power inverter problem???

[bears4x4]

im trying to install a power inverter 1200w 3000 surge in my 00 f350, i have run two 2ga wires from the battery to the cab below my stereo and have hooked it up to the inverter, when i test the cable for power with and with out the truck on it reads 13.bla bla bla volts, when i turn the inverter on the voltage that being pulled through goes down to 9.bla bla bla volts , what can cause this any ideas and opinions to help me out, thanks

 

[powerboatr]

is the truck running when it shows 9 volts input ?
and is there load on the inverter during this 9 volt episode?


start teh truck and see if the voltage goes up

what is your load ratings on the inverter?
12 vlts and dc amps under load etc

 

[DaveBen]

Resistance causes voltage drops. Make sure you have clean connections where the cables are hooked to your power source. And to ground.

Dave

 

[Zookie400]

Resistance causes voltage drops. Make sure you have clean connections where the cables are hooked to your power source. And to ground.

Dave

my thoughts exactly...resistance (dirt, corrosion...) or a loose connection.
think of it as a kinked garden hose, it will have pressure until you spray it and it just trickles out.
your reading 13 volts, and when the inverter tries to pull a significant amount of amperage through the cables they cant keep up and the voltage
(pressure) drops.

 

[bears4x4]

hey

thanks im working on it again tomorrow, the truck can be running or not and it does the same thing and im going to change my inverter ground from a 10 ga to a 4 ga wire and make a better ground contact