What size inverter?

[Moab]

How big an inverter can I run on this battery?

Super Start Marine AGM Group Size 34M Top Post Battery - 34MAGM
Part # 34MAGM Line: SSB

Product Information
Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty
Unit of Measure: Each
UPC: # 83996016187
Battery Type: AGM
Height (in): 8-3/8 Inch
Length (in): 10-3/4 Inch
Width (in): 6-7/8 Inch
Terminal Type: Top Post
Weight (Lbs): 42.5 Lbs.
Voltage (V): 12 Volt
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 750 CCA
Cranking Amps (CA): 860 CA
Group Size (BCI): 34M
Reserve Capacity (min): 120 Minute
Amp Hour (Ah): 55 AH
Marine Cranking Amps (MCA): 890 MCA
Positive Terminal Location: Top Left
Flush Manifold Vent Cover: Yes

Not trying to run a stereo or anything. I have a small 150w inverter that I want to upgrade. For things like a laptop, maybe a fridge, charging electronics, phones, handheld radios etc.

Just trying to figure out how much of an inverter I really need. Been looking at a 400w with two, three prong outlets and two usb ports for around $30. Should I spend more? Where's the sweetspot? Between what I need, is to big to use considering my battery, and what I don't need?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

For trail or camping use I'd go with a 12 volt refrigerator or refrigerator/freezer so you don't need as big of an inverter. Some are incredibly efficient and you don't need to worry about the battery as much with them, like ARB's camping/wheeling size refrigerator/freezers. They're not cheap but they'll actually make ice they can get so cold on not much current draw. ARB is probably the best for camping/wheeling but it's not cheap. There are some upcoming competitors with similar designs that are less costly. https://arbusa.com/portable-fridge-freezers/

If you go that route a 300 watt inverter is enough for battery recharging needs. And be careful when shopping, most 300 watt inverters can only provide 300 watts peak but not continually. Look for their continuous wattage rating. And pick one that connects directly to the battery, those that plug into an aux power or cigarette lighter port won't be able to provide much in the way of continuous watts.

 

[NPhopper]

How big an inverter can I run on this battery?

Super Start Marine AGM Group Size 34M Top Post Battery - 34MAGM
Part # 34MAGM Line: SSB

Product Information
Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty
Unit of Measure: Each
UPC: # 83996016187
Battery Type: AGM
Height (in): 8-3/8 Inch
Length (in): 10-3/4 Inch
Width (in): 6-7/8 Inch
Terminal Type: Top Post
Weight (Lbs): 42.5 Lbs.
Voltage (V): 12 Volt
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 750 CCA
Cranking Amps (CA): 860 CA
Group Size (BCI): 34M
Reserve Capacity (min): 120 Minute
Amp Hour (Ah): 55 AH
Marine Cranking Amps (MCA): 890 MCA
Positive Terminal Location: Top Left
Flush Manifold Vent Cover: Yes

Not trying to run a stereo or anything. I have a small 150w inverter that I want to upgrade. For things like a laptop, maybe a fridge, charging electronics, phones, handheld radios etc.

Just trying to figure out how much of an inverter I really need. Been looking at a 400w with two, three prong outlets and two usb ports for around $30. Should I spend more? Where's the sweetspot? Between what I need, is to big to use considering my battery, and what I don't need?

Id wait for others to chime in but, is this 30 dollar inverter pure sine wave or modified? I would imagine based on price that its modified. I would want a pure sine wave if I was using it for such devices.

 

[macleanflood]

Amps times Volts equals watts.

400 watt inverter might run a laptop or 30w USB C phone charger but not much else.

You could run a 2000 watt inverter...it'll draw down the battery...but then you could run power tools...most 15a appliances at 120v take 1800 watts.

And then there are pure sine wave and modified sine wave inverters. My wife's Expresso machine has to have a pure sine wave inverter or it dumps shots and errors out. Good coffee = happy wife.

If all you're doing is charging USB devices do what I did and buy 1 1/8" USB 12v bulkheads and pods. I film for YouTube so I have ports everywhere. Cigarette/power port for our 12v fridge. And a 400w modified sine for my laptop...cause nobody makes a 12v to 18v adapter for my Lenovo...sigh.

-Mac

 

[g.hayduke]

I have an inverter on my little teardrop and almost never turn it on.

Converting 12V DC to 120 AC is a pretty inefficient circuit. There is virtually nothing I need 120 for while camping. I have multiple USB ports running off the 12v supply. A group 31 battery and 200w of solar panel power. Runs a huge National Luna fridge/freezer with capacity to spare, water pump, lights etc. I also run Victor chargers (solar, dc-dc, house power). I just spent 10 days camping completely off-grid. Battery never dropped below 12.4V.

Only time I've ever used the inverter was for a drip coffee maker. It used a lot of battery. I typically just use a stove-top percolator now.

 

[Zorba]

FWIW, I have a 300 watt inverter installed in my Jeep. Why 300 watts? Because that was the size of inverter that I found in my dad's stuff after he passed through the veil! I use it to run a laptop on occasion, and it works great for a hand held vac as well.

 

[JPHikr]

I carry both a 300 and a 400, Had the 300 and got the 400 (which I have not use yet) from the kids, so I just keep them both in the same bag .

I used the 300 for running lap top and charging radios. Phones I Just plug into the power out let.

 

[srimes]

How big an inverter can I run on this battery?

Super Start Marine AGM Group Size 34M Top Post Battery - 34MAGM
Part # 34MAGM Line: SSB

Product Information
Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty
Unit of Measure: Each
UPC: # 83996016187
Battery Type: AGM
Height (in): 8-3/8 Inch
Length (in): 10-3/4 Inch
Width (in): 6-7/8 Inch
Terminal Type: Top Post
Weight (Lbs): 42.5 Lbs.
Voltage (V): 12 Volt
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 750 CCA
Cranking Amps (CA): 860 CA
Group Size (BCI): 34M
Reserve Capacity (min): 120 Minute
Amp Hour (Ah): 55 AH
Marine Cranking Amps (MCA): 890 MCA
Positive Terminal Location: Top Left
Flush Manifold Vent Cover: Yes

Not trying to run a stereo or anything. I have a small 150w inverter that I want to upgrade. For things like a laptop, maybe a fridge, charging electronics, phones, handheld radios etc.

Just trying to figure out how much of an inverter I really need. Been looking at a 400w with two, three prong outlets and two usb ports for around $30. Should I spend more? Where's the sweetspot? Between what I need, is to big to use considering my battery, and what I don't need?

Well, 860a x 12v = 10,320W. So no need to go over 10,000 watts. Won't run very long at that rate but it'll run. This question is kinda like asking "How big of an engine can I run on a quart of gas?" You can run a big one just not for long.

The question is what you're trying to run. I've used a 750w inverter to keep an old fridge running when the power went out. It was just barely big enough for that. Now I have a 1500w/3000 peak for that.

 

[Jezza]

The stock alternator is only good for 1500w or so. Anymore than that and you will be borrowing from the battery. The alternator won't live long there either. I use a 150w invertor for my laptop and it works okay, 200 would be better. I also have a 400w I use for trips, but they are bigger and bulky.

 

[Moab]

I found sine wave and modified sine wave. Trying not to spend much more than $75 on this.

Any of these stand out? Would I be able to charge a 20v lithium power tool battery?

Looking at the 1st one and the 3rd one. But the 2nd one has the best reviews.

(JUST ADDED THE LAST ONE. IT MAY BE THE SWEET SPOT.)

Yinleader 1000 Watt Inverter 12V to 110V DC to AC Converter 2000W Peak Car Outlet Adapter with 4 AC Outlets and Dual 3.1A USB Ports, LCD Display for Car, RV, Camping, Road Trip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1J8HXSP/?tag=wranglerorg-20

1000W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter 1000 Watt Power Converter DC 12V to 110V AC Car Inverter with 2.4A USB Ports 3 AC Outlets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV2KK82K/?tag=wranglerorg-20

800W Modified sine Wave Power Inverter,Peak 1600 watt, Car 12V DC to 110V AC Converter 4x2.4A USB Ports Car Charger with 1 Cigarette Lighter Ports,LCD Digital Display MOVFFGGRM https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YNCPGS9/?tag=wranglerorg-20

SYLVANIA - 750W Continuous / 1000W Peak Power Inverter | DC 12V to 110V AC Power Car/RV Converter, 2 USB Ports 5V DC 3.1A Shared, LCD Display, 12V Plug with Replaceable Fuse for Laptop, Camera, etc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09M7TNSS4/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Kinverch 750W Continuous/1500W Peak Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V Car Converter AC with 2 AC Outlets and 2A USB Charging Port https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KJ184NJ/?tag=wranglerorg-20

THESE POTEKS GET EXCELLENT REVIEWS. I JUST FOUND THIS ONE AND ADDED IT. I MAY GO FOR THIS ONE. OVER 2500 REVIEWS AND GOOD SPECS:

POTEK 750W Car Power Inverter DC 12 V to AC 110V Dual AC Charging Ports / 2A USB Ports for Laptop, Smart Phone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1033XI/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I use a free browser extension called Fakespot that analyzes all the reviews and looks for deceptive reviews. It works automatically and really gives me a good idea if the reviews are reliable or not. I used it for the inverters and two of them got a big F rating, the others were slightly better. Based on everything I read it seems like the Yinleader 1000 watt would be one I'd be a little more interested in.

 

[OldBuzzard]

And then there are pure sine wave and modified sine wave inverters. My wife's Expresso machine has to have a pure sine wave inverter or it dumps shots and errors out. Good coffee = happy wife.

Some equipment will eat any kind of blocky "modified" wave you feed it, and some are quite sensitive. Radio equipment (ham, communications) tends to like a pure sine wave to keep if from generating noise.

...cause nobody makes a 12v to 18v adapter for my Lenovo...sigh.

I couldn't find one either, so I made one. A $9 boost converter module, a case, and some cables.
HiLetgo 250W DC-DC Module 10-40V 6A Adjustable

You'll have to connect it to a large power resistor to adjust the voltage before using it on your laptop. I needed 18V @ 2.5 amps, so I used a 7 ohm 50 watt resistor to adjust the output voltage to 18V at that load. Then I checked it at much lighter loads. At 100 ohms, it had only drifted up to 18.1V. That's good enough regulation for me. Works great in the Jeep for maps on my dash-mounted small laptop/tablet. Doesn't even get warm.

 

[macleanflood]

Some equipment will eat any kind of blocky "modified" wave you feed it, and some are quite sensitive. Radio equipment (ham, communications) tends to like a pure sine wave to keep if from generating noise.


I couldn't find one either, so I made one. A $9 boost converter module, a case, and some cables.
HiLetgo 250W DC-DC Module 10-40V 6A Adjustable

View attachment 429913

View attachment 429914

You'll have to connect it to a large power resistor to adjust the voltage before using it on your laptop. I needed 18V @ 2.5 amps, so I used a 7 ohm 50 watt resistor to adjust the output voltage to 18V at that load. Then I checked it at much lighter loads. At 100 ohms, it had only drifted up to 18.1V. That's good enough regulation for me. Works great in the Jeep for maps on my dash-mounted small laptop/tablet. Doesn't even get warm.

Mines a $3k (or was 7 years ago) gaming laptop I use primarily for video editing. Rarely take it with me. But long trips I need it to unload content. And it's nice to edit as I go. That and it uses a idiotic square plug.

-Mac

 

[OldBuzzard]

Oh, bummer. I was disgusted when my wife brought one of those home from work with a square plug. Just what the world needs, yet another laptop power connector, right?