Nothing beats the joy of heading out onto the open road and watching things pass you by. But sometimes, it can turn a little boring, making driving your truck a little bit harder.
At times like these, you will find that a suitable power inverter can help make your journey enjoyable once more.
With a power inverter, you can use the battery in your truck to provide power to additional devices you may have with you in your vehicle. So it will allow you to give power to your mobile phone, laptop or even a microwave oven.
AT A GLANCE: 3 BEST POWER INVERTERS FOR YOUR TRUCK
BESTEK 500W | POTEK 1500W | Samlex 2000W |
|
---|---|---|---|
Price | |||
Wattage | 500W | 1500W | 2000W |
Pure sine wave/Modified Sine Wave | Pure Sine Wave | Modified Sine Wave | Pure Sine Wave |
AC outlet | 2 | 2 | 2 |
USP port | 2 | 1 | |
Our recommendation | Best for sensitive electronics and applications with low power consumption in your truck such as charge laptop, smartphone,... | Best for household applications such as microwave, rice cooker, home refrigerator,.... | Best for handle sensitive electrical devices with power consumption less than 2000W |
Score | 9 | 8 | 8.5 |
What Does An Inverter Do?
To put it into layman’s terms, this is a piece of equipment that allows you to use the battery in your truck to provide power to other electronic accessories.
It can transform DC (direct current) into AC (alternating current). This is the current needed to power a variety of electrical goods such as phones, microwave ovens, and power tools.
How Do They Work?
It works by mimicking the energy from the direct current source and then rapidly switching its polarity to produce an alternating current power source.
3 Important Things To Consider When Buying A New Power Inverter For Your Truck
If you are looking at investing in any power inverter, several factors need to be considered before you do. The three most important ones of these are shown below.
Wattage Output
This is the most significant variable you need to know for such equipment. This shows you how much power capacity it has.
You need to select one that will provide enough wattage to power the kinds of appliances you intend to use with it. But it is best if you choose one that comes with a higher wattage than that of the devices you want to power it with.
For example, coolers will often consume between 100 and 700 watts of power. While mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices with a screen tend to use less than 100 watts of power.
Household applications | Wattage |
Air conditioner | 1500W+ |
Hair Dryer | 1000W+ |
Rice Cooker | 600W+ |
Home refrigerator | 400W-1000W |
Microwave | 1200W+ |
Washing Machine | 1100W |
Laptop | 50W |
Television (49″ LED) | 85W |
Coffee maker | 1000W |
Portable heater | 1500W |
Water heater | 4000W |
Pure Sine Wave Or Modified Sine Wave
This refers to the powerful wave that such equipment produces. Today power inverters use two types of waveform. Some use pure sine wave, while others use modified sine wave.
When buying a power inverter for your truck, choose one that produces pure sine wave. However, it is also possible to use one in your truck that uses modified sine wave. What one you select depends on the kind of additional equipment you want to provide power to.
Input Voltage
When choosing any power inverter for your truck, you need to pay close attention to its DC voltage. This is crucial as some inverters will only allow 12 or 24 volts, and some may produce more. So make sure that you choose one that matches your vehicle.
A 12V DC system is ideal if you plan to use no more than a 3000-watt power inverter.
Buy 1500W power inverter here:
POTEK 1500W Modified Sine Wave Inverter
Your truck will need to have a 24, 36, or 48V DC system if you want to use this kind of equipment that produces more than 3000 watts.
See best 5000W modified sine wave inverter for sale here:
Giandel 5000W Modified Sine Wave Inverter
What Size Power Inverter Do I Need?
To choose the right size power inverter, you need to know what you want from it, plus just how much your vehicle can handle. The sizes of these tend to correspond to the unit’s wattage. So a low wattage inverter tends to be small in size, while those that supply a higher wattage are a lot bigger.
If you are looking to run devices such as a coffee machine, microwave, or heater off of your device, you’re going to need to get a power inverter that produces 2000 watts or more.
Find purchasing option for a 2000W inverter online:
Samlex 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter
However, if you need it to charge up your phone or laptop, you can choose ones that only produce up to 300 watts.
Buy best 500W inverter here:
BESTEK 500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter
Best Power Inverter For Truck Under $200
Bestek 500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter
The Bestek 500W power inverter is the perfect choice if you want one that can handle most small appliances that you may use in your truck or car.
You can attach it directly to your truck’s battery, or you can plug it into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. But it is important to note that when plugging it into the lighter socket, only connect devices that require between 150 and 200 watts of power.
It comes with built-in protection to prevent it from overheating when in use. Plus, the inclusion of a fuse protects any devices connected to it from short-circuiting.
Pros
- It can be connected to the cigarette lighter socket in the vehicle
- The smart fan helps to maintain a stable temperature inside the inverter
- It comes with alligator clamps allowing you to directly attach it to the vehicle’s battery
- Strong metal case
- Comes with technology that protects against over or under voltage
- Also comes with additional 40w fuses
Cons
- Does not have a light
- Can lead to electronic noise occurring when it is near certain audio devices
Verdict
This smart power inverter can provide enough energy to power a range of small electronic devices to recharge them quickly, such as a mobile phone.
Bestek 500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter
Maxpart 1000W Modified Sine Wave Inverter
The Maxpart 1000W is the perfect power inverter for vehicles such as trucks, cars, and RVs. It can turn 12V DC to 110V AC power and comes with features that help it deliver outstanding performance using modified sine waves.
It comes with dual AC sockets and two USB ports, providing you with the ability to connect four devices to it at once. As for the USB ports, these also come with 2.4A capability, so you’ll find that you’re able to charge your laptop or mobile phone a lot faster.
It is solidly built and includes a cigarette lighter socket plug and alligator clips, allowing you to connect it directly to your vehicle’s battery.
Pros
- A built-in fan ensures that the risk of it overheating is reduced
- It Comes with additional 40W fuses
- Low noise, which makes it a favorite with many users
- Is one of the more affordable power inverters you can buy
- Is portable and lightweight, but solidly built
- It uses the latest technology
Cons
- The alligator clips aren’t of an outstanding quality
Verdict
With the inclusion of 2 USB ports along with 2 AC sockets, it provides the opportunity to be able to connect several different electronic devices to it at the same time, without a reduction in power.
Maxpart 1000W Modified Sine Wave Inverter
POTEK 1500W Modified Sine Wave Inverter
This power inverter comes with 2 AC outlets and 1 USB ports, allowing you to connect several devices to it at the same time. You can use it to recharge your mobile or laptop, as well as provide power to a camping fridge.
Like similar models, the Potek 1500W power inverter has built-in overcurrent, overvoltage, and overheating protection. The fan inside will only start to run when the temperature inside the inverter goes above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
POTEK is a company that has become renowned for producing good quality reliable electrical appliances. This 1500w power inverter can deliver power safely and reliably at a very affordable price.
Pros
- No noise is created when it is in operation
- Is very efficient at providing power when needed to devices
- Has received excellent reviews
Cons
- There have been some cases where people have found it doesn’t work after they unpacked it
Verdict
For anyone who enjoys spending time away from home, this reliable power inverter will recharge your laptop or mobile phone in a very short space of time.
POTEK 1500W Modified Sine Wave Inverter
Best Heavy Duty Power Inverter For Over $300
Samlex 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter
Samlex 2000W can convert 12 volts of DC power from your vehicle battery into 115 volts of AC power. You will find this one ideal for safely powering appliances in your truck, van, or RV, such as computers, TVs, microwaves, and other powerful camping appliances.
The inclusion of hypersurge technology in the Samlex 2000W will gradually ramp up the voltage during the start-up stage. Not only does this prevent failed cold starts when under load, but it also enables you to start high surge loads easily.
You will also notice that no electrical interference will occur even when operating near sensitive devices. It also comes with an LCD remote control panel that you connect to the power inverter using its 10-inch cable.
Pros
- Provide up to 2000 watts
- Uses pure sine waves
- Features a variable speed fan to prevent it from overheating
- Fitted with a universal protection circuit
- Comes with a DC input range of 10.7 to 16.5 volts
Cons
- Is large in size compared to some similar models, weighing in at 17lbs
- Doesn’t come with USB port
Verdict
This power inverter will prove invaluable whenever you spend long periods of time away from home and provide sufficient energy to power any portable electronic devices you have with you.
Samlex 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter
Energizer 3000W Modified Sine Wave Inverter
Energizer 3000 Watts is suitable for use in all kinds of vehicles, such as trucks, vans, and RVs, where devices with moderate to high consumption will be used. Plus as this device comes with a peak of 6000 watts, there is no reason to worry about how safe this device is.
The LED screen lets you clearly and accurately see the power details not only for this inverter but also the battery to which it is attached in your vehicle.
Just like other modified sine wave power inverters listed here, this one comes with a decent number of ports into which various devices can be plugged. It comes with two USB ports and two AC outlets. It also has the necessary cables to be able to connect any devices to these.
Pros
- Built-in LED screen
- Fitted with an ultra-quiet fan
- Can provide up to 3000 watts of continuous power
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t come with remote control for the LED display
Verdict
This is an excellent power inverter that can quickly and efficiently provide energy to various electronic devices you may have in your vehicle at the same time.
Energizer 3000W Modified Sine Wave Inverter
Giandel 5000W Modified Sine Wave Inverter
Giandel is one of the leading manufacturers of power inverters. For over 10 years now the making of such devices in their factory in Australia has helped to ensure that no faulty items leave it.
This heavy-duty modified sine wave power inverter isn’t only suitable for use in trucks, but also in RVs. It is also able to power heavy machinery such as a grinder or a chainsaw.
Giandel 5000W comes with a peak power of over 10,000 watts and will easily handle you plugging in several devices to it at the same time. So the risk of it overloading or surge issues arising are greatly reduced.
What makes this stand out from similar models is that it comes with remote control. So you have complete control over it without needing to be right beside it. Plus as you are able to use the remote from up to 14 feet away, you can choose where in your vehicle the power inverter is installed.
Pros
- Are fitted with 4 AC outlets
- Is able to cope with a heavy workload
- It comes with a remote control
- Comes with safety features to prevent short circuits and overheating
- The auto-start feature makes it more reliable
- Solidly built
Cons
- Only comes with 1 USB port
Verdict
With more than 10,000 watts of peak power available, you’ll find it won’t falter no matter how many different electronic devices you connect to it at the same time.
Giandel 5000W Modified Sine Wave Inverter
Conclusion
There is no doubt that investing in any power inverter can help to turn a long boring journey into a more enjoyable one.
There is one catch, however, and this is which one should you pick? It is best if you pick one that meets your particular needs.
If you are looking for one that is affordable, then might we suggest the Maxpart 1000W. Not only is it available for less than $200, but it’s also reliable, and uses the latest technology.
Maxpart 1000W Modified Sine Wave Inverter
However, if you are happy to spend a little more on such equipment, we would suggest you consider getting the Energizer 3000W as able to provide up to 3000w of continuous power. Also, unlike other such power inverters, it comes with a 2-year warranty.
Energizer 3000W Modified Sine Wave Inverter
We hope that the information we’ve provided for you above will make the whole process of buying a power inverter for your truck a whole lot easier.