110v outlet in a K5

[badmix]

Anyone ever rig up an invertor to be hidden and just have a 110v outlet so you can plug crap into it, instead of going cig lighter route? Ive got an idea that I did once before in a camper, but need to rig on/off switch to invertor.

 

[rdn2blazer]

I have a Snap On 12v to 110v inverter that is the exact size and shape of the 12oz soda can, plugs into the power port or cig lighter and it 110v. Works great.

 

[3car]

I have a 1500 watt inverter from my truck driving days. Theyre pretty inexpensive and as easy to install as a stereo amp.
http://www.xantrex.com/

 

[dyeager535]

I had an idea on the K5 to replace one of the ashtrays in the side panels with an outlet, and wire up the inverter to said outlet. Inverter would be hidden behind the panel of course, and wired up to turn on only when the vehicle was running. Or some other way to ensure it didn't get left on inadvertently, like tto he key in-engine off-door open buzzer? As far as I can tell you aren't limited by the inverter design, I'm sure most could easily be "converted" to have a remote outlet and on/off switch.

Inverter I have is a cheapy, but has a flat face with four screws holding it on, with the on/off button and 110 plug on the same face. Was also thinking of mounting it to the inside of the Tuffy console, so the plug and switch were facing the back seat, through matching holes cut in the console.

 

[Mr. Sharky]

I bought a 1500w inverter and ran battery size cables to the back seat area. Then I wired a regular 110v household outlet box in and now I have two outlets that I can plug drills and other household devices to. I got my inverter at Frys. It works good for anything from drills to TV and DVD equipment. I even use it when we are camping.

 

[Jessie James]

Just be sure you get the correct kind of inverter for the equipment you are going to use. I am not sure of the terminology, but I think it has something to do with "sine wave". Some are made for motors and such, and others can also handle sensitive equipment like computers. If you use one that isn't designed for that stuff, it can ruin it.

 

[badmix]

Just be sure you get the correct kind of inverter for the equipment you are going to use. I am not sure of the terminology, but I think it has something to do with "sine wave". Some are made for motors and such, and others can also handle sensitive equipment like computers. If you use one that isn't designed for that stuff, it can ruin it.

Your talking about PURE and MODIFIED. i would get a Pure sine wave, they are more expensive but are cleaner.

 

[cybrfire]

I have an inverter in my crew cab and has proved pretty useful. For long trips we put a laptop in, use it for GPS and alot of music. Have also used it around the shop outside to power some tools while putting up a fence.

As far as remote outlets, pretty simple to do. I just did mine as sort of an extension cord with a fixed position outlet.

 

[73k5blazer]

I have a hidden inverter in my side panel.
I just got the truck running back in April, but the 110gets used a decent amount. Mine is an inverter charger, and as an inlet as well. So you can plug in and it will charge the battery, also nice the couple times I did some campground camping, you can plug in and use your devices all night and use your coffee maker in the morning.
I also wired a switch into the engine block heater, so if the inverter/charger is plugged in and you throw the switch, it will do the block heater too.

 

[Fordum]

The better the sine wave, the better off you are. But the more you pay for it.

Just remember that you are on the wrong side of the power ratio.
For every amp you draw at 120 volts, you have to supply 10 amps and change of 12 volts.
So, BIG power cables from the battery.
And short battery life.......

 

[73k5blazer]

Sine wave is nice, but probably not necessary for most things one uses from a vehicle 110voutlet. Laptops, chargers just convert to some 5vdc or 18vdc or whatever, so they could care less.
Motors don't particularly like modified sine-wave inverters, but they work and don't really do any damage to them.
I wanted a sine-wave one in the beginning too, but after reading further and talking to some people, I think really not necessary unless your running sensitive medical or some type of diagnostic equipment or something like that.

 

[imiceman44]

Sine wave is nice, but probably not necessary for most things one uses from a vehicle 110voutlet. Laptops, chargers just convert to some 5vdc or 18vdc or whatever, so they could care less.
Motors don't particularly like modified sine-wave inverters, but they work and don't really do any damage to them.
I wanted a sine-wave one in the beginning too, but after reading further and talking to some people, I think really not necessary unless your running sensitive medical or some type of diagnostic equipment or something like that.

I ran a small 110v fridge in my truck for a couple of years with a modified since wave inverter never had a problem.
I actually brought it back home after 2 years, and was using it at home when a few months later it crapped out.
I guess it got used to the modified and didn't like the real thing afterwards.
I have a few of the inverters from small 120amp that are contained in the cigarette lighter plug to a 3000w wired in my truck.

 

[Macumazahn]

I have a little 300 watt inverter, for charging laptops and phones. Have wondered how to hide it, but never got around to it. Seems like a great idea, I like the one done above by 73k5blazer, I'd like to do something like that.