I want to install a power inverter under the back seat (98 f-150 ext cab)to plug in a lap top and printer. The inverter has to be hard wired. Where would be the best place to connect to electrical system and run wires. Only want power when key is on. Any advice apprecitated. Posted this under electrical but have gotten no replies.

 

Depending on how many watts your inverter is, it can draw a pretty heavy amperage load. I hard wired mine with #10 wire directly to the battery with a 25 Amp fuse in line in case something overloaded. (put fuse close to the battery connection). My inverter is 600 watts. Use it so the kids can watch movies with TV/VCR while traveling. Good luck!

 

I installed a 900 watt inverter under rear passenger seat. Drilled a hole through the truck bed under the jack in the cubby hole compartment. Ran twin #8 wires directly to battery through two 40A self re-setting circuit breakers. Ran ground to seat frame.

Works fine, has plenty of power, could even run house furnace off of it in case of power failure. Has an on/off switch on inverter. $100.

If you have a trailer tow package, there is a 30A circuit for charging a trailer battery. Has voltage only when key is on.

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2001 Screw, 4x4, 5.4L, 3.55LS, trailer tow III, 255-16 tires, skids, no cap yet.

Superchip
Gibson Stainless SS
AirRaid FIPK
Line X, other misc.

 

If you're wanting "switched" power then run a cable from the inverter to near the battery. Connect that to a CONTINUOUS DUTY relay that is designed for about 20% more current the inverter is rated for - Most 'cheap' fog-light relays are good for 10-15 amp, good Bosch ones - 20A and winch solenoids are good for about 200A (and are cheap too!). Connect the supply to the battery with an in-line fuse holder (for high amp 12V fuses see a high end stereo store or a boating supply) Trigger the relay with a wire that has power when switched.

The key here is make the run with cable that can handle the current without a voltage drop and also protect the circuit with a fuse and relay.

 

You can buy one that plugs into your cigarette lighter or other power point.

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1997 XLT Teal 4.6L Flareside 4x4. Automatic, Reg. cab, tinted windows, bug deflector, Dual exhaust, K&N Generation 2 air filter, BullDog keyless entry/remote start(installed myself), Custom 16" wheels, bedliner, Covercraft tonneau cover, electronic shift on the fly. Going to add headers.

 

Cigarette lighters are full with phone and radar detector. I am a storm trooper (insurance adjuster) travel all over the country to floods, hurricanes, etc. I take 100 - 150 digital photos a day and my camera eats batteries and spits em out. I would like to keep to AA ni-mh battery chargers plugged in at all times so batteries are charging while i'm driving but not draining the battery when not running. Don't want to mess with turning inverter on and off. Would use ocassionaly to power lap top or printer.