XSCargo deals

[markopolo]

I bought a 500 watt portable inverter from XSCargo for $30. It has a USB port for charging USB devices and a 12v outlet. Best of all it comes with a carrying case.



I also bought a Xantrex AC to DC converter for $3.99
It is sold as an accessory for portable thermoelectric coolers/warmers. (the coolers you plug into your vehicles 12v outlet) You can now plug one of those in at home or on a powered campsite. It converts 110v house power to 12v DC power with 5 amps capacity. Basically, it allows you to power at home any automobile appliance or accessory (like a GPS) so long as the draw is 5 amps or less.

[Mike]

I just bought bought one of these Motomaster Eliminator 1000W Inverters on sale for 1/2 price,
$80+tax, regular $159+tax (at Canadian Tire, of course). No idea if it will work for me, but I couldn't
pass up the deal.

I only spotted it when I was in the store yesterday looking for info on anti-freeze.
The sale ends tomorrow Dec 30/2010, so if you're interested in something like this better hurry.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... ?locale=en
I have no idea as to the product quality, but I think Motomaster inverters and other power products
are manufactured by Xantrex. It says it's 1000 continuous, 1200 peak for 5 minutes, and 2500W surge
with a maximum input current of 125amps. I'm not sure if that's a problem, I have 2 AGMs which are
capable of providing more than that. It does have a phantom draw when OFF, so I'm wondering about
adding some sort of disconnect switch or fuse?
It looks easy enough to install, and now I can go back to just worrying about getting
a smart charger to replace the old dumb one.
The inverter/charger dream project is just that, a dream for now.

UPDATE: Just finished reading the installation manual and it cautions against using less that
2 awg cable for the DC connections and the cable length can't exceed 5'. There is no way I can
mount this thing in a usable spot inside the van, and still reach the batteries with a 5' cable, so back
it goes tomorrow. Oh well.

[Johnny R]

Originally Posted by Mike

the cable length can't exceed 5'. There is no way I can
mount this thing in a usable spot inside the van, and still reach the batteries with a 5' cable, so back
it goes tomorrow. Oh well.

Yeah, that's the problem with some great deals that are not really deals. But I love the CTC (and Princess Auto) flyers nevertheless!

[Mike]

Princess Auto is great, but they didn't have any inverters or chargers.
But they do have lots of other useful stuff.