Best Power Inverters for Trucks and Recreational Vehicles in 2022

Just because your line of work requires you to stay on the road for days on end doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy life’s simple pleasures such as a nice cup of coffee to get you going in the morning, warm meals, and even a chilled beer at the end of the day. Luckily, you have access to all that, even on the go, simply by getting yourself one of the best power inverters for trucks possible. A power inverter is a device that converts DC electricity from your truck’s battery into AC power that you can use to operate several small electronics and appliances like a TV, microwave, freezer, oven, etc., while you are on the road.

Power inverters can also be helpful for pickup truck owners with hands-on jobs. Using this device, you can pretty much convert your truck into a mobile power source which you can use to power drills, saws, and all sorts of other power tools.

The only issue you might face here is selecting the best power inverter for your semi or pickup truck due to the impressive number of models out there. To help you with that, we have come up with a list of 7 of the best power inverters for trucks available online. The list aims to cover a wide range of products to provide the optimum solution for all your needs.

Best Power Inverters for Trucks Reviews

1. DURACELL DRINV400TG Tailgate Inverter — Budget Pick

The Duracell DRINV400TG is our budget pick for this list due to several good reasons. Firstly, in addition to the low cost, Duracell’s power inverter is also quite powerful, with a 320 Watts continuous rating. It is capable of 400 Watts peak power in case of a temporary surge in any of your appliances. You get three 115V 3-prong power outlets to plug in anything from TVs, video games, laptops, and even some smaller hand-held tools. You also get two 2.4A USB ports to charge your phone or tablet at the same time. And if you work in a dusty environment, you’ll be happy to hear that each of the five outlets is equipped with a rubberized protective lid to keep foreign objects and dirt out.

Duracell’s power inverter offers protection against overload, over-temperature, and short-circuit to guarantee operator safety at all times. Moreover, you can plug the inverter directly into your vehicle’s 12V accessory socket for all applications under 175 Watts. If you need to power something bigger than that, you get 3′ power cables to set up battery connections, better suited for high-power applications.

If you like to go on frequent family camping adventures or tailgating at sports events, the Duracell DRINV400TG is the perfect power inverter for you. It offers a decent amount of power for most household needs and comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty for complete peace of mind.

Highlighted features

• 320 Watts continuous output with 400 Watts peak
• Three 115V 3-prong power outlets and two 2.4A USB ports
• 3’ power cables included
• LED power indicator
• Plugs into your 12V accessory socket or main battery, depending on the intensity

Pros

• Protective rubberized covering for each outlet
• Decent power output
• Low cost
• Loaded with safety features
• Quiet operation
• Compact dimensions and lightweight nature
• Ability to connect up to 5 electronic devices at once
• Three years manufacturer limited warranty

Cons

• Only suitable for light use

2. Krieger KR2000 Power Inverter

When it comes to power inverters or other electric equipment, Krieger is a name that stands out from the competition. The brand is extensively known for consistently coming up with high-quality electrical equipment like power inverters, surge protectors, voltage transformers, etc. The Krieger KR2000 power inverter is one of many examples of the brand’s exemplary craftsmanship. As the name suggests, the KR2000 is a 2000-Watt modified sine wave power inverter that will convert 12V DC power drawn from your vehicle’s battery into 120V AC electricity. And that’s not all; Krieger’s power inverter offers a whopping 4000 Watts peak/surge power.

To plug your appliances, you get two 110V AC 3-prong outlets along with two 2.1A USB ports. 2.1A may seem a bit low but it’s more than enough to charge your mobile phone and small electronics.

The KR2000 also comes with a suite of safety features that offer protection against over-voltage, overload, under-voltage, short circuit, and high temperature. You get a large LCD screen that notifies you of any issues and displays vital operational parameters like input voltage, output wattage, and remaining battery level.

If all that hasn’t convinced you to go for this power inverter, Krieger is offering its $80 installation kit for free with all purchases. The kit includes 3’ battery cables, a fuse kit, and a wired remote control for easy access.

Highlighted features

• Power inverter dimensions: 15.37” x 7.62” x 3.37”
• Total weight: 7 lbs.
• 2000 Watts continuous output with 4000 Watts peak
• Two 110V 3-prong power outlets and two 2.1A USB ports
• 3’ power cables, fuse kit, and wired remote control included
• LCD screen displays essential operational parameters

Pros

• High-capacity power inverter
• LCD for easy and smooth operation
• Comes with several safety features
• All required installation and connection hardware is included
• Large internal aluminum heat sinks for optimum dissipation
• High-grade capacitors to provide quality charging
• Three years manufacturer warranty

Cons

• Can be a bit noisy

3. Energizer ENK2000 Power Inverter — Editor’s Pick

Another solid option in the 2000 Watts output range is the Energizer ENK2000. It offers the same 2000 Watts continuous power and 4000 Watts peak power as the previous model, and you also get two standard American 3-prong 15 Amp power outlets. On the other hand, this one features two slightly more powerful along 2.4 Amp USB ports for quicker charging.

However, what differentiates the ENK2000 from the KR2000 is that it uses a clever combination of high-performance capacitors and high-frequency transformers to deliver such high power levels. The entire setup is kept in check by internal heat sinks constructed from aluminum due to its lightweight nature and good heat dissipation characteristics. As a result, you get a high-capacity power inverter that weighs merely 8.5 lbs., making it easy to transport and carry.

As usual, you get all the necessary safety features to make sure a power peak doesn’t bust your precious electronics.

You may have realized by now that there aren’t many significant differences between the Energizer ENK2000 and the previous model. However, specific subtle yet considerable improvements make the ENK2000 a marginally better option. Things like better USB ports, and a lower weight sometimes make all the difference. Still, Energizer’s is already well-known for its quality inverters so, if you ask me, the ENK2000 might well be one of the best power inverters for trucks out there.

Highlighted features

• Power inverter dimensions: 14.9” x 5.5” x 2.7”
• Total weight: 8.5 lbs.
• 2000 Watts continuous output with 4000 Watts peak
• Two 120V 3-prong power outlets and two 2.4A USB ports
• 3’ power cables included
• LCD screen displays essential operational parameters

Pros

• High power output
• Easy to operate and setup
• Comes with all installation hardware
• Informative LCD screen with straightforward controls
• High-output power outlets
• Solid construction with optimum heat dissipation
• Portable and lightweight design
• Reasonably priced
• Two years manufacturer warranty

Cons

• None- when it works, it works

4. AIMS Power PWRINV250012W Car Power Inverter

Moving up the power output ladder, we present the AIMS Power PWRINV250012W DC to AC inverter with a slightly higher wattage than the previous model. You get 2500 Watts of continuous power and 5000 Watts peak or surge power output. The AIMS power inverter also offers separate indicators to monitor voltage and current output during operation.

There is an LED display to alert you of overloading or over-temperature situations. However, the latter will happen only on rare occasions since this power inverter comes with a single cooling fan and aluminum casing for optimum heat dissipation.

The PWRINV250012W offers two AC outlets to plug in your appliances. Each outlet can output as much as 1500 Watts at full load with an impressive 90% efficiency. AIMS Power also offers a wired remote control for this power inverter for added convenience.

Safety features include short circuit protection, overload safety, thermal protection, and internal fuse protection.

The AIMS Power PWRINV250012W is an excellent option for professional truck drivers, thanks to its solid construction and excellent heat dissipation abilities. However, certain things like the absence of USB ports, battery connection cables, and optional remote control make it slightly less desirable compared to other models in this list.

Highlighted features

• Power inverter dimensions: 14.5”X 6.5”X 3”
• Total weight: 10 lbs.
• 2500 Watts continuous output with 5000 Watts peak
• Two type-2 3-prong power outlets
• Aluminum casing
• LED display for alerting in case of danger

Pros

• Excellent heat dissipation characteristics
• Quiet operation
• Screen to monitor important battery parameters
• Comes with a suite of safety features
• Pre-cut holes for easy installation
• One year manufacturer warranty and tech support

Cons

• Does not offer USB ports
• Battery connection cables not included
• On the expensive side

5. Schumacher PC-3000 DC to AC Power Inverter

Any conversation even remotely related to electrical equipment would be incomplete without any product from Schumacher. The PC3000 DC to AC power inverter stands true to the brand’s impeccable reputation and the high-quality standards we have seen in the past. It offers 3000 Watts continuous power and a colossal 6000 Watts peak power for short durations. It draws 12V DC power from your semi truck’s battery and provides a reliable and steady supply of 120V AC energy for your needs. You get four power outlets and two USB ports to allow you to power up to six appliances at a time.

You get an LED indicator to notify you of power connections and two separate indicator units for Voltage and Wattage measurement in real-time. Schumacher’s power inverter will alert you if your car’s battery level falls below the minimum and protects you against surges and overheating. Moreover, the integrated high-speed cooling fan does a great job of keeping the internal temperature in check.

The Schumacher PC3000 is a true heavy-duty power inverter perfect for professional semi-truck drivers and frequent travelers. It offers enough power and additional capabilities required to power all appliances necessary for a short stint on the road.

Highlighted features

• Power inverter dimensions: 7.75” × 18.5” × 12.88”
• Total weight: 14.6 lbs.
• 3000 Watts continuous output with 6000 Watts peak
• Four NEMA 3-prong power outlets and two 2A USB ports
• Battery ring terminals and ground wire included
• LED indicator light and voltage & wattage measurements

Pros

• Built-in cooling fan for optimum cooling
• High-efficiency power inverter
• Offers plenty of power outlets
• High-quality & durable construction
• Suited for professional semi-truck drivers
• Can run TVs, laptops, pumps, and even electric chainsaws
• One year manufacturer warranty

Cons

• Remote control would have been a welcome addition

6. Krieger KR4000 Power Inverter

If you want even more power from your inverter, check out the Krieger KR4000. It continuously offers 4000 Watts of 120V AC power with the capability to put out 8000 Watts in peak situations. Such high output wattage in such a compact format results from the clever design and efficient packaging of various components, resulting in a power inverter that is portable and easy to store.

You get two standard American 110V power outlets and two 2.1A USB ports to charge your mobile, tablet, or any other electronic device. Next to the power outlets is an LCD screen to monitor all critical parameters such as battery level, output wattage, or input voltage. The LCD will also alert you of high/low voltage, overload, overheating, and short circuits.

The Krieger KR4000 power inverter comes with a built-in hardwire kit, inline fuse kit, 3′ battery connection wires, and wired remote control. All this, combined with the high power output and a host of safety features, make Krieger’s model one of the best power inverters for trucks.

Highlighted features

• Power inverter dimensions: 15.50” x 7.62” x 5.50”
• Total weight: 11.4 lbs.
• 4000 Watts continuous output with 8000 Watts peak
• Two standard American power outlets and two 2.1A USB ports
• 3’ battery cables, hardwire kit, fuse kit, and wired remote control included
• LCD for monitoring and alerting

Pros

• Aluminum heat sinks provide excellent heat dissipation
• Ultra-silent thermal cooling fans
• Wired remote comes in handy
• Solid construction with clever packaging
• Perfect for heavy-duty use
• Informative LCD with warning capability
• Three years manufacturer warranty

Cons

• Could have more power outlets
• On the expensive side

7. AIMS PWRINV8KW12V Power Inverter — Premium Pick

On the off chance that the previous model is not powerful enough for some of you, here’s the AIMS PWRINV8KW12V. It is an 8000 Watts continuous output power inverter with a peak output of 16000 Watts. Yes! You read that right. AIMS’ power inverter will draw power from your vehicle’s 12V battery and turn it into 120V of high-power goodness. With such a power output, you can use it to control pretty much anything from a laptop to a full-size fridge. You get four type-2 3-prong power outlets capable of handling up to 1500 Watts each. To utilize this power inverter’s full potential, you need to use the AC terminal block to hardwire appliances directly to the unit.

You get LED indicators for overload and over-temperature warnings and separate indicators to monitor battery parameters like voltage and current. You can even purchase a wired remote control for easy and quick access.

The AIMS Power PWRINV8KW12V is one of the best power inverters for semi-truck drivers who spend a significant amount of time on the road. It offers enough power for a wide range of applications, and its high-quality aluminum construction means it will last a long time.

Highlighted features

• Power inverter dimensions: 19.02”X 7.76”X 6.02”
• Total weight: 19.8 lbs.
• 8000 Watts continuous output with 16000 Watts peak
• Four type-2 3-prong power outlets
• Aluminum outer casing
• LED indicators for overload and over-temperature

Pros

• Mammoth power output
• Monitors battery voltage and current
• Comes with several safety features
• Separate terminal block for heavy-duty applications
• Internal fuse protection
• One year warranty with free tech support

Cons

• No connection cables included
• Wired remote needs to be purchased separately
• Costs more than other models
• No USB ports included

How to Choose the Best Power Inverters for Trucks

Output wattage

In simple terms, the output wattage of any power inverter means the amount of electrical power it can produce. It also dictates the types of appliances it can power. For example, a low Watt power inverter will only be capable of low-intensity applications such as charging mobiles and tablets. At the same time, a high-output model can be used for so much more, like powering a fridge, a TV, power tools, etc.

To decide the correct output wattage for your needs, simply make a list of all the appliances you plan on using simultaneously through the inverter, along with their respective running wattage. Tally them all and pick a power inverter with a continuous wattage of at least 20% to 30% more. The additional capacity will serve as a buffer zone and help prevent overworking the power inverter.

Surge rating

Eagle-eyed readers may have noticed that manufacturers specify two kinds of wattage ratings for each power inverter. One is continuous output, while the other is termed peak or surge output. The peak output value is always much higher than the former as it refers to the amount of electrical power that can be supplied by the power inverter for a short duration. Peak power aims to fulfill any sudden but short spike of any appliance, so as to not damage anything.

Number of outlets

For obvious reasons, using an extension cord or a spike guard with your power inverter is a bad idea. So, you are entirely dependent on the number of power outlets you get for all your power needs. In a way, the number of power outlets you get dictates the number of appliances you can connect to the inverter. Most low to mid-range power inverters offer two or three 3-prong outlets and a couple of USB ports, while some heavy-duty models sometimes provide as many as four outlets. Pick a power inverter with sufficient outlets and USB ports for your needs.

Cooling properties

When using high-power electric devices like these, it is important to buy those with good heat dissipation characteristics. Also, make sure you place your power inverter in a spot with good ventilation and open space for the cooling fan.

Verdict

All things considered, there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to choosing the best power inverter for trucks. Instead, you must pick a power inverter that will fit right for you by carefully evaluating your requirements.

Those who need one for light or occasional use should go for low output models like the Duracell DRINV400TG to get a decent yet affordable power inverter. On the flip side, you get plenty of choices to pick the correct power output as the list contains options to cover nearly all needs from as low as 2000 Watts all the way up to 8000 Watts.