Anyone know how many watts it is rated for?
Cruz'n
I was excited when I learned the Santa Cruz offers a 115 volt AC outlet in the truck bed, at least in some trim packages; but, disappointed when I learned the total available wattage. I thought about using a circular saw from the bed of the vehicle. When I think back over the last 50 years, I needed to do that twice, and both times a standard outlet in a building was close at hand. (I do not go to games, and I do not tailgate.)
I have a separate 400 Watt inverter I can plug into the cigarette lighter. It has two 115 volt receptacles like a wall outlet. The fan is a little noisy, but its output is more than double the truck bed outlet. So far, I have not used it with this vehicle.
An advertisement popped up on Facebook for a 4000 Watt inverter (12 volts input/115 volts output). I think you are supposed to have the engine running when you use it. But, 4000 Watts produces almost 35 Amperes. That is probably a peak output rather than a continuous output. But, that is enough to run a 115 volt flux core welder. The price on that inverter was $450. I do not know what size of wires are recommended on the 12 volt side, but it is probably more than comes from the Hyundai factory. When I went to look for it again, I found a number of 4000 Watt inverters available. The inverter I saw was from Renogy, but I cannot find it on their web page.
Correct. But, in all of this people only need to look at the label on their electrically powered device for the Wattage rating and make certain it is below 150 Watts before plugging into the bed outlet. Usually, no one needs to remember that volts multiplied by Amps. equals Watts. It is one of those things like verifying a checkbook balance before writing a check.
A new Ford F-150 can supply 400 Watts at 115 volts on an inverter. That is less than 4 Amps. It is still not much. You might be able to brew a cup of coffee, maybe. There is also a generator system that requires the vehicle engine to run. It can put out a bit over 16 Amps. There is a larger generator system that can put out about 20 Amps. Those are for purchase options.
I saw or heard somewhere the outlet is rated at 180 Watts. Since I have seen that it is more like 150 Watts. At 115 volts, 150 Watts gives you 1.3 Amps. No power tool draws that little current.
I have needed to cut up a sheet of plywood from a truck bed twice in the last 45 years. Both times I was near to a standard outlet in a home or garage and used an extension cord.
I have a separate 400 Watt inverter I bought several years ago and keep it in my SEL in case I need it.
There are alternatives to heating food by drawing electrical power from the vehicle battery. If you are tailgating, the vehicle is likely parked. How about supporting the stoneware liner from the crockpot over a can or two of sterno? Once it was popular among some to wrap food in foil or a suitable container and use engine heat while driving for cooking or warming food. Cookbooks for such things are even available. One is called Maniford Destiny.
From what little I have read, inverters are made to protect themselves and stop functioning until the overload is removed. I have not overloaded one, though.
The 115 volt outlet on the Santa Cruz has an output of about 1.5 Amps., if I remember correctly. That is not enough to brew a cup of coffee, let alone run a crockpot. It will light three 60 Watt light bulbs. That is all. If you are asking, “Why, then, is it offered?” you are not the only one asking that question.
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