Having a reliable truck power inverter is crucial, especially for drivers who must travel long distances for work or travel whether charging laptops, powering tools, or ensuring the smooth operation of comfort equipment, a power inverter is an essential accessory for the modern truck driver.
However, there is a bewildering variety of inverters on the market, and this blog explains how to choose the best inverter for your truck.
What is a truck inverter?
Inverters are installed in trucks to convert DC power from the vehicle's battery or backup battery into AC power that can be used for household appliances. It can help the owner or passengers to use electronic devices such as computers, fridges, coffee machines, etc. in the vehicle, thus enhancing the comfort and convenience of the journey. The power level and output voltage of inverters usually vary according to specific needs to meet the power requirements of different devices.
What does the power inverter on a truck do?
Car batteries provide an electric current in a circuit that flows in one direction, called 'direct current'. Many devices we use daily require alternating current (AC) to power them. AC power changes direction periodically and provides more power than DC power usually does. So if you want to use alternating current in your car, you need an inverter.
With a truck inverter, you can make it happen:
- Charging electronic devices: In modern life, people cannot live without various electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc. These devices usually need AC power to charge, and the inverter can convert DC power from the vehicle to AC power, thus providing a charging function for these devices.
- Portable device use: During long journeys or work trips, drivers or passengers may need to use portable devices such as hair dryers, electric shavers, inflatable pumps, and so on.
- Emergency backup power: In some cases, the vehicle may need emergency power to power some important equipment, such as electronic rescue equipment, first aid instruments, etc.
- Tool use: For truckers who need to use power tools, an inverter can provide the electrical support needed to make the job easier and more efficient.
Which inverter should I use for my truck?
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right inverter for your truck:
Output waveforms
The waveform of the inverter is an important consideration. Inverters come in both pure sine wave and modified sine wave versions. Pure sine wave is closest to the radio waves generated by domestic electricity use and is suitable for most appliances, but is usually more expensive. Modified sine wave inverters are less efficient and usually less expensive, but some appliances, such as televisions, may not be able to use them.
Protection function
When buying a truck power inverter, it is best to choose one with protection features because the inverter is easily affected by voltage fluctuations of the onboard batteries, and the voltage protection feature that comes with the inverter can provide better protection for the device.
Weight and size
Due to the limited space in your truck, you need to choose the right size inverter. When choosing an inverter, consider whether the size of the inverter fits the mounting location in your truck.
Also consider the effect of the weight of the inverter on the cargo of the truck, heavier inverters tend to generate more heat. Ensure that the location of the inverter is well-ventilated to allow heat to dissipate, to avoid overheating which could result in reduced performance or damage to the inverter.
Power and Voltage
Ensure that the inverter's output power rating meets the maximum power requirements of the equipment you need to power; do not select an inverter that is too powerful or too weak.
Choose an inverter with an input voltage range that matches your truck's electrical system. Some inverters are suitable for 12V DC power, while others may be suitable for 24V DC power.
Selecting the size of a truck inverter
Truck inverters come in a variety of sizes. Common models include 1,000W, 3,000W and 4,000W models. There are several factors to consider when choosing the right inverter for your truck.
Firstly, what are you going to do with it? The power of the inverter required will determine the total power of the equipment. Here are some common units used in trucks:
- Car fridge: 50-100W
- LED lights: 10-50W
- Small power tools: 50-100W
- Small TV: 20-50W
This above-rated power, also known as continuous output power, is the power that the inverter can maintain over the long term. In addition, there is the peak power (start-up power), which is usually twice the rated power, mainly to meet the instantaneous peaks of individual appliances. For example, an inverter rated at 1000 watts can achieve a peak power of 2000 watts.
Finally, the efficiency of the inverter must be taken into account. The inverter itself consumes some of the power as it works and its input power should be greater than its output power, for example, if an inverter inputs 100 watts of DC and outputs 95 watts of AC then its efficiency is 95%.
Considerations for truck power inverters:
- Use the inverter strictly to the user manual.
- Store it in a relatively safe place to prevent electric shock.
- Always turn off the input power when the inverter is not in use to avoid unnecessary energy waste and potential safety hazards.
- Do not place the inverter in direct sunlight or near a heater.
- Ensure that the battery voltage of the selected inverter matches the DC input voltage.
- The output power of the inverter must be greater than the power consumed by the consumer.
- The anode and cathode must be correctly connected.
- The DC voltage connected to the inverter is marked with anode and cathode.
- In the car, the inverter must be installed in a ventilated and dry place.
- Keep away from flammable and explosive materials.
Best inverter for your truck
Topbull offers a wide range of inverters to meet your needs in every scenario.
The 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter is perfect for use in homes, RVs, trucks, and off-grid solar power systems. It comes with 2 US standard AC outlets, USB, and Type-C fast charging ports for all types of 12V batteries to meet all your power needs.
With a powerful 2000 watts of continuous power and 4000 watts of peak surge capacity, you can be sure your equipment will run smoothly at startup.
Its pure sine wave output has a conversion efficiency of over 90% to minimize energy loss. Safety features such as voltage and overload protection LEDs, a cooling fan, and a ground fault circuit breaker make it reliable for everyday use.
In addition, it protects your electronic devices by providing grid-quality AC power output, ensuring that your appliances run efficiently and quietly, thereby extending their lifespan.
Is truck battery good for inverter?
Truck batteries are usually available to drive the vehicle's starting and power systems. It is not recommended to use car or truck batteries to power the inverter when the inverter is required to operate equipment with high continuous loads for extended periods.
When connecting the inverter to the truck's battery, you need to pay attention to the following issues:
- Battery capacity: Consider the capacity of the truck's battery to ensure that the inverter is used in a way that does not deplete the battery excessively and prevents the vehicle from being unable to start when the engine is switched off.
- Charging system: Consider the vehicle's charging system when using the inverter to ensure that the use of the inverter does not interfere with the vehicle's starting and charging functions.
- Safety: When connecting the inverter, ensure that the polarity is correct to avoid short circuits and other safety issues. In addition, when using the inverter, attention should be paid to cable selection and connection quality to ensure safe and reliable power transmission.
How long can I run the power inverter in my truck?
How long the power inverter on your truck will run depends on several factors, including the power rating of the inverter, the load of the connected equipment, the capacity of the onboard batteries, and the operating condition of the engine.
Most inverters will continue to run on the vehicle battery as long as the battery can supply at least 10.8 volts. At this point, the vehicle may not start and it is a good idea to keep the engine running and avoid discharging below 12 volts!
