Ok, so we all know that you couldn't possibly be using all that power that your 5.4L Truck, or your 5.9L Van is making, but then where is it going? And how can we reclaim some of it? In this Instructable I will show you how to save electricity, and also be ready in case of an emergency.

Step 1: Supplies

Ok now we will need supplies

-Truck, car, van, riding lawnmower (no, I'm not kidding, some of them actually have 12v sockets!), etc.
-Battery jump starter/ battery booster pack/ rechargeable 12v battery thing (with cable to charge in car)
-12vdc to 120vac power inverter (mine is only 200watts)
-Lights, chargers, other things that use power (must total less that inverter's output, watts=volts x amps)

Total cost should be about $25,000, or only about $15-40 for inverter and jump starter.

Step 2: Charge It Up

Next time you go out in your car take the jump starter and plug it in to charge. This is only effective if your commute is over 10 minutes long. When you get somewhere or turn off the engine UNPLUG IT!!! Most cars don't turn off the 12v cigarette-lighter port until it is too late and your battery is dead. If it is, then use the jump starter to start your car, but if you do it will drain it, making all of your efforts wasted.

Step 3: Power It Up

Now that the jump starter is fully charged take your inverter and plug it in to the jump starter and turn it on. Plug in some 120vac equipment (less than the inverter's capacity, mind you) and tell the electric company to go ~~screw themselves~~ bill someone else. This method is great if you have a laptop (my MacBook's charges uses only 60 watts, versus my desktop computer that sucks over 500 watts), or other small things, like ccfls, or a small stereo (IDK if my technics will work, but my altec-lansing speakers are fine). If you happen to have the car chargers for your stuff, use those instead, because there will be less power wasted in the inverting process. If you live in a small apartment, you may even be able to power all of lighting off of this.

Another thing to remember is that you will still have power during outages, and also that this is pretty portable, meaning you can take it camping or on a picnic or barbecue.

Step 4: Thats All Folks!

That was pretty simple, huh!
Now you can use that wasted gasoline (or diesel) to do something good for you, instead of just polluting. I'm open to ideas about how to improve, so please post a comment.

If you have any questions feel free to ask. I'm usually on here a few hours a day, so I can get back to you pretty soon.

If you liked my instructable, please rate it. Thank you!