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Installing inverter in GU Patrol

Submitted: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 at 13:23

Geoff (SA)

Has anyone installed an inverter in a GU Patrol? I would like some suggestions for somewhere effective and efficient.
I thought about the front of the roller drawer system, as back seats are not in on long trips.
ThreadID: 12599 Replies: 6
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AnswerID: 57166   Submitted: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 at 13:33

Member - JohnR (Vic) replied:

Geoff, it depends what size your inverter is and whether you are going to do deep water problems and the risk therein.

I have my inverter iside the back of the armrest in the centre console, behind the bin. There may also be plenty of space up under the dashboard over the top of the glovebox in mine but it depends on the airbag componentry a bit. None in mine.

I have been warned that cooling may become aproblem but hasn't so far, I am ready to put a computer fan there somewhere too. I have mine also ignition key switched but if it goes on-off-on without a 5 second wait before the restart it does not like to work!!!
On the way to Gemtree
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Cheers,
Who?
John
Multi famam, conscientiam pauci verentur
Reply 1 of 6
AnswerID: 57169   Submitted: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 at 13:43

Geoff (SA) replied:

Thanks for the response John.

I have a 500w pure sine wave. (rather large and bulky)
So far water has not reached the level of the roller drawer system, and if it does I am in trouble with the missus. Should be enough air flow.
I do have an air bag on the passenger side which will not allow the installation there.
I just wondered if someone had a better idea than what I propose.

Doing the Anne Beadell and Old Abandoned section of the Gunbarrell in June.
Hope to see you in the bush sometime John.

Reply 2 of 6
FollowupID: 318916   Submitted: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 at 15:49

Member - JohnR (Vic) posted:

There is a gap up the front of the cross member Geoff I reckon would still be there in front of the airbag assembly. I have thought about a spot up in a central overhead compartment too but I didn't want 240v leads there like jungle vines.
On the way to Gemtree
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Cheers,
Who?
John
Multi famam, conscientiam pauci verentur
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 57192   Submitted: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 at 16:53

Member -Bob & Lex (Sydney) replied:

I put mine on the cargo barrier behind seats & above drawers
Regards Bob
Where to next
Reply 3 of 6
FollowupID: 318930   Submitted: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 at 17:27

Time posted:

Mate has done the same thing. Easy to get at if necessary, but out of the way otherwise.

Cheers

Buggerlux

FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 57244   Submitted: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 at 21:55

Kev - (Cairns,QLD) replied:

What size cable are you going to use ?

If its too small the inverter will cut out before its rated capacity,
Reply 4 of 6
FollowupID: 319015   Submitted: Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 07:29

Geoff (SA) posted:

Kev,

The cable will be installed by an auto electrician. The manufacturer has recommended 8 AWG.
I have considered the size of cable, but that is the job for an expert.
Thanks for your comments.
FollowUp 1 of 1
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AnswerID: 57256   Submitted: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 at 22:47

Member - Roachie (SA) replied:

Geoff,
I don't have an inverter, but if I did I know exactly where I'd put it.
I have a cargo barrier and about 5" below the top, I've bolted 4 right angle brackets (using large diameter washers). The brackets are on the cargo side of the barrier but you could also do the same above the rear passengers' heads so long as you don't have tall passengers there.
So, then I've mounted a piece of particle board about 3' wide and 1' deep onto these 4 brackets. There is a hinged door at the back and down each side a 1' length of dexian angle steel. The door/flap is same width as shelf and is held in place by a short occy strap attched to the barrier. It sort of works on an over-centre cam effect, so when I pull it down it stays down. I only keep light weight things up there (radiator hoses, dunno paper etc) and the inverter would be okay there too.
I would think the problem with putting it up inside the dash would be that it would be a major operation to get to it to plug 240v appliances in; but then I guess you'd be using a power board or extension lead etc.
Good luck

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There's only one thing more painful than learning from experience and that is NOT learning from experience!
Reply 5 of 6
FollowupID: 319016   Submitted: Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 07:44

Geoff (SA) posted:

Roachie,

My co driver would have to sanction that one Roachie! To have anything overhead in my car has always been a bone of contention.
A great idea though, and certainly will be in my files for future reference when I can soften up the opposition.
I agree about the dashboard, that is one area I don't like playing with anyway. Corrugated roads can do enough to dashboards without me helping.
I will have a powerboard, depending on how many appliances the inverter will run. Mainly to be used for recharging cameras, video, laptop, a small drill, small fan when in the Kimberleys next year, etc.

Catch you out there one day.

Geoff.
FollowUp 1 of 3
FollowupID: 319026   Submitted: Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 09:51

Member - Roachie (SA) posted:

Geoff
I hope I didn't confuse the issue by mentioning the possibility of putting the shelf in front of the barrier. Mine is BEHIND the cargo barrier and no stuff can possibly be flung forward in a crash etc.
It works well and makes use of that area near the roof which is otherwise a waste of space.

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There's only one thing more painful than learning from experience and that is NOT learning from experience!
FollowUp 2 of 3
FollowupID: 319035   Submitted: Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 11:24

Wazza (Vic) posted:

Geoff, I put mine up behind the cargo barrier. Got a 2 point power outlet from elec supply place and wired it to that. Middle switch is used to throw a 40 amp relay which passes power to the inverter. Only a $160, 300W cheapie inverter, but good for charging batteries on camera, etc. Big thick wire is more important this far from the battery. Also put the CD stacker up here.

A few pics at:

http://www.geocities.com/cruiserpics/rearshelf

power01, power02 and power03 are the inverter pics (but you can't see it cos it is in behind). Added the green LED myself to remind me it is on, cos the inverter does draw power even when nothing hooked up to it.

Means hacking up the cargo barrier though !
FollowUp 3 of 3
AnswerID: 58429   Submitted: Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 11:46

Geoff (SA) replied:

Thanks for all of the excellent responses, I am now more confused than ever.
I think I will stick to my original plan and put it vertically on a bracket behind the driver seat, as the back seats are always out on big trips anyway.
My auto electrician is able to run some battery cable to supply it quite easily he thinks.
I hope one day we'll all meet somewhere.
Reply 6 of 6

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