If you are a truck operator, then you know that most of your time is spent on the road and understandably so because most of the time, you need to meet strict deadlines.
However, this kind of life can be strenuous and overwhelming. For that reason, you may want to consider making your truck a second home.
By this, we mean having access to power to perform simple essential tasks such as keeping drinks in your fridge cold or charging your phone. For that, you will need the best power inverter for semi truck.
No idea what that is? It is simply a device that transforms direct current to alternating current so that you can power different appliances in your truck.
You may want to keep reading this review especially if you are still a little bit confused because we aim to explain everything in this review.
Table of Contents
Best Power Inverters for Semi Trucks – Comparison Table
To begin this review, we have picked some of the best power inverters for semi trucks. As you may guess, there are numerous inverters to choose from in the market and this can make your job quite difficult.
This list will help narrow down your choices so that you can have an easier time selecting the best power inverter for your semi-truck.
13 Best Power Inverter for Semi Truck
1. AIMS PWRI200012120S Power Sine Inverter
First on our list is the AIMS Sine Power Inverter. You should consider this particular device if you want something that delivers high performance.
This inverter comes with 2000 watts of power so whether you want to warm your food in the microwave or recharge, your laptop, it will have you covered.
You also want to note that this inverter will protect your appliances and car battery from electric damage because it uses pure sine power.
What We Liked
We love us a device that can be used practically anywhere and this is what the AIMS Power Inverter offers because it can be used both in your truck and at home.
It is not limited to those places though because you can also use it for camping, kayaking, or any kind of emergency. This device offers dependable backup power when you really need it and this is because it is constructed using high-quality technology.
Of course, we are not complaining about that!
What Could Have Been Better
There is a major concern when it comes to using this inverter with your components and appliances because although it has the ability to protect them its dependability when doing so is questionable.
This comes from several complaints online from people who have purchased and used the device. As such, we feel that the manufacturer could have added more protection features such as over-heating and over-load protection.
Pros
- USB port
- Comes with 3 AC outlets
- Powerful
Cons
- Uses a lot of energy
2. Samlex PST-2000-12 America Pure Sine Series Inverter
When it comes to the best power inverters for semi trucks, Samlex is not a foreign name. This manufacturer does not play when it comes to delivering dependable and long-lasting inverters.
This particular device uses pure sine power, which is beneficial for the general safety of your appliances.
What We Liked
We like the construction and design of this inverter because it is robust and of high quality. Sure, it is a bit on the heavier side, but that is justifiable since we are talking about trucks, which are obviously larger than personal cars.
What’s more, installing this inverter will not be a challenge and you will be pleased to know that you can hack it even if you have never done it before.
We feel that this inverter is one of the best ones in this list because it is capable of meeting all your power needs as a trucker without over-charging. The fact that it generates little to no noise is also a plus.
What Could Have Been Better
This product does not come with many downsides. The only thing we found lacking is the presence of extra ports and outlets.
It does not come with a USB port and although this does not affect the performance of the device, we feel that the manufacturer should have added one or two slots for more convenience.
Pros
- Universal protection circuit
- Uses pure sine power to safeguard your appliances
- Safety certified
Cons
- Quite heavy
You may also link to read, the best power steering pump article.
3. Krieger 2000 Power Inverter
Perhaps you are not aware of this but Krieger is a reputable brand that is known for supplying its products single-handedly. The brand is ISO certified and UL approved so there is no reason why you should mistrust their inverters.
The Krieger 2000 inverter delivers peak and quality performance that you can rely on for long journeys.
What We Liked
You need to ensure that your appliances are protected from overheating and short-circuiting and this inverter does just that.
What we love most however is that this inverter comes with a temperature shutdown feature that automatically switches the device off in case it overheats.
You may also want to note that this inverter comes with two USB and AC outlets so you can easily recharge your phone or tablet.
What Could Have Been Better
Unfortunately, you need to look for a place in your truck to install this inverter because it does not perform optimally under direct sunlight and it is prone to overheating.
We think the manufacturer should have put measures in place during the construction of this inverter to combat overheating.
Pros
- Comes with an LCD screen to display important information
- Portable
- Includes remote control for efficient use
Cons
- Prone to overheating
4. WEN Portable 56200i 2000-Watt Inverter
WEN is another renowned brand with years of experience when it comes to producing truck power inverters.
With a team of expert developers and designers who work to continuously improve their products, you can expect to get a quality inverter from the stable.
What We Liked
The WEN 56200i is a remarkably quiet power inverter and we like that because noise can be distracting and annoying.
Besides that, this device generates clean energy from batteries, which safeguards your appliances from damage.
Therefore, if you need to plug in your water kettle or recharge your laptop, you can use this inverter without worrying about them being damaged.
What Could Have Been Better
The slot for refilling fuel on this inverter tends to facilitate spillage. We feel that the manufacturer could have made it in such a way that it prevents fuel wastage.
Pros
- Ideal for protecting appliances
- Comes with a versatile panel to power different appliances
- Portable
Cons
- Fueling slot allows for spillage
5. Xantrex 2000 PROWatt Inverter
Another big name when it comes to power inverters is Xantrex. It is known to be a reliable brand so you can rest assured that you will not be wasting your money on this one.
The output frequency of the Xantrex PROwatt fluctuates by only .5hz and this is why it is so dependable. This inverter is also 90% efficient, which is much more than other brands. Of course, this increases the longevity of this device.
What We Liked
If you care about consistency and efficiency, you are not likely to come across a better power inverter that the Xantrex PROWatt Inverter.
With its high power efficiency and a more dependable circuitry, this device makes for a great option. This is particularly true if you need to keep an eye on power consumption.
We liked that this Xantrex inverter focuses on quality circuitry, which ultimately leads to the efficiency of the device.
Therefore, if you are looking for a device with deep-cycle batteries, this is it.
What Could Have Been Better
This power inverter has one flaw in particular. Its highest wattage is only 3000w and provides 1800W of power.
What this means is that you can only run a single appliance without any problems. If you choose to use both AC outlets, you risk getting a surge that is beyond this device’s capacity.
We think that the manufacturer should have fitted this inverter with a surge protector.
Pros
- Durable
- Efficient
- Includes a USB port
Cons
- Comes with only 2 AC outlets
6. Ampeak Power 2000W Inverter
This power inverter should be a consideration because it delivers a host of functionalities. We can safely say that it is a mid-range device that can satisfy all your needs as a truck driver.
Ampeak 2000 Inverter comes in a basic and useful design that uses ABS material. This makes it lightweight and durable a perfect combination for a semi-truck.
You will appreciate that this device uses sine waves to power all appliances and this protects them from overloading issues and short circuits.
What We Liked
What we loved most about this inverter is that its cooling fan is thermally powered. This means that the inverter remains cool throughout and generates lesser noise. It also comes with an LED screen for displaying the battery percentage and other notifications.
With two AC ports and a single USB port, all you require is a 13 V battery system for your device to begin functioning. This strong inverter is able to counter fluctuations in voltage and notify you of the same.
The Ampeak Power Inverter is constructed in such a way that it delivers remarkable insulation. This preserves the integrity and health of the inverter.
With this product, you get an 18-year warranty along with round the clock customer support. The inverter is not too heavy either so you can also carry and use it elsewhere. We love that about this inverter as well.
What Could Have Been Better
There have been complaints about the surge capacity of this inverter by some users. This means that this inverter is not able to handle power surges.
To that effect, we feel that the manufacturer should have increased the surge capacity to protect appliances from damage.
Pros
- Portable
- LED display
- Remarkable electric insulation
Cons
- Low surge capacity
7. Xantrex XPower 813-3000-UL Inverter
This device is made to provide reliability, unmatched power, and seamless functionality for all truckers. Therefore, if you are looking for an inverter for your travel trailer or semi-truck, this is the one to get.
The manufacturer of this product promises that this inverter will meet all your energy needs on the road.
What We Liked
This is a heavy-duty inverter with a 5000W peak power and a 3000wW surge output for 5 minutes. This means that the Xantrex XPower Inverter can handle appliances such as laptops, fridges, and microwaves comfortably.
We love that it has a high surge capacity that will enable you to handle most if not all the appliances in your semi-truck.
Moreover, this device is easy to use in that it has easy to read pointers that will help you observe performance at a glance.
This unit is compact and lightweight as well which makes it easy to install and we loved that too.
What Could Have Been Better
Even with all the functionality that this unit comes with, it does come with one major flaw. It generates a lot of noise compared to other inverters in this list.
We think that the manufacturer could have handled that at the construction stage to make this device noiseless or with less noise.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Heavy-duty
- All-inclusive protection
Cons
- Quite noisy
8. GoWISE PS1004 Power Inverter
This is the perfect device to get if you are looking for a high-quality inverter for your kayak, RV, or semi-truck.
It uses solar power hence providing a steady uninterrupted power output that doubles whenever you need additional power for booting power-hungry appliances.
What We Liked
What we loved most about the GoWISE PS1004 is its extensive energy output range because it can be as high as 3000W and as low as 600W.
This means that you get to select the right settings to supply adequate power to your appliances. Another thing is that you do not have to worry about power surges because this unit doubles power output to crank your appliances up.
We also commend GoWISE’s decision to include a number of output outlets in the PS1004. It has three AC sockets and a USB slot. If you should ever decide to live off-grid, this unit allows you to plug in both your appliances and gadgets at the same time.
Besides, it adequately safeguards against electrical faults and produces less noise.
What Could Have Been Better
The reliability and durability of this unit have been questioned before. Some people claim that at times, it draws excess power from the solar battery.
Others say that this device only lasted a while after using it. Although the PS1004 rarely has durability issues, we feel that the manufacturer could have done something about it at the production stage.
Pros
- Several output outlets
- Portable
- Power surge protection
Cons
- Durability issues
9. Go Power! Pure Sine GP-ISW3000-12 Inverter
The Go Power GP-ISW3000-12 3000 is relatively new to the market and uses pure sine power to safeguard your appliances.
This device comes with a high voltage input that is ideal for modern trucks. It works perfectly to charge speed tools, batteries, and run appliances such as microwaves.
What We Liked
If you are looking for an inverter for huge loads that require an exact imitation of AC power, this might be your perfect option.
This unit can run any appliance or tool as long as it is within its wattage range. We feel that this is the ideal choice for consistent power whenever it is required.
We love that this device can power multiple appliances such as microwaves, TVs, laptops, or act as power backup.
What Could Have Been Better
Surprisingly, this unit does not come with any outlets. Therefore, you can imagine the cumbersome process of wiring the terminal in the panel to an outlet.
We feel that the manufacturer should have included a few outlets to make the unit more functional.
Pros
- Power save mode
- Durable
- Full overload protection
Cons
- Does not come with any outlets
10. WZRELB 2000W Wave Inverter
WZRELB is one of the unique brands on our list. This company specializes in producing power products just like all the brands in this review.
However, this brand only designs power inverters but excludes all the other power products linked with companies in this sector.
Something else worthy of note is that WZRELB only retails through particular online platforms. That said; this allows them to reduce the price of their inverters.
What We Liked
When it comes to quality, the WZRELB 2000W is quite decent. Although it is not likely to capture your attention as being a top-tier unit, it does cost less than its competitors while still delivering the same specs and features.
What we love most about this power inverter is that it seldom causes unnecessary noises or interferences.
Therefore, regardless of featuring robust and powerful fans, this unit still manages to be less noisy.
What Could Have Been Better
Looking at this unit, we feel that it can perform better with more than the two AC outlets it comes with. What is more disappointing is that it comes with 2000W continuous power that you may never use fully.
Another thing is that this inverter uses more power than most of the others in this review. What this means is that you may have to recharge its batteries more frequently.
The manufacturer should have included more AC sockets to improve the performance of this unit.
Pros
- Easy installation process
- Safety features
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons
- Limited connectivity options
11. PowerDrive Bluetooth PD2000 2000W Inverter
The PD2000 is a powerful inverter that supports AC devices rated up to 2000 Watts and supplies 2000 Watts of uninterrupted AC power.
It also comes with a high surge capacity for appliances that need more than 4000 watts to operate. Besides, it comes with a free mobile app that allows pairing between your inverter and smartphone to access settings.
What We Liked
This is one of the units you should consider purchasing if you are looking to get value for your money. Although picking the right product is quite a hassle, you can tell a product’s worth from its online reviews.
With an average rating of 4.9 on Amazon, you can clearly see that the PD2000 is a great buy. This product comes with a high surge capacity so you can use it to power appliances that require 4000 watts to boot.
We love that it comes with three AC outlets and two USB power ports. Besides, it has a detachable control panel that allows for remote testing and monitoring.
Another thing that captured our attention is that this product features safety shut-off triggers, audible alarms, and a tough exterior to safeguard your inverter from damage and abrasion.
What Could Have Been Better
If you are looking for a budget option, only a few inverters come close to the PD2000. However, you may experience some problems when it comes to handling its complete-uninterrupted wattage capacity.
To that effect, we feel that the manufacturer should have corrected that before releasing the product to the market.
Pros
- Great performance for an affordable price
- Highly rated
- Safety features
Cons
- Low capacity surge protection
12. BESTEK DC Power 300W Inverter
This is a portable power inverter, which means that you can travel with it. It is made from hardwearing metal to prevent bumps, scratches, and internal damage.
The Bestek 300 W comes with several ports, regardless of its compact size. When you purchase this unit, you get two USB ports and two AC outlets for better functionality.
What We Liked
What we found enticing about this inverter is its great performance irrespective of its compact size. True, it is small but it can produce a decent amount of voltage to power smaller appliances.
With this unit, you are assured of fast charging. This means that you can never run out of power – at least not for long.
We know that there is a fair chance of your inverter becoming damaged with fast charging but you do not have to worry about that. This is because BESTEK used a safe charging technology to help safeguard the inverter from overloading and short circuits as it charges.
This makes this product ideal for semi-trucks.
What Could Have Been Better
This product comes with modified sine power instead of pure sine power. This means that it may not work as efficiently when it comes to sensitive appliances.
The manufacturer should have made the device a pure sine one to safeguard all appliances plugged into it.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Portable
Cons
- Cannot start high consumption appliances
13. Energizer 12V Power 1500 Watt Inverter
As a brand, Energizer has been in the industry for years and has been creating power inverters ever since. Although this device uses modified sine technology, it is still a preferred choice among many truckers.
This is because this brand maximizes on its extensive experience to design a precise and distinct product.
You will find this unit user friendly and durable as well as lightweight and portable.
What We Liked
We love that this product is easy to install and comes with almost all the functionalities and features you may need as a trucker.
The ENK 1500 uses sine wave technology, which plays a huge part when it comes to controlling supply to a higher voltage.
It comes with two USB ports that you can use in multiple ways. Besides, it comes with a universal defense casing that safeguards the inverter against overload, overheating, and short circuit.
That is not all you get because this unit also features an LCD display to show you the battery percentage and other useful information.
From our perspective, the ENK 1500 has the potential to perform well and even exceed your expectations as a trucker.
What Could Have Been Better
While this inverter can power appliances such as televisions, power tools, and microwaves, you may have to be extra careful when it comes to sensitive devices such as laptops.
This is because it uses modified sine wave technology instead of pure. The manufacturer should have considered using pure sine waves to maintain the integrity of all appliances.
Pros
- Comes with an LCD screen to display notifications
- Quiet operation
- Portable and lightweight
Cons
- LCD screen susceptible to damage
Top Power Inverter for Semi Truck Buying Guide
You can bet that picking out the best power inverter will be a difficult task especially if you are a beginner. You need to consider a few crucial factors some of which we discuss below.
Inverter Size
What is the ideal size for a power inverter? When you ask the experts, the usual answer will be the bigger it is the better.
This is quite understandable because a bigger inverter will be capable of handling all your power needs while you are on the road.
That said; this is a common misconception that you need to keep in mind.
Granted, a bigger inverter provides greater power but you need to keep in mind that picking the right inverter calls for you to align its specs with those of your energy needs.
Should you fail to do that, you may end up with an inverter that is overly powerful that will consume a lot of energy, or one that is too small to power your cabin appliances. Of course, you will have wasted your money in both scenarios.
To avoid this, you want to list all your appliances and their wattage needs. This will help you choose an inverter that can power all your appliances without causing wastage.
Waveform
Semi-truck inverters operate on either modified or sine wave. Both are great but you may want to go for sine wave if you will be dealing with sensitive electronics.
The thing about sine waves is that it works on practically all appliances and does not suffer from power fluctuation. This means that it provides a dependable output stream.
However, if you do not have any sensitive appliance in your semi-truck, a modified sine inverter will serve you just right.
One thing you need to keep in mind is that sine inverters are costlier than modified ones and you do not want to spend more to get a sine inverter when you have no sensitive appliances.
Shutdown Technology
Although a power inverter is an invaluable device when it comes to supplying power, it can also adversely affect the battery life of your truck.
It can also crank the engine especially if the inverter lacks shutdown capability. To be on the safe side, you want to get an inverter with the auto-disconnect feature.
This allows the inverter to safely shutdown should the voltage level go below 12 V DC.
Ease of Installation
Your local technician will not have any issues installing any kind of inverter in your semi-truck. Of course, this is because they have the training and skill to do it.
However, if you prefer going the DIY route, you may want to buy an inverter that is easy to install or one from a manufacturer that offers some sort of training as far as installation is concerned.
This will ease the installation process and answer any questions you may have.
That said, you want to keep in mind that you will be dealing with hardwiring and fusing if your inverter has more than 300 watts.
If this is the case, you may want to acquire some knowledge and skills on the same, and while at it, ensure that there is enough ventilation in your truck to allow the dissipation of heat.
Finally, you want to purchase an inverter with a warranty mostly because of the risks associated with the device. Alternatively, you can go for a factory-installed one.
Safety Ratings
You should always prioritize safety. One thing you should know is that despite the size of inverters, they can generate electric shocks that can injure or even cause death.
As such, it is important to choose a safety-rated inverter. Pick one with a UL listing if you are in the US and even after doing that, ensure that you handle it carefully.
Observe basic electrical safety principles and buy your inverter from a reputable retailer.
After handling safety ratings, you want to look at the safety features of an inverter before purchasing it. This will guarantee the longevity of your appliances.
You want to ensure that your inverter has safety features such as in-built fuses and safeguards against common hazards like over-voltage, under-voltage, short-circuiting, and overloading.
Employer Safety Check
This only applies if you work for a fleet company or drive a semi-truck on behalf of someone else. You want to first check in with your employer before installing any inverter on the truck.
This is because some trucking companies have equipment and insurance stipulations in place that either encourage or discourage outfitting the cabin. You do not want to find yourself on the wrong side of the law, do you?
When you get consent from your employer, there will be no issues.
Cost of Inverter
Irrespective of the inverter you pick, it all boils down to cost. These devices can be affordable and they can be very costly.
Pricey inverters generally perform well and come with an assortment of features compared to their more affordable counterparts. However, this does not mean that a costlier inverter will be most suitable for your truck.
As we have previously mentioned, different truckers will have different needs hence the varying inverter choices.
Therefore, you want to go for an inverter that will satisfy your power needs and that is within your price range.
Pure Sine vs. Modified Sine Wave Inverter
We have mentioned sine and modified inverters throughout this review and you are probably wondering what those terms mean.
They are essentially the power through which inverters operate and it is important to pick the right one for your semi-truck otherwise you risk damaging your appliances.
Let us, therefore, look at the difference between the two and which one will suit you best.
Pure-Sine wave
When we talk about pure-sine, it is the power obtained from a generator or power supply company. Now, the greatest advantage of an inverter that uses pure sine is that it is suitable for all kinds of appliances and tools.
This means that all your appliances will function optimally when you are using this kind of power and the risk of electric damage is very low.
Nevertheless, pure sine inverters cost more than modified inverters.
Modified Sine wave
A modified Sine wave inverter is only capable of powering some household appliances and tools. We mean those with reduced efficiency.
As such, if you are looking to power any appliance that has a motor like a pump fan or refrigerator using modified sine wave, it may not work at all.
This kind of power can power fluorescent lights but they will not be as bright and they may generate noises when switched on. Other devices such as clocks may malfunction when using this power.
Therefore, a modified sine inverter is only ideal if you are using simple appliances that use a universal motor.
How to Install a Power Inverter in a Semi-truck
You can decide to hire a professional to install your inverter to your truck but if you decide to do it on your own, here is the process.
Plan
Everything starts with a plan and it is not going to be any different with this. You want to plan prior to installing so that you do not mess up your job.
Therefore, place your inverter in an easy to access area that is dry and properly ventilated. Do not place any large objects to the inverter as they may cause damage.
Ensure that the inverter is installed close to the truck’s battery box for an easier installation process.
Create Cable Holes
Following user instructions to make enough holes for wiring and cables. You want to line these holes with something like rubber to prevent them from scratching on the exterior of your inverter.
Be sure to remove any rugs, carpet, or mat on the area before making the holes.
Set the Wires
The inverter’s battery is full of electric current and you may, therefore, want to get professional help when it comes to installing the ends.
You can contact the manufacturer of the device or get help from an electrician.
Fit the Fuse
Most inverter manufacturers claim that their products have in-built safety mechanisms. However, it is important to fit your inverter with a fuse just in case.
Inverter installation kits normally come with the fuse and holder that will be fixed into the battery box. As you set the holder, be sure to leave enough room for cable connection.
Fix the Inverter
The next thing you want to do is mount your inverter. Remove anything that can hinder proper ventilation where you want to fit your inverter.
Connect all cables and wires to the inverter and reinforce them with rustproof screws. You then use an aluminum sheet to provide extra protection to your device. Just ensure that this sheet does not hinder heat from escaping.
Link the Remote Button with the Device
The best place to place the remote is in the sleeper because that is the place you will occupy most when using your inverter.
Another reason is that that is where you can get enough space for the switch button.
Reasons Why Your Power Inverter May Fail to Work
You cannot deny that a power inverter is an extremely useful device for both homes and homes away from home.
With this device, you get to enjoy convenience and functionality even when you are on the road. Therefore, you can imagine the frustration you will feel if it suddenly stopped working.
You will have no way of communicating with a dead-battery phone, and you will have to eat cold food since your microwave will not be able to warm it for you.
We have discussed some common reasons why your inverter may fail to work and offered appropriate solutions below.
Faulty Power Button
One of the commonest reasons why inverters fail to work is because of a faulty power switch. Therefore, when you realize that your inverter is not powering any of your appliances; you may want to unplug it from the power outlet and plug in a different appliance to see if it powers on.
If the appliance does not power on, then your power button may be defective. If that is the case, you may want to get a professional to replace the power button.
Tripped Inverter
Tripping could be another reason why your inverter fails to work. To counter this, you want to press the trip reset button, which is located on the inverter.
What this does is to reset the inverter and turn it on. If this fails, your inverter could have other issues so keep checking.
Disconnected Battery
Perhaps your inverter is not working because the battery is not properly connected or it is disconnected altogether.
As such, you want to check if the battery is in place. If not, connect it well and try switching on your inverter.
Corroded Battery Terminals
Batteries are prone to rust and that could be another reason why your inverter fails to work. You, therefore, want to examine your battery terminals to find out if they are corroded.
If you notice any corrosion, take a dry piece of cloth and try wiping the area. Place the batteries back in their slot and turn the inverter on.
If it fails to work, then you may need to keep looking for the problem.
Defective or Weak Battery
If you have checked for all the above issues and tried to solve them and your inverter still fails to power on, then it may be because it has a weak or defective battery.
In that regard, you may want to replace the battery especially if it is too old or recharge it.
Discharged Battery
A discharged battery can also cause your inverter not to function. To that effect, you may want to recharge the battery and putting it back on to see if the inverter works.
If after trying all the aforementioned solutions your inverter still does not work, you may have to seek professional help so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may have a few questions with respect to this topic and we are always up to the task. Although we cannot answer all of them here, we have tried to answer a few commonly asked ones below.
Which is the most reliable power inverter for trucks?
This will entirely depend on the kind of appliances you intend to run and the frequency of usage. This is because each appliance operates at its own capacity.
For instance, a laptop operates at 20-75 watts while a coffee maker needs 600-1000 watts. These readings are not precise because then again, it will depend on the brand of the appliance and its size as well.
As such, you want to check an appliance before purchasing it to ensure that it suits your inverter.
Can a 300-watt inverter power a TV?
Yes, it can. You can connect 300-watt power inverter to your car’s battery through the DC plug that is located on the dashboard.
Typically, inverters come with one or two standard sockets to power phone chargers, laptops, and small-screen televisions.
Is it necessary to own a device for power surge protection?
Yes, it is. It is important to have such a device even if your inverter has an in-built fuse. The device will help regulate voltage and protect your appliances from electrical damage.
Can I power my refrigerator using an inverter?
Yes, you can but it has to be a pure sine inverter and not a modified one. You will have to use an inverter that delivers high wattage since an average refrigerator needs 6-7 times more surging than other common appliances.
Therefore, if your inverter reads 400 watts, you will have to plug it into a 3000 watts inverter.
What appliances can I run with a 1500-watt inverter?
That kind of inverter is suitable for running small home appliances such as microwaves, cell phones, televisions, laptops, air conditioners, and the like.
If you need to power larger appliances, you may have to get an inverter with more wattage.
What is the best size power inverter to run power tools?
Again, this depends on the tool you intend to power. For instance, if your television draws 100 watts and your microwave another 100 watts, you will require an inverter with a minimum of 300 watts.
If you plan to power an appliance that uses a motor, you will require extra wattage to start it. This means that the minimum wattage has to be much more like three times the continuous wattage needed.
Does an inverter draw power when not in use?
For an inverter to run, it requires about 10% more than the energy load of the appliances it powers. This is because of the inverter’s efficiency.
To answer this question, yes inverters do draw power from batteries even when they are not in use as long as the unit is switched on.
Can I leave my inverter on all the time?
Yes, you can but it is advisable to turn it off whenever you are not using it. If your unit combines both inverter and converter functions however, you may want to leave it on.
Turn the inverter off if it is necessary to keep its batteries from fully discharging.
Can I charge a battery while using an inverter?
Yes, you can but do not make a habit out of it particularly if your system is not linked to the mains. This is because for you to recharge your battery using an inverter, you have to do it through the AC mains.
Once it is recharged, you can then use the inverter socket to charge it again.
Our Top Pick
After reviewing all 13-power inverters, we have come to a conclusion about which one is our top pick. This is the AIMS PWRI200012120S Power Sine Inverter.
What we love most about this particular unit is that it can be operated from a distance using a remote controller.
This means that you do not have to get up every time you need to change settings or turn your device off. That is convenience for you.
This inverter also comes with several protection features to safeguard your appliances. The best part is that it offers all these things and it is not the most expensive on this list.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the size of your truck, it is important to have a quality power inverter. With this device, you can recharge your phone, warm your food, or even make coffee.
To that effect, you want a unit that delivers functionality and convenience and we can confidently say that our list of inverters does this.
These power inverters will help you power your appliances without any issues as long as you follow instructions.
Now that you have all the information to make the right purchase, there is no reason why you should not enjoy your life on the road.