Premier Power VS High output alternator with inverter

[jonsolbe]

Hurricaine season is here (Southern Louisiana) and everyone recommends I get a generator to keep the beer cold, etc. I'd rather upgrade the jeep's electrical system to use as a stationary engine. I've got two options:

1)Premier Power's welder, puts out like 2500 Wats of 110v from a welding/inverter box and high out put alternator
2)Get a high output alternator like a Mean Green and larger inverter/battery setup

Also factored in is that I'm setting up a custom matching off road camping trailer which has a deep cell marine battery with water pump and lights, etc.

Anyone have experience with the premier power? Why don't all alternators put out more juice? What's the trade off, do they make more noise, have a shorter life expectancy, put out more heat, etc? There's gotta be a trade off for more power, right?

 

[jfrabat]

I dont have the power welder, and no one in our club runs one, so I dont have first hand experience, but I would go in this direction. I think Mean Grean is overpriced to start with, and beside the 110V current, you get trail welding capabilities with the power welder.

I run a 168A (or around that; dont remember the exact number!) alternator, and it's pretty much no difference in noise. I just get extra electrical capacity, that's all...

 

[jonsolbe]

I'd really like to hear from someone who has 1st hand experience with the welder. Anyone?

 

[Crazy4diesels]

With the welder you'll need to run the Jeep constantly. With the inverter you can run off a battery and use the Jeep to charge the battery up on a schedule (like every 6 hours, depending on battery size and loads) . If you plan on running heavy loads constantly then the welder is probably the best choice. Just make sure it is rated for constant use. If you plan on running a couple of lights and a radio most of the time then the inverter is probably your best bet.

Many alternators will derate as they heat up so your output will fall off some over time. Put isolation diodes between the Jeep starting battery and the deep cycle battery so you don't drain the starting battery. For safety put a 200 amp fuse within 18 inches of the positive terminal on the deep cycle battery. On my camper I ran the stock 135 Amp Dodge Cummins alternator (which they say was "heavy duty" ) and a Heart Interface inverter with a deep cycle battery. The "heavy duty" alternator is the old Chrysler "Indianapolis" alternator which I remember being "police and taxi" use. The setup worked well. The battery would carry the camper for quite a while (depending on loads) then I'd light off the Cummins and put it on fast idle to charge the battery. For full inverter load (like the microwave) I would run the Cummins to get max output. Best of luck - John

 

[jonsolbe]

Hey John, that's good advice; thank you. I still wish I could find some one who has this Premier Power unit and get some real world feedback. Everyone says it's a great unit but I've never actually found someone who owns it. Doesn't anyone out there have personal experience?

 

[jfrabat]

Hey John, that's good advice; thank you. I still wish I could find some one who has this Premier Power unit and get some real world feedback. Everyone says it's a great unit but I've never actually found someone who owns it. Doesn't anyone out there have personal experience?

Well, here's the best I can do for you... A jeeper's review of the thing. Hope it helps!

Premier Power Welder

Felipe