Anyone add an in-can Inverter f strong enough to power a PC?

We take long road trips and I keep running out of battery for my computer (both hubs and I work in the passenger seat while the other drives, instead of taking time off work).

Has anyone successfully added an inverter that looks factory strong enough to power a PC? I’m considering putting the plug in the recess area of the console in the passenger footwell, or just in front of that and running a relay switch to one of the completely useless USBs which powers off the plug when the truck is powered off.

 

I did search but didn’t see a solution with a bill of material and pictures. If you’ve done this, I’d appreciate some help with where to start.

 

By PC I assume you mean laptop. Most laptops can be charged with a small 200W inverter that can be plugged into the cigarette lighter outlet. I wouldn't put too much thought into and just find a 200-400w inverter and use the outlet in your center console.

 

Hmm, my understanding was that the wire gauges in the USB and lighters didn’t support this wattage so I’ve not tried it.

 

I bought an inverter at autozone last year (https://www.autozone.com/12v-produc...inverter-with-2-usb-charging-ports/382937_0_0) . But I use it almost daily to charger laptop. Works great, it keeps up with PC as far as energy usage too. So should work fine for you too.

 

I personally used a small 400W inverter in my work truck for many years for my laptop and other misc devices. Sometimes 8+ hrs a day. Your lighter plug won't support a 15A 120V outlet like in your home but it should be fine for 400W which is about 3.5A at 120VAC

 

I think the fuse for the cigarette lighter adaptor is a 15 Amp fuse. Assuming I am correct, meaning verify this information, that limits the wattage to 180 watts (12 vdc X 15 amps). The bottom of the laptop power transformer should list the power draw in amps.



This is my laptop's power transformer. It draws 198 to 216 watts so I could not use the CLA in my truck without blowing the fuse.

I hope this helps you to be able to determine your actual power requirements.

 

We’ve used a 400 watt inverter to power a TV/VCR combo on a multi day road trip years ago, to keep the kiddos entertained and us sane. Only one trip. No idea what the device power draw was. Soon got a built in DVD with screen for the same goal.