Check out my power inverter hard install on my X. It kept my kids happy driving cross country by powering up my small tv/vcr combo and playstion.

[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1479294&a=11140594&p=39026738&Sequence=0&res=high[/img]

[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1479294&a=11140594&p=39026688&Sequence=0&res=high[/img]

------------------

http://photos.yahoo.com/moultriegc

Greg Moultrie
00 Aztec Red XE 4x4 Auto

You know, when you do something cool AND useful like this, you're obliged to post step-by-step instructions This would really come in handy - do you have plans on posting how you did it? (Of course, I am assuming that you are the one that installed this thing).

Ross in Indy

------------------

Yes, i did the install my self.

I purchased a regular inverter from Sams club. There are many sizes out there. You just have to be able to fit it under your passenger seat. Next I removed the face plate on the inverter and basically just spliced and extended the wiring. The wires run under the center console and are routed under the passenger seat. The inverter itself is mounted with metal straping and small sheetmetal screws under the seat.
The hole in the console was cut with a dremmel just big enough to accomodate the switch and wiring on the back side of the faceplate. Small wood screws were used to mount the faceplate on to the side of the center console. Once everything was mounted, I used the ciggarette lighter adapter that came with the inverter, cut the connector off and spliced it into the power socket under the radio of the X.
I had to write this up really quick,...if you have any questions or if I missed anything, please let my know

------------------

http://photos.yahoo.com/moultriegc

Greg Moultrie
00 Aztec Red XE 4x4 Auto

Now that is REALY cool!

------------------
2001 Silver Ice
SE V6 4X4

Um..where is the blender?

It trust you installed this for .......


MARGAIRTAS!!!!

------------------
Join the Xterra Offroad Webring

2000 Aztec Red 4x4 V-6 XE-3Pak
www.xterra4x4.com

You don't need an inverter for a blender.:-)
They make 12 volt ones with cig plugs.
And if you want to go cordless, black and decker makes a one that runs on their versa-pak batteries. Twisted!

------------------
- kayak_x
2000 Alpine SE 4x4

this is too cool...now i can have those dacquaries(sp?) while on the road and not have to worry about stopping in a bar somewhere...

------------------
It is hard work being this good!!!!


Jeff Javier aka ZOOMHUSTLA

I vote for a console-mounted coffeemaker!

I have a 700w invertor (which looks much like the plate shown in the picture) that I picked up at Target. The only thing is, it comes with cables w/battery clamps.

I picked up a coiled cord with a cigarette lighter plug that I'm going to wire up for use in the front or back when needed.

I have thought of a more permanent install though - this looks really sweet. Nice job!

------------------
2001 Solar Yellow SE 4x4 V6 5spd

I'm juuuust starting to realize the application of such an accessory:

I can take my microwave oven on camping trips!

I can play games on Playstation while waiting at stoplights!

I can blowdry my hair at the deer-shack!

------------------
Thanks,

kjw & the
"PNUT-MNM"

I wonder if a similar install could be done in the rear near the other Accessory jack. I guess we would need to find a different place to hide the inverter itself so it would be closer.

------------------
Benny
2000 SE, 4x4, auto
Solar Yellow

To heck with battery-powered blenders! To heck with A/C inverters for household blenders! Go for one of these babies!

http://www.spencerlowracing.com/merchandise/merchandise_gaspoweredblender.html


Brent

If you're drawing that kind of a load, yeah - probably. You can upgrade the wiring from the inverter to the plug (replacing the ones with battery clamps) but I wouldn't run a high draw item from it, because you'll probably melt the wires leading from the cigarette/accessory socket back to the battery or something...

I'm only using it for "the small stuff" like a DirtDevil vaccuum and such.

------------------
2001 Solar Yellow SE 4x4 V6 5spd

very nice idea. in my toyota tacoma with a double din cd i took out the useless tray under the radio and mounted it there with a custom built bracket and a black plastic face to make it look custom. i like the way you mounted yours though

------------------

For anyone running out to buy an inverter:
Anything over 400W is overkill for an inverter plugged into the factory lighter or power sockets.
400 watts works out to around 30 Amps on the 12V side of the inverter. The 20 Amp power socket fuse or the 15 Amp lighter socket fuse will be history long before you get there.
It's still a very nice installation though.

------------------

good point....

the one I have on this install is a 300 watt and is only for small stuff. ie mini tv/vcr, playstation 2, laptop etc etc.


------------------

http://photos.yahoo.com/moultriegc

Greg Moultrie
00 Aztec Red XE 4x4 Auto

Isn't that what 30 amp fuses are for?

------------------
"Anyone feel like saluting the flag which the strutting ATF and FBI gleefully raised over the smoldering crematorium of Waco, back in April of ‘93?" - Vin Suprynowicz

ElectroKen makes a good point. However, the inverters can be connected directly to the battery if you require more juice.

The one I have is 400 watts and can be hooked up to a cig lighter or directly to the batery.

------------------
Patto
Silver 2001 4WD XE 3 Pak
ARB, 31" BFG AT KOs
F-Jackie