Electrical Question

[Brad92]

I am thinking about getting a 400w rms power inverter for my truck and I already have an audio amplifier for my sub. I know it would be best to get a really large gauge of wire from the battery and then use a distribution block and run smaller wiring from there.

My question is, other than it being harder to isolate for issues and having two wires running to the battery, is there any downside to running 2 4 gauge wires to the battery instead of a distribution block and larger wiring? I can get a really good deal on 2 4 gauge kits.

 

[SUPERD]

i see no issues with that, just make sure they are fused at the battery so you dont have all that hot 4 gauge waiting to start a fire, most small inverters run off a cig. plug so they dont draw too many amps.

 

[Brad92]

Yeah, they will both be fused at the battery. This inverter will use 33 amps at load. So I want to hardwire it.

 

[SUPERD]

400 watts divided by 12 volts = 33.3 amps max draw

 

[Brad92]

Right. I am thinking about dual batteries and a bigger alternator for the inverter and my amp. IDK if its because my battery is going down, or if its my headunit sensing low battery, but it will not play long with the key on accessory and the head unit up kinda loud. It will turn off, then come back on and play for a second unil the bass hits. I have measured the voltage at the battery during this, and have noticed a drop in voltage around a quarter of a volt and sometimes almost half of a volt during deep bass. It climbs back up after though.

I am guessing it is a combination of my battery and my head unit sensing lower voltage.

 

[SUPERD]

yeah your battery is probably on the down hill slide, its that time of year for batteries to meet their maker. what all do you plan on running of the inverter, i only use mine to charge the camcorder & laptop on trips.
been thinking about hard mounting mine also

 

[Brad92]

Anything I need to. Lights, small fridges, basically everything other than really high draw stuff like microwaves. I do camping and stuff, sometimes without electricity.

My battery is over 4 years old (Duralast) and every winter I always think its gonna have to be replaced but it always makes it. It was in the truck when I bought it from my uncle 4.5 years ago and doesn't have a date code sticker.

BTW, walmart.com has a Cobra power inverter for $27. 400 watt continuous, 800 peak. I have had good luck with Cobra stuff and for the price, I am gonna give it a try. Has a bunch of great reviews too.