I bought the Vector MAXX 400 watt inverter because it was about the highest wattage inverter available that still plugged into the cigarette lighter and I am not displeased. The unit comes with both a cigarette lighter cord and alligator clips which can be attached directly to the battery. These are color coded and connected to the unit by the user. I just leave the cigarette lighter cord attached as it still fits in the convenient hard-shell carrying case in that configuration. The unit has audio alarm for low power, a circuit breaker, and a fan which is not too loud.I found it easy to use just hook up the cables, plug it in and run my stuff. I mostly use this to power a laptop running navigation software or recharge a cell phone and it works great. (I probably do not need this much power for these tasks but you never know when you will need the extra juice for other usage.) It powered the laptop on a 12 hour drive from Chicago to D.C. with no problems. I do use a surge suppressor for the laptop but that is just me and to the best of my knowledge, the Vector MAXX has never triggered the surge suppressor.
My only (mild) complaint is that the cords are a little short. Overall, I find it easy to use and pretty handy to have around. I recommend it.
I have a 5000 watt gas generator, but that is too much work for short duration outages and the mobile cart fills the need just fine without all the noise.
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I was disappointed to read in the manual that you can only pull 80 watts when this unit is plugged into a cigarette lighter. Many cars have 15amp fuses on the lighter, which is 180 watts. I own two "smaller" inverters that deliver 150 Watts from the lighter. If the 80 Watt limitation had been mentioned in the ad copy, I wouldn't have purchased this item.Read Best Reviews of Vector VEC 024B 400-Watt D/C to A/C Power Inverter with Power Level Meter Here
I bought this back in February 2006 in a local store but I'm glad to see they're still for sale. I've used it on every long trip I've taken since then and it has earned its spot in my console. I can't remember what I paid for it but $100 would still be a good value. Its great for camping and other situations where power isn't guaranteed. I've run and charged two laptops simultaneously off it with no problems. Friends and family ask where they can get one and I'm glad I can direct them here. Two issues are the fan noise is a bit loud and you can get feedback through the stereo when charging certain devices.Want Vector VEC 024B 400-Watt D/C to A/C Power Inverter with Power Level Meter Discount?
I had no real complaints with the functioning of the unit until it died (and I actually repaired!). I used it on occasion, not very often. However, there is absolutely no excuse for the way this unit is built. It's as if Vector wants the unit to be easily destroyed.Who puts the protection fuses inside an Inverter casing and permanently solders them with heavy solder to an electronics board? The whole point of a fuse is to protect a component and to be easily replaced. If you saw the inside of this thing you would know Vector Does Not Want The Fuses To Be Replaced. You pop a fuse you destroy the Inverter! Perhaps it is an easy way for them to get paid repair service or paid swap outs.
Either way, whoever designed this thing was crazy. >Definitely Check The Casing Of Any Inverter You Buy And Confirm It Has External Replacable Protection Fuses< If it does not, do not buy. Too bad Vector, I modified the one I have so the fuses may be replaced, although still not easily. They may have changed this since I bought mine but I doubt it.
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