to do is get some ring terminals, nuts and bolts and I can put clips on whatever I want, or use them as clamps. Another thing I did instead of ring terminals is I got some electrical terminals that you usually bolt to a bus bar and have a screw tightened clamping mechanism to put the wire in and tighten it down which will make it easy to remove or change in the future. I do a lot of stuff with the end goal of having it be removable with minor changes, considering I went through three cars in six months :-( I am certainly looking at how easy it is to remove in 30 minutes while the guys watching you at the junkyard. I had to rip out my Bluetooth aftermarket radio and any other modifications I wanted to save and even tried to get the full tank of gas that I just put in…

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

@@imark7777777 Sounds like a good set-up and approach to me! You're gonna love it

@imark7777777

4 жыл бұрын

The funny thing is a day or two after making this last comment my fuse holders finally came in and they sat around for a while. I Finally got everything in and it's all done and it works nice. I was looking around for a small disconnect to turn off and not drained the battery when not in use and decided to go with my original plan of using the second fuse holder.

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Great to have it running

Instead of crimping like that, get a propane/map gas torch, put the eyelets in your vice so the cup is upward, sweat some solder down into the cup, and then push the stranded wire in the cup and let cool. Presto, no crimping and solid connection.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Oh dang, I like the sound of that. A nice soldered connection is always the best. T'hanks for the tip!

I'm installing inverter for my sons PlayStation. Great idea on cables. Can you give me order info for inline fuse? Much obliged, great video. Thanks

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Hey Jim! I posted the info on the fuse above in the "show more" section ... but here it is! ✯ 220 inverter, which is not typical in North America: amzn.to/2wiViUm ✯ jumper cables: amzn.to/2MLXXjv ✯ 1" conduit: amzn.to/2PugWh3 ✯ circuit breaker: amzn.to/2MvG2hO ✯ grommets: amzn.to/2o3ti3g ✯ step drill bits: amzn.to/2wmfsfU ✯ isolator: amzn.to/2Mqw6WK (all Amazon Associates links, which help support the channel)

That was a great video. I work in the oil field and move from job to job and I want to put a small microwave in my truck. Can you recommend a strong enough inverter?

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

You’re looking for a 2000 watt inverter I’m guessing... sounds like a good setup

@chrisgraham2904

4 жыл бұрын

I don't think any consumer microwaves exceed 1500 Watts -- the smaller compact units are usually around 1,100 Watts and are quite adequate for reheating a coffee , a sandwich, soups and stews..etc. Size the inverter 500 Watts above what your plugging into it.

How do you charge the 2nd battery that is connected to the invertor ?

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

The second battery is linked to the first so charges when the alternator is running. Setup is here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/h5isw7yLZKrIhqQ.html

Just one thought as an electrical engineer, the heavier wire is on the DC side and also AC has less loss per foot distance so if you can keep inverter closer to battery, you will save money on wire and results with better AC voltage at outlets

@metaspencer

Жыл бұрын

Makes good sense. Thanks man

How did you crimp the wire when in the truck as you now don’t have the vice to use ? Thanks.

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

I've had that question a few times. Without a crimper I used a pair of vice grips, sandwiching the wire between screwdrivers. That puts a nice dent in the fitting. Some will add solder to the end too

You have positive and negative to the inverter did you have to hook a ground as well to the inverter because I have positive negative cable plus a ground

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

You can ground to the body of the vehicle ... that's the the negative cable. I ran mine to the battery but you can just ground to the frame

MR Spencer good video. Two questions: 1) suppose I do not have room under the hood or don't want a 2nd battery there. Can I keep battery two on a tender in my house, bring it out when necessary, place it in my truck bed and just run wires to an inverter and then plug devices into the inverter without connecting battery two to the car battery(Battery one) that is under the hood with the car running? Question 2: If a car needs to be running, why have two batteries? Thanks.

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

Number one is a yes, but just keep it charged regularly. Number two is that it’s just how some heavy duty trucks are set up. Good luck with it!

How much did all the parts (including the battery) cost!? Thanks you so much! This video was very helpful!!

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

It's been a while now and depends a lot on the quality of the inverter you buy, but I was at about $200 on this one

@metaspencer thank you so much for your video. I install my old 5 year power inverter on my old suburban 2001 and once I connect the cables, power inverter start to do a humming sound. Do you think is normal? Power inverter was off. Thank so much for any advise on power inverter humming sound when is off.

@metaspencer

2 жыл бұрын

That humming doesn't sound good to me ... I guess I'd probably not use it if possible. It would be bad to have a fire

@danielorondo3842

2 жыл бұрын

@@metaspencer thank you so much for your reply, i really appreciate it. I will look for another power inverter. Thank you so much 🤗

What is the max. Output we get from this inverter. Can we run 1 hp water pump by this converter starting the car.

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

Just check your pump ... it should list how many watts it needs... cross reference that against your inverter

So I had my heater core go out on my 1998 durango, and the repair cost isn't worth it. I want to hook up a 2000w inverter to my main/only battery, so that I can run a 500-1500w space heater inside my vehicle (only while running). If I find a different wattage heater, I may go lower so it isn't over kill. Just need something to get the interior warm and defrost the windshield if I need to. It also would be nice to have the inverter for when I want to use while camping. Is there any obvious reason this wouldn't work? Will I drain the battery faster than the alternator charges it, even while running? To be clear, I am only trying to power the space heater while the vehicle is running.

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

There seem to me to be a few potential problems: one would be having the heater pull more than the inverter can handle ... the other would be killing the alternator. I'd be hesitant, myself, to run a heater just because of the draw, but I hope it works out for you!

@mattmccarthy3626

3 жыл бұрын

metaspencer well if I run say a 1000w heater on a 2000w inverter, I wouldn’t think the inverter would be overloaded. But I guess I don’t know enough about the alternator charging capabilities.

do you get a descent amount of battery life using a regular car battery or is the deep cycle a necessity?

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

Big battery and limited draw ... charge often

Is it possible to just wire an extension cord straight to a car battery to run stuff while my car is on?

@metaspencer

4 жыл бұрын

No, that won't work as your car batter produces a direct current (DC) and the stuff you want to run needs alternating current (AC) ... that's why you need an inverter

I have a 5000/10000 inverter for my semi could you tell me what size breaker I would need?

@metaspencer

3 жыл бұрын

You need some thick wire for that one, so 2/0 wire. You should also have a fuse on the circuit. The breaker size should be something you can find on a site like this one: www.altestore.com/howto/recommended-inverter-cables-sizing-and-breakers-or-fuses-a62/ ... good luck with it man!

Will that battery put out enough power to have a welder running ?

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't try to run a welder on this thing ... not enough amps ... but I guess you could check the amps needed by your welder and test it. Typically guys run welders off of generators

Nice video dude. My only concern is that copper clad aluminium (the jumper cables) gets brittle and can be dangerous.

@metaspencer

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip! I'll check that out periodically

if i used separate battery for inverter 2000w , how do it recharge to battery?or can i connect direct to car battery?

@metaspencer

Жыл бұрын

recharge but linking it up in series or parallel depending on what you want, if your alternator can handle it

How do you charge your second battery the one you use for your inverter are you charging it via the alternator?

@metaspencer

2 жыл бұрын

It’s tied into the main battery so the alternator charges both

U should use the seat bolt for ground

@metaspencer

5 жыл бұрын

good idea!