Charley Hoyt

I am trying to figure out the best way to operate a 400w 120v oil heater for my race car while it is being transported in my enclosed trailer. I currently have large power cables that running from the battery in my tow vehicle to my trailer that I use to operate my winch. I am considering getting a 120v power inverter to get the power I need. Any thoughts on this approach.... Or other ideas?

Thanks for the help.
Charley

Tnacdrmr

Should be less then 5amps and I'm sure your winch (wiring) is rated higher then that so I don't see a prob. Another option is to just get a Honda 1k generator but option 1 will be much cheaper.

froggy47

I had a 1000 watt inverter in my Sportsmobile van/camper that worked great off 2 house batteries, which charged from my van alternator.

You just need the big alt to put the juice into all the batteries.

speedwaywhite

If memory servers correctly inverters are 10 to 1 converting DC to AC, so you will need 10 amps of DC to get 1 amp of AC. If my math is correct you would need 4+ amps at 120v AC to run the heater which converts to 40+ amp draw on your tow vehicle. That 40 amp load in addition to the other electrical loads on your tow vehicle would be an alternator eater.
My opinion would be that a generator would be more practical and have the added benefit of giving you a power source in the paddock for other needs.

rbl

33.33 amps actually plus inefficiency.

Buy some 12v silicone heat pads and glue them to the pan w/high temp silicone on areas that require heat. Tap directly to those big cables but with a smart switch that knows if the engine is running. Do it with charge voltage sensing and a relay.

I used them in Alaska for 30 years and they warmed the airplane oil at -30° F just fine. (2) 100W small ones will do the job easily and they will draw ~ 8.3 amps each, cost ~ $10 each.

Charley Hoyt

Thanks! I will give that a try.

Charley