Wiring 1000w inverter to trailer harness

[hiker]

Apologies if this is too simple, but am looking to intermittently attach a 1000W inverter to the rear of my D4 - to run a 500w item for about 10mins, once a day, and intend to have the engine running during this time.

Should I use the refrigerator supply (6 & 7)?

thanks in advance.

[BradC]

500w is > 40A. The answer would be no.

[hiker]

So I should wire it directly to the battery?

[josh.huber]

So I should wire it directly to the battery?

Yes, or run big wiring down the back to do the job. Make sure it's fused and use a body earth not the negative terminal

[101RRS]

If it is only going to be used for 10mins a day - then I would not bother with anything permanent - just get a set of long cables made and connect up to the battery when needed and after the 10minutes of use, just roll up and pack away.

[drivesafe]

So I should wire it directly to the battery?
Yes and ALL high wattage inverters ( 500w and higher ) should always be mounted as close as possible to the battery powering it.

What is the 500w item?

Having the motor running is also a good move but this also depends on the cabling running from the alternator to the battery.

[hiker]

Yes and ALL high wattage inverters ( 500w and higher ) should always be mounted as close as possible to the battery powering it.

What is the 500w item?

Having the motor running is also a good move but this also depends on the cabling running from the alternator to the battery.


Almost embarrassed to admit - its for a 500w Bodum milk frother for SWMBO who insists on her mid morning latte - with textured milk!! (sorry - not very Leyland Brothers!)

[BradC]

Almost embarrassed to admit - its for a 500w Bodum milk frother for SWMBO who insists on her mid morning latte - with textured milk!! (sorry - not very Leyland Brothers!)

I was close then. I had it pegged as a low wattage hair dryer for the same person.

[hiker]

It's always a trade-off. You want ME to go free camping???? Well this is MANDATORY!! Ouch!

[BradC]

It's always a trade-off. You want ME to go free camping???? Well this is MANDATORY!! Ouch!

We make these tradeoffs in the name of marital harmony. At least you've got as far as free-camping. I'm still at the "I want a toilet block nearby". I've been trying to figure out how I can fit a porcelain throne onto the porta-potty.

[Gav 110]

So I should wire it directly to the battery?

Maybe an Anderson plug near the battery, same on the inverter and a short extension cord (240v variety) to plug into the said item[emoji1531]

[DiscoJeffster]

Maybe an Anderson plug near the battery, same on the inverter and a short extension cord (240v variety) to plug into the said item[emoji1531]

Yep, exactly, perfect. Run high voltage for longer distances to reduce amperage and thus losses.

[tc_s1]

Might I suggest a simpler option -

Best Handheld Milk Frothers for 2021 by Money | Money (https://money.com/best-handheld-milk-frother/)

SWMBO uses it at home now too, due to speed and convenience, with the coffee system sitting mostly unused.

[discodude94]

Hi
to be safe if you install a1Kw inverter minimum cable capicity should be 100 A with a 100A fuse . eventhough you are "only using 500w unit " now one day you will say "hey I have 1 Kw available i will use it "
cable size is dependant on
1 max current
2 how far from the battery it is for minimum volltage drop .
go on the internet there is plenty of charts available to advise cable size BUT make sure youn are looking at low voltage dc charts [smilebigeye]
Agree with keep as close to battery as possible . I run a 1Kw inverter in my camper for a CPAP machine only 1 m from battery . Never had a problem .
discodude94
Assos dip elec eng

[LazlarLyricon]

There is a big voltage drop on 12v along that length of wire. Best bet is inverter close to battery and use a 240v extension cord. Much less power loss and very simple too :-)

[ken wallace]

Hi
to be safe if you install a1Kw inverter minimum cable capicity should be 100 A with a 100A fuse . eventhough you are "only using 500w unit " now one day you will say "hey I have 1 Kw available i will use it "
cable size is dependant on
1 max current
2 how far from the battery it is for minimum volltage drop .
go on the internet there is plenty of charts available to advise cable size BUT make sure youn are looking at low voltage dc charts [smilebigeye]
Agree with keep as close to battery as possible . I run a 1Kw inverter in my camper for a CPAP machine only 1 m from battery . Never had a problem .
discodude94
Assos dip elec eng

Don't forget the fuse, as close to the battery as possible. Also remember that even in standby mode your inverter will probably have a 1 or 2 amp parasitic current draw.
And like previously mentioned use the body Earth not the battery terminal

[Defender08]

When hooking up an inverter to a 2nd battery, what is the reasoning behind connecting to a chassis earth rather than directly to the battery negative terminal?

[DiscoJeffster]

When hooking up an inverter to a 2nd battery, what is the reasoning behind connecting to a chassis earth rather than directly to the battery negative terminal?

So the battery management system can see the current draw and then appropriately recharge the battery