1/11/03
This one is a pretty easy install. I bought a Pure Sine 300W continuous / 600W peak inverter from http://www.harborfreight.com. Many inexpensive inverters are what are referred to as modified sine or, more properly, square wave inverters. A pure sine wave inverter functions exactly like household power allowing you to run items like variable speed electric tools and laser printers. Square wave inverters cannot do such. I really only use it for recharging batteries and the like but I have run my variable speed jig saw off it. It draws less than one amp under no load and is very efficient. I installed mine in the rear storage compartment.
I purchased a car stereo amp install kit. This was the easiest way to get all the parts I needed along with high quality #8 wire. I fed out the wire and then placed it under the kick panels and carpet.
One quick note about inverters. Most have safety circuits that switch off the inverter if it is overloaded, overheated or the car battery drops below 10V or so. To reset the inverter you have to cycle the power to it. These safeties may sound like a great idea but if you are using the inverter and then start the car's engine, it will trip the inverter from the voltage drop. To avoid having to walk to the back of the vehicle to cycle the power, I installed a master switch at the dash that runs a couple of 30amp relays.