Forum Discussion

rv_bill-e's avatar
rv_bill-e
Explorer
Jun 16, 2017

Why not run portable generator off vehicle's fuel tank?

I'm sure that there is a good reason why this is not done---using your car or truck's gas tank to run a portable gasoline generator---but I've never known why not? Please clue me in, thanks.

28 Replies

  • you can do it
    provided you want to cut into the fuel system someplace
    BUT remember the built in honda pump is low pressure

    how many feet of external fuse hose will be involved ?
    will it be exposed to campground foot traffic ?
    how many feet below or above the vehicle fuel tank will it be
    will the honda fuel pump be overwhelmed and flood, from gravity feed pressure
    does the vehicle have an existing generator fuel line you can tap into
    will you be using the main engine fuel line
    it likely has an 'in the gas tank' fuel pump, which will not be running, will the honda low pressure pump suck gas thru the existing pump

    there are lots of things to consider,
    if this were a simple yes its easy, lots of people would probably doing it already
  • OK, specifically asking about small Honda generators and the available extended run tanks. These portable Honda's seem superior (for my purposes) to built in generators, yet the built-in models are plumbed to the vehicle's gas tank. So just wondering why portable cannot run off the vehicle's fuel tank if a built-in Onan is able to do so.
    Not a joke, just clueless and asking for info.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    My 2KW generator has run off my truck on two occasions That I know of haha... One of my PLAN Bs include what is known as an OKLAHOPMA CREDIT CARD from back in my Texas days...

    The one I have is alot difference from the 60s version where mine has a hand squeeze pump... The original method leaves a bad taste in your mouth.


    Google image

    I have filled my 2KW Generator gasoline tank from my truck gasoline tank on two occasions that I can remember..

    Roy Ken
  • corvettekent wrote:
    The Honda has a fuel pump so you could stick a hose in the fuel tank if your truck is gas, but a lot of trucks are diesel now.
    It may be easier to get a hose in than get it out.
  • The Honda has a fuel pump so you could stick a hose in the fuel tank if your truck is gas, but a lot of trucks are diesel now.
  • Most people don't have a back-up fuel tank when you run the vehicle tank out of fuel. By accident of course.
  • Most gas tanks don't have a quick-connect fitting. Is this a joke?