How to Install a Power Inverter in my Truck
Once you’ve realized that you need a power inverter for your truck so you can maintain a reliable power supply for your appliances without draining your battery, next comes installation of the inverter.
In this article we'll cover exactly how to go about installing your new power inverter in your truck.
Step-by-step instructions of connecting the inverter
Most inverters over 150 watts will require hardwiring and fusing to connect the inverter to the car battery. An inverter under 150 watts can be simply plugged into the cigarette lighter of your truck.
- Choose where to place your inverter
Oftentimes, they are found in the glove box or under a seat. Some experts even recommend putting it in the truck bed wall, which is both accessible and easy to keep clean and dry.
You’ll want the inverter to be located somewhere dry but not somewhere where it can get overheated. It also needs to be close to the truck battery to avoid losing valuable wattage.
If holes need to be drilled in the truck, ensure that there are no obstacles on either side and that it is safe to drill. Additionally, ensure that the wires are away from moving parts or any hot objects.
- Tools
- Inverter
- Wire (red and black)
- Wire cutters
- Eyelets
- Tape measure
- Cordless drill and accessories
- Plastic wire ties (to keep the wire in position)
- Foil tape
- Circuit Breaker (optional)
- Map out wires
Now that you have a path mapped out for the inverter wires, You need to run two wires (one positive, one negative) through the path. Choosing the right wire for this job is important, because the wrong wire could lead to a loss of power.
Use wire ties to keep the wires in position and if you drilled a hole through the firewall, wrap foil tape around the wires to protect them. If your wires are routed through the cabin, you will need to seal up the hole with waterproof sealing glue to keep the cabin dry.
- Mount
Mount the inverter in place. Do not trust glue, but rather ensure the inverter is mounted securely with screws
- Trim
Trim the excess wire and add the eyelets, confirming that they are the correct size for the wire and for their specific terminal.
- Circuit Breaker (optional)
If you have purchased a circuit breaker, now is the time to install it. Place it on the positive (+ red) terminal battery, as close as possible to the battery and use sheet metal screws to fasten it.
- Eyelets
Install eyelets on your wires if you have not done so already. The eyelets should match the bolts on the battery clamps, so remove the nuts to secure them.
- Connect
Connect the positive clamp first, and then the negative clamp. Cross your fingers that it won’t spark or smoke.
Congratulations! You’ve installed an inverter in your truck!
Related article: How to Install A Power Inverter in A Car
Emphasis on safety
The advantage of an inverter is that you can safely charge a multitude of electric devices without risking the battery of your vehicle. It does require careful maintenance though.
As with any projects, wiring the inverter should be done carefully to ensure that the power does not all rush to deliver power to one outlet at one time. That would possibly destroy whatever is plugged into the outlet.
Additionally, poor maintenance or installation could also cause the inverter to be a fire hazard, so always ensure everything is carefully maintained and connected.
Special features to be aware of
Many inverters have a fan in them, and this fan will need to be cleaned occasionally to rid it of dirt. Additionally, if the batteries mounted directly on the inverter leak, they will cause damage, so it is best to use a battery that is sealed to avoid damage.
Lastly, an inverter is susceptible to damage from high heat or water, so care must be taken to protect that the inverter remains cool and dry.
Installation of an inverter is relatively simple, and following both these directions and any further directions that come with your chosen inverter will ensure an easy and secure installation for your inverter.
Check out the best power inverter for semi truck.