I'm looking to put an inverter in my Ranger bed.

[pjtoledo]

You DO NOT want to put an inverter in the bed, it goes in the engine bay so the 12volt/Ground wires are shorter
The 120vAC wires are cheap, run one to the area you want it at the rear of the truck
You can install an 120vAC outlet in the bed

Heavily insulated extension cord is a good type of wire to use under the truck, as there will be debris strikes over the years

1,500watts is 12.5amps at 120vAC so extension cord wire rated for 15amp would be OK, 20amp rating even better

more important is that 1500 watts at 12.5 Vdc is 120 amps coming from the battery/alternator.

 

[Josh B]

Why do they never use a seperate system to power the accessories, it isn't a real complicated thing, and can be powered by a solar panel system that sits on the topper

 

[RonD]

Solar power on vehicles or trailers can be "complicated", lol
Not the wiring or installation, just the practical reality

90% of the time when you park most want to park the vehicle or trailer IN THE SHADE
Bummer

 

[Josh B]

maybe it's shade today or lights tonight

I recommend using separate battery systems

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

First I will say you don't want that inverter. It's not very efficient and will actually be only around 900 watts with the spike of the max rating. Wouldn't handle power tools. Would do fine charging a battery for cordless tools. But when you try and turn a motor it will fault out.
Second. As Gump said a secondary battery would be ideal.

My setup

I have a DC to DC charger with an alt inputvand a solar input on it. This only allows a max of 25 amp draw from my start battery and alt. Which allows you to run a 10 gauge wire instead of 2awg from the alt. I have a group 27 agm battery with a 1000w inverter attached. I also have a 100w solar on the roof. Before the solar I could get about 12 to 15 hours off the inverter running my fridge and my M12 charger. If you need any help feel free to PM me. I don't mind helping. This what I do for a living on tour busses so I've got a little experience hahaha