I've read several posts as to where to install the inverter, I would like to know which gauge wire to use and if there is an installation kit available, where can I get one. My inverter came with a 40 amp fuse.

 

Welcome to DF.

For future reference:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-r...ead-first.html

Moving you now.

 

Mine sits on the transmission tunnel, plugged into the lighter socket.

 

A 6 gauge wire is recommended for 12-volts at 40-50 amps at the distance. If you are not going to max out the 400 watts then an 8 gauge wire would probably be fine. I would recommend using a battery cutoff switch so its powered down when the engine is not running.

 

I installed mine under the drivers seat with a cable long enough that I can swing it up onto the seat when I want to use it. The bigger ones will have a little remote switch to turn them on and off. If you use that and an extension cord you can solidly mount the thing anywhere. Be warned that it will beep on low voltage whenever you turn on the truck so don't try and leave it on all the time.

I recommend you use a fuse off of the battery and put a grommet in the floor where you pop in through to avoid having a fire. I also recommend using duplex wire like speaker wire or booster cables because it is nice to have the + and - attached together. The product manual will give you particulars about the fuse and minimum wire size.

Steve

 

I am about to install a 1500w behind my rear seat with outlets in the cargo space for better access.

 

40-50 amps?! A 400-watt inverter likely won't draw more than ten amps or so. My 500-watt has a 15A fuse in it.

 

That is because your inverter is rated at 500W PEAK rating not the constant rating, which also means it likely has a constant power supply of close to 180W...

Now if the OP has a 400 Watt CONSTANT Power Inverter then he has the potential of pulling between 34.7A (@11.5VDC) and 28.57A (@14VDC)

So to be short I would suggest that the OP post up the CONSTANT supply ability of the inverter so we can tell him which size fuse and wire to use.

 

The spec's are
Output 110-125 VLTS
Output Current 3.2 - 3.6 AMT @400 W
Max Continous Pwr 400WATT
Input Voltage 10.5 - 15 Vlts
Input Current 26.7 - 38.1 AMP (@400 W)

 

I would use 4AWG wire to be safe as your alternator will likely drop to 11.8-12VDC when you fully load that inverter.

I would use a 40AMP ANL Style Fuse and Fuse Holder (available at most car audio stores)

And I would run a 4AWG Ground no longer than 18".

Make sure you have a switch capable of handling the current...