mobile detailing...power inverter vs. generator

**ezragipson2001** · 01-08-2006, 10:53 AM

Thanks for the correction. I don`t want to mess anyone up. I`m swithing to a 24 volt unit that will allow me to connect my batteries in series to gain more volts from my 12 volt batteries.

**MorBid** · 01-08-2006, 12:35 PM

Those Honds EU generators as well as others in that range (< 3000W) use on-board electronics as well as an internal high powered Alternator. Yamaha has similar products.

That quietness comes at a hefty price tag and maxes out at usually 5000W under load.

**imported_ajbarnes** · 01-08-2006, 03:10 PM

Hmmm. This is good info. I didn`t think about using marine batteries to power my inverter instead of my vehicle battery. That`s something I`m going to definitely look in to. :up

**Scottwax** · 01-09-2006, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by ajbarnes

Hmmm. This is good info. I didn`t think about using marine batteries to power my inverter instead of my vehicle battery. That`s something I`m going to definitely look in to. :up

Same here. Not the cheapest alternative but it would be quiet.

**doged** · 01-10-2006, 07:32 AM

Originally Posted by ajbarnes

Hmmm. This is good info. I didn`t think about using marine batteries to power my inverter instead of my vehicle battery. That`s something I`m going to definitely look in to. :up

You may want to add a battery gauge that shows a 80% discharge / BDI because anything after that starts to burn up components. Damage a PC, Vac, Extractor etc, not to

mention the battery.

**scottabir** · 01-10-2006, 08:18 AM

honda generator EU2000i fits nicely in trunk and well you can barely hear it over a polisher and you dont hear it over a vacuum. but like mentioned it is kinda expensive.

pics for you:

**amcdonal86** · 10-11-2011, 06:58 PM

If I got a 1500 watt inverter, would I be able to plug into a cigarette outlet in my 2012 Ford Mustang and run a Flex VRG 3401 off it? I don`t need to run steamers, etc., but I want to make sure it`s not going to blow circuits.

EDIT--I was doing a little more research, I guess you hook these inverters up directly to the car battery. So I guess there is very little risk for me?

**C. Charles Hahn** · 10-11-2011, 10:13 PM

If it were me, I would upgrade the alternator, and install a dual-battery setup with deep cycle batteries before even contemplating the use of an inverter for long periods of time. With dual deep cycle batteries you can probably get away with running equipment while the truck is off sometimes as well.

Also keep in mind that long periods of idling a vehicle can be hard on the engine.

**911fanatic** · 10-11-2011, 10:17 PM

I had a GMC Savanna and ran a 3000 watt inverter. Power was run directly off the battery. Use an inline fuse! Was able to run my stuff without issue. Now I use a Honda EU2000 when I don`t have power available. Its dead quiet and so small that it takes up no room.

**amcdonal86** · 10-11-2011, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by Shiny Lil Detlr

If it were me, I would upgrade the alternator, and install a dual-battery setup with deep cycle batteries before even contemplating the use of an inverter for long periods of time. With dual deep cycle batteries you can probably get away with running equipment while the truck is off sometimes as well.

Also keep in mind that long periods of idling a vehicle can be hard on the engine.

Thanks. I`m not worried about long periods of idling. I would only be doing this once or twice a year, so I don`t think upgrading my alternator or creating a dual battery setup would be necessary.

**Grunnsetning** · 10-12-2011, 01:23 PM

What are y`all running off of these inverters?

I have a powerstroke with a 200amp alternator.

After reading this I am considering going with some sort of inverter route compared to a generator.

If I am reading this post right, some of y`all are using deep cycle batteries and running them without running the vehicle?

Could I wire them into the vehicle and charge them here and there? But also isolate it from draining my vehicles batteries?

**Envious Eric** · 10-12-2011, 11:51 PM

its going to cost about 1/2 to get an inverter setup and you will have problems down the road...

just get a EU generator, either 2000 or 3000, but 2000 is good enough.

**lostdaytomorrow** · 10-17-2011, 02:38 PM

Safest and quickest way is generator, but of course with enough battery and alternator that is also possible.

**imported_Gurge** · 10-19-2011, 10:08 AM

toyotaguy - what sort of problems down the road could you encounter with an inverter setup?

doing the inverter / generator debate myself right now.

**Envious Eric** · 10-19-2011, 02:38 PM

you are going to have to upgrade EVERYTHING related and that will all cost money/time. Then you have to keep your car running to operate the machines wasting gas, and an idle motor for long periods of time is not good for the car, especially all the time day in and day out. Other things will start to go faster than normal with the car electrical, alternator, battery, etc so you will be replacing the upgraded units faster. (instead of every 3 years for the battery, think 1.5, or whatever it may be for the constant charging and discharging

Figure you spend 150 on a battery, or 300 on two

the wiring and upgraded cables to hardwire everthing at like 50-60 bucks

your time to get everything setup

upgraded alternator at 120-150+

etc etc etc

by the time you are done, you still dont have the same amount of power available as a honda eu2000 generator and have more than half invested...just doesnt seem like it adds up to me (not worth it). I would rather have a legit setup knowing I wont have problems down the road...