Inverter Install

[cottong2001]

I'd like to install a couple of AC outlets in my 07 EXPY. On many days it's my mobile office. I'd like two AC outlets and maybe a couple of USB outlets. So far, I think the ideal location is at the rear of the center console (between the front seats). There's a small compartment just above the rear AC controls. That way the outlets are accessible from the front and second row seats.

Does anyone know how to remove the rear panel on the console? (ideally without tearing down the whole thing?)
Anyone done a permanent mount for their inverter here or in another location?

I suppose I could mount the inverter elsewhere and simply run some heavy wires on the AC side for the outlets. I would probably lose the USB outlets, but maybe there are extensions for these too.

Any thoughts?

 

[tonydiv]

Depending on what your power demands are, you may want to consider a dual battery setup with an isolator. That way you won't ever be stuck if the inverter sucks the battey dry. The alternator charges both batteries, but the isolator seperates them for use. One battery powers the truck as usual, the other one powers the inverter.

Companies like Wrangler Power Products make easy to install kits.

Also just make sure that the inverter can breath a bit, they can get a bit warm with use.

 

[ELVATO]

What are you powering? Usually anything with 2+ outlets will require being connected to the battery (as opposed to the cigerette lighter). As you said, you might have to run thick guage extension wires. Granted, that would probably open up your install options, since routing wires is easier than mounting the inverter in the compartment.

As for the USBs, you could get a 12V to USB inverter, which you could probably tap off the 12V power outlet in the console (07+ do have one there, right?)

 

[cottong2001]

Most of the time, I'll just be powering a laptop (90W power supply). Occasionally, I'll have another person with me and they'll power one too (assume <100W). I've been using a 300W supply for years that just connects via 12V cig/power adapter. It works fine, but it's always in the way.

Thanks for the inputs so far!

After I posted, I decided to poke around a little more on the console. I figured out that the panel on top (with the cup holders) just pulls off (with a little elbow grease). Under that, there are two screws on left and right side. When you remove those, the whole back panel will pull off (again with a little effort).

I successfully removed the little storage compartment. (see pic) I think if I remove the "box", leaving the face for mounting, I can put a plate behind it and add the outlets. This should give me a really clean look. Surely I can find some black textured plastic to match.

Good idea on the USB outlets, I've seen small adapters out there.

I also noticed that there might be enough room to add a single AC outlet between the audio input jack and the 12V supply just under the HVAC controls. That would be a cool spot too. I'd probably get a single outlet inverter if I just use that spot.

 

[joezek]

I'm interested in the same thing on mine. I've always wanted to install a decent size inverter and mount electric outlets at various locations in the truck. I had always assumed I'd have to run a relay and switch, and some heavy wire directly to the battery. I'm thinking of running a timer instead of two batteries. A timer can shut off the power to the relay after say 5-10 minutes of the truck not running.

Depending on the size of the inverter, you can probably locate it under a seat or inside the armrest. Also don't forget the two rear most side walls for mounting. If it's a larger high power inverter you may want to duct in some a/c or run a small fresh air ventilation fan to it since it'll get hot.

Right now I have a small 80 watt inverter that uses the cig lighter. It has one outlet and a USB port. Cost me only $17 on sale at Harbor Freight.

 

[cottong2001]

OK, here's my plan so far. After removing the compartment at the rear of the console, I've decided to buy some 1/8" ABS textured plastic for the facing: (http://www.amazon.com/ABS-Textured-Sheet-Thick-12/dp/B0002ZPPXK/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1286809318&sr=1-1) and some AC receptacles from Mouser (http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=161-0709-Evirtualkey11180000virtualkey161-0709-E).

I'll use the existing compartment as my template and route out the holes for the receptacles. A severed extension cord soldered to the AC terminals will let me get power from the remotely-mounted inverter. I still need to decide where to put it. Wherever it goes, I want to have easy access to the off switch. I'm also considering buying an inverter designed for a remote. They're a little beefier and a bit more money, but they would allow me to place a switch right at the receptacle location. And I'll still have lots of space if I want to add other components down the road.

For my USB ports, I found a cool little 12V to USB converter and should be low profile (http://www.amazon.com/elago-Charger-iphone-other-Device/dp/B003TYFNV0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1286809459&sr=8-2-catcorr). I'll just keep it in the 12V adapter on the rear of the console.

More updates to come...

 

[joezek]

Sounds great keep us updated. When looking at inverters, some of them have USB ports right next to the ac outlet. That might make things easier, or at least more options for adding usb ports throughout the truck. Those 4 port USB splitters are cheap and easy to mount.

 

[joe shmoe]

Here is my install i did some time ago for my boyz Xbox,i removed the console and placed the inverter in the botttom and wired it ip directly to battery with 10awg wire.Game port i picked up on flea bay,and hooked it up to the dvd in center console.

 

[cottong2001]

Here are the final results. I'm pleased overall. Instead of upgrading inverters to one with a remote, I just re-used the existing 300W inverter and soldered extensions for the on/off switch. The inverter now lives underneath the console, which still has alot of space left over. This should give lots of ventilation for the inverter.

The receptacles are placed far apart to avoid interference from some of the larger wall-warts. You can see I cut-off some extension cords and used wire-wrapped terminals to make the receptacle connections.

For now, I'm simply powering the inverter "externally" using a 12V power supply at the rear of the console. Eventually, I'll route it's own supply. I like the game port idea also. I may look into that as well.

 

[tjohnson]

First off I would like to say you did a great job. I love the clean look and prefer this look to having to carry the kind that plug into the cigar lighters.

I am looking at doing the same thing to my 2010 Expedition. I pulled the console Panel off but do not have room under the console due to the internal compartment? Did you have to remove the internal compartment permanently or just removed it to install and then able to put it back? If not how did you get it to fit under the console.

Also how did you mount it to the floor? Is it OK to just screw right to the floor? Do I need to worry about whats on the other side?

Thanks.

 

[98EXPY 5-0]

I saw the other day that walmart has a "travel buddy" outlet adapter. It's suppose to plug into a hotel room outlet and it gives you two 120 recepticles and two USB ports.

Ollies also had some similar items for mounting at your desk. One of those could be gutted and used for everything.

cottong, where did you get those individual outlets like that? I had one from a project at work, but I lost it. The one I had had tabs and would just snap into a panel with the correct sized hole. It looks like yours is supposed to work the same way. Though whats with the zip ties?

 

[tjohnson]

I just ordered these. Look like they should work.

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