Power inverters...

[BassmanIU]

Here's the lowdown. I'm going on a fishing/camping trip in southern Indiana in two weeks. We're gonna be fishing old strip mining pits that they've flooded and stocked. We've been doing this since I was born and it's amazing how good the fishing is. Only jon boats are allowed in the lakes. We're gonna be there for 5 days with no access to power. I am wanted to get a power inverter for my truck in order to charge the trolling motor battery each evening/night. What should I look out for? Any suggestions?

 

[Guest]

Corey just make sure the inverter you choose has a sufficient amp rating to run your charger. You might be burning a lot of gas keeping your battery charged. It might even be more economical to just buy an extra battery.

 

[Hal]

If you can use a generator at that location you may be better off to rent a generator is no one in your group has one. Most of the later models now have a charger on them or you will have your 110 Vac to run your charger and the coffee pot!

 

[BassmanIU]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. The inverter I'm looking at has a battery save shutoff that will automatically shut the charger off before my truck battery gets too low. I can also run the inverter in the truck without starting the engine. I've never had one before, so I'm not completely sure how it works, but maybe I can get away with charging it once for the trip and not use much gas.

 

[digitalcb]

Most power inverters have less than 90% efficiency so counting reserve to start your vehicle you're going to have to run your engine a lot.

Northern Tool advertises a 1000 watt 49 pound 2 cycle generator for $139.00 with a 1 year warranty. They're $149.00 at the store but if you print a copy of the on-line sale price they'll honor it.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200313480_200313480

Same generator is on Ebay for $146.00 delivered. Probably low quality Korean stuff but I'm going to get one cause I go to Calderwood lake and spend a few days with no way to recharge.