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Old 04-26-2005, 03:28 PM   #1
Little Radio
 
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Talking Run your A/C Unit from your Truck!

This is too cool... a company out of Indianapolis makes an AC generator that's strapped on underneath your truck's frame and is powered by the PTO port from your truck's transmission (if so equipped).

This generator will crank out 15,000 watts (they have 8k and 12k models, too), and can be configured to drive 240v or the standard 120v.

The receptacle box can be installed in your pickup's bed, inside your full-size van's rear cargo wall, or wherever.

This means, you could "power up" your AS and cook, keep cool, illuminate, etc... anywhere on God's green earth!

If only Ford would offer the PTO option on their E-350 full-size van.

Very, cool. Anyone else have a set up like this?
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Old 04-29-2005, 07:27 AM   #2
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Link?

Is there a link to their site for information? Sounds interesting. We've already got a Honda Generator, but I always like reading more about other setups.
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Old 04-29-2005, 10:17 AM   #3
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I've always thought about using an inverter on my tow vehicle to power AC appliances. It would be nicer if I had a diesel so it'd be cheap to let it run and keep the batteries charged. Our Monaco motorhomes at idle only burn 1/2 gallon of diesel every four hours! You get one 4000 watt rms inverter...that would power a whole trailer....wouldn't it? Hmmmmmmmm. I'm just theorizing

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Old 04-30-2005, 03:34 PM   #4
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Unhappy

the site is www.realACpower.com

This power solution is way better than an inverter, because it gives you much more current, without the huge energy drain and heat (other than running your diesel engine, of course).

I especially like the idea because the 12k generator I was thinking of getting could power my home in the event of a major blackout (like the one that stretched from NY to Ohio in the summer of '03).

John Storm, president of the company, tells me that 12k gen would power my home's central air, microwave, DVD, 12 lights, TV, sump pump -- ALL AT THE SAME TIME! Sweet!

Upside: power anywhere, camping, for emergencies, for remote worksites that need power tools... Downside? $4,200 installed. Ouch.
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Old 04-30-2005, 06:21 PM   #5
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You must also haul around that extra weight when your not in tow. Also you must increase the idle to run the generator. A diesel engine hates to idle at a normal factory setting. There is a resistor you install that increases the rpm's so you can idle for long periods without damage to your engine.
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Old 05-01-2005, 06:31 AM   #6
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This would be a cool feature to have on my classic Argosy to prevent having to run the on-board Gen set while driving.

It big issue is I do not have the PTO port on my tranny. But I know now that should I replace the transmission I will use an Allision with a PTO. Of course this would only be an option if the unit can be used while running at highway speed.
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Old 05-01-2005, 07:01 AM   #7
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doubt it

Quote:
Of course this would only be an option if the unit can be used while running at highway speed.
brett,

i have never seen a pto that can be engaged at highway speeds without fragging! unless, it is like the ones that county snowplows use, they are driven off the front of the crankshaft. slower speed.

there is another type of generator that is driven off the serpintine belt that would be better for your application.

i'll look for a link....

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Old 05-01-2005, 07:52 AM   #8
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Voltage and Hertz Regulation

The primary concern I would have for ANY prime mover driven system would be how the voltage and hertz (cycles) would be controlled -

Too little voltage will quickly kill a roof mounted AC.

It cost me about 800 bucks (the cost of a new AC unit) to learn about the dangers of Low Voltage REALLY well.
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Old 05-01-2005, 02:40 PM   #9
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here it is

i think this system would be more suitable for "going down the road use"

and you don't need an allison to run it.

http://www.aurasystems.com/

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Old 05-01-2005, 03:29 PM   #10
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All I need is room under the hood HAHAHAHAHAHAH have you seen how little room there is on a classic MH?

Thanks for the link John.
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