I am going to be driving a new Ford F150, that I will be using to check oil field equipment. Their will be times that I am at a location for 2-4hours without starting my truck, along with using my laptop for word processing.

I want to get a 400W Power Inverter to run the laptop etc. But my friend is standing behind the idea of getting a 1500-2500W Power Inverter, so that I could use a drill or some type of power tool. I can't really see many occasions that I would need the power, but it would be nice to have. (I know that I would have to run 1Gauge wire or something for this option.)

So would a 1500-2500W Power Inverter consume a fair bit more power than a 400W Power Inverter with small load on each? I'm really curious and would like all opinions on the topic.

there is no power factor difference. get the big inverter

Quote: Originally Posted by carbongraphite there is no power factor difference. get the big inverter

Correct, even though there might be a little more power draw for a couple of fans but that is not enough to worry about power draw. It is nice to have the extra wattage for that "Just in case" scenario.

The only major difference for the little 400 watt unit would be portability. You can quickly take with you for trips or whatever since it simply just plugs into a power point.

If you are concerned about perhaps draining the battery and being stuck in BFE, perhaps an auxiliary battery in the truck would be a good idea. And a small solar panel to trickle charge it.