Forum Discussion

Padlin's avatar
Padlin
Explorer
Jun 29, 2015

Cheap Portable Inverter

Bought a cheap 375 watt inverter to charge the laptop and drill/driver when needed. Tripp-Lite Uses a lighter socket for power.

I'm thinking of installing a permanent inverter, noticed the Morningstar 300 Watt requires 6awg or better to hook it up and a 100A fuse on the input.

Just curious but if I have a 10A fuse on the lighter socket, am I correct in assuming the most I'll ever get out of the Tripp-Lite is more like 120 watts minus inverter loss?

27 Replies

Show More
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Jun 29, 2015
    The Morningstar is a great inverter and fan-less so it's very quiet. Pricey though.

    Cheap inverters often have noisy fans that run all the time. Xantrex, GoPower, Aims, etc are good brands, but check the reviews for noise. I have a 300 watt Samlex PST series which has a very quiet thermo-controlled fan that only comes on as needed. It runs about $150. If I recall, the Mornigstar is around $300.
  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2015
    smkettner wrote:
    Padlin wrote:
    Just curious but if I have a 10A fuse on the lighter socket, am I correct in assuming the most I'll ever get out of the Tripp-Lite is more like 120 watts minus inverter loss?
    YES, you are correct.
    Just before the self-regulating fuse opens up.. :)
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Jun 29, 2015
    Check out the AIMS 600WATT PSW INVERTER on AMAZON. Was $149 a few years back...


    Permanent installed close to the battery

    This is the one I use...
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2015
    Padlin wrote:
    I'm thinking of installing a permanent inverter, noticed the Morningstar 300 Watt requires 6awg or better to hook it up and a 100A fuse on the input.


    :h Curious as to why a 100 amp fuse would be recommended when a 50 amp would be the correct size for a peak surge of 600 watts which this inverter is apparently rated for. I recently installed a 1000 watt sine wave inverter and used an 80 amp fuse which for the purposes I intend to use it for is quite sufficient.
  • N-Trouble's avatar
    N-Trouble
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2015
    GoPower 300W is a good pure sine wave and under $200 on Amazon. Recently installed one one my trailer and works well.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jun 29, 2015
    Padlin wrote:
    Just curious but if I have a 10A fuse on the lighter socket, am I correct in assuming the most I'll ever get out of the Tripp-Lite is more like 120 watts minus inverter loss?
    YES, you are correct.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2015
    You may have issues trying to charge cordless tools with that MSW inverter. I wouldn't even try it.

    If the draw from the inverter exceeds 10 amps the fuse will eventually blow. Those cigar lighter ports should only be used for low draw devices like USB chargers and such.

    You can have a good inverter and portability without using the cig outlet. Configure the inverter wiring with a pair of good connectors like Anderson Powerpoles.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,262 PostsLatest Activity: Jun 10, 2025