working from truck

[WSRNewb]

so what does everyone do for operating power equipment while mobile without power source? i've thought generators.. does anyone use power inverters that plug up to your car. at most im running metabo sander/polisher for headlight restoration. im just starting and trying to get my truck setup to operate out of so im open for ideas and suggestions. also what equipment are you running, anyone have fullsize buffer that they operate mobile, and whats your power source.

[Deacon]

I use a 750 watt inverter to run my metabo and I hook it up to the car I'm working on. In almost all cases, the car has enough juice to complete the job. If not, I use my 200 ft. extension cord and find an outlet somewhere. Electricity has never been a problem. Hope this helps.

[mrchip]

in all my years i'ver just used a power cord..never been an issue..carry 150 ft ...

[candyman]

I carry two, 25ft cords and one, 100ft cord. Iam not fimilar with the device mentioned,that plugs into the car battery. Can someone list this information and how it is set up. I was at a school yesterday and I had to bring the vehicle to my shop to do it, because the school frawned on using their power for private use. Several of the teachers are from out of town and need HL restoration. They don't seem to have the time to do it after school or prior to school. The school is about 10 miles from my home. Other than purchase a generator, what else is out there for such a small buffer. I have A SUV. I may have to purchase a small rack that inserts in my tow hitch, and buy a small generator. I just dont want to carry around something that could be stole when parked somewhere, or take it in and out of the vehicle each time I use it. Gas fumes on hot days would be an issue here also. It has been above 90 here for the past 2 months. Anyone have a suggestion?

[Deacon]

the power inverter I use was purchased by my son at I think maybe O' Reilly's or Auto Zone but they can be purchased at any auto parts store or I think even Walmart. It is simply a flat box with 4 plug-ins and an on/off switch and a set of red and black cables that attach to the car battery just like a set of jumper cables. Mine is by no means top of the line but serves my purposes very well. I think it cost about $70.00. No having to tote around a big bunch of cord or trying to find an outlet.

[WSRNewb]

very helpful. i was wondering what size it would take to run the metabo. im thinking i will probably set up like you deacon, only i believe i may hard wire and mount the inverter in my vehicle so all i have to do is plug up and turn on. and for the rare occasion, the mile long extension cord that i hope to never have to use and wrap up.

[t4k]

Depending on the amperage draw on your battery you may need to leave your truck idling while using your inverter.

[Brent Deines]

The Metabo only draws about 2 amps so it does not take a super expensive inverter or generator to power it. I think Deacon was on the money when he said $70 should cover a lower end inverter that will do the job for you. Shop for 1000+ watts and you should be fine. However like t4k said, you may have to run your vehicle, and you have to be able to get your vehicle close. I like inverters for many things, and even run a dual battery setup in my truck so I never run down my starting battery, but I also think a small portable generator is good to have and the newer ones are quiet, far more inexpensive to run than a vehicle, and fairly reasonably priced. I think Costco had a 1000W unit for around $340.

I think the Makita buffer we sell runs about 10 amps however, so be sure to check the tool you are using before buying either an inverter or generator. Better a little more power than you need than not enough.

[Brite Nite]

i use 400 watt inverter and a deep cycle marine battery in back of my van and a 6ft cord with a drill uses 4 amps have no problem at all.
The battery last me more than a week and dont dran down as fast as a reg auto battery but can use one tho.
if you need to move around get a cheap dolly fasten the battery at the bottom with some rubber strips add a small wood board
flat on the dolly and you can fasten a 1 or up to 3 toolboxs to it to carry your supplies as you move to each car on a lot or fleets.

[ChampionCHIP,wsr]

i had a 2000 watt inverter installed under drivers seat, cost with install was about 280.
works great no need to look for outlet and can get away from other cars and avoid spraying them with buffer.
paul