I'm looking for a new 12v inverter to install in the trunk of my Honda Ridgeline. As well as possibly a smaller one to install under the passenger seat. I know I could install an outlet from the rear inverter, but I'd rather have 2.

I've mainly used the inverter for recharging my Milwaukee batteries. I have the Contractor Mulri Charger for both 12v and 18v.

I want pure sine wave as I don't know what I may want to power.

I've been happy with a 400 watt unit, but if I'm going to the trouble of hard wiring something I might as well go bigger. I'm using a yellow optima now and have no problems adding a second battery and upgrading the charging system. However, I have a Honda EU2000i that way more efficient. So, I don't know how big I should go.

Any suggestions or favorite brands/models of inverters?

For light duty stuff, I use a Xantrex ProWatt 600.  Its been a good unit.  It struggles with heavy inductive loads because the low-voltage shutdown is very quick to respond.  I use a cheap 700 watt MSW for angle grinders and non-critical loads.



For big loads, I have an older (non Chinese junk) Xantrex Pro-Sine 2.0.  Its a great unit with 4500 surge capacity and is great at starting heavy inductive loads like my air compressor.


Since Xantrex's quality has gone down in recent years, I would pick an Outback inverter these days for big inverters.