Power inverter project...

Having been spoiled by the onboard inverter in my 2018 Tacoma... I decided I would throw one in my Tundra.

Parts ordered sofar:

Dash switch:

$22 CH4X4 Small Push Switch for Toyota Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Fortuner, Hilux, 4Runner, Prado 12V 3Amp - Power Inverter Symbol - Red LED

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019FUGZJU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

80a Relay:

EHDIS 1 Pack Car Relay with Harness Truck Motor Heavy Duty 5-Pin 80A 12V Relay On/Off Normally Open SPDT Relay Socket Plug 5 Wire Automotive Relay JD2912-1Z-12VDC 80A 14VDC

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KFKEFZA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

500w Sine Wave inverter:

$55 BESTEK 500W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter DC 12V to AC(2 Outlets) 110V Car Charger Plug Inverter Adapter Converter with 4.2A Dual USB Charging Ports, ETL Listed

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082MDRC64/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Panel outlets:

$8 3 Pcs AC 125V US Outlet Panel Mount Power Rewiring Socket Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SDG8GH5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The gameplan here is to mount the inverter somewhere under the hood and put two outlets in the console. One in the passenger side so my wife can plug her laptop in and one in the rear for the kids if needed. I have no need for anything in the bed area... so that's off my radar.

The dash switch should look and function like OEM to turn the inverter on/off via the 80a relay.


I will update with pics and progress when I dig into it.

 

cool project!
I wonder if you would be better off having the relay triggered by the ignition, that way when the trucks off the inverter is off.

edit: looks like in the comments someone said it pulls 1.2w at idle. Barely anything, but something to think about.

 

Following. I’ve been thinking about doing something like this.

Would it get too hot under the hood?

 

The dash switch will (by default) only function when the truck is running... (since im wiring it as such) so it will 'kinda already work that way.

The inverter will be powered off at all times unless its needed... and then will only work if truck is running and switch is on.

 

Gotcha. Good thinking!

 

I will look at alternative locations if needed... but doubt it will be a problem.
Havent been able to find recommended operating temps anywhere in the ad. May need to read the literature that comes with it.
I can always mount it behind the rear seat.

 

I was thinking of putting one behind or under the backseat in the esp storage with lid removed. I got an oem tundra outlet to use. I was going to mount it in the rear of the console, but like the one you linked. One issue with the inverter in the truck is running big enough cables for that distance.

 

I mounted mine behind the rear seat. Ran about 18 feet of 1/0 power wire from the battery. I wanted to mount it in my ESP storage tray but couldn't fit it. I ended up putting a distribution block in the ESP tray for the inverter and a future fridge.

 

I got my wife a power inverter she just plugs into the power outlet in her car. She loves it. She's a home health nurse and doesn't understand why none of her co works have one. They are a must have for any road warrior.

 

Yeah my wifes job has been working from home for about 6mos now... so if we go anywhere on my day off during the week... she needs the laptop to come along and we are at the mercy of the laptop battery at that point.
My Tacoma had a 100/400w factory inverter and it was able to keep her laptop alive during roadtrips... so I figured a stand-alone 500w unit would be perfect. I dont think a cig lighter unit would work for our situation.

 

Just got a cobra pro 1000w. The instructions say not to put it where there could be battery or flammable fumes. I guess there might be a tiny spark inside it when it kicks on or something. Just more to consider. I think I’m going to put mine under the drivers seat. It will be out of the elements and not too far from the battery.

 

I used velcro tape to put it under the rear seat.
Ran 8g wire to it from the 80a relay. Relay is triggered by the dash switch.
Havent run any 110v outlets yet.
For now we can just plug in under the back seat pretty easily.

 

I’m probably going to do the same thing. I put it under the drivers seat and it’s just a little too high and hits the bottom of the seat. I’m thinking maybe put it behind/under the rear drivers side seat and slide the sub over. Or where the factory jack is.

 

Tag...this looks like an interesting mod. I'd like to add this feature in the future.

 

Make sure you fuse the positive line from the battery ran into the cab. Close the battery as possible

 

Do you plan on doing a install write up? I have power tool batteries need to be charged while I'm sitting in traffic on the way home. This would really help.

 

I'm thinking of doing something like this, running 4g wire to the inverter, under the seat, running extension cables from the inverter, wired to a/c outlets, one for the rear seat console and one for the front seat console, double cab.

 

I realize yours is 1K watt and the stock Tacoma is only 400w but that one is wired with some small ass wire (no bigger than 10g). The converter is under the center console and the outlet is in the bed, w/the wire running to it the same size as to the converter.
Just food for thought for others.

 

It all depends on power and length of wire for the installation, particularly on the DC side. The heavy gauge wire from the battery to the inverter was per the manufacturer recommendation for mine. On the outlet side, you can use whatever is appropriate for what you're powering. A heavy duty extension cord from a home improvement store would work just fine.

 

What are you powering with yours? I want one for Dewalt power tool charger, computer work stuff like network switch, wireless access point, lap tops. I had a new tacoma and FJ with the factory one but it was so small of inverter i tripped its circuit breaker about every time I tried to use it for anything.

 

Mine is overkill, honestly. I needed an inverter to power an air mattress inflator for camping trips but decided to future-proof in case I needed power for other devices.

 

As someone who has installed thousands of inverters, I highly discourage locating it under the hood. Install it inside the passenger compartment with room for air to circulate.

 

@Shark Bait - based on your experience, what are your recommendations for specific inverters including size and wire specs?

 

A 1500 watt is what I do the most. Seems very accommodating to a lot of uses. 4 gauge wire for positive (fused for 150 amps) and ground to the battery. Mostly I have used Xantrex and Power Drive. I used to do a lot of 3000 (0ga wire and 300 amp fuse) and 5000 (dual 0ga with 300 amp on each one) and ground ran to battery as well. The Power Drive is inexpensive but they are really dependable.

 

I totally concur.

 

@Shark Bait - thanks for the recommendations. This is on my list of future mods.

 

Wasnt really interested in getting that involved.
It takes me too much time already with my busy schedule to add in more pictures, explanations or tutorials.
Ill let the youtube rockstars ( @2020Platinum ) handle that stuff.

 

No worries. Now to incorporate solar panels. Haha

 

This may be one of my next mods/videos...wasn’t really considering this but after reading this thread I can definitely picture it coming in handy!

 

this is what i have done. 2 100w panels, 170 aH lithium battery, a 2k inverter and a DC-DC mppt controller. gives me plenty to power studio strobes, charge batteries and run the fridge.