I want to put in 12 volts to the bed of the truck. Im looking into putting in some lighting & a 12v outlet, also gonna install a 1400 (max) watt invertor (dc to ac). Anyone have any ideas, input, experiance with this mod. I figure on using at least 4 awg wire from the fuse panel to the bed, but if anyone knows of a better mod, feel free to fire away.
Thanx,
Big Mike
04 f-150 Screw 4x4 lariat

 

Sounds like a good idea, I say go for it!!

 

would'nt it be better to go directly to the battery and use an inline fuse

 

I would run 10GA wire from the battery to the plug w/a 30 or 40 amp circuit breaker in line, ground the plug to the body, and mount it with some type of weather protection.....

 

Sounds like a cool mod bigmike. I have wanted to try the same thing. My thought was to use the waterproof covered 12v socket that comes in the back of Explorer Sport trac's. Might work!

 

I installed a 1200W Coleman inverter under the rear seat beside the sub box in place of the jack. I went directly to the battery, use a blade fuse mounted as close to the battery as possible. I routed the cables under the truck tucked away and protected. Used rubber gromet to come up through the floor right near the inverter for a nice clean install. I used 2awg welding cable for both (+) and (-), tied the (-) to the frame under the cab. I also mounted the inverter on top of a modified carpet floor mat to protect the truck carpet (matching black carpet), and bolted it down. Now I need a yellow top Optima battery though.

 

I think running 4 awg or 2 awg you are over doing it. anything that requires a wire larger than 8 gage is going to be drawing more amps than our alternators put out.

 

We have 130amp alternators, we are fine.

The distance is the problem if the load is roughly 90amps peak with 15ft running length of 4awg wire you will only have a voltage drop of .8, but if you ran a 8awg you will LOOSE 2 volts at the end of the running wire.

Stick with the 4awg, use a agu fuse type. I couldnt tell you anymore untill you find the max amps the unit will run.

 

I think that im gonna limit the uses to 1 circuit. Im gonna run the 12v outlet & keep the power cable terminaled in the rear bed somewhere so I can run some courtesy lights into the bed, & future reverse facing spread lights (under the bumper, near the hitch etc.). The reason is the inverter calls for a run of 2awg wire for under a 5 foot run. So with that, I would need at least a 2/0 if not 4/0 for 25 foot run to the bed. So Im figuring I can use a 30 amp fuse at the battery with like 8 gauge wire or something. When its done, I will try and post pics if I can.

 

I think myst put a 12v outlet under his bed and he also installed bed lights. Do a search and look at his web page.