[B_Erickson_00]

I have dual alternators.

Is there an easy way to add a plug to bed? I doubt there is enough power in the trailer hookup to run real power to a trailer

Would like to do 2 things
#1- run tools from the bed plug. air compressor, lights, possibly small electric heater
#2- use as shore power for my trailers heaters

 

[Ltngdrvr]

I have dual alternators.

Is there an easy way to add a plug to bed? I doubt there is enough power in the trailer hookup to run real power to a trailer

Would like to do 2 things
#1- run tools from the bed plug. air compressor, lights, possibly small electric heater
#2- use as shore power for my trailers heaters

Sure, run cables from the battery back to the bed, mount a inverter back there and you'll have it. I wouldn't try and run more that about a 600w inverter off a single battery and it will need to be weather protected.

Only caveat is to not try and run too high a load on the inverter, any decent compressor will probably be too much.

 

[B_Erickson_00]

but aren't the battery's mounted in parallel?

I assume running a fuse on + is a must--unless my inverter has one built in.

Anyone seen a write up? this has to had be done 10000 times--couldn't find anything for a dodge just ford

 

[cjm100]

I have managed and owned a few different Oilfield Electrical service company's, and this is what we use. 3000w inverter. Usually mounted behind the back seat(F350) or under the rear seat(mega cab) or behind the seat in a chev as well. Use 1/0 welding cable from your battery (fused at 300a) and run through a continuous duty starter solenoid. Run cable under truck on the inside of the frame rail. Run cable to receptacle in back of truck. If you have wooden box liner, the receptacle can be mounted in the wood on the side at the rear. next, make sure that the solenoid is hooked to a switch that is on ignition power, this will ensure truck is running while in use, as well as not having a live wire all the way to the back when unit is not in use. We have had the best luck with Xantrac or Go Power inverters. Good luck

 

[Ltngdrvr]

I have managed and owned a few different Oilfield Electrical service company's, and this is what we use. 3000w inverter. Usually mounted behind the back seat(F350) or under the rear seat(mega cab) or behind the seat in a chev as well. Use 1/0 welding cable from your battery (fused at 300a) and run through a continuous duty starter solenoid. Run cable under truck on the inside of the frame rail. Run cable to receptacle in back of truck. If you have wooden box liner, the receptacle can be mounted in the wood on the side at the rear. next, make sure that the solenoid is hooked to a switch that is on ignition power, this will ensure truck is running while in use, as well as not having a live wire all the way to the back when unit is not in use. We have had the best luck with Xantrac or Go Power inverters. Good luck

A 3000w inverter with just the stock batteries? Sounds like too much to me.

 

[cjm100]

A 3000w inverter with just the stock batteries? Sounds like too much to me.

Off of the batteries alone, I agree 100%. You need the truck running, preferably with the high idle. I have run this set up on many different trucks over the years. Works great. The solenoid is set up to only allow power to the unit with the truck running. The alternator does most of the powering, not the batteries.

 

[smok'em]

I wanted to do that with my last truck, ended up getting a Honda eu2000 that I am yet to make a mount for in the bed. They are so small that easily fit in a toolbox. Best of all, you don't need to idle the truck unnecessarily.

 

[davisman]

:agree2:

Smok'em has the right of it. Plus those little Honda's are easy on fuel, and dont coke up your EGR/DPF.

 

[seery]

I wanted to do that with my last truck, ended up getting a Honda eu2000...

Honda EU2000i is the exact route I took.

Quiet, long running, and puts out plenty of power for portable needs.

 

[Redthies]

I did the Yamaha version of the EU2000. It's nice to be able to take the power away from the truck too.

 

[JAXN]

This is a great idea.