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04-26-2005, 03:28 PM
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#1
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Little Radio
1966 28' Ambassador
Chicago
, Illinois
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 98
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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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04-29-2005, 07:27 AM
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#2
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3 Rivet Member
Commercial Member
2004 25' Safari
Prescott
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 128
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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.
__________________
Rich C.
WBCCI #2551 | blog
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04-29-2005, 10:17 AM
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#3
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4 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Yorktown
, Virginia
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 252
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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
<gets chills from the screechy sound of his own rusty wheels turning>
Ben
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04-30-2005, 03:34 PM
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#4
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Little Radio
1966 28' Ambassador
Chicago
, Illinois
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 98
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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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04-30-2005, 06:21 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 790
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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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05-01-2005, 06:31 AM
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#6
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Just a member
1978 28' Argosy 28
Lutz
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,549
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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.
__________________
Brett G
WBCCI #5501 AIR # 49
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1978 Argosy 28 foot Motorhome
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. -- Plato
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05-01-2005, 07:01 AM
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#7
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Retired Moderator
1992 29' Excella
madison
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,644
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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.
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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....
john
__________________
you call them ferrets, i call them weasels.
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05-01-2005, 07:52 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1978 31' Sovereign
Texas Airstream Harbor
, Zavalla, in the Deep East Texas Piney Woods on Lake Sam Rayburn
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,435
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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.
__________________
Dennis
"Suck it up, spend the bucks, do it right the first time."
WBCCI # 1113
AirForums #1737
Trailer '78 31' Sovereign
Living Large at an Airstream Park on the Largest Lake Totally Contained in Texas
Texas Airstream Harbor, Inc.
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05-01-2005, 02:40 PM
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#9
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Retired Moderator
1992 29' Excella
madison
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,644
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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/
john
__________________
you call them ferrets, i call them weasels.
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05-01-2005, 03:29 PM
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#10
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Just a member
1978 28' Argosy 28
Lutz
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,549
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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.
__________________
Brett G
WBCCI #5501 AIR # 49
-------------------------
1978 Argosy 28 foot Motorhome
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. -- Plato
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