INSTALLING AN INVERTER AND MICROWAVE

By

John Ewing

Before launching into a brief How To in installing a microwave and inverter in your truck I need to state, the information in this article is based on my own personal experience and does not purport to be an authoritative manual on how to install these items. This task is not one that should be undertaken by the mechanically challenged. An inverter if improperly installed could start a fire in your truck, give you an electrical shock and possibly seriously injure or kill you. The safest course of action is to have your dealer, or other qualified individual install an inverter and outlets for you. If you have any doubt as to your own understanding of electricity or proper wiring techniques have this work done for you by a qualified professional. If you choose to undertake this task on your own you do so at your own risk.

That out of the way let’s get to the business at hand. I have installed and used an inverter and microwave in all of my trucks and found it to be a really money saver. When my wife and I ran team we found that frozen dinners would last about 3 days in our cooler and so we’d stop every 3^rd day, usually at a WalMart Supercenter, to stock the cooler. Having our meals in the truck meant not only a cost savings, but quality food without the need to stop the truck. Fewer stops mean more miles – so you not only save a little, you also make a little more.

The first thing you’ll need is to decide on an inverter. I used the inverters that the Flying J carries with good luck. The one they are currently carrying comes with cables and is ready to install. You can check it out here > FlyingJ Store

I installed the inverter in the side compartment and then ran an outlet into the sleeper. If you are driving a company truck you’ll need to find out if you can drill a couple of holes in the floor of the side compartment to install the inverter.

Here’s what you’ll need to finish the installation:

An inverter (1500 would be a minimum to power a microwave)

Cables – check the manufactures recommendations for wire size. One of the main problems with inverters is power loss between the batteries and the inverter. So be sure to use the right size wire for the distance you have to travel. This is one of the reasons for using the side compartment, it was near the batteries.

Rubber Grommets – the size of the grommets will depend on the size wire you’re using but it’s CRITICAL that you protect the wire from chaffing. So be sure to use adequate grommets to protect the wire where you bring it into the side compartment.

100 Amp Fuse – this is also a CRITICAL component. You need the fuse to protect your wiring and for fire protection.

Tools – drill, bits of the right size, wrenches and assorted hand tools.

The first step is to run the wiring. Place your inverter where you plan to mount it and determine where the wires are going to enter the side compartment.Be sure to leave a little slack in the wires so you have room to move things around and connect the wires to the inverter. Now drill the holes using the correct size drill bit for the grommets. Install the grommets and fee the wire through them. Attach the wire to the inverter and secure the inverter. If the inverter doesn’t come with any type of mounting hardware you can obtain some strapping at your local hardware store and use that to hold the inverter in place. Be sure to protect the wiring and connectors so other items in the side compartment cannot come into contact with them. Finish up this step by caulking around the grommet and where the wire passes through it to give you a good seal and keep moisture out of the side compartment.

Now connect the wires to the batteries. Use the 100amp fuse between the battery and the positive cable. Once the connections are made turn the inverter on and be sure it is functioning correctly.

I’ve run the power from the inverter to the inside of the sleeper a couple different ways. The easiest way is to use a power strip. Drill a hole large enough for the plug to go through between the side compartment and the sleeper. Pass the plug though this hole and then place a rubber grommet around the wire to protect it from chaffing. You can mount the power strip with Velcro, 2 sided tape, or with a couple of screws. Where you position it will depend on the layout of your sleeper and where the Microwave is going to live.

For your microwave you’ll want to get a 1000 watt microwave. Be sure to get one with a rotating tray as these will give you much better results. Now just mount the microwave somewhere safe and plug it in. You can also use your inverter to power a coffer pot, computer or other A/C appliances. Just be sure to keep an eye on how many watts you’re using at a given time. ALSO keep the truck running when you’re placing a lot of demand on the system. Most trucks have a high output alternator in them that will be able to keep up with your demand for this small system. This will insure that you’re inverter doesn’t shut down half way through a meal because the batteries are getting low.