Inverter on Truck help

[simonsrf]

I have a Coleman 1200 watt inverter and would like to have it mounted and hooked up on the truck (TV) to be able to use a small electric chain saw and possibly other tools. Has anyone done this? I don't know where would be the most convenient place to mount it, and how it is permanently connected to the battery. Did you do this yourself, or did you have it done by a service shop and what kind of shop??? Is this a good idea?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[firetrucker]

I've avoided using high power inverters because proper installation is very critical to their operation. In general, they should be mounted as close to the battery as possible with heavy duty cables and connectors, and in an area that has good air flow. Don't take any shortcuts with the cable or fusing.

I'm sure you'll get some good suggestions from MOCers that are using inverters, and a search on some of the RV forums should turn up a lot of information.

Bob

[Glass Guy]

You can hook it directly to the battery, use a 10 gauge or heavier wire and make sure you install a fuse or a breaker the protect from any possibility of shorts or over heating, Check the clearance you have under the front or rear seat, that way it should be easy to get at and out of the way when not in use, Roman

[HamRad]

I plan to install an inverter on my tow vehicle too. Since it should be mounted as close as possible to the battery I'm going to try to find a spot very near. I would think that it should be OK to mount it there. From there I'll run regular AC wire to wherever I want an outlet. My plan is to have one inside the cabin, one at the rear, and one at or near the inverter itself.

I'll be watching your progress so please let us know what you end up doing. Pictures would be nice too.

There are some excellent internet sites that explain all one would ever need to know about this sort of thing. Just do a "Google" search and I'll bet you find more than you can shake a stick at!

HamRad