What can I use the 120v power for in the field?

[Baywolf]

I'm curious what and how I can use the 120v power from my 21 Ecoboost for when camping? I would like to have a small fridge and a rice cooker perhaps. Maybe some lights? What about a small microwave? Does it require the engine to be running all the time it is being used? What about having something plugged in when driving (like the small fridge)?

Does the inverter get really hot when under load? Something I need to worry about? If I accidentally overload it, what happens?

Any of you guys that have some real world experience i with this please let me know how practical using the 120 power in my truck really is.

Thanks.

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[fordtruckman2003]

Depends entirely on which version you have in your truck. Don't expect much.

400w basic version I have used it to charge a brand new DeWalt battery for electric chainsaw on my way to cut up some trees. Not a lot of power to work with there.

Look at amperage needs of whatever you want to run and do the math to see where it will land. My 400w inverter is good for a little over 3 amps which is what my DeWalt fast charger needs to run. 400w ÷ 120v = 3.34amps available. That number could go up or down depends on actual voltage coming out of inverter but best not to push the limits.

 

[fordtruckman2003]

This thread someone installed an aftermarket inverter which is not a bad option.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/installed-a-real-2k-power-inverter.17721/

Just remember if you run an inverter you need to keep the truck running. Might need to disable the 30 minute shutdown option in the vehicle settings for extended use. Or buy a regular generator. I bought an inverter generator that will use far less gas than running full size pickup truck.

 

[Baywolf]

Thanks. Ya, I got excited when I saw the power port in the bed of the truck, but like most things in life...it appears to be pretty much useless for any real world use I guess. 3.34 amps won't even run a blender...

Guess I will just keep using my little honda generator...

 

[fordtruckman2003]

Thanks. Ya, I got excited when I saw the power port in the bed of the truck, but like most things in life...it appears to be pretty much useless for any real world use I guess. 3.34 amps won't even run a blender...

Guess I will just keep using my little honda generator...

I was equally disappointed. I thought the 400w was just the outlets in cab. Makes perfect sense there.

I don't see any use for 400w in the truck bed. Maybe plug in a light but I have to be running the truck to get power out of it. I wouldn't trust my battery charger in the back of truck. It sits well on the passenger floorboard though.

This fast charger requires 3A so it's just under limits of the inverter.

 

[SilverPigeon]

You can at least run an ac-dc converter to get 12VDC @ 10A, handy for 12V fridges.

 

[HammaMan]

400w isn't worth running the motor over. If you got a bunch of ryobi batts, this may work well for your application.

https://www.ryobitools.com/products/details/46396039798

 

[fordtruckman2003]

400w isn't worth running the motor over. If you got a bunch of ryobi batts, this may work well for your application.

https://www.ryobitools.com/products/details/46396039798

That just looks silly in photos.

Better off buying dedicated power bank with even higher capacity.

 

[travisN000]

I still think this is the best bang for your buck if you are looking for 12v DC power for a portable fridge or other portable electronics:

https://www.amazon.com/DR-PREPARE-Portable-Generator-Applications-POWERMAX/dp/B083ZDL1SZ

..charge it while driving with this adapter:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09PDD3R7J

 

[HammaMan]

I still think this is the best bang for your buck if you are looking for 12v DC power for a portable fridge or other portable electronics:

https://www.amazon.com/DR-PREPARE-Portable-Generator-Applications-POWERMAX/dp/B083ZDL1SZ

..charge it while driving with this adapter:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09PDD3R7J

LFP is a great chemistry, I wouldn't just buy any random pre-made box like that. I've got around 50kWh worth of batteries in 48 and 12v varieties (I build my own so made of loose cells). They can last several thousand cycles before they degrade to even 80% of their rated rates, and continue going several thousand more cycles. There's a high probability that most of my batteries will still be in use after I've left this rock.

 

[KartRacer25]

Yep. All I wanted was to run a coffee maker. No joy. LOL I occasionally use it to recharge battery operated stuff, handheld ham or gmrs radio, porter cable impact wrench, Milwaukee tire pump. Usually If I forgot to before I went on an "overlanding", (offroad car camping) trip. I think the kids may have used the back seat one for something too on long trips I guess its a handy backup to charge some devices in a pinch.

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