I got a 750w inverter from my parents. I just need to figure out where to mount it. It won't be in the truck all the time, but when it's in the truck it needs to be out of the way. I was thinking about just sticking it under my seat.

Since it's gonna take something like 6' of wire, the company says I should use some 6 AWG wire, but should I go a little bigger?

It also says I should get a 150amp fuse or circuit breaker and install it on the line close to the battery...how necessary is this?

Mr. Will

SHIFT_into a rock

it wouldnt hurt to go bigger.. especially if you are placing it further away from the battery than recommended. The circuit breaker or fuse is mandatory. You dont want the power wire shorting out with something inside the cab and starting a fire. Thats what will happen if there is no fuse. With heavy gauge wire, a lot of current can be carried over it which means even more of a need for a fuse or circuit breaker.

I forgot to mention that it already has a fuse inside it...actually, it's got 3 fuses. But I'll get another one anyways. I just need to find somebody that sells one that big.

Mr. Will

SHIFT_into a rock

The fuse on the wire is to protect not only the inverter but also the wire itself. If the wire gets cut or contacts the steel body somehow, without a fuse it would arc and go up in flames.

What John said... Steady state- pumping 750 watts, you'll be pulling roughly 70 amps throught the wire.. NOw apply more load( surge current) Doesn't this thing take double the load for short periods of time?... Gonna be a warm wire. Just getcha 20 feet of#4 welding cable, some 1/2" split loom ,and the 150 A inline fuse.
I would put it on the ground cable to the battery, thereby, protecting everything that's hooked up.... oops unless yo u gotta winch in the way. Gotta leave that configured under it's own grounding system less you pop the fuse on a hard pull requiring lots more than 150A.
.....................
'98 FAD FrontyKC
156,000 miles
Packin ARB'd 9"(5.00)& Tornado w/ Dual Remotes;-)
Mobi-ARC 200 is tits!( can I say that?)

my winch pulls over 450amps.. it doesnt have any fuse or breaker inline.. it would pop it. :P

Where can I get a 150a fuse? I've looked at the stereo places locally and don't see anything more than 60a.

Mr. Will

SHIFT_into a rock

Are you talking about one like this?

http://www.hellroaring.com/bic75300.htm

.....................
'98 FAD FrontyKC
156,000 miles
Packin ARB'd 9"(5.00)& Tornado w/ Dual Remotes;-)
Mobi-ARC 200 is tits!( can I say that?)

hehehe that thing is massive...I like. I'll get it locally if I can though.

Mr. Will

SHIFT_into a rock

http://www.littelfuse.com/ASP/Search/detail.asp?ID=288
"MEGA® Bolt-On Fuse
Littelfuse patented device designed for high current
protection up to 250 amperes found OEM on Ford, GM
and Chrysler vehicles. Slo-Blo® feature eliminates nuisance
blowing during temporary, short duration overloads.
Commonly used for battery and alternator connections
and other heavy gauge cables requiring ultra high
current protection.
Voltage Rating Characteristics: 32V AC/DC Slo-Blo
Color Code
Yellow – 100A
Green – 125A
Orange – 150A
White – 175A
Blue – 200A
Tan – 225A
Pink – 250A"

.....................
'98 FAD FrontyKC
156,000 miles
Packin ARB'd 9"(5.00)& Tornado w/ Dual Remotes;-)
Mobi-ARC 200 is tits!( can I say that?)

I got a fuse at a stereo place this morning, but they don't sell wire by the foot. I'm going to check at Circuit City tonight.

Mr. Will

SHIFT_into a rock

check welding supply shops. You can get heavy gauge cable there for pennies on the dollar compared to stereo shops.

Hey...guess where I am! Yeah, in the truck, on the internet

Found the wire I needed for $0.27/foot

Mr. Will

SHIFT_into a rock

Nice! You have a wireless card?

Yup, I bought the card last year when I lived in a dorm cause they had wireless and then I got a wireless router when I moved to the house.

Mr. Will

SHIFT_into a rock

So how'd the install go? I'm getting ready to mount > in the bed w/ a couiple more batteries.

hahahahahhaha that's one big freakin inverter!

Install went fine after i found somewhere to get some wire. Lowes had it.

MOre better for a nice compressor, a wide screeen,miter saw, a microwave( oh wait- those aren't healthy) ditch the microwave - throw in a rice cooker, coffee pot, toaster... or just plain ole' emergency power for the house- or a new grubstake- if that ever happens.