In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about inverters for trucks.
As a truck driver, an inverter is one of the most important things to make your driving experience more comfortable. Being away from home for long periods of time on the road is made a whole lot more comfortable if you have a few home comforts.
Especially as the average regional trucker can be away for 4 to 6 weeks at a time!
A power inverter for your truck allows you to plug-in devices such as microwaves, televisions, phones, and computers.
However, due to the various kinds of equipment out there, finding one specific to your needs is not always easy.
In fact, the sheer volume and choice are downright confusing. How much power do you want? Pure or Modified Sine Wave? And you certainly don’t want anything too noisy to disturb you in the cabin!
With that in mind, we collected the 9 best power inverters for trucks, along with their pros and cons. Plus, keep reading for in-depth information about what you need to know before purchasing.
Best Power Inverter for Truck Reviews
1. AIMS Power 2000 Watt Truck Inverter
The AIMS power inverter (2000-watt version) is a pure sine power one. This means the truck’s batteries, devices, and appliances will be completely safe and you can happily run sensitive devices.
With 2000 watts of continuous power, converted from 12V to 120V, you’ll have ample electricity to power TVs, laptops, and even heaters.
This versatile inverter can also be used in boats, homes, and for camping. It is a reliable companion when you’re out on the road and need reliable 120V AC power. Plugin in multiple devices is easy too, with the benefit of both an AC outlet and a USB outlet so you can charge your phone whenever you need.
The construction is high quality, and the technology is excellent for a power inverter. Its protective features, like low or high-voltage, over-temperature, and short-circuit ones make sure it keeps components and appliances safe.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Soft start technology for voltage changes
- LED indicators for user convenience
- Comes with a remote switch for ease of use
Cons
- Not ideal for humid regions
- Circuit breaker trips are common
2. POTEK 3000W Power Inverter
For those who want high power for the truck’s devices, Potek is a good option. Its 3000-watt capacity allows for the smooth running of all your devices simultaneously by converting 12V DC to 110V AC. To avoid overload, it comes with a peak power of 6000 watts.
The big selling point of the POTEK is two USB ports along with four AC outlets, making it highly versatile. Plus, a unique feature is the Bluetooth controls so you can run water dispensers, air compressor, refrigerator, coffee machine, tv and laptop at the touch of a button.
Happily, its design is slim to save space in your truck. It also comes with a bracket for mounting purposes. Finally, it has intelligent cooling that prevents overheating which helps to use less energy and increase the efficiency of the unit.
Pros
- 4 AC outlets and 2 USB ports
- Comes with a mounting bracket
- Safe from overheating and shortages
- Intelligent cooling fan technology
Cons
- Noisy in some cases on full power
- Not ideal for sensitive appliances
3. Tripp Lite Power Compact Inverter, 3000W
This 3000-watt capacity power inverter by Tripp Lite is sufficient for someone who wants to switch on more than 3 electronics requiring 120V AC. 4 AC outlets make it incredibly versatile, enabling you to run multiple appliances at any one time.
At the flick of a button, it delivers high power – something that makes it stand out from the rest. Keeping your inverter running is peak power of 6000 watts, and it can sustain it for about 10 seconds. This helps to keep everything powered smoothly, even when you get a surge from turning on a new device. Other converters will die down after a couple of seconds, so it is better in that respect as well.
In addition, it is highly energy-efficient, with 94% energy production. Thus, you can do a lot without wasting too much electricity.
Pros
- Built-in on/off switch
- Surge capacity of 10 seconds
- The slim design uses less space
- Comes with 2 circuit breakers for protection
Cons
- Breakers are known to trip occasionally
- Some cases have reported burning odor from the unit
4. Voltworks 300W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter
A low-powered cheaper option to keep the essentials charged.
This Pure Sine Wave inverter by Voltworks provides a 300-watt power. It has a 600-watt surge power which converts 12Volt DC to 120 volt AC. She’s not as powerful as others on the market but is a perfect option for someone on a budget.
300W is more than enough to charge multiple devices like laptops and phones at the same time. Plus you could even run a small home appliance like a refrigerator if you need.
For a great price, it is stacked with features including two AC and two USB ports. The AC ports can power devices such as laptops and tablets as well.
Thanks to its lower wattage, it is super silent as it doesn’t require a huge cooling system. When the temperature exceeds 41-degree Fahrenheit or power of 100 watts, the smart cooling fan is automatically switched on. It offers protection for short circuits, overheating, and more.
Pros
- 2 AC and 2 USB ports
- Smart protection for overheating and short circuits
- Smart cooling fan technology
Cons
- Cases of overheating reported during over use
5. Boost 3000 W Continuous Power Inverter for Trucks
As with other 3000-watt power inverters, this one is also made for powering multiple devices at the same time. It caters to high-powered devices, which is why it comes with two AC outlets but no USB ports. Ideal for appliances like microwaves, space heaters, mini-fridges, and more.
It comes with protections for overheating, low power, and thermal problems. Moreover, it is more advanced than other power inverters and features a digital readout. It indicates energy usage and even has a remote control panel for ease of access.
This is a brilliant option for someone on the road with its combination of incredibly robust design and high powered output.
Pros
- Remote control power button
- Powers off automatically when low battery
- Built-in mounting hardware
- Digital readout
Cons
- Only two AC outlets
- Cases of unexpected trips reported
6. BESTEK 2000W Power Inverter
The Bestek power inverter of 2000 watts has a peak power of 4600 watts so you can fire up multiple devices without losing smooth DC to AC power. This prevents the fuse from blowing when too many devices are plugged in.
You’ll benefit from three outlets of 110-volt each to run important devices like lighting, mini-fridges, laptops and phone at the same time. What we like about the BESTEK is its compact durable aluminum design that outputs plenty of grunt.
You’ll find all the important safety and protection protocols that prevent surges, low power, and short circuits. In case of a problem, it rings an alarm so that you are made aware of any danger. Six fuses distribute the energy evenly and reduce wear and tear.
Its LED indicators help users know when there is a problem. Red light indicates under protection, while a green light indicates when it is running normally. Overall, it is solid and durable.
Pros
- Has three AC outlets
- Six 50A fuses for protection
- Overload alarm
- Features a high-speed fan for cooling
Cons
- Difficult to replace fuses
- Not ideal for sensitive electronics
7. KRIËGER 1100 Watt 12V Power Inverter
This 1100-Watt power inverter by Krieger is lower in wattage than most in its category, but it is still a heavy-duty option. It is still suitable for gaming consoles, home appliances, and televisions.
What’s neat about this inverter is that it goes one step ahead of others featuring an LCD that reads the input voltage. You’ll easily be able to see that you’re battery is sending 12V and 110V is coming out of the inverter. A thermal fan makes the unit very low noise which is perfect for your truck. It has a sleek and elegant design with a contrasting black and yellow theme.
Also, the entire package includes wires and an installation kit. Installation is, thus, speedy and swift. It features two AC outlets, two USB, and two fast charge, enabling you to power multiple appliances at the same time.
Pros
- Includes ANL fuse
- LCD for battery, watt, and voltage
- Super silent
- Has a remote control for powering on/off
Cons
- Fast charging is not very efficient
8. Ampeak 2000W Power Inverter
This 2000-watt power inverter by Ampeak is great if you want optimal power from a compact device. After all, you’ve got limited space in your truck. It includes one USB port and three AC outlets for simultaneous charging. Of course, like all the best truck power inverters it offers up 12V DC to at least 110V AC to keep your favourite devices running smoothly.
An LED display shows wattage, voltage, and fault codes so you instantly know if there is a problem with your power. Moreover, the automated shutdown protects the unit when overload, overheating, or up/down voltage happens. It also alerts you through an alarm for more safety.
The cooling fan also helps prevent issues like overheating. It is a highly durable unit that is made of ABS – providing all-around protection.
Pros
- ETL certified
- Smart LED display
- Ideal for long road trips
- Automatic shutdown feature
Cons
- Not ideal for large appliances such as refrigerators
9. Energizer 1500W Power Inverter
Energizer products are known in the market for being reliable and durable, after all, they are one of the biggest battery manufacturers around. Thus, it is often chosen by truck drivers who want power inverters to convert 12V DC into 110V AC.
Its benefit is that it is incredibly simple and precise nature to use. The design is light and portable so storage in your cabin is hassle-free. The installation is also quite smooth compared to other power inverters.
Delivering 1500-watt output and 3000-watt peak power for surges it is a mid powered inverter capable of keeping multiple devices running at one time. It comes with two USB ports and an LCD for health integrity and battery percentage. Adding to this, it has a protection jacket against short circuits, overheating, and overloads.
Pros
- Low noise
- LCD for important information
- Uses sine wave technology
Cons
- LCD can be damaged easily
Education: Choosing the Best Power Inverter for Trucks
Size & Power
The size and power of an inverter are quite important before picking one for your truck. Inverter sizes often range from 300 to 5000 watts. The truck size and its power usage are essential to know what size you will need for your operations. All devices come with a power rating; add them up to know how much power you will need. After that, add another 20% just in case and round that up to find what you need.
Surge power is also an essential factor to consider. When you power any device, the load initially will be more – often double. Therefore, the surge rating should also be checked to avoid overload or short circuits. Finally, the time the surge will need also needs to be accounted for. The rule is, the longer, the better.
Pure vs Modified Sine Wave
There are two types of power inverters on the market – pure and modified sine wave.
Sensitive electronics, such as drills, LED TVs or oxygen machines, work better with pure sine wave technology as they need a smooth constant voltage for the way they operate. It is the same electricity flow that you get in your houses, where the voltage is consistent and not constantly fluctuating. Pure sine wave technology inverters, however, are about 15-20% more expensive.
Modified wave is often also acceptable for most appliances like phones and laptops. The flow of voltage is choppy rather than smooth which makes it unsuitable for sensitive electronics. If you want to learn more about the difference then read our simple guide to sine waves.
Outlets
Power inverters come with AC outlets and USB ports. However, the number of ports and outlets varies in each power inverter. Therefore choose one that is according to how many devices you will be plugging in at the same time. It should be obvious to say, but some people don’t think about the types of devices they are planning run. For example, if you want to plug in multiple phones and tablets you will need more USB ports. On the other hand, if you want to run multiple appliances like TVs and games consoles you’ll be needing more AC plug outlets.
The installation of these units is very straightforward. Most power inverters come with installation accessories in the complete package. Look for features like alligator clips, cigarette lighter plugs, and O-ring for effortless installation. In very few cases, however, you will need to buy these separately. The instruction manuals are very simple for installation and guide the user easily without much difficulty.
Safety
Safety features are crucial for power inverters, especially when you are on the go. Therefore, with protection against low voltage or over-voltage, short-circuit, overload, overhead, and polarity reverse must be included. If you don’t have these protections, you run the risk of fire, plus your devices might not be protected from things like power surges.
Price
Power inverters have a varying price range, depending on the manufacture you decide to go with. Some are budget-friendly, while others have very high prices. The final decision you make cannot be made by looking at the price only, as you have to consider other factors as well. Generally speaking, the more powerful the inverter the more expensive it becomes. You should expect to pay anywhere between $150 to $500 for a decent product.
Installing a Power Inverter in Your Truck
If you’re wondering where a power inverter goes or how to install one in your truck, then you’re in the right place.
It’s quite a simple process, particularly if you already have leisure batteries in your cab. Plus you could also run an inverter from a vehicle’s starter battery too. Just be sure to keep the engine running so you don’t deplete the starter battery. Here are some tips for installing the inverter: (If you’re unsure consult a professional).
- Check with the truck owner to get permission to carry out the work.
- Identify to the battery you wish to connect your inverter too.
- Mount your inverter in a convineint position for use – ensure it is a well ventilated area so the inverter can use it’s cooling fans effieictly. (e.g. don’t place vents against walls or soft furnishings)
- Find the red (positive) and black (negative) battery terminals.
- Using O-rings or alligator clips connect the corresponsing red and black cables on the inverter. (positive to positive and negative to negative)
- Switch on your inverter and check all systems are running correcty usualy indicated by a green LED.
- Connect the electronics you wish to run via the relevent AC and USB outlets on the inverter.
What Can You Run on an Inverter in a Truck?
You can run a wide range of electronics from your power inverter. It’s great for taking home comforts on the road with you. As long as you have enough battery energy and wattage capacity in your inverter you run anything you want!
I recommend having a 2000 or 3000 watt inverter to enable you to run multiple devices at once. Let’s look at an example. If you have a 2000W inverter you could safely draw up to 1800W. (Leave a little wiggle room to avoid overloading.) To know what you can run at the same time you just need to add up the wattage of your electronics – e.g. mini-fridge (40W), TV (70W), phone (5W), Laptop (60W), Heater (1000W) = 1180 watts.
If you want some ideas on what you could take with you then check out this list of appliances every trucker should have!
Final Words: Best Power Inverters for Trucks
There are indeed many options for power inverters nowadays.
However, finding the ideal one for your truck involves knowing how many devices you will be plugging in, the truck capacity, and other considerations of the inverter itself.
By now you should have a better understanding of what you need and what’s on offer.
In fact, if you’ve read this far you should be an expert on the subject.
Of course, to help you choose, the list of best power inverter for trucks listed above gives you a nice range of wattage, features, and prices.
Happy truckin’
Hi, I’m Michael, the editor here at Watt A Lot.
After years of experience with off-grid power like solar panels, inverters, and batteries I decided I should share my hands-on knowledge with you. In my professional and personal life, I’ve needed to find electrical solutions for remote situations from owning a food truck, to running events at the top of mountains, to my converted campervan. So whether you’re looking for the best products or fixing an electrical problem, you can rest assured my advice comes from real hands-on experience.
