Inverter recommendations

[ontheheel]

What works well and lasts a long time?

Feel like Redarc 1500w is the best option, but it’s also 2-3x the price of the competition. Reviews on other devices have me scared about reliability.

Need to power a 1200w induction cooktop.

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[robepa]

I have had the Xantrex freedom xc 2000 on my off road trailer for ~5 years and never had an issue.

 

[Brian_B]

Honestly, I'd go with a battery generator / portable power station these days. Like the Bluetti / EcoFlow / Jackery. / Goal Zero

They are a bit larger in size, but a lot easier to work with and more versatile. You can trickle charge them back up while you are driving with a simple 12V adapter, and then run them safely with the Bronco turned off. And optional solar or alternator connections to charge either faster or without using any fuel. And you can pull them out of the Bronco and pop them anywhere like a regular generator to use them wherever. Very handy.

The Bluetti 1500W version is on sale right now for half the price of the RedArc inverter - so it won't cost you more than what you are already looking at. Just takes a bit more room up in the back. You pay more for runtime than you do wattage. This one would run your hot plate for about an hour before it would need recharged -- longer if you have it charging while used (from any of the various sources)

https://www.amazon.com/BLUETTI-Portable-AC180-Generator-Off-grid/dp/B0C1SMJTDT

 

[ontheheel]

I had an ecoflow delta 2, which was fine, but insufficient. DC charging is painfully slow (and liable to burn Bronco fuses - ask me how I know). Biggest problem is the giant block that occupies a tremendous amount of space.

I’ve got a flat 100Ah battery mounted to my back seat and charger, bus bars, and fuses on an AAL rear window MOLLE panel. Inverter will go on the opposite window.

My new setup takes up zero space that I would otherwise use, offers more flexibility, and charges at 40A…blazing fast.

Only decision I have at this point is just what kind of inverter to get.

 

[HighVelocity]

I've had a Renogy pure sine in my truck camper since 2019 that has been used for full seasons off grid and limited use during the winter. It's been perfectly reliable.

 

[Brian_B]

I’ve got a flat 100Ah battery mounted to my back seat and charger, bus bars, and fuses on an AAL rear window MOLLE panel. Inverter will go on the opposite window.

This kind of changes things - I think we were all assuming you were doing a plain 12vdc from the AGM starter battery.

What voltage is your battery bank running at?

 

[ontheheel]

This kind of changes things - I think we were all assuming you were doing a plain 12vdc from the AGM starter battery.

What voltage is your battery bank running at?

12v DC nominal (13.8)

 

[Brian_B]

I’ve had decent luck with Renogy like @High Velocity, and Outback.

 

[RimrockPaul]

What works well and lasts a long time?

Feel like Redarc 1500w is the best option, but it’s also 2-3x the price of the competition. Reviews on other devices have me scared about reliability.

Need to power a 1200w induction cooktop.

1200 w load would pull at least 100 amps off the DC
Get a little generator

 

[ontheheel]

1200 w load would pull at least 100 amps off the DC
Get a little generator

indeed it will. Battery is rated for 120A continuous and 200A peak. Not interested in a generator. Interested in an inverter.

 

[RimrockPaul]

2 Awg from battery to inverter. Make sure inverter has adequate cooling. Also use quality fuses/ blocks and lugs. Good luck.
Will be cool ...or hot in your case. I would try it out with temp cables and your load before installation. That would prove your inverter an battery system in the Bronco will handle it.
I have built many DC systems.
Paul in AZ

 

[ontheheel]

Thank you. Ended up buying the Redarc. Redarc specifies 3/0 wire for the roughly seven feet up from the bus bar over to the inverter on the other side of the cargo area. Putting a maxi fuse in line. Photos below of where it stands right now. Will need to finish running the wires to it and cleaning up the charger/distribution side. Wanting to replace my fuse block with a fused Anderson distribution block soon to help simplify and clean things up a bit. Inverter will remain tied to the bus bars.

 

[TLO]

What works well and lasts a long time?

Feel like Redarc 1500w is the best option, but it’s also 2-3x the price of the competition. Reviews on other devices have me scared about reliability.

Need to power a 1200w induction cooktop.

Can I ask what battery setup you plan on using for this? 1200w (if you actually pull that much) will be about a 90A draw at he battery. Maybe would be a le to pull this off with a 100Ah sized battery... Or 2X or 3X 50Ah

 

[ontheheel]

Can I ask what battery setup you plan on using for this? 1200w (if you actually pull that much) will be about a 90A draw at he battery. Maybe would be a le to pull this off with a 100Ah sized battery... Or 2X or 3X 50Ah

DCS Slimline. Rated for 120A continuous.

 

[akturbo]

DCS Slimline. Rated for 120A continuous.

That DCS Slimline looks legit mounted on the back of the seat. Do you have any more pics of the battery install? I was planning to do the 4x20ah batteries in the storage tray for this summer, but this looks like a great option.

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