• John_McMurray@lemmy.world
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    8 months ago

    Just wire the inverter to your car battery and run the engine. Hard on gas compared to a 3500 watt generator, but you already have the car, inverters a few hundred bucks, and the genny would be at least 2500 dollars

    • cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.de
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      8 months ago

      An alternator can’t output full power when the engine is idling. You may only get a few hundred watts before the battery starts draining. You can get a generator that will produce much more power than a typical car alternator for under $400.

      • John_McMurray@lemmy.world
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        8 months ago

        You’re speaking like an alternator is a generator, and doesn’t come in various outputs. Your average larger vehicle can charge itself from near-dead at idle or run a 3500 watt inverter, although I have had the odd small car or motorcycle incapable of either.