Inverters and air compressors

oldhockeyvb · **Posted:** Sun Nov 13, 2005 2:28 am

I'm considering purchasing a 1500 watt inverter and 1/3 hp portable air compressor for use in my liberty. I would connect the inverter directly to the battery and plug the air compressor into the inverter. This setup will allow me to air back up after the trail ride and would give me more options for home, camping, and outdoors than buying just an air tank or a small dc air compressor.

Does anyone have any experience with this type of setup? I don't recall any discussion on the subject. Will the compressor start with that size inverter? Where did you mount the inverter or did you keep it portable and hook it up every time you used it? How about the effect on the alternator, battery, electrical system?

KJKev · **Posted:** Sun Nov 13, 2005 1:37 pm

I've been thinking about doing the very same thing.
Since I'm not off road all the much I dont think I'm gonna splurge and put a compressor under the hood.

The downside is, you'll need to find a way to mount the compressor somewhere inside. And find somewhere to keep an air hose.

No reason why a 1500 watt inverter shouldn't run the compressor. But I would keep the Jeep running while I did that. 1500 watts is a big load for your alternator.

KJKev

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sun Nov 13, 2005 2:20 pm

well lets see here. A 1500w inverter would pull around 111amps which is ALOT! The alternator is 136 so that would be pushing it. idk what the engine its self pulls with all the lights inside but i do not think i would do that. I cannot find out how much a compressor uses when starting up. I would get the on board air and mount of beside the coolant tank like everyone else does.

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Sun Nov 13, 2005 3:19 pm

if you do an onboard compressor, just know some are slow for tire fill ups... ARB's pump is great for the locker, but takes forever for tires...

As for the compressor and inverter, You need to look at the amps required by the compressor and output on the inverter. Some compressors also have a safety switch that will shut it off if the power supply is variable or not constantly within a certian Voltage/amperage( my home compressor does, it won't even run unless it is plugged directly to the wall, no extension cord).
Also you could burn up your inverter if the compressor does work and wants more juice or wants to max out the inverters output.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sun Nov 13, 2005 3:52 pm

most inverters will have a saftey shut off when overloaded. A 1hp compressor pulls around 10-12 amps. Thats gives u an idea of what ur working with. A 1500w inverter can handle around 13 amps. but start up is what i would be worried about.

the1jferg · **Posted:** Sun Nov 13, 2005 5:02 pm

I have experience with losing two of them. Bolt that thing down to the floor under the seat. You'll want to keep it dry and you'll soon be using it to plug in everything from cell charger to tools.

Keep one of these with ya: http://www.icpsolar.com/

PepBoys has the best prices.

Inverters and air compressors

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