Powering our Basecamp from our F-150

[Marshalls2]

Hi, Folks -

Our new Basecamp 20X is due in July, and I have a question about the Basecamp and our F-150 tow vehicle. We've ordered a 2021 F-150 with the V-6 Hybrid and Ford's Pro Power Onboard, which has 4-110 volt outlets and a 30 amp 240 volt outlet. I know that the Basecamp has a plug to take advantage of 30 amp shore power, but that's 110 volts. Does anyone know of a way we can adapt our F-150 (240 volt) to supply our Basecamp with (110 volt) shore power? Sure would make boondocking swell. Thanks, everyone!

[SilverHouseDreams]

You should just be able to run 30amp off of one leg of the 240v circuit, you should just need a dog bone adapter to convert from whatever receptacle is on the truck to your trailer.

[daleyocum]

This looks like it might do the job. Confirm it’s 120v with a multimeter before plugging into your trailer, though. https://www.campingworld.com/camco-p...rical-adapters

[Marshalls2]

Looks great. Thanks, and happy Thanksgiving!

[GetawA-S]

(OP) I have embarrassed myself in the past when posting about electrical systems, so I will limit myself to repeating others’ wisdom:
Is it your best move to use a $50,000 generator when you can pack a $800 to $1200 generator that will also work? I expect fuel consumption would be much higher on the truck, if you pay attention to that sort of thing.
A reviewer of the Camco adapter mentioned that you will only be using one leg of the 240 V setup, which could cause an imbalance that might shorten the life of the generator. Others downplayed this. I personally would not take this approach without contacting Ford or asking about the risk on the Ford users site.
What is the capacity of the 115V outlets? For limited use (complementing solar panels, avoiding A/C usage), they may serve you as well as the 240V outlet.
As a disappointed subscriber to the Ford ATT WiFi plan, I can tell you that these plans don’t always work out as you expect. Originally I could get my wifi to work on the “accessories” setting, but that went away for unknown reasons. When I began turning the key to the “on” position to get the internet, the battery protection system “nannied” the connection to the point of near uselessness.
Bottom line: Don’t throw out plan B.
Happy travels!

[uncle_bob]

Hi

+1

The best way to nuke a truck's engine is running it at idle. If you are ever shopping for a used truck, check the "idle run hours". If it idled a lot, move on to another truck. Running power off the truck means running the engine at idle. That can be a *very* expensive thing to do.

Bob

[coasttocoast]

I wouldn't idle my truck engine all night. A Honda or Yamaha Inverter placed in the back of the truck would serve you better. Yamaha currently has 20% off today. Also, what is the THD coming out of the truck inverter? Coupon code blackfriday20

[TouringDan]

Originally Posted by coasttocoast

I wouldn't idle my truck engine all night. A Honda or Yamaha Inverter placed in the back of the truck would serve you better. Yamaha currently has 20% off today. Also, what is the THD coming out of the truck inverter? Coupon code blackfriday20

I probably wouldn’t idle my truck all night either unless it was brutally hot and I needed air conditioning. However the truck is designed for this and I probably wouldn’t worry about it too much. Look at how much police car motors idle. It’s not like you will be doing this every day.

In terms of fuel cost, I have researched this a bit and a small generator will cost about $.40 per hour for fuel. The TV will cost about $.80 per hour for fuel at idle.



I have installed a 1,000 watt inverter in my Tundra. It can be connected to our Airstream to charge up the lithium batteries while we are driving.



Dan

[tbashin]

Lots of good and bad advice here so far. Study and confirm before you buy.

[Omnial]

I found this article that sheds some light on the details of how the system works.

https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...power-onboard/

I am personally interested in this option only for topping up batteries when my solar can't quite do so; much simpler than hauling around a generator for occasional/light use, imho.

I don't think I'd be comfortable using the "Pro Power" for extended and heavy use, such as running AC for long periods.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Omnial

I found this article that sheds some light on the details of how the system works.

https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...power-onboard/

I am personally interested in this option only for topping up batteries when my solar can't quite do so; much simpler than hauling around a generator for occasional/light use, imho.

I don't think I'd be comfortable using the "Pro Power" for extended and heavy use, such as running AC for long periods.

Hi

Assuming you are talking about lead acid batteries ....

A *short* run to get them fully charged is about 4 hours. Yes, that assumes they were discharged a bit, but not flat. ( = 70% charge level to start). Even a "quick shot" is going to be hours to do anything meaningful.

That sort of idle is *not* what you want to do with your truck, no matter what the glossy advertising tries to sell you on ....

Bob

[Marshalls2]

Thanks, everybody. Clearly, a cautious approach is called for here.