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Prius Prime Inverter Install?

Discussion in 'Prime Accessories and Modifications' started by Armen, Oct 25, 2022.

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  1. Armen

    Armen New Member

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    Anyone have any write-ups or info on installing an inverter in the PRIME (12v battery in engine bay)?
    There's been a couple threads regarding the topic but can't seem to find any tips on inverter placement, routing thru firewall, etc.? This would be primarily for camping use but could be nice for backup power as well.
    Thanks!
     
  2. MMBH

    MMBH Member

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    Wouldn’t it be easier to just buy a portable solar generator? Like all the rv and offgrid people apparently are using? Otherwise, maybe just just bring a battery and hook the inverter up using clamps to it for camping, which is what we used to do in our camper originally…
     
  3. JimLudden

    JimLudden Junior Member

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    Check out PlugOutPower has inverters from the traction battery.
     
  4. Suds

    Suds Member

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    I have one of these these that charges off of 12 volt (or my solar panel) and I can remove it from the car to run other devices. Fully charged this will run your house furnace blower for about 8 hours of total run time. When was the last time the natural gas ran out LOL all you need is juice for the blower and thermostat.
    EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station
    Car Charging Support 12V/24V battery, 8A Yea this is slow but better then nothing
     
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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  6. JimLudden

    JimLudden Junior Member

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    In the old days, I just clamped the 12 Volt leads onto the battery terminals and ran a 120 V extension cord to our tent.
     
  7. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Depends on what rating of inverter and how much power you expect to draw. Those temporary clamps on the battery terminals may get awfully warm depending on how much you plug in.
     
  8. Mark in NY

    Mark in NY Junior Member

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    Yes indeed this is the way I would suggest you go.
    During storm Sandi in 2012 I experimented with 12vdc to 120vac inverter powered off of the 12 volt battery in a 2012 PIP. It worked within its limitations however you have to be mindful of the limitations of the dc to dc converter that charges the 12 volt battery. I located a firm that could provide an inverter that would match up to the voltage of the traction battery. Using this layout you could safely use a 3kw inverter without worrying about burning out a component in the car.