A/C converter rating, use ?

[Eric]

Hello, guys
Beyond the basic tools to bring on the trip.
I plan on bring a battery powered impact, a drill, and 3/8 drive. What sized/rating a/c current converter would be needed to charge the batteries, on the road, in case we use the tools or stop to help others that might need to use them.
I mean, we've all seen the music amps that rating are subject at best. or the rating is peak short burst use. Is the a/c converter ratings reality or wishful thinking?
I don't want to buy one that is under powered and cook it or start a fire, but at the same time I don't want to buy one that light up a city block not needing to spend that type money either.
We, Most likely won't be in a hotel room at night to use that to charge them back up as needed.
Might be ruffing it under the stars.
Your hotel rates around the tour stops are nuts.

[cstmwgn]

Eric, I am not very worldly so I don't know if your battery powered tools use chargers that are the same as the ones here in the states. On my chargers (Bosch, DeWalt and Ryobi) they listed either watts or amps for input (all seem to be 120v 60hz). So I would think if you checked your chargers to see what they want, you should be able to size a converter to meet those needs.

[a_d_a_m]

Your hotel rates around the tour stops are nuts.

Check often as rates and availability change.
Rates as of 7:30am today:
June 7: Motel 6 in Milan (4 miles from the venue) $70 https://www.hotels.com/ho457900/?q-c...=1&ZSX=0&SYE=3
June 8: Super 8 in Vandalia (10 miles) $54 https://www.hotels.com/ho195416/?q-c...=1&ZSX=0&SYE=3
June 9: Days Inn South Indy (5 miles): $51 https://www.hotels.com/ho454974/?q-c...=1&ZSX=0&SYE=3
June 10: Days Inn St. Louis North (18 miles): $49 https://www.hotels.com/ho114285/?q-c...=1&ZSX=0&SYE=3
June 11: Super 8 Rantoul (17 miles): $58 https://www.hotels.com/ho204098/?q-c...=1&ZSX=0&SYE=3
June 12: Woodspring Suites Davenport (7 miles): $79 https://www.hotels.com/ho1055193760/...=1&ZSX=0&SYE=3
June 13: Econo Lodge Madison (9 miles): $64 https://www.hotels.com/ho121510/?q-c...=1&ZSX=0&SYE=3

Average nightly price not including taxes: about $61
Average drive from venue to hotel: about 10 miles

Not terribly expensive at all, if you ask me. Then again, I don't know what rates are like in Brazil.

((by the way - I double-checked my math and scheduling on these links, but I had a late night last night and am spending this morning at work...so someone may wanna quadruple-check these stats...annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd pass the coffee.))

[Eric]

Eric, I am not very worldly so I don't know if your battery powered tools use chargers that are the same as the ones here in the states. On my chargers (Bosch, DeWalt and Ryobi) they listed either watts or amps for input (all seem to be 120v 60hz). So I would think if you checked your chargers to see what they want, you should be able to size a converter to meet those needs.

The tools, will be a friends, and Usa sold gear/tools. Along with the vehicle.
If we had to ship or drive a vehicle from here to there to start the event we'd never be able to try it. The amount of time off would be a no-go.
We were going to do a roadkill type thing, buy a vehicle, and fly in, and taxi to it, then drive away, but Were talked out of that, and offered the use of a vehicle, So we'll be doing that, All That is in the way a.t.m. is the ok's for the time off.

[Captain]

Just a "Something Else That Can Go South....."
Power in, (Supply) has to Exceed Power Out, (Demand). So check your alternator "Constant" output, Not peak/max. Or you may be needing to replace the alternator, need less find one in Area BFE, as they NEVER crap out in front of a Auto Supply Store.

Just Saying........

[Red_Kitty]

Hi Eric

Looking at my Milwaukee Tools 12v and 18v battery charger it says input is 120v 2.1A and output is 12-18v at 3A. The input number looks excessive based on the output (250W in, 54W out is very inefficient!) but that would need probably a 300W inverter to run it if true.

Bear in mind that cigar lighter power points are typically rated and fused for 10A (120W) in newer vehicles and probably no more than 20A (240W) in older vehicles, so an inverter will probably need to be wired directly to the battery for more than 20A (240W) feed.

I have a Stanley-branded 500W (120v 4.1A) inverter that tends to overhead and shut down (thermal protection) if too much power is drawn from it, but giving it better airflow will help. This will give 120W off a cigar lighter which is enough for running a laptop in the car on road trips, and for lights and so on when camping. It was about $50.

In summary, a 300-500W inverter should be sufficient for running a tool battery charger, and will cost you about $50.

[59brook]

while comparing work vehicles I had a similar question as the new chevys come with a 110 outlet on the dash and on the fords it is an incredibly rare find. my chevy can charge my cordless or phones but I wouldn't count on running any tools of it. The recommendation for the ford to run my tools was about $400 just for the inverter. I might suggest something like a Schumacher battery charger/jumper/light/air compressor/4 usb ports /2 110 outlets. it ran about $100 from home depot and would offer more options and it's not that big