Are you concerned about moisture causing a short in the bed? I’m looking to do a similar install (identical Amazon AC weatherproof sockets) with a power station in my truck, but concerned that in the (unlikely) case of a short, there could be risk of damage to the power station / inverter (best case) or fire at worst. It doesn’t seem like ports like this are made with GFCI… unless you’re ready to get a larger outdoor unit with a proper residential-looking GFCI outlet. Seems like that’s overkill. Maybe I’m just paranoid..? Thanks for the in-depth video. It’s nice to see a full install start to finish.
Hey thanks for the comment! I’m sure there is something out there that might have been a better option than what I used but at the same time I was trying to keep the install to a budget that made sense. The back of the outlet is not completely weather tight but it does have a boot on it. I’m not to worried about it shorting to be honest tho. That’s a big reason why I like the extension cord idea I used. Easy to install & fix if it’s ever needed. GFCI are pretty commonly found on a lot of service trucks in fleet operations. I’ve always found them to be a pain at work though. I understand it has to be that way though. For something like I have it’s not going to be used in extreme conditions & it’s mainly there as a convenience. The unit has a built in fuse as well as my main fuse on the power wire. You have to make your own decision based on what your risk meter tells you but for me I was confident in my installation abilities & do not have any concerns with the way I installed my setup. I hope that helps!!! 😁
Yeah I’m in the same boat - they’ll be covered most of the time and only used for power tools when working out of the bed. Agreed about the simplicity of install you get with the extension cord solution. Definitely prefer that over trying to get cut/terminated wires water-tight. They look nice too! Thanks for taking the time to reply. That does help! Can’t wait to have power in my truck bed!
To be honest I haven’t had it installed long enough yet to give you an educated answer here. I’ve probably used it a couple dozen times now & the longest I’ve ran it is probably 4-5 hours straight so far. I’ve not encountered any heat issues up to this point. The proper size wire will help a ton here. As far as the alternator goes I upgraded that years ago to a Mechman Alternator. I run a Boss V plow in the winter & needed to step up the alternator output back then. To be honest this really isn’t going to draw anymore more than a basic car audio/subwoofer setup would. Probably less demanding in most cases. I wouldn’t worry about the alternator as long as you have the install done properly.
Soo i wana add a 2000 or 3000 watt. Would i need a deepcycle/ marine battery or am i fine with my stock truck battery. only plan on runnjng the inverter when truck is on and or drving. Thanks
Hey sorry I just now saw your comment. No a deep cycle should not be necessary especially if you plan to keep the vehicle running. Something I always do with my trucks is upgraded to a larger battery, better alternator, and upgraded my battery cables though. I’ve always run audio systems and snowplows though so I’m pretty demanding on my trucks charging system. You can look up the big 3 upgrade if you are curious.
Are you concerned about moisture causing a short in the bed? I’m looking to do a similar install (identical Amazon AC weatherproof sockets) with a power station in my truck, but concerned that in the (unlikely) case of a short, there could be risk of damage to the power station / inverter (best case) or fire at worst. It doesn’t seem like ports like this are made with GFCI… unless you’re ready to get a larger outdoor unit with a proper residential-looking GFCI outlet. Seems like that’s overkill. Maybe I’m just paranoid..?
Thanks for the in-depth video. It’s nice to see a full install start to finish.
Hey thanks for the comment! I’m sure there is something out there that might have been a better option than what I used but at the same time I was trying to keep the install to a budget that made sense. The back of the outlet is not completely weather tight but it does have a boot on it. I’m not to worried about it shorting to be honest tho. That’s a big reason why I like the extension cord idea I used. Easy to install & fix if it’s ever needed.
GFCI are pretty commonly found on a lot of service trucks in fleet operations. I’ve always found them to be a pain at work though. I understand it has to be that way though. For something like I have it’s not going to be used in extreme conditions & it’s mainly there as a convenience. The unit has a built in fuse as well as my main fuse on the power wire.
You have to make your own decision based on what your risk meter tells you but for me I was confident in my installation abilities & do not have any concerns with the way I installed my setup.
I hope that helps!!! 😁
Yeah I’m in the same boat - they’ll be covered most of the time and only used for power tools when working out of the bed. Agreed about the simplicity of install you get with the extension cord solution. Definitely prefer that over trying to get cut/terminated wires water-tight. They look nice too!
Thanks for taking the time to reply. That does help! Can’t wait to have power in my truck bed!
Any issues with using the inverter long term? Alternator replacement? Excess heat at wiring connections? Etc. just curious.
To be honest I haven’t had it installed long enough yet to give you an educated answer here. I’ve probably used it a couple dozen times now & the longest I’ve ran it is probably 4-5 hours straight so far.
I’ve not encountered any heat issues up to this point. The proper size wire will help a ton here. As far as the alternator goes I upgraded that years ago to a Mechman Alternator. I run a Boss V plow in the winter & needed to step up the alternator output back then. To be honest this really isn’t going to draw anymore more than a basic car audio/subwoofer setup would. Probably less demanding in most cases. I wouldn’t worry about the alternator as long as you have the install done properly.
Motor mouth . Lol
Soo i wana add a 2000 or 3000 watt. Would i need a deepcycle/ marine battery or am i fine with my stock truck battery. only plan on runnjng the inverter when truck is on and or drving. Thanks
Hey sorry I just now saw your comment. No a deep cycle should not be necessary especially if you plan to keep the vehicle running. Something I always do with my trucks is upgraded to a larger battery, better alternator, and upgraded my battery cables though. I’ve always run audio systems and snowplows though so I’m pretty demanding on my trucks charging system. You can look up the big 3 upgrade if you are curious.