So I have a 2007 Chevy express 3500 6.0L and I have a fairly new (about a year old) 145 amp alternator. I'm thinking of wiring a 600 watt inverter in to it. I won't be maxing it out frequently, but is this way too much for my alternator to keep up with? Should I go for something much smaller like 300 watts? I don't want it to just keep up either, I want it to last and am trying to find a middle ground on inverters. Any help would be awesome. Thanks!

PS. Id like to get a reliable GCWR and tow capacity for my van. Again, 2007 Express 3500 passenger extended cargo. Thank you!

 

So, the rating (in watts) of an inverter is output, and is a reference for what you can run at 120v AC. What is it you're looking to power? And is there an rating in amps on the input(12v)?

 

600 watts is basically 10 60 watt light bulbs. 145 amp (dc) alternator is more than ample to supply your inverter.

 

You need 10 amps dc to create 100 watts of ac power or something. So you need 60 amps 12 dc to power that inverter at 600 watts of 120 volts ac power.
So you need to wire with heavy enough wire for at least 80 amps....to be safe.
A 60 amp load is a significant draw...., so you will notice it....lol

 

You might be able to lower the amps by running a rechargeable item and using your invertor to power the charging unit. Example would be a 20V electric drill. ( or maybe that’s your plan ).

SD

 

You might be able to lower the amps by running a rechargeable item and using your invertor to power the charging unit. Example would be a 20V electric drill. ( or maybe that’s your plan ).

SD

 

And yes, you can get a Makita 18 V lithium ion cordless coffe maker. Gotta get one. Maybe this is the next option for pickups. LOL.

SD

 

An inverter and towing capacity are quite not related to each other.
If you need that much reserve power, you may consider installing a 2nd (deep cycle) battery on the left frame rail, just copy the Duramax van set up.
Inverter can be easily wired to the positive terminal under the driver's seat, so no need to make the engine compartment look unsightly and no need routing the wire through the firewall and dash.

As for the towing capacity, most likely your passenger model doesn't have a transmission cooler, and that is what most recommended. How far and what weight are you going to be towing?

 

From an online owners manual.
If you have the 6 litre.
axle 373. max trailer is 7400 lbs 14000 lb gcvw
axle 410 max trailer is 9400 lbs 16000 lb gcvw
If you have duramax.....
axle 373 max trailer is 10000 lbs and 17000 gcvw.


Remember this part......
*The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle
and trailer including any passengers, cargo equipment and conversion. The GCWR for your vehicle should
not be exceeded.
G3500

If your van has the factory trailer towing package it will have the tranny cooler, but if it doesn't it may not. Its easy to spot down in front of the bottom of the radiator.
If you don't have one.....have one installed. They are not that $$

 

http://www.americar.fi/UserFiles/Fil...ress%20Van.pdf