These inverters are really amazing. I have a Honda CR-V and a Jackery 1000 that I use for camping. The Jackery 1000 charges pretty slow when travelling in the car and plugged into the 12 volt outlet which is only 10 amps (charges around 75 watts according to the Jackery display). I watched a TH-cam video on HOBOTECH and I purchased a Beskek 300 amp pure sine wave inverter. As a test, I connected it directly to my battery and plugged in the AC charger for my Jackery. The Jackery started charging at the same rate (around 145 watts) that I get when I plug the AC adapter into my house. I was very pleased with the result. I am going to install a 12 volt outlet directly connected to my battery with proper fusing and an intelligent battery isolator. The 12 volt outlet will be energized when I start the car and will disconnect when the engine isn't running. This is just a precaution in case I forget to power off the inverter and risk draining my battery. Thank you for the video, it was very informative.
It has been a couple of years since you posted this. Hopefully, you are still staying active. One thing I would like to see is how you decide to use one installer over the other since I don't live where you live. I don't really want to go to my local Toyota dealer, though I know they will do it right if I do...for a fancy price, of course.
Having seen it done, I'm a little embarrassed that I didn't do it myself it was so simple. Just use industrial strength velcro to attach the inverter to the trunk carpet floor and run the red wire less than two feet to the 12v battery positive terminal and the black ground to any bolt on the frame of the car. Presto, done. That simple. If you want extra protection go to the local auto supply store, tell them what you are doing and they will sell you and tell you how to add a 100 amp fuse to the red positive wire for extra safety. All that said, I Prius camped this week and having already upgraded to a 1000 watt pure sine wave inverter, have decided to upgrade again to a 2000 watt unit. I'll also upgrade the fuse to 300 amps. Good luck.
@@BoondockingBears I just now spent some time looking in the back of my own 2106 Prius 3 to begin the process and hoped it would be as simple as you show and as I have seen elsewhere. But guess what? The battery is in the front, not the back, so I am at a loss as to how to hook up my 1500 inverter. So...keep looking. You did a good job!
If not all, most inverters will shut off (maybe after sounding an alarm) when the battery charge gets too low, so hypothetically it would be safe to use the inverter without the hybrid system running, without risk of the battery charge getting too low to start the hybrid system.
According to the inverter manual, it shuts off when the voltage drops to 10 volts. Will a battery discharged to 10 volts be able to start the Prius? Maybe, but you'd have to prove that to me. Best to run a test at your home base with battery-jumping capability close at hand.
I upgraded to a 1000 watt pure sine, then got frustrated with the need for the car to be on for it to work. A solution was a second 12v battery supply, but I found it easier and more convenient in campsites to have a solar generator so just added a Jackery 1500 to my kit. Expensive, but effective and it charges while driving from the inverter, so no need for solar. Car happier, me happier, problem solved.
My suggestion: get a heavy duty grounded extension cord that has multiple ports on the end. I think you can even get them that have multiple AC and USB ports.
Just curious how much this cost? I’m thinking of doing the same but also adding a 2nd 12 volt battery so that I do not draw from the car battery. Thanks for the video. Awesome video!
Please be careful! That inverter needs ventilation - so you can't really use up all your storage space in that compartment anymore. In my 2015 Prius, that's where I store all my emergency winter stuff including extra winter gloves, a blanket and a good winter coat. For me, the inverter would be a luxury item. I don't really need it. Thanks for this post!!
I was thinking, Maybe the inverter could fit in the (far left) storage pocket opposite side from the small-battery compartment that's on the right. That way you can just remove that small storage lid for ventulation while using the inverter and replace the lid while not in use. I looked at the photos for this inverter on the Amazon site and see a cooling fan behind the unit. Unfortunately, the cable looks like it won't reach across to that left side compartment. Anyway, just sharing my thoughts with you if ventilating the inverter becomes an issue later. All the best to you!
Only if you leave it on. There is a switch mounted on the wall. When not using the inverter turn it off otherwise it will kill the 12V engine battery. But there is no reason to have it on if not in use. Also and obviously, have the engine on when using it. It is not a power source per se, it is an inverter that takes the car power and turns it to 110v AC.
Thanks for the comment. The spare is in the designed compartment below where the inverter is. Toyota designed it that way. Twice I've had flats and just moved the shelf, exposing the tire and slid it out. Easy-peasy.
Whether it is safe I cannot tell you, but as a practical matter I don't think it works because the inverter would be drawing off your Prime battery while in use and drain it. You would have no backup or continuous power source like the regular Prius Hybrid gas engine provides and thus if not monitoring the Prime battery constantly, could end up stranded.
Great video. I’m planning on putting in a 2000 watt inverter ( though I’ll never use more than 1,000 watts) My question is… what size fuse do u recommend on that 2,000 watt inverter
From watching multiple other videos, 600 watts seems small. Do you not intend to use any large electronics? I imagine 600 will work fir a 12 volt fridge, a computer, that’s probably it. Your Hot Logic. Is that all you plan to use for cooking? Have you thought about something like an Itaki, or even an Instant Pot?
I was getting my oil changed at the Toyota dealer last week and had a chat with the dealership's hybrid specialist. We talked about a lot of things and when it got to adding an inverter he just said be careful. It was his recommendation to keep it to 1000 watts because the Prius electronics, gauges and battery configuration are so sensitive, much more so than traditional cars. I mentioned to him about the guys using 1500 watt and he said that will probably work but it is risky AND expensive if you have to repair some electronics. He thought if I only needed 600 watts then try to stay there, I would not regret it. That said, the more you dig into this stuff, the more you discover that most, including the dealerships don't know what the limitations are. All that said, 600 watts is enough for me. I have no intention of ever camping with a microwave, and I always have the option of a campground with electric if I want to run an induction cooktop or similar high draw appliance.
Good doing it right but why a 100 amp fuse? 600 watts,12 v,shouldn't that be 50 to 60? 100 seems high. Please use good 12 gauge extension with one plug. Much safer. Just curious not critical. Electronic technology with medical experience. Travel safe. Check out 12v coalmine USA. Appear to be ok. Of course not trackable like Philips in Canada by meditate but maybe worth looking at?? Sleep well!!
What a bunch of jerks, They mounted it right in the middle of your storage space, essentially limiting you on what you have in there. I would give them a big fat zero review.
Do NOT mount an inverter in the trunk!! It needs to breathe. It will shorten its life and is Dangerous. Viewers : Please keep the inverter out of the trunk when using
You got screwed. The installers put the inverter where it was convenient FOR THEM, not you. Who puts the 'Install' right in the middle of a critical space, forever restricting your use of that space? If they actually knew what they were doing, the inverter could have been closer to the battery, shortening the heavy copper and allowing a vent tube to the outside. You still ended up rigging an extension cord! This installer failed at understanding your needs. A cigarette lighter connection can power that inverter,(if you're forced to use an extension cord any way).
These inverters are really amazing. I have a Honda CR-V and a Jackery 1000 that I use for camping. The Jackery 1000 charges pretty slow when travelling in the car and plugged into the 12 volt outlet which is only 10 amps (charges around 75 watts according to the Jackery display). I watched a TH-cam video on HOBOTECH and I purchased a Beskek 300 amp pure sine wave inverter. As a test, I connected it directly to my battery and plugged in the AC charger for my Jackery. The Jackery started charging at the same rate (around 145 watts) that I get when I plug the AC adapter into my house. I was very pleased with the result. I am going to install a 12 volt outlet directly connected to my battery with proper fusing and an intelligent battery isolator. The 12 volt outlet will be energized when I start the car and will disconnect when the engine isn't running. This is just a precaution in case I forget to power off the inverter and risk draining my battery. Thank you for the video, it was very informative.
You havent posted on in 3 months....praying you are ok.
I love my Hot Logic.
Where did you go? Come back and tell us at least....so we can stop worrying. Hope you’re having fun!
It has been a couple of years since you posted this. Hopefully, you are still staying active. One thing I would like to see is how you decide to use one installer over the other since I don't live where you live. I don't really want to go to my local Toyota dealer, though I know they will do it right if I do...for a fancy price, of course.
Having seen it done, I'm a little embarrassed that I didn't do it myself it was so simple. Just use industrial strength velcro to attach the inverter to the trunk carpet floor and run the red wire less than two feet to the 12v battery positive terminal and the black ground to any bolt on the frame of the car. Presto, done. That simple. If you want extra protection go to the local auto supply store, tell them what you are doing and they will sell you and tell you how to add a 100 amp fuse to the red positive wire for extra safety.
All that said, I Prius camped this week and having already upgraded to a 1000 watt pure sine wave inverter, have decided to upgrade again to a 2000 watt unit. I'll also upgrade the fuse to 300 amps. Good luck.
@@BoondockingBears I just now spent some time looking in the back of my own 2106 Prius 3 to begin the process and hoped it would be as simple as you show and as I have seen elsewhere. But guess what? The battery is in the front, not the back, so I am at a loss as to how to hook up my 1500 inverter. So...keep looking. You did a good job!
If not all, most inverters will shut off (maybe after sounding an alarm) when the battery charge gets too low, so hypothetically it would be safe to use the inverter without the hybrid system running, without risk of the battery charge getting too low to start the hybrid system.
According to the inverter manual, it shuts off when the voltage drops to 10 volts. Will a battery discharged to 10 volts be able to start the Prius? Maybe, but you'd have to prove that to me. Best to run a test at your home base with battery-jumping capability close at hand.
Wish it was a way to do this without having the car on like maybe making an additional batter hooked to split or something
I upgraded to a 1000 watt pure sine, then got frustrated with the need for the car to be on for it to work. A solution was a second 12v battery supply, but I found it easier and more convenient in campsites to have a solar generator so just added a Jackery 1500 to my kit. Expensive, but effective and it charges while driving from the inverter, so no need for solar. Car happier, me happier, problem solved.
Awesome install! I’m thinking about doing that instead of my goal zero
Chasin' Simplicity 🤗
Well, that was easy. Good luck
Thank you.
My suggestion: get a heavy duty grounded extension cord that has multiple ports on the end. I think you can even get them that have multiple AC and USB ports.
My only concern is ventilation of the inverter in that compartment.
Just curious how much this cost? I’m thinking of doing the same but also adding a 2nd 12 volt battery so that I do not draw from the car battery.
Thanks for the video. Awesome video!
'Bear' curious what did it cost for installation
Di d these guys offer up any tips about co detectors?
Please be careful! That inverter needs ventilation - so you can't really use up all your storage space in that compartment anymore. In my 2015 Prius, that's where I store all my emergency winter stuff including extra winter gloves, a blanket and a good winter coat. For me, the inverter would be a luxury item. I don't really need it. Thanks for this post!!
Thanks for pointing that out. Good luck.
I was thinking, Maybe the inverter could fit in the (far left) storage pocket opposite side from the small-battery compartment that's on the right. That way you can just remove that small storage lid for ventulation while using the inverter and replace the lid while not in use. I looked at the photos for this inverter on the Amazon site and see a cooling fan behind the unit. Unfortunately, the cable looks like it won't reach across to that left side compartment. Anyway, just sharing my thoughts with you if ventilating the inverter becomes an issue later. All the best to you!
any load test?
Happy Trails
Thanks.
Does this kills the car battery? My Toyota dealership says it will kill it.
Only if you leave it on. There is a switch mounted on the wall. When not using the inverter turn it off otherwise it will kill the 12V engine battery. But there is no reason to have it on if not in use. Also and obviously, have the engine on when using it. It is not a power source per se, it is an inverter that takes the car power and turns it to 110v AC.
How much did it cost?
thats cool why did they shove it in their they could put it on the side of the caro area so you would have less wires and what not
Where is your spare tire?
Thanks for the comment. The spare is in the designed compartment below where the inverter is. Toyota designed it that way. Twice I've had flats and just moved the shelf, exposing the tire and slid it out. Easy-peasy.
Is it safe to have an inverter in a Prius Plug in? I camp in my car and would like to have electricity to power a microwave and a small heater.
Whether it is safe I cannot tell you, but as a practical matter I don't think it works because the inverter would be drawing off your Prime battery while in use and drain it. You would have no backup or continuous power source like the regular Prius Hybrid gas engine provides and thus if not monitoring the Prime battery constantly, could end up stranded.
@@BoondockingBears it’s a hybrid, Prius Plug in, 2014. Thank you for your reply
Great video. I’m planning on putting in a 2000 watt inverter ( though I’ll never use more than 1,000 watts)
My question is… what size fuse do u recommend on that 2,000 watt inverter
no more than 135a so can only find a 100A - that will work fine.
From watching multiple other videos, 600 watts seems small. Do you not intend to use any large electronics? I imagine 600 will work fir a 12 volt fridge, a computer, that’s probably it. Your Hot Logic. Is that all you plan to use for cooking? Have you thought about something like an Itaki, or even an Instant Pot?
Instant pot uses 1000w ,
South Carolina........................that's a long way from Amherst.
Impressive. Looks simple. How much was it to install it?
Like all your videos. Was 600W the maximum limit recommended? I see others on TH-camrs putting in 1000W and even 2000W inverters.
I was getting my oil changed at the Toyota dealer last week and had a chat with the dealership's hybrid specialist. We talked about a lot of things and when it got to adding an inverter he just said be careful. It was his recommendation to keep it to 1000 watts because the Prius electronics, gauges and battery configuration are so sensitive, much more so than traditional cars. I mentioned to him about the guys using 1500 watt and he said that will probably work but it is risky AND expensive if you have to repair some electronics.
He thought if I only needed 600 watts then try to stay there, I would not regret it. That said, the more you dig into this stuff, the more you discover that most, including the dealerships don't know what the limitations are. All that said, 600 watts is enough for me. I have no intention of ever camping with a microwave, and I always have the option of a campground with electric if I want to run an induction cooktop or similar high draw appliance.
If you only run laptop or rice cooker using 600w it won't be issue as load is not using over 1000w ?
Good doing it right but why a 100 amp fuse? 600 watts,12 v,shouldn't that be 50 to 60? 100 seems high. Please use good 12 gauge extension with one plug. Much safer. Just curious not critical. Electronic technology with medical experience. Travel safe. Check out 12v coalmine USA. Appear to be ok. Of course not trackable like Philips in Canada by meditate but maybe worth looking at?? Sleep well!!
What a bunch of jerks, They mounted it right in the middle of your storage space, essentially limiting you on what you have in there. I would give them a big fat zero review.
Do NOT mount an inverter in the trunk!! It needs to breathe. It will shorten its life and is Dangerous. Viewers : Please keep the inverter out of the trunk when using
You got screwed. The installers put the inverter where it was convenient FOR THEM, not you. Who puts the 'Install' right in the middle of a critical space, forever restricting your use of that space? If they actually knew what they were doing, the inverter could have been closer to the battery, shortening the heavy copper and allowing a vent tube to the outside. You still ended up rigging an extension cord! This installer failed at understanding your needs. A cigarette lighter connection can power that inverter,(if you're forced to use an extension cord any way).
Is there a adapter to use from cigarettes lighter to invertor so it could be unplugged when not use