Need to run a shop vac on car battery

**Dugdug** · 10-29-2011, 12:33 AM

Need to run this off a car battery

craftsman 9 gallon wet dry vac 3.5 peak hp
Model#: 113.179675
120V/8.2 amps

Is it possible to run it with a car power inverter? I don't have much experience with electrical jargan lol I'm aware that it's 8.2 amps but a lot of the inverters I see say 1-2 amps. Dunno if they're talking about its own usage or what it can support. Any electrical savy guys out there wanna clue me in on how to do this or if there's a better way other than using the car battery.

**SUGARCANE MAN** · 10-29-2011, 04:46 AM

You can use your car battery and a power inverte that you connect to battery an 1200 watt or a 2000 watt. Will do. I've used one a few times some would also recommend a marine battery. But I just used a optimun red top fine I even used a. Orbital. Buffer for over 30 min no problem but these have low batt alarms so if battery goes low just start car. Never had to do this yet.

**SUGARCANE MAN** · 10-29-2011, 04:48 AM

There are a few theads here on forum you can search forum. By putting in inverters

**C. Charles Hahn** · 10-29-2011, 10:31 AM

Is this a one-time deal or something you'll be doing on a regular basis? You might be better off with a small generator instead.

**Dugdug** · 10-29-2011, 02:31 PM

Don't have room or the money for a generator right now. Will be using it regularly, any ideas on maybe a portable, rechargable one?

**toycar18** · 10-29-2011, 03:07 PM

Use the customers power.

I think you should reconsider your prices. Way too low. Many customers will not hire cheap guys to detail there cars. I wouldn't ... I would rather pay more so I know its getting done right using the best products available.

You might want to get a consider getting an Mytee extractor to do carpet and upholstery cleaning. AG sells them

**C. Charles Hahn** · 10-29-2011, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by Dugdug

Don't have room or the money for a generator right now. Will be using it regularly, any ideas on maybe a portable, rechargable one?

To get an inverter capable of handling that shop vac, you're still looking in the $150-200 range and using it heavily on a regular basis will fry your car's electrical system in time.

As mentioned you should either use the customer's power (get a long extension cord) or save up for a generator.

I also just looked at your website and there's a major glaring problem:

The VIP Detail package includes the Basic and Deluxe detail plus a high-speed machine application of a high-quality carnauba wax to remove light scratches, swirls and other imperfections on paint surfaces.

Carnauba wax does exactly none of the things you state it will do.

**Dugdug** · 10-29-2011, 07:29 PM

Yes im aware of that. I meant to say polish, I will be changing that soon. I've had lots of comments about that lol.

And I would like to use a generator, that's my goal but I cannot put it in my vehicle right now. I do use customers power when I can, but a few of them I do in parking lots :/

**Flash Gordon** · 10-29-2011, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by Dugdug

Yes im aware of that. I meant to say polish, I will be changing that soon. I've had lots of comments about that lol.

And I would like to use a generator, that's my goal but I cannot put it in my vehicle right now. I do use customers power when I can, but a few of them I do in parking lots :/

A wisk broom, damp towels and lint roller will take you further then you might think

**tuscarora dave** · 10-29-2011, 10:35 PM

Multiply the voltage by the amperage to get the wattage and then plan on getting an inverter that's rated at least 500 watts (continuous not peak) higher than the total load that it will be running.

Example 8.2 amp shop vac x 120 volts=984 watts + 500 watts wiggle room = 1484 watts so a 1500 watt continuous inverter would handle the shop vac.

Then you'll need to find and alternator shop to build you a 100+amp alternator to handle that kind of load and not burn up. With these 2 necessities your well over $500.