For most truck drivers, life on the road can be demanding. Whether you’re a semi-truck driver that is on the road for days or weeks at a time, or just a pick up truck driver who essentially lives out of your truck, a power inverter is almost a necessity. Looking for the best power inverter for trucks and semi-trucks is a difficult thing to do, and in this article I will go over some of my favorite power inverters that I have used in my Chevy Silverado over my many years of driving.
I have worked numerous different jobs from construction manager, to outside salesmen, and often I have used my truck as a sort of base of operations. Having a power inverter that works well in my truck was something that I always needed and made my life on the road much easier. Please note that as an Amazon Affiliate we may earn commission from qualified purchases — thanks for your support!
Best Overall
BESTEK 2000W Power Inverter for Truck
Runner Up
AutoExec 2000 Watt Power Inverter for Truck
Budget Friendly
600W Modified sine Wave Power Inverter
Long hours behind the wheel can leave even the most dedicated driver longing for the comforts of home, and these days, this desire to make trucks more accommodating has led to a surge in the best power inverters for trucks. Using a power inverter, drivers can plug in all kinds of devices, from a laptop to a TV or microwave. However, finding the right inverter for your needs is crucial, since they are not all built the same. Today we’re going to look at the best power inverters for trucks to see what kind of solutions they offer and what they can do to make your life on the road easier. Of the ten power inverters on my list today I have personally used each of the top seven, and talked in depth with people who have used the other three.
Here at Powermurt, we do our absolute best to bring you actual user experience with all of the units that we review so that you know exactly what you’re getting when you purchase something that we have discussed. In this article we will go over the best power inverters for trucks and discuss the most crucial elements that you should be looking for when looking at a power inverter to buy for your truck.
Recommended 10 Best Power Inverters for Trucks Reviews
1. BESTEK 2000W Power Inverter for Truck
The number two power inverter on our Best Power Inverters Review, the Bestek 2000 watt power inverter comes in at our top overall spot for the best power inverter for trucks. When picking out the best power inverter for trucks, there are a few different elements to watch out for the most. First, you need to make sure that you can get enough power to operate all of your devices.
In this case, the Bestek 2000 can provide 2000 watts of continuous power, which is more than enough for many electronics. It also has 4600-watt peak power, which helps ensure that you don’t blow a fuse when plugging things in. Most electrical devices have a start up power that is double their continuous power needs, with this unit you will never have to worry about surpassing the Bestek’s surge power maximum. The second thing that you should consider is safety. I know first hand how dangerous power inverters can be, and a few models that I have used even caught fire after being used for too long. Although it is not the most exciting thing to talk about, if the power inverter we are talking about isn’t safe, we are doing you a disservice.
After using the Bestek 2000 for the past three years, its safety features are some of the things that I like most about this power inverter for trucks. First and foremost your devices are protected from surges, low-power mode, and from shorting out. With these features you can safely use this power inverter with any device without fear that it will get fried or damaged while plugged in. Secondly, this helps prevent the inverter from overheating from too much power which can be quite dangerous. Additionally, there is a self diagnosis system built into the Bestek power inverter which will detect any issues and sound an alarm. If you hear the alarm you can easily flip the power button to turn off your inverter and figure out what the issue is. This inverter also comes with six fuses to distribute the energy more evenly to reduce overall wear and tear.
Finally, it includes an 18-month warranty just in case something happens. This shows that Bestek is willing to stand by their products and know that it is build to last, something that not all companies will do. Finally, you should look at utility. Even if a power inverter supplies sufficient power, and is safe, if it does not work well there is not point in buying it. The Bestek 2000 has 3 AC outlets allowing you to power all the devices you need. Having more places to plug in allows you to avoid using adapters that can affect the power and performance of your inverter. With the Bestek Power Inverter, our number one pick for the best power inverters for trucks, you are guaranteed satisfaction. We would recommend this to anyone looking for a new power inverter for their truck.
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2. AutoExec 200 Watt Power Inverter for Truck
One of the reasons to install a power inverter in your truck or semi-truck is to make it easier to work on the go, and the AutoExec 200 watt power inverter for trucks is the absolute best possible option for the road office. When I worked as a traveling salesman back in the early 2000’s I made my own portable power inverter/desk for my truck and it was a complete disaster. Since then I have tried out numerous different models by AutoExec and can confidently say that this is far and away their best design. With enough power to charge your phone or computer, and power a portable printer, this is the perfect power inverter for truckers that need access to power and are constantly working on the road.
The AutoExec power inverter for trucks is designed as a mobile workstation that can keep you productive while on the road. Because this is a two-in-one product, the power inverter is nowhere near as powerful as other models we’ve seen, however, because computers and tablets (and smartphones) don’t use that much energy, it’s perfect for these items. Additionally with its 800 watts of surge power, you will be able to safely start and use slightly larger electrical devices like printers as well.
What I enjoy most about the AutoExec is that it is convenient and simple to use. Yes it may not have 2000 watt of power but for someone that works out of the truck alot that level of power often isn’t necessary. I tested this power inverter in my Silverado and it fit perfectly into the passenger seat and did not slide around which was a huge plus compared to other mobile workstations that we tested.
I used the power inverter to charge both my laptop and smartphone and had no issues, and also used it to power my portable printer which worked perfectly. While driving my files were kept organized and within reach, and my computer was secured on the desk with a simple strap and a very effective non-slip surface. The AutoExec also comes with two two USB ports so that you can charge something else in addition to your phone, like wireless headphones, or a portable battery, which is very convenient.
Overall this is not a very traditional power inverter for a truck but after using it a few times I thought that it was very deserving of our number two spot. While there are differences between the other power inverters in this article, this is more unique than any of them, and considering it’s excellent performance I would not feel comfortable omitting it from our list of the best power inverters for trucks. I would definitely recommend this power inverter, and believe it is a great choice for anyone who needs to work out of their truck on a regular basis.
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3. Giandel 2000-Watt Power Inverter for Truck
If you have read our Best Power Inverter for Semi Truck article, you will know that the Giandel 5000 watt power inverter is our number two overall choice. For semi-truck drivers, it is important that your power inverter has a high capacity so that you can power all the devices that you need, especially if you are going to be on the road for weeks at a time. On the other hand, for an everyday truck driver the power level of your power inverter is not as important, which is why we recommend the Giandel 2000 watt inverter for trucks. Although it packs less of a punch, with 2000 watts of continuous power this unit is more than powerful enough to handle most everything that you throw at it. One of my favorite features of this model from Giandel is that it is thinner than our number one overall rated Bestek power inverter for trucks, but it still provides excellent power output. Depending on your truck you may have a need for a smaller power inverter and this unit from Giandel is perfect in that scenario. If you are looking to buy a power inverter and are trying to save space in your truck the difference in performance between this and the Bestek is negligible compared to the space you will save. Another great element of this truck inverter is that you can hook it up to either a standard truck battery or a solar one. Although most trucks don’t have solar panels, it’s nice to know that you can modify your new power inverter if that ever becomes necessary. The Giandel power inverter is also incredibly convenient, and comes with a wired control system.
This allows you to operate your inverter from anywhere that the wire can reach so you can mount it wherever it’s the most convenient for you. Finally, you much know by now that safety is one of our biggest priorities here at Powermurt and this truck inverter lives up to our expectations. It comes with a ton of internal protections that keep it safe from outages, shortages, overheating, and over charges. These are things that we always look for in our truck inverters, and power inverters in general, and it is nice to see that more and more companies are making safety their priority as well. Overall, this is a fantastic power inverter for trucks and one that I would recommend to anyone. As with the other two power inverters in our top three list of truck inverters you really can’t go wrong with the Giandel 2000 watt inverter. The difference between this and the Bestek is minimal and I believe that either one would make a great power inverter for your truck.
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4. 600W Modified sine Wave Power Inverter
Our number one budget option truck inverter, the Modified sine Wave power inverter for trucks comes in at a price of less than $50. While normally this is not a great sign, especially for a higher power level inverter like this one, with a two year limited warranty we are confident that this would still be a great option for people looking for a truck inverter on a tighter budget. Like most of the power inverters that we’ve seen on this list, this truck inverter is designed to power appliances such as TVs, radios, heaters, and microwaves, in addition to charging cables for computers and smartphones. This is a modified sine wave inverter and should not be used with sensitive electronics. What’s interesting about this inverter is that it comes with four USB ports. During my testing of this device, having this many USB ports was actually quite helpful as it allowed my whole team to charge their phones while also testing out the two AC outlets on this truck inverter. With a 600-watt output, you can keep all of your devices plugged in and charging without any worries. Since most smartphones and computers don’t use more than a hundred or so watts, you can save a lot of energy in the process.
Other features that we like about this inverter include a digital display screen that gives you information about your trucks battery and the temperature in your truck so that you can better manage this power inverter. Additionally it has some high quality safety features such as built-in fuse protection, and an integrated alarm. While this is a good power inverter for the price you are paying, there are some issues that I had while testing this truck inverter.
The main problem that I have with this power inverter is that it has no on/off switch. Once you connect this power inverter to a power source it will begin taking power and won’t stop until it is disconnected. For a well organized person this might not be a problem but I personally am very forgetful and more than once came back to a dead car battery after I forgot to disconnect this inverter. This is not a major issue but something that you should be aware of before you decide to buy this power inverter.Overall for the price you are paying this is an excellent truck inverter. It is high powered, reliable, and very inexpensive which is very surprising when it comes to power inverters. Personally I would recommend this power inverter to someone who is looking for a budget truck inverter and is not planning on using it for very long. As a permanent power inverter I would feel more comfortable with something a big more high end, however for a temporary inverter you can’t go wrong with this power inverter for you truck.
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5. Tripp Lite Power Compact Inverter for Truck
For the most part, having 2000 watts of power for your semi truck is more than enough to use a variety of devices, however sometimes it is nice to have a bit more power. Our number five overall turck inverter is the Tripp Lite 3000 watt power inverter and it surely packs a punch. With a 3000-watt capacity, you can power up almost anything without worry. Not only that, but this model comes with four AC outlets, providing even more versatility and allowing you to power up to four high powered devices at the same time, not something that many power inverters cna do. One crucial element of any power inverter is its ability to deliver more power when turning on a device.In many cases, your electronics may use twice as many watts to get up and running, which means that you have to have an inverter that can handle it. This model does offer up to 6000 watts of peak power, but what makes it even better is that it can sustain it for up to 10 seconds. Most inverters will cut off their excess power after a couple of seconds, which means that this truck inverter will be much more reliable.After I did some testing, another feature that I truly loved about the Tripp Lite is that it is very energy efficient and during my tests, delivered 94% of the energy produced by my truck’s battery.Some power inverters may be able to handle a lot of input but if they are inefficient they will drain your battery and overheat very quickly. With this power inverter you can plug it in knowing that almost all of the power that it receives will be transferred to your device with very little loss. This means that you can do a lot more without wasting electricity. Overall this is a decent power inverter and for the price you are paying, the quality you get out of it is fairly good. Although it is not our favorite power inverter for trucks, if you are more on an off road, adventurous type this could very well be the perfect inverter for your truck. With an all metal, rugged and durable frame, you can bring this truck inverter anywhere without fear that it might break or get damaged.
I would recommend this inverter to someone who is outdoors quite a bit, and that needs an inverter that can handle the wear and tear of a rugged lifestyle. If this isn’t you then the Tripp Lite will still be a great choice, all the power inverters we review are thoroughly tested to ensure that they’re high quality, but you may find better value in some of our other top five picks.
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6. POTEK 3000W Power Inverter for Truck
If you need a lot of power for your devices, then you will want something like this inverter from Potek. With a 3000-watt capacity, it can keep all of your devices running smoothly without any problems.
Also, to ensure that the system doesn’t overload, it has 6000 watts of peak power. Versatility is the name of the game, thanks to its four AC outlets and two USB ports.
It has a slimmer profile so that you can take up less room in your truck cab, and it includes a mounting bracket for permanent installation. One other thing that we like about this inverter is that it uses intelligent cooling.
This not only keeps the internal components at an optimal temperature, but it uses less energy and makes the whole thing more efficient overall.
Finally, this model comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year limited warranty.
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7. Ampeak 2000W Power Inverter for Truck
One crucial element of any power inverter for trucks is the kind of power it delivers. We’re not talking about watts or volts.
Instead, we’re referring to sine waves. With most models, you get modified sine wave output, which means that the inverter can limit how much energy is flowing at any given time.
The benefit of this kind of power is that it’s more efficient, but it can affect how your electronics perform, especially if they are sensitive.
That being said, this inverter (along with the rest of this list) uses modified sine wave energy. It also produces up to 2000 watts of continuous power, with 4000-watt surge protection.
Overall, we like this inverter because it has three AC outlets and a USB plugin. It also includes an LED screen to show you how much energy you’re getting at all times.
Another reason we like it is that it’s protected from all kinds of safety issues, such as overloading, low power, or overheating.
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8. Edecoa 2000 Watt Power Inverter for Truck
When it comes to energy efficiency and performance, this power inverter from Edecoa Power is one of the best. It has multiple internal systems that ensure that you get the most out of your electricity needs.
First, it produces up to 2000 watts of power. Second, it uses automatic voltage regulation to keep surges from happening. Next, it has intelligent fan control to keep the internal parts cooled and to save energy.
Finally, it comes with protection from all kinds of disasters, such as overheating or low-power modes. The size and weight of this inverter are also incredible, as they make it easier to install into your truck cab.
Not only that, but the one-year warranty provides peace of mind and insurance that you won’t experience any problems.
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9. Boost 3000 Watt Truck Automotive Power Inverter
For the most part, when you look at a 3000-watt power inverter for trucks, they are designed to keep multiple devices running simultaneously.
However, this unit from Boost is built for high-powered appliances instead. The reason we say that is because it only comes with two AC outlets and no USB ports.
Overall, this inverter model is made for truckers who want to use things like microwaves and space heaters in their cab. Similarly, you can install a mini-fridge and keep it going without any problems.
This system comes with all of the standard protections, such as overload, low power, and thermal.
It has a digital readout to show how much energy you’re getting, and it comes with a remote control panel for easy access.
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10. EDECOA 3000W Power Inverter for Truck
If you liked the 2000-watt Edecoa inverter, but you need something more powerful, then you will love this version instead.
It uses all of the same energy-efficient technology, but now you can get up to 3000 watts to power your high-performance devices.
When compared to other models, this inverter has an 88% efficiency rating. To get there, it utilizes a variety of internal systems, such as intelligent cooling, automatic voltage regulation, and smart power management.
Also, it only has two AC outlets, meaning that it’s designed for appliances that have a large draw, rather than multiple low-power devices.
To enhance its performance even further, this unit comes with a wiring port in the back so that you can connect your appliances directly without using the outlet.
This makes the power more stable and reliable, although hooking it up can be tricky if you don’t know how to do it.
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Recap: Best Power Inverters for Trucks
How Does a Truck Power Inverter Work?
Although we’ve covered a lot of the different components included in power inverters for trucks, it’s imperative that you have a better understanding of how they all come together.
Knowing more about how these systems work will help you make a more informed decision for your needs.
Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current
At its core, a power inverter has one function – to convert DC power to AC. Electronics and appliances require an alternating current to work properly, so it’s crucial to have this kind of system in place.
While we won’t get into the technical details of it, the fundamental aspect is that you’re able to control the output of energy much better with AC than with DC electricity.
Matching Voltages
For the most part, power inverters will work with 12-volt batteries. Since this is what’s most common in vehicles, it makes sense.
However, if your semi truck uses a high-powered battery (i.e., 24 volt), then you have to find an inverter that can handle that kind of load.
If you try to connect a 12 to a 24, you will overload the system and damage the machine.
Wattage Output
All power inverters will tell you how many watts they can produce. However, it’s never a good idea to try and match that number with your devices.
For example, if the total amount of energy you need is 1800 watts, you want to get an inverter with at least 2000 watts to provide a safety buffer.
The reason to do it this way is that electronics require more energy on startup than when they’re running. As such, you have to be sure that you’re not going to short the system when you turn it on.
This is also why it’s crucial to have at least twice as much peak power to avoid any damage to the circuitry.
Sine Wave vs. Modified Sine Wave
Finally, the kind of energy produced by inverters also matters. The electricity flowing through your home outlets is standard sine wave.
This means that the current is stable and doesn’t vary. Many sensitive electronics (i.e., CPAP machines) require sine wave energy to stay on.
Unfortunately, this kind of power is less efficient, which is why many inverter models use modified sine waves instead.
This kind of output is perfect for most electronics, but be aware that it may disrupt some devices due to its varying energy levels.
Who Needs a Power Inverter for Trucks?
If you’re a trucker who wants to be able to include the creature comforts of home while you’re on the road, so you need a best power inverters for trucks.
If you wish to plug in a laptop, a TV, or a space heater, these devices will ensure that you are always taken care of while driving or camping.
That being said, just make sure that you match your inverter’s capabilities with your truck so that nothing goes haywire.
If you’re driving a fleet vehicle, you can’t afford to damage the truck’s electrical components for your personal benefit.
Final Verdict
For those who need the best power and most reliable resource, we highly recommend the Bestek 2000 Watt Power Inverter. With 2000 watts, you can do almost anything with it.
Also, it’s super energy efficient, and it will work with virtually any vehicle without issue. We love the compact design, the abundance of plugins, and the reliability of its systems.
