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Technical Information on 12 Volt Power Inverters

See Comparison Chart

RoadTrucker provides you a comparison chart specifically made for 12 Volt Power Inverters that are available. This will help you choose what type of inverter you need the most. Technical information includes each inverter model and their corresponding power output, efficiency, and protection features (i.e over load, temperature, low/high voltage, etc.). Below is a short overview of the inverter brands followed by the comparison chart and PDF manuals for the inverter units.

Thor – Thor inverters provide you with AC electricity to meet your mobile power needs. Thor gives you efficient and dependable units that come in numerous sizes and power ranges suit your power demands. Lightweight and compact models are designed for smaller AC equipment or gadgets such as cellular phones, laptops, PDA′s, and more. Higher powered models are also available for larger vehicles such as utility and work trucks, RVs, boats, and renewable energy applications.

PowerDrive – Inverter units from PowerDrive are considered as a high performance solution to use household power while on the road. PowerDrive will give you reliable service providing AC power for computers, TVs, stereos, and other electronic equipment. PowerDrive recommends that you carefully read and follow the guidelines in the manual; and give special attention to the CAUTION and WARNING statements. For safe and excellent performance the inverter must be installed and used properly.

Cobra – Cobra Electronics′ extensive power inverter line offers convenient and safe power solutions for several situations. Cobra offers power inverters for everything including: mobile phone chargers, household appliances, mp3 players, laptops, TV sets, video games and more. See the Cobra Power Inverters comparison chart below to help you decide which model to use.







Power Inverters Comparison Chart

Matching Smaller Appliances to Inverters that plugin to Cigarette Lighters

AppliancesWattsMinimum Wattage of Inverters
Video Game System20 W80 Watts - 400 Watts
Laptop Computer Charger25 W80 Watts - 400 Watts
Cellular Phone Charger25 W80 Watts - 400 Watts
Camcorder Charger25 W80 Watts - 400 Watts
7.2V Cordless Drill Charger25 W80 Watts - 400 Watts
12" Black and White TV30 W80 Watts - 400 Watts
Video Cassette Recorder (VCR)30 W80 Watts - 400 Watts
Cordless Saw Charger35 W80 Watts - 400 Watts
Hot Melt Glue Gun40 W80 Watts - 400 Watts
Inkjet/Bubble jet Printer40 W80 Watts - 400 Watts
Laptop Computer50 W80 Watts - 400 Watts
Mini CD Changer System50 W80 Watts - 400 Watts
13" Color TV80 W100 Watts - 400 Watts
Cell Phones100 W125 Watts - 400 Watts
MP3 Player100 W125 Watts - 400 Watts
GPS100 W125 Watts - 400 Watts
Portable DVD Player100 W125 Watts - 400 Watts
Can Opener100 W125 Watts - 400 Watts
Electric Knife100 W125 Watts - 400 Watts
Fax Machine120 W150 Watts - 400 Watts
14" Color Monitor125 W150 Watts - 400 Watts
Game Console125 W150 Watts - 400 Watts
Camcorder140 W150 Watts - 400 Watts
Laptop Computer150 W200 Watts - 400 Watts
19" Color TV160 W200 Watts - 400 Watts
Radio160 W200 Watts - 400 Watts
Finishing Sander190 W225 Watts - 400 Watts
25" Color TV220 W275 Watts - 400 Watts
Recharger-battery Power Tools225 W300 Watts - 400 Watts
13" Color TV/VCR Combo230 W300 Watts - 400 Watts
2 Amp Stereo Amplifier240 W300 Watts - 400 Watts
12" 3-Speed Fan250 W375 Watts - 400 Watts
Mixer/Blender300 W375 Watts - 400 Watts
Soldering Gun300 W375 Watts - 400 Watts
LCD Television300 W375 Watts - 400 Watts

Note: Modified Sine Wave Inverters generates more heat and also inductive load will draw much higher current in the beginning of the cycle when they are turned on. RoadTrucker recommends sizing your inverter at least 125 % to 150% of your load.







Matching Larger Appliances to Inverters

AppliancesWattsMinimum Wattage of Inverters
1/4" Drill300 W450 Watts - 3000 Watts
Mixer/Blender350 W500 Watts - 3000 Watts
6" Bench Grinder400 W550 Watts - 3000 Watts
Sewer Camera & Lights400 W550 Watts - 3000 Watts
790 F Heat Gun400 W550 Watts - 3000 Watts
Food Processor400 W600 Watts - 3000 Watts
Portable Vacuum550 W825 Watts - 3000 Watts
Mini-Refrigerator600 W900 Watts - 3000 Watts
Computer Desktop600 W900 Watts - 3000 Watts
3/8" Reversible Drill700 W1050 Watts - 3000 Watts
Hand Drill / Jigsaw750 W1050 Watts - 3000 Watts
Fax Machines750 W1050 Watts - 3000 Watts
Laser Printer800 W1000 Watts - 3000 Watts
Shop Vacuum800 W1000 Watts - 3000 Watts
Pump Motor800 W1000 Watts - 3000 Watts
1/6 HP Submersible Sump Pump880 W1350 Watts - 3000 Watts
Wet/Dry Vacuum900 W1350 Watts - 3000 Watts
10 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum900 W1350 Watts - 3000 Watts
1/4 HP Submersible Sump Pump925 W1400 Watts - 3000 Watts
6" Circular Saw950 W1180 Watts - 3000 Watts
Toaster Oven1000 W1250 Watts - 3000 Watts
Coffee Maker1000 W1250 Watts - 3000 Watts
Microwave Oven1000 W1250 Watts - 3000 Watts
Router1000 W1250 Watts - 3000 Watts
1200 F Heat Gun1000 W1250 Watts - 3000 Watts
Air Compressor 1/2 HP1000 W1250 Watts - 3000 Watts
Key Cutter1000 W1250 Watts - 3000 Watts
High Pressure washer 1 HP1000 W1250 Watts - 3000 Watts
1/3 HP Submersible Sump Pump1050 W1575 Watts - 3000 Watts
Microwave1100 W1700 Watts - 3000 Watts
Disk Sander1200 W1750 Watts - 3000 Watts
14" Chain Saw1200 W1800 Watts - 3000 Watts
Hammer drill1350 W1800 Watts - 3000 Watts
1/2 HP Submersible Sump Pump1400 W2100 Watts - 3000 Watts
Coffee Maker1500 W1875 Watts - 3000 Watts
Space Heater1500 W1875 Watts - 3000 Watts
Bench Grinder 8"1500 W1875 Watts - 3000 Watts
Impact Drill 1/2"1500 W1875 Watts - 3000 Watts
Air Compressor 3/4 HP"1500 W1875 Watts - 3000 Watts
Refrigerator1800 W2700 Watts - 3000 Watts
Cloth Dryer1800 W2700 Watts - 3000 Watts
Air Compressor 1 HP2000 W2700 Watts - 3000 Watts
Well Pump2700 W2700 Watts - 3000 Watts
Water Heater4500 W5000 Watts


To determine required wattage for a device. Look up required Amps a device is rated. This Amperage is found on device I.D. tag in back of unit. Multiply Amps X Volts = Watts

Note: Modified Sine Wave Inverters generates more heat and also inductive load will draw much higher current in the beginning of the cycle when they are turned on. RoadTrucker recommends sizing your inverter at least 125 % to 150% of your load.

PowerDrive Power Inverters

FeaturesRPPD100RPPD100DRPPD150RPPD300RPPD750RPPD1000RPPD1500RPPD2000
Continuous AC Power Output100 Watts100 Watts150 Watts300/150 Watts750 Watts1000 Watts1500 Watts2000 Watts
Maximum AC Power Output (Surge)175 Watts175 Watts180 Watts600/150 Watts1500 Watts2000 Watts3000 Watts4000 Watts
Efficiency (Maximum)87%87%87%87%87%87%87%87%
USB Output5 Volts DC5 Volts DC5 Volts DC5 Volts DC5 Volts DC5 Volts DC5 Volts DC5 Volts DC
Battery Drain with No AC Load0.50 Amps0.50 Amps0.50 Amps0.50 Amps0.50 Amps0.50 Amps0.50 Amps0.50 Amps
Operating AC Voltage (Normal)105~125-Volts AC105~125-Volts AC105~125-Volts AC105~125-Volts AC105~125-Volts AC105~125-Volts AC105~125-Volts AC105~125-Volts AC
DC Input Voltage10~15-Volts DC10~15-Volts DC10~15-Volts DC10~15-Volts DC10~15-Volts DC10~15-Volts DC10~15-Volts DC10~15-Volts DC
Plugs in to Cigarette LighterYESYESYESYESNONONONO
AC Output Frequency60Hz ±2Hz60Hz ±2Hz60Hz ±2Hz60Hz ±2Hz60Hz ±2Hz60Hz ±2Hz60Hz ±2Hz60Hz ±2Hz
Ambient Operating Temperature Range14°F (-10°C) ~ 104°F (40°C)14°F (-10°C) ~ 104°F (40°C)14°F (-10°C) ~ 104°F (40°C)14°F (-10°C) ~ 104°F (40°C)14°F (-10°C) ~ 104°F (40°C)14°F (-10°C) ~ 104°F (40°C)14°F (-10°C) ~ 104°F (40°C)14°F (-10°C) ~ 104°F (40°C)
Low Battery Shut Down Point10.5 ±0.3-Volts DC10.5 ±0.3-Volts DC10.5 ±0.3-Volts DC10.5 ±0.3-Volts DC11 ±0.3-Volts DC10.5 ±0.3-Volts DC10.5 ±0.3-Volts DC10.5 ±0.3-Volts DC
High Voltage Shut Down Point15.5 ±0.5-Volts DC15.5 ±0.5-Volts DC15.5 ±0.5-Volts DC15.5 ±0.5-Volts DC15.5 ±0.5-Volts DC15.5 ±0.5-Volts DC15.5 ±0.5-Volts DC15.5 ±0.5-Volts DC






Cobra Power Inverters

FeaturesCPI200CHCPI490CPI880CPI1000CPI1575CPI2575
Continuous output power (1 hour)200W400W800W1000W1500W2500W
Surge rating (0.1 second)400W800W1600W2000W3000W5000W
Peak efficiency (12V – 1⁄2 load)90%> 88%> 88%> 88%> 88%> 88%
Efficiency (full load, 12V)> 78%> 83%> 83%> 83%> 83%> 83%
No load current draw< 0.45 A (12.6V)< 0.5A (12.6V)< 0.5A (12.6V)< 0.6A (12.6V)< 0.6A (12.6V)< 0.6A (12.6V)
Output waveform (resistive load)Perfect modified sine waveModified sine waveModified sine waveModified sine waveModified sine waveModified sine wave
Output frequency60Hz ± 2Hz58HZ – 62HZ58HZ – 62HZ58HZ – 62HZ58HZ – 62HZ58HZ – 62HZ
Output voltage115V +/- 10%109V – 120V109V – 120V109V – 120V109V – 120V109V – 120V
USB output5V5V5V5V5V5V
Input voltage12.8 - 13.2 VDC10.4VDC – 14.4VDC10.4VDC – 14.4VDC10.4VDC – 14.4VDC10.4VDC – 14.4VDC10.4VDC – 14.4VDC
Plugs in to Cigarette LighterYESYESNONONONO
Alarm voltage (unload)-10.2V – 10.8V10.2V – 10.8V10.2V – 10.8V10.2V – 10.8V10.2V – 10.8V
Shutdown voltage (unload)′10.0V ±0.3V9.2V – 9.8V9.2V – 9.8V9.2V – 9.8V9.2V – 9.8V9.2V – 9.8V
Operating temperature range′-10° C + 40° C0°C – 40°C (32°F – 104°F)0°C – 40°C (32°F – 104°F)0°C – 40°C (32°F – 104°F)0°C – 40°C (32°F – 104°F)0°C – 40°C (32°F – 104°F)
Storage temperature range′-40° C to 85° C′-40°C – 85°C (-40°F – 185°F)′-40°C – 85°C (-40°F – 185°F)′-40°C – 85°C (-40°F – 185°F)′-40°C – 85°C (-40°F – 185°F)40°C – 85°C (-40°F – 185°F)
Overload ProtectionYesYesYesYesYesYes
Short-Circuit ProtectionYesYesYesYesYesYes
Overtemp ProtectionYesYesYesYesYesYes
Reverse Polarity ProtectionYesYesYesYesYesYes
Under/Over Voltage ProtectionYesYesYesYesYesYes






Thor Modified Sine Wave Power Inverter

FeaturesTH200-PPITH225TH400TH750TH1000TH1500TH2000TH3000
Continuous Output Power200 Watt225 Watt400 Watt750 Watt1000W1500W2000W3000W
Peak Output Power400 Watt450 Watt800 Watt1500 Watt2000W3000W4000W6000W
No load current (DC input static current)≤0.6 A≤0.6 A≤0.6 A≤0.6 A<1 Amp<1 Amp<1 Amp<1 Amp
DC input over load current14-28 Amp---100-160Amp145-175Amp200-320Amp260-330Amp
Input voltage range10-16 +/-.5---11 - 16.0V11 - 16.0V11 - 16.0V11 - 16.0V
Plugs in to Cigarette LighterYESYES**YES**NONONONONO
High voltage cut-off level---->16.0 V ± 0.5V>16.0 V ± 0.5V>16.0 V ± 0.5V>16.0 V ± 0.5V
Low voltage alarm-< 10.7 volts DC< 10.7 volts DC< 10.7 volts DC10V-11V10V-11V10V-11V10V-11V
Low voltage cut-off level----9.5-10.5V9.5-10.5V9.5-10.5V9.5-10.5V
AC voltage-115 V115 V115 V115V+-10%115V+-10%115V+-10%115V+-10%
Output frequency level60 Hz ± 3Hz60 Hz60 Hz60 Hz60±3Hz60±3Hz60±3Hz60±3Hz
Over load power range+ 5% Of Rated Output Power ---1000W+5%-25%1500W+5%-25%2000W+5%-25%3000W+5%-25%
Temperature protectionYES (LOAD Controlled > 25Watts / Temperature Controlled >45°C )---≤65 oC≤65 oC≤65 oC≤65 oC
Full load efficiency85-90%≥85%≥85%≥85%≥85%≥85%≥85%≥85%
AC output short circuit protection----system shut down (no damage)system shut down (no damage)system shut down (no damage)system shut down (no damage)
Fan Run----≥45 oC≥45 oC≥45 oC≥45 oC
LED indicate----normal: Green fault: Rednormal: Green fault: Rednormal: Green fault: Rednormal: Green fault: Red
USB port outputOne 5V ± 5%, 2.1mA / One 5V ± 5%, 1A500mA500mA500mA5V ±5%, 500mA5V ±5%, 500mA5V ±5%, 500mA5V ±5%, 500mA
FUSE-25A*1pcs25 Amp x 230A*3pcs35A×4PCS30A×6PCS35A×8PCS40A×8PCS
Unit dimension (L*W*H)4.5" * 6.0" * 2" 5.5" * 4.95" * 2.40"6.0" * 6.0" * 2.35"10.5" * 6.0" * 2.12"7.16*7.67*3.34"9.1*7.67*3.34"13.77*7.67*3.34"17.32*7.67*3.34"
Unit weight (Net)1.6 lbs.1.3lbs1.8lbs3.10lbs5.3lbs6.9lbs9.6lbs12.2lbs
Output Current-2.0 Amps3.6 Amps6.5 Amps8.7 Amps13.0 Amps17.4 Amps26.1 Amps
Rated Input Voltage12 V12.8 V12.8 V12.8 V11 to 15 VDC11 to 15 VDC11 to 15 VDC11 to 15 VDC
Maximum Efficiency-Appr./ Aprox. 87%Appr./ Aprox. 87%Appr./ Aprox. 87%Appr./ Aprox. 87%Appr./ Aprox. 87%Appr./ Aprox. 87%Appr./ Aprox. 87%
Over Voltage Shutdown-16.0 ± 0.5 VDC16.0 ± 0.5 VDC16.0 ± 0.5 VDC15.5 0.5 VDC15.5 0.5 VDC15.5 0.5 VDC15.5 0.5 VDC
Low Voltage Shutdown-10.2 ± 0.5 VDC10.2 ± 0.5 VDC10.2 ± 0.5 VDC9.5 -10.5 VDC10.2 0.5 VDC9.5 -10.5 VDC9.5 -10.5 VDC
Outlets21222222

** Comes with both 12 Volt Lighter Connector and Alligator clips for battery

Note: Modified Sine Wave Inverters generates more heat and also inductive load will draw much higher current in the beginning of the cycle when they are turned on. RoadTrucker recommends sizing your inverter at least 125 % to 150% of your load.







Thor Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter

FeaturesTHPS300THPS600THPS1000THPS2000THPS3000
Continuous Output Power300 Watt600 Watt1000W2000W3000W
Peak Output Power450 Watt850 Watt2000W4000W6000W
No load current (DC input static current)0.26 Amps0.87 Amps1.43 Amp2.8 Amp-
Input voltage range10.5 – 15.0 V-12.0V12.0V12.0V
Plugs in to Cigarette LighterNONONONONO
Low voltage alarm--11V11V11V
Low voltage cut-off level--10.5V10.5V10.5V
Output AC voltage--115V115V115V
Output frequency level50/60Hz±0.3%-50/60±3Hz50/60±3Hz50/60±3Hz
Temperature protection--≥45 oC≥45 oC≥45 oC
Full load efficiency87%87%Approx 89%Approx 89%Approx 89%
AC output short circuit protection--system shut down (no damage)system shut down (no damage)system shut down (no damage)
LED indicate--input level, low level, statusinput level, low level, statusinput level, low level, status
Unit dimension (L*W*H)9.33" * 6.10" * 2.83"11.61" * 7.09" * 2.83"13.39*7.17*3.46"14.49*8.23*6.53"14.49*8.23*6.53"
Unit weight (Net)8 lbs.5.4 lbs.8.8 lbs.19.8 lbs.19.8 lbs.
Output Current2.0 Amps3.6 Amps---
Rated Input Voltage12 V12 V12 V12 V12 V
Maximum EfficiencyAppr./ Aprox. 89%Appr./ Aprox. 89%---
Over Voltage Shutdown16.0 ± 0.5 VDC16.0 ± 0.5 VDC15V +/- 0.5V15V +/- 0.5V15V +/- 0.5V
North American Standard Outlets22222
Standby Current Draw (Max)--.25 Amp.60 Amp.55 Amp
Over Load ProtectionYesYesYesYesYes
Optional RemoteYes-YesYesYes
Cooling FanYes-YesYesYes
Warranty2 Years2 Years2 Years2 Years2 Years
Operating Temperature0-40 C0-40 C---


Power Inverter Manuals


CPI200CH Manual Cobra Inverter 
 Cobra Inverter CPI200CH Manual

CPI480 Manual Cobra Inverter  
 Cobra Inverter CPI480 Manual

CPI880 Manual Cobra Inverter  
 Cobra Inverter CPI880 Manual

CPI1000 Manual Cobra Inverter  
 Cobra Inverter CPI1000 Manual

CPI1575 Manual Cobra Inverter  
 Cobra Inverter CPI1575 Manual

CPI2575 Manual Cobra Inverter  
 Cobra Inverter CPI2575 Manual

Owners Guide PowerDrive RPPD100D  
 PowerDrive RPPD100D Owners Guide

Owners Guide PowerDrive RPPD100  
 PowerDrive RPPD100 Owners Guide

Owners Guide PowerDrive RPPD150  
 PowerDrive RPPD150 Owners Guide

Owners Guide PowerDrive RPPD300  
 PowerDrive RPPD300 Owners Guide

Owners Guide PowerDrive RPPD750 
 PowerDrive RPPD750 Owners Guide

Owners Guide PowerDrive RPPD1000  
 PowerDrive RPPD1000 Owners Guide
Owners Guide PowerDrive RPPD1500  
 PowerDrive RPPD1500 Owners Guide

Owners Guide PowerDrive RPPD2000  
 PowerDrive RPPD2000 Owners Guide

Manual Thor TH225, TH400, TH750  
 Thor TH225, TH400, TH750 Manual

Specifications Thor TH225, TH400, TH750  
 Thor TH225, TH400, TH750 Specifications

Manual Thor TH1000, TH2000, TH3000  
 Thor TH1000, TH2000, TH3000 Manual

Specifications Thor TH1000, TH1500, TH2000, TH3000  
 Thor TH1000, TH1500, TH2000, TH3000 Specifications

Specifications Thor THPS300, THPS600  
 Thor THPS300, THPS600 Specifications

Specifications Thor THPS1000, THPS2000, THPS3000  
 Thor THPS1000, THPS2000, THPS3000 Specifications

User Manual See Thor THR6  
 Thor THR6 Manual

User Manual See Thor THR8   
 Thor THR8 Manual

Smart Battery Isolator See Thor THAI-85, THAI-200  
 Thor THAI-85, THAI-200 Smart Battery Isolator

Manual See Thor TH001  
 Thor TH001 Manual