mobile detailing...power inverter vs. generator

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:

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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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
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.
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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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
toyotaguy - what sort of problems down the road could you encounter with an inverter setup?



doing the inverter / generator debate myself right now.
 
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...
 
Scott you seem like you know alot about everything on here , it seems like these transit vans get good feedback , generator, water tank, pressure washer, what kind of pump do i need i seem cant the right answers can you set me up with a nice setup or at least give a good opinion on what to do
 
Are you looking for just a water pump to go in between the tank and power washer? I have a 12v pump in my van that I ran 10awg wire to the battery and wired in a switch next to the back door. I got it at Northern Tool (see link). It works fine and the gpm is on par with what the pressure washer needs.



Portable Transfer Pump — 12 Volt, 3/8in., Model# 12VDCW | 12 Volt Pumps| Northern Tool + Equipment



I am actually going to upgrade it to this one (or something equivalent) fairly soon, as it seems built much better.



SHURflo On-Demand Diaphragm Pump — 3 GPM, 12 Volt, 1/2in., Model# 2088-343-435 | 12 Volt Pumps| Northern Tool + Equipment



All depends on how your setup is laid out. My water tank outlet is level with the inlet on my pressure washer, so I need the pump. If the outlet is 8-10 inches about the inlet of the PW then you won't need the pump, but the pump ensures that the water is flowing at the appropriate rate for your pressure washer.



Hopefully this helps a little.



-Kody-
 
why would you want to build some elaborate electric system with hundreds of pounds of deep cycle batteries when you could just get the Honda 2000? It's quite, light, and powerful. You can find them for $900. if your a mobile detailer and working out of a car or truck it's the one you want because of its portability. If you have a permanent mount situation like a trailer or van you may go a little bigger and get the 3000. take some of the equipment you use every day and go to the local Honda generator dealer and check one out. You will buy it.I did.
 
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