For truck drivers, living life on the road can be challenging. Whether you are on the road for a few days, weeks or you live out of your truck, there is always the longing for comfort back at home. For this reason, it is important to make your truck more accommodating so as to improve your driving experience.
Power inverters are an excellent truck addition to make your truck more like home. While on the road, a continuous and reliable power supply allows you to enjoy a cold drink out of your refrigerator and even feel the AC breeze on a hot day. In addition, you could add other luxury appliances like a TV and a microwave to bring the conveniences of home to your truck.
Getting this convenience is an investment. Therefore, you must get the best power inverter for trucks on the market. If you are not sure where to start, we have compiled a list of the best power inverters along with a buying guide to help you narrow down your options.
First, let's help you understand what a power inverter is and how it works.
What Is A Power Inverter?
If you spend so much time on the road, be it a recreational driver or a company driver, you will need to power your devices, such as a mobile phone. A power inverter changes the direct current(DC) produced by your truck's battery into alternating current(AC) used to power appliances. These include a mini-fridge, portable air conditioner, laptop and phone chargers.
Power inverters use oscillators that switch the polarity of DC hence creating a square wave. However, since AC power forms a sine wave, the best power inverters will have additional components like filters, capacitors and inductors to create a pure sine wave or a modified sine wave.
Below are the best power inverters for trucks on the market.
Which is the best power inverter for truck?
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1. Krieger 2000 Watts Power Inverter
Krieger 2000 Watts Power Inverter 12V to 110V, Modified Sine Wave Car Inverter, Dual 110 Volt AC...
- 2000 watts continuous power, 4000 watts peak power, KR2000...
- Perfect for an Emergency, Hurricane, Storm or Outage - Our...
- We have your back. This inverter has all the protections that you...
- Don’t just take our word for this inverter’s rating, this...
- You can’t go wrong with Krieger! We believe in our product and...
A compact design power inverter is an excellent choice if you are working with limited space in your truck. This Krieger power inverter requires 2000 watts to run 4000 watts of peak power. In addition, it is a KR2000 modified sine wave inverter, meaning that although the power supply varies, you can still rely on it to power heavy devices.
Your safety and that of your appliances are important and Krieger understands that. Therefore, this power inverter has safety features, such as short circuit, overload, over-voltage, under-voltage and high-temperature protection. In addition, you can easily keep track of your power inverter's status through the LCD screen.
Another great addition to the Krieger 2000 watt power inverter is the remote control. It allows you to turn it on and off from a distance. In terms of durability, Krieger has built a name for itself over the years and you can rest assured that their products are quality and durable.
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2. Ampeak 2000W Power Inverter
Sale
Ampeak 2000W Inverter 12V to 110V Power Inverter Digital LCD Display 3AC Outlets 2.1A USB Safe Car...
- 【100% Wiring Safety Design with ETL Certified Inverter】Safe...
- 【Smart Digital Display Inverter 12v to 110v】Directly show you...
- 【Ampeak 2000Watts dc to ac inverter】Provides 2000Watts...
- 【 What does the 2000watts power inverter do, and what can I use...
- 【USA Based Customer Service Provides 18Months Hassle Warraty】...
The second-best power inverter on our list is this compact one from Ampeak. The durability of this product is guaranteed, considering that Ampeak is one of the oldest brands in the automotive and energy solution industry. In addition, this inverter has 2000 watts continuous power and 4000 watts surge power so that you can use it to power heavy appliances.
This power inverter converts 12V Direct current battery to 110V alternating current to bring the comforts of home to your truck. It comes with 3 AC outlets and 1 USB port to power appliances like an air conditioner and gadgets. Additionally, this inverter has a remote plug, sold separately, that helps you control the system remotely.
The Ampeak 2000 watts modified sine wave inverter has an ABS shell body for strength and durability. This means you don't have to worry about damaging your inverter when driving on poor roads. In addition, this inverter has a smart digital display that helps you keep track of the health of your battery and inverter.
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3. POTEK 1500W Power Inverter
POTEK 3000W Power Inverter 4 AC Outlets DC 12V to 110V AC Car Inverter with 2 USB Port
- [3000WATT POWER INVERTER]Provides 3000 watts continuous power,...
- [MULTI-PURPOSE CHARGING]Designed with 4 AC outlets and 2 USB...
- [MULTI-PROTECTION]It has under-voltage protection, over-voltage...
- [INTELLIGENT TEMPERATURE CONTROL]To keep the inverter cool,the...
- [WHAT YOU GET]: POTEK 3000W Power Inverter, 4xCar Battery Cables...
If you're looking for a smaller sized power inverter for your truck, this Potek 1500W will make an excellent choice. With a running power of 1500 watts and a surge capacity of 3000 watts, this inverter is capable of starting and running your appliances easily.
This inverter comes with 2 USB ports for your electronic gadgets and 4 AC outlets for your laptop, mini-fridge and other appliances in your truck. In addition, this inverter uses intelligent cooling to control the temperature once it spikes above 104℉. This makes it reliable when driving or in a campsite as temperature levels can be so high and damaging.
There are several safety features that ensure your inverter and appliances are safe. These include short-circuit, overload protection, overheating, over current and over-voltage. If you are not completely sure about this inverter, Potek offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it out and return it if you are not pleased with its performance.
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4. BESTEK 2000W Power Inverter
BESTEK 2000W Power Inverter 3 AC Outlets DC 12V to 110V AC Car Power Converter for Camping Outdoor...
- BESTEK Advantage: America's leading power inverter brand....
- Convert DC 12V to AC 110V: It provides total 2000W output with 3...
- Multi-Protection: Built-in 6 external 50A fuse to protect your...
- Solid and Durable: Aluminium housing provides best protection...
- More You Get: Comes with 4 battery clamps (all are essential) and...
Unlike other power inverters for trucks that we have seen in the review, this Bestek modified sine wave power inverter provides continuous power of 2000 watts and peak power of 4600 watts. This is more than double the general wattage to ensure no short-circuiting as you plug in your appliances. In addition, you are not worried about surpassing the inverter's maximum power thanks to the additional watts.
Supplying power to your appliances while driving or camping is super easy and convenient with this inverter. It has 3 AC outlets, each 110V and is enough power for a microwave or a refrigerator. Additionally, the inverter has 6 fuses that help evenly distribute energy, reducing wear and tear.
Power inverters with no safety features will do a disservice to you and your overall experience. For this reason, this Bestek 2000 watts inverter has features that offer protection from shorting out, surges and low power mode. In addition, this means that you can safely use your inverter without worrying about it getting fried or damaged from overheating.
This power inverter has sturdy and durable construction to last you longer. When driving on rough terrain, the solid aluminum housing protects the inverter from bumps and drops. In addition, this type of construction can withstand harsh weather.
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5. GIANDEL 2000W Power Inverter
GIANDEL 2000W Power Inverter Modified Wave 12 Volt DC to 110V 120V AC with Remote Control and LED...
- GIANDEL 2000Watts MODIFIED WAVE power inverter provides 2000W...
- Widely Applications:the 110V /120v AC outlets Provides 2000 watts...
- With a Remote Control: cable length15ft,convenient to control the...
- Soft Start tech and Isolated Input/Output design and Full Safety...
- Strong and Durable aluminum alloy housing provides advanced...
This Giandel 2000 watt power inverter is powerful enough to handle multiple appliances. It has a continuous power of 2000 watts and a peak power of 4000 watts. In addition, the modified sine waves ensure that you have efficient and enough power supply to enjoy certain comforts in your truck.
This power inverter has 1 USB port and 2 AC power outlets for connectivity. Unlike other power inverters providing high wattage, this inverter has a slimmer profile, making it an excellent choice for tight spaces. In addition, you have the option to connect it to your truck's battery or solar battery if you have one installed.
When it comes to safety, this inverter does not disappoint. It has protection features that prevent overheating, shortages and outages, keeping your inverter safe. In addition, the wired control system makes it easy to remotely control the inverter and mount it in a convenient location.
We also love the aluminum alloy housing that offers protection against bumps and drops as you drive, hence protecting the inverter and its components. The integrated cooling fan is super helpful in preventing shortages due to overheating.
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6. Energizer 3000 Watts Power Inverter
Energizer 3000 Watts Power Inverter Modified Sine Wave Car Inverter, 12V to 110 Volts, Two AC...
- ENERGIZER POWER INVERTER - 3000 Watt continuous power, 6000 Watts...
- HEAVY DUTY & MULTI-PURPOSE CHARGING - Modified sine wave car...
- ADVANCE PROTECTION - This inverter has all the protections that...
- ENGINEERED TO PERFORM - Make this inverter your essential car...
- 2 YEARS WARRANTY -This power inverter has been tested, validated...
It is always important to match your power consumption needs to your inverter. If you have high needs or more appliances to plug in, you need an inverter with an adequate power supply to start and run your devices. For this reason, the Energizer inverter with 3000 watts running power and 6000 watts surge power will be a great addition to your truck.
Like other best power inverters on our list, this one comes with two AC and USB ports to ensure that all your heavy-duty appliances are connected. In addition, the smart LCD screen helps keep track of the functioning of your power inverter. This way, you can monitor input and output voltage, battery status and other information.
The Energizer 3000 watts power inverter comes with a tonne of safety features. These include surge, low voltage and power heating. In turn, these advanced protection features keep your inverter safe, durable and long-lasting. In addition, this engineered-to-perform power inverter for trucks comes with a two-year warranty that proves its quality and makes it worth considering.
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7. AIMS Power 2000 Watt
AIMS Power 2000 Watt, 4000 Watt Peak, Pure Sine DC to AC Power Inverter, USB Port, 2 Year Warranty,...
- 2000 Watts continuous / 4000 Watts peak, Pure Sine Wave Inverter...
- Multiple safety features including AC output short circuit...
- This inverter has 2 GFCI AC outlets, USB Port, Optional remote...
- Life time tech support. 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. AIMS...
- Wide range of uses including home, cars, boats, and RV’s. Good...
If you prefer to get a pure sine wave inverter, this Aims inverter will make a great choice. It has a running power of 2000 watts and a starting power of 4000 watts. In addition, unlike other pure sine wave power inverters, you will not have to stretch your budget to afford this model.
The safety features in this inverter are worth talking about. They include short circuit protection, input over-voltage protection, input under-voltage warning and shutdown and overload protection. In addition, you are guaranteed that your inverter is in optimal condition thanks to these features.
There are two AC outlets and one USB port for your electric devices when it comes to connectivity. Although this model does not come with remote control, there is a remote plug port if this is an important feature. Additionally, the dual intelligent cooling fans come in handy to regulate temperature and protect the inverter components once it reaches 104℉.
Unlike modified sine waves, this pure sine wave power inverter for trucks is compatible with sensitive devices like CPAP machines and LEDs. In addition, this safe and stable energy helps to keep your devices valuable for a long time.
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8. VOLTWORKS 3000 Watt
3000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter 3000w 12V DC to 110V 120V AC with Remote Controller & LCD...
- 【3000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter】True rated continuous...
- 【More Widely Used】Widely applications for Indoor and outdoor...
- 【Remote Controller & LCD Display】The 30ft 4P4C RJ10 remote...
- 【Advance Protection】Including Short circuit protection,Input...
- 【What You Get】 A 3000w pure sine wave inverter,a 30ft remote...
This Voltworks pure sine wave power inverter is the last entry on our list. With a continuous power of 3000 watts and surge power of 6000 watts, there is no limit on the number of devices you can power with this truck power inverter. In addition, this power inverter for trucks is compatible with sensitive devices thanks to the sine waveform.
This Voltworks 3000 watt power inverter does not fall short when it comes to the features. This inverter comes with an LCD screen that helps you monitor the input and output voltages, battery status and other protection codes. In addition, the safety protection features in this inverter include short-circuiting and over-temperature protection, among others.
Unlike other truck and semi-truck power inverters, this Voltworks 3000 watt model has a remote control system. This feature allows you to control the inverter from afar regardless of where it has been mounted. In addition, you will love that the inverter is housed in aluminum which is durable and protects the inverter from bumps and drops impact.
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How Do You Choose the Best Power Inverter for Truck?
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Choosing the best power inverter on the market is not easy. There are various brands and models to choose from, all of which promise to be quality, durable and effective. We have curated a buying guide with a list of features you should consider before buying a power inverter to make this process easier for you.
1. Power
This is the first and most important feature you need to consider in every power inverter. The power is measured in watts. In addition, power inverters come in certain power ranges, making this consideration even more important.
The first thing to note is that your truck batteries will drain faster if you have a power inverter with high wattage. Therefore, you need to consider the number of items you want to power using the inverter and their wattage beforehand.
With the total wattage in mind, buying an inverter that is slightly above this number is recommended. This is because you want to leave room for powering future appliances. Additionally, getting an inverter that is more powerful than your needs will ensure the safety of your appliances.
2. Peak Power
The peak power is the maximum power of an inverter. This feature works on the concept that electronic devices need more power to start than run. For example, if your inverter requires 600 watts to run, it may need 1200 watts to start. However, if its peak power is 1000 watts, the power inverter will not run.
For this reason, it's necessary to ensure that the peak power is double the general wattage. This way, you prevent short-circuiting your power inverter and appliances.
3. Waveform
Power inverters produce sine waves as they convert DC power into AC power. Some inverters produce pure sine waves, while others produce modified sine waves.
Pure sine wave inverters produce stable and continuous power necessary for sensitive appliances like CACP machines. In addition, sine waves resemble the kind of power you get at home, making such inverters more reliable. But unfortunately, pure sine wave inverters are inefficient and quite expensive.
A modified sine wave inverter is unstable and inexpensive. However, these modified sine wave inverters are noisy and could damage appliances that need continuous power. Overall, a pure sine wave inverter, although expensive, will be best for your truck as it is more stable and reliable.
4. Size
The size of a power inverter goes hand in hand with its wattage, storage compatibility and ease of use. For example, getting a small power inverter would be better if you have tight space in your truck. This means less wattage, too, unless you're willing to pay more for a compact design.
However, a larger power inverter will work well if you need more power and are not limited to space. In addition, keep in mind that size is only a factor to consider if you have limited space.
5. Safety Features
Safety features are important in ensuring your truck and appliances are safe. These features include short-circuit safety, overload safety, polarity reverse protection, overheat protection, low and over-voltage safety.
6. Connectivity Ports
Power inverters come with a number of connectivity ports, a combination of USB ports and AC outlets. These ports offer convenience by allowing you to connect general machines like a refrigerator on the AC outlets and gadgets on the USB ports.
However, the number of connectivity ports will vary depending on the power inverter brand and model you get. For this reason, it's advisable to have an idea of how many devices you will need to plug in and the types of outlets you will need. Additionally, go for a power inverter with more ports as it offers you more convenience by connecting several devices.
7. Remote Control
Although not mandatory, a remote control allows you to turn the power inverter on and off from a distance. It is especially important if you drive a long truck or your inverter is connected with the battery in a hard-to-access area.
FAQs
1. What are the most reliable power inverters for trucks?
The reliability of power inverters will vary from one person to the other depending on power and size needs. Ideally, you want to ensure that the inverter provides more power than you need for your appliances. This way, you have room to add more appliances to the truck when need be.
Again it is important to consider the surge power. This will be at least double the general wattage. In addition, the surge power helps your appliances to start without the risk of short-circuiting.
2. What size inverter do I need for my truck?
The size of the power inverter you need to get for your truck will largely depend on how much space you have. For example, a large inverter is perfect if you have plenty of space and high power consumption needs. However, if this is not the case, a small size power inverter will do.
Conclusion
When choosing a power inverter for your truck or semi-truck, it is important to consider the size, power wattage, connectivity and waveform. Fortunately, we've made it easy for you by reviewing our top picks on the market. In addition, whether you choose a pure or modified sine wave power inverter, you will still get to enjoy certain comforts of home, such as an air conditioning unit, microwave or mini-fridge.
We hope this article has been educative and will come in handy when you buy or upgrade your truck's power inverter.
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