Pure sine wave inverter for laptop, CPAP, small appliances. 1000W needs 100A continuous from battery; 2000W needs 200A. Mount within 3-6 feet of battery on heavy cable.
A 1000W pure sine inverter (Renogy, Victron, AIMS) draws about 90-100A from the battery at full output. For a 2000W unit, double it. Pure sine is mandatory for anything with a motor or modern switching power supply (laptops are picky); modified sine is OK only for resistive loads (incandescent bulbs, heaters).
Wiring: 2 AWG for 1000W up to 6 feet, 1/0 AWG for 2000W or longer runs. Add a 150A (1000W) or 250A (2000W) ANL or Class T fuse within 12 inches of the battery positive. Ground to chassis via short heavy cable.
Mount: anywhere ventilated. Cargo area floor, under rear seat, or in a slide-out. NOT in the engine bay (heat). Some users build a 'power station' panel with inverter, USB outlets, voltmeter, and AC sockets in the cargo area drawer.
For overland: a 2000W Victron Phoenix or Renogy unit paired with a 100Ah LiFePO4 will run a coffee maker, induction hotplate (briefly), or charge laptops/tools all weekend. Always isolate the inverter when starting the engine (some have automatic dropout).
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Renogy 1000W Pure Sine Inverter | Renogy | ~$200 |
| Victron Phoenix 12/1200 Inverter | Victron Energy | ~$450 |
| Class T 200A fuse + holder | Blue Sea Systems | ~$60 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.