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Pure sine inverter install

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by SmithJ, Jul 31, 2024.

  1. Jul 31, 2024 at 11:07 AM
    #1
    SmithJ

    SmithJ [OP] Not a New Member

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    I'm looking for ideas or thoughts on best placement of a 700-800 watt pure sine inverter that would need to be accessible in the cargo compartment.

    Not install instructions, but thoughts on what placement may have worked for you. It will mainly be used to charge a ecoflow and I'll be happy to get 300-400 watts out of it.

    I'm really not looking to replace the stock. Too much cutting.

    My initial thought is to simply mount it to the drivers side molle panel over the tire hump, (I have the caliraised molle set.)

    Thoughts? Anyone have any locations that might no be as obvious.
     
  2. Jul 31, 2024 at 12:51 PM
    #2
    coryanderson

    coryanderson New Member

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    Under a seat
     
  3. Jul 31, 2024 at 2:04 PM
    #3
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A Toyota Gigolo

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    The Ecoflow can't charge fast enough on 12V DC?
     
  4. Jul 31, 2024 at 2:11 PM
    #4
    SmithJ

    SmithJ [OP] Not a New Member

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    The 4runner rear 12v only puts out about 80-90 watts.

    the ecoflow will charge at 400 watts AC (if available), but not on a modified sine inverter

    Not a problem when I'm driving a lot each day, but if I only drive an hour or two between campsites 400 would be a lot better
     
  5. Jul 31, 2024 at 2:17 PM
    #5
    Lost Woods

    Lost Woods New Member

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    If you're just charging an ecoflow why not get their alternator charger or, if you have the knowledge, a DC power converter that will do the same thing? Going DC-AC-DC is gonna lose you 20-25% in the best of cases so getting 400W means you'll be drawing north of 40A. You could do a 12v to 36v converter with much better efficiency and charge via the solar/DC port. Tinker's Adventures on YT has a video and was the first to discuss but others have copied it in their own vids.
     
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  6. Jul 31, 2024 at 2:26 PM
    #6
    SmithJ

    SmithJ [OP] Not a New Member

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    The answer to the first (their alternator charge) is price/cost - the difference in that and a renogy 700 watt pure sine inverter is $400

    As for the second, I'll look into that. Thats something I had not thought about - I'll take a look. Thanks!
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  7. Jul 31, 2024 at 8:16 PM
    #7
    5six

    5six New Member

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    Ceramic tint (all glass), Toyo AT3s 285/70 C load, Eibach Pro Truck Stage 2 suspension, Ironman UCA, Cartrimhome TRD skid plate, RCI skids (rear diff, transmission, filler plate, catalytic anti theft), SwitchPro 9100 & MT Plate, Caliraised ditch lights & brackets, Caliraised molle panels, Sherpa roof rack, Westcott ladder, Weathertech window visors, Meso & LED interior bulbs, black badging, Weathertech mats, Husky cargo liner, Canvasback rear seat backing, Smittybilt 2781, Morrflate Quad, ARB Diff Breather, Ultimate9, TRD Pro rims, GTR Carbide headlights, DIY Knight Rider light strip.
    As others noted, do not do the inverter to charge the EcoFlow. It’s an inefficient way to do it. I did what a few YouTubers did following the example of Tinker’s Adventure channel. Get a Victron 12/24V DC/DC converter, and then use its output to connect to the EcoFlow solar port (make sure it’s the right connector). I hid mine in the other rear wheel well, drilled a hole for the fan cooling on it, and 3D printed a vent for the hole. I put a gasket up top for the output solar wires, so everything almost looks stock.

    IMG_5213.jpg
    IMG_5188.jpg
    IMG_5193.jpg
    IMG_5185.jpg
     
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  8. Aug 1, 2024 at 3:30 AM
    #8
    SmithJ

    SmithJ [OP] Not a New Member

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    What gauge wire did you run from the battery?
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  9. Aug 1, 2024 at 4:39 AM
    #9
    5six

    5six New Member

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    I used 6 awg multistranded pure copper. I probably could’ve used 8 awg and would’ve been fine, as the amp draw from the battery is just over 30A in real world use. I did initially try running the ground wire to the frame, but it didn’t play well (connection got really warm). So I just ran the ground wire right to the battery and it’s perfect.
     
  10. Aug 1, 2024 at 5:42 AM
    #10
    SmithJ

    SmithJ [OP] Not a New Member

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    This is what I'm gonna do. Thanks!
     
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  11. Aug 1, 2024 at 6:11 AM
    #11
    SmithJ

    SmithJ [OP] Not a New Member

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    Alright everyone, thanks for getting me on the right path.
     
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  12. Aug 1, 2024 at 7:03 AM
    #12
    5six

    5six New Member

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    Forgot to note, the Victron 12/24 DC/DC Converter has pair of small wires to act as an on/off switch. You can loop the wire into itself with a physical switch, or run a signal wire to the right hole provide it is 12V. Currently I have that set up to my Switch Pro switch panel, which automatically powers off when the truck isn’t running. Otherwise you could end up pulling power from the battery when the vehicle is not running, so be sure not do that. One thing I’m looking to do is for the signal wire to be connected to our stock inverter to detect when the existing dash switch is on. That button switch only stays powered when vehicle is running.
     
    Thatbassguy and SmithJ[OP] like this.
  13. Aug 1, 2024 at 10:15 AM
    #13
    kojak

    kojak New Member

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    The only reason I was considering an inverter was that it would theoretically allow dual charging with solar without having to babysit it. All you really need is a good DC/DC like the Victron, but I keep trying to make solar work.

    My issue is the power station will stop charging when it gets too warm, so I need some supplementary alternator power at a decent rate.

    I know of three chargers designed for power stations in cars: Ecoflow (solid output, pricey), Pecron (cheap, very low output with the 5th gen variable alternator voltage), and Etaker F1000.

    Going to try the Etaker since it at least has a solar input, even if it sucks as much as the Pecron I should at least get some trickle power while the vehicle is off.
     
  14. Aug 2, 2024 at 1:16 PM
    #14
    Lost Woods

    Lost Woods New Member

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    Victron makes a bunch of MPPT chargers at varying outputs that should work. I know they do a 24V and probably a 36V that will take both alternator and solar input.
     
  15. Aug 8, 2024 at 11:26 AM
    #15
    kojak

    kojak New Member

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    Renogy makes a couple 2-in-1 MPPT chargers but I don't think Victron does.

    Trying out the Etaker F1000 now and it's looking good so far. 400w charge at idle, plus solar.
     
  16. Sep 12, 2024 at 1:09 PM
    #16
    SR5EAN

    SR5EAN New Member

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    This is my favorite place I've seen this stashed! I'd worry about dog fur/debris under a seat. How does it hold up temperature-wise down there?

    Any cons you've found with your setup to date?
     
  17. Sep 19, 2024 at 2:39 PM
    #17
    Ilovechicken

    Ilovechicken New Member

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    You should join the ecoflow groups on FB. I've seen the alternator charger go as low as $199 when it was on sale. I personally have the alternator charger mounted on the driver side rear molle panel.
     
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