110v outlets in your prius

[tochatihu]

In previous related threads, we have discussed the differences between modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters. The former is cheaper ($100 and up, new, in this size range), and is best suited for resistive loads. Like coffeepots and toasters. Pure sine wave will be $300 and up, but probably a better choice for inductive loads (most motors) and digital power supplies.

If you now what you plan to power and do your research, you will avoid disappointments.

I think it would be rare to find a microwae oven that can be comfortably accomodated by the Prius' 12 volt system. But it could be handy.

[problemchild]

Originally Posted by tochatihu

In previous related threads, we have discussed the differences between modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters. The former is cheaper ($100 and up, new, in this size range), and is best suited for resistive loads. Like coffeepots and toasters. Pure sine wave will be $300 and up, but probably a better choice for inductive loads (most motors) and digital power supplies.

If you now what you plan to power and do your research, you will avoid disappointments.

I think it would be rare to find a microwae oven that can be comfortably accomodated by the Prius' 12 volt system. But it could be handy.

Sine wave is nice but for the price $900-2400 for 1500w its crazy. My laptop and other digital devices have run for 4 years off modified, no problems.

[Sheepdog]

Originally Posted by patsparks

Isn't it the same story the world over with almost everything from matches to wives to houses to cars, you can always get a better one for more money.

In my case Pat, I got a wife who makes 3to 4 times what I do and is in line for more this year! I got a deal with her! It allows me to live indoors all the time now!

[problemchild]

Just noticed this inverter at costco. Its the same I as I bought locally for 50 less.

Costco - Xantrex? XPower? Inverter 1500

[tochatihu]

Yes that is just about the price floor I had in mind for modified sine wave inverters. Quite a few suppliers also, including the 'ever popular internet auction site'.

This end of the market are all made in Asia, Phillipines, nearby. That will either please you, or not. I bet the circuit designs are all extremely similar, but there may be differences in quality of semiconductors and electrolytic capacitors inside. Xantrex has a good reputation for their large expensive inverters, so if they mean to safeguard that, you may be on to one of the better ones here.

An accessory feature worth considering is a remote power toggle with light. Not all the inverters offer this. Often Prius installations will have the inverter sternwards near the 12 volt battery. You may still have an unoccupied switch position near the driver's left knee?

[viking31]

Originally Posted by problemchild

Triple A and a Sat phone takes care of the spare issue. I have a compressor and a tire plug kit that has got me by for 32 years. I doubt I will need more then that. I have plugged and filled dozens and dozens of tires. Its a whole lot easier then switching spares in the rain and dark. Lets not turn this into a spare tire thread.

I will. While I do use tire plugs I doubt it would have helped me when a 3/8" bolt decided to take up residence in on of my rear tires only to be expelled a few miles down the freeway (hmm, so that's what that "chink -chink -chink then hsssssss noise was ;-)). Tire plug, no chance for that hole. I'll keep my spare...

Rick
#4 2006

[problemchild]

I have a 4 day trip update using the inverter.

Well the inverter works great. You need to have the car main power on while using it. It you want to keep the battery from draining rturn the heater on high heat with low fan. The heat setting keeps the ICE running and the battery charging. It sure is nice having 110v power to make a quick pot of coffee etc.

[tochatihu]

Nice job. I tend to handle my caffeine addiction in much the same way

I believe that you will find it unnecessary to run the car heat for this purpose. As you already have the Prius in 'Ready" the gasoline engine will start automatically when the battery SOC falls to about 45% and shut off at about 52%. The MFD screen won't tell you all those details but that's what she does.

There is at least one other trigger for engine starting - coolant temperature falling to 72 C. But with several hundred watts external load on the 12 volt system, the other will almost certainly kick in first.

[problemchild]

Originally Posted by tochatihu

Nice job. I tend to handle my caffeine addiction in much the same way

I believe that you will find it unnecessary to run the car heat for this purpose. As you already have the Prius in 'Ready" the gasoline engine will start automatically when the battery SOC falls to about 45% and shut off at about 52%. The MFD screen won't tell you all those details but that's what she does.

There is at least one other trigger for engine starting - coolant temperature falling to 72 C. But with several hundred watts external load on the 12 volt system, the other will almost certainly kick in first.

I did some experimenting while on my trip. If you only push the power button and not the heater the battery will drop down to the lowest charge state of 1 purple bar. While this is fine if your going to drive the car and if your drive is down hill. But if your not driving until the next day or your drive is uphill this is very bad. I prefer to keep the battery fully charged for the night by setting the heat to high.

[iLLa Prius]

me personally, id rather have a spare. you can always use a smaller inverter and put it the glove box. or use your set up and add the spare battery with isolator. you can also use a Battery Brain Auto if you really wanted to. my inverter has clamps. so i have it unhooked at all times because i almost never use it. i like your idea though. ive had my own similar ideas.