240 volt power inverter

Has anybody fitted one? I am thinking about this, and looking at this on Ebay.

Any advice? What could I expect to run off of this and would the engine need to run the whole time? Don't know much about it yet, just investigating?

Thanks

12 volt to 240 volts 1000watt power INVERTER soft start on eBay (end time 27-Dec-10 13:31:52 GMT)

They are fine for low power applications but as soon as you start drawing any real power then your battery will suffer. If you feel the need to fit one which is continuously rated for 1Kw then I would say you are not looking at just charging phones, laptops etc so will have to keep the engine running. It says on the listing that it is fitted with ring terminals which means it has to be hard-wired so I would also make sure the cable-runs is as short as possible.
If you are looking at making use of the 1Kw capability then I would seriously think about using a generator with a stabilized output as it will give you more flexibility and it has got to be better to have a small generator ticking over rather than the LR engine.

thanks for the reply, I was thinking of trying to use a small pressure washer remotely, as well as other smaller stuff that you mentioned.

I have considered a small generator, but the inverter solution is neat, I like the idea of it.

It won't run a jet wash for long. In my grandad's work vans they have them in the back to constantly charge power tools. They boil the kettle on them sometimes but kettles use a lot of power.

What is the power rating of the pressure washer (including start-up surge)? I don't think you will find that an inverter is not the way to go.
Also remember that you have to convert the current draw of 1Kw at 230V to 12V, it will make your eyes water.

split charge system and a second battery will easily support big inverters

For some electrical appliances, you need to check what type if inverter it is. Some appliances are very sensitive to modified Sine-Wave inverters, which genrally represent the cheaper end of the market. True Sine-Wave inverters are the best, but very expensive.

For a jet wash, why dont you buy a petrol / diesel powered jet wash?