POWER INVERTERS

Power Inverters For Peterbilt Trucks

A power inverter converts the truck's 12V DC battery power into 120V AC household current, allowing OTR drivers to run appliances, charge electronics, and power tools in the sleeper or cab without idling the main engine. For drivers who spend nights in the sleeper, a quality inverter is one of the most practical comfort and productivity upgrades available. We carry power inverters in a range of wattage ratings for Peterbilt sleeper and day cab applications.

Frequently asked questions about power inverters

What size power inverter do I need for a Peterbilt sleeper?

Inverter size is determined by the wattage of the appliances you need to run simultaneously. A microwave typically requires 1,000 to 1,500 watts, a small TV 100 to 200 watts, a CPAP machine 30 to 60 watts, and a laptop charger 45 to 90 watts. Add up the wattage of everything you plan to run at once and choose an inverter rated at least 20 to 25 percent above that total to provide headroom for startup surges. Most OTR driver setups fall in the 1,500 to 3,000 watt range. Modified sine wave inverters are less expensive; pure sine wave inverters are required for sensitive electronics and CPAP machines.

Will a power inverter drain my truck batteries?

Yes -- a power inverter draws from the truck's battery bank, and running appliances for extended periods without the engine running or a charging source will discharge the batteries. A fully charged set of quality Group 31 batteries in a standard 4-battery configuration provides roughly 400 to 500 amp-hours of usable capacity, which translates to several hours of moderate appliance use depending on the load. For drivers who need extended off-engine power, pairing an inverter with an APU, shore power connection, or solar charging system prevents battery depletion during rest periods.

How should I wire a power inverter in my Peterbilt?

Power inverters should be wired directly to the battery bank using heavy gauge cable -- the cable gauge depends on the inverter's amperage draw and the distance from the batteries. A 2,000-watt inverter at 12V draws approximately 167 amps under full load, which requires 2/0 or 4/0 AWG cable for runs of any significant length. Install a properly rated fuse or circuit breaker as close to the battery as possible. The inverter should be mounted in a ventilated location since it generates heat during operation. Never run inverter output cables near fuel lines or in areas where they could contact combustibles.

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