Inverter in TV -

[accordionman]

Anyone know how many amps the inverter circuit in an F 250 allows. If one uses a simple formula of
Wattage/120 = amps then it would be 1.25 amps. The covers of the output plugs say 150 watts. But 1.25 doesn't sound reasonable. I mean what are you going to light with 1.25 amps; a light bulb ?

Am I missing something?

I'm trying to pick a compressor to bring with us on our travels in case I need air in either my TV tires or the AS tires.
Ed

[alano]

Your calculations are correct. 150W is more than adequate for powering a laptop.

As for compressors, take a look at the Viair range. They run on 12V and are very good quality. I think you'll find many happy folks using these compressors on AirForums.

[slowmover]

400W inverter, I think. 4A?

[SCOTTinNJ]

My 2017 is 400w.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

The "stock" inverter in a F250 is 400W. Since it's 120V it'll do 3 1/3 amps. That's plenty for any sort of minor gadget. It's not going to handle the coffee maker ....

Bob

[alano]

If your coverplate says 150W, that's what your model year was fitted with. My 2014 RAM 2500 was fitted with a 150 W inverter.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Keep in mind that the same horrible issues with inverters in trailers also apply to inverters in trucks. Everything is fine if the alternator is going fast enough to keep up with it. Running it off only the battery *will* flatten the battery pretty fast (70 AH battery -> 35 AH at ~ 35 to 40 amps is 1 hour).

If you can go straight from 12V to your device, that's a *much* better way to do it. 12V to USB adapters with DC/DC converters in them are < $20 on Amazon. They will beat a 12V -> inverter -> wall wart -> device setup any day of the week. With a good converter in them, they will be up in the 80 to 90% efficiency range. The older "linear" 12V to USB adapters clocked in at about 40%. An inverter setup might be < 5% on a 0.5 A USB load.

Bob