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

All things considered, this is a bad idea.

GordonThree wrote:
Modifying your vehicle fuel system to provide a quick connect likely is illegal, I can't see USDOT or the NTSB approving anything like that.

How hard is it to carry a little gas can? If the answer too hard, get a propane conversion for your unit.

Who would be the arresting officer for this? Sgt Exxon of the royal mounted petrol police? :R

You do not want to tap into the TV fuel system mainly because its a high pressure system. As an example GM pickups run anywhere between 45 and 70 psi depending on year etc. That amount of pressure will pump out fuel in a hurry not to mention the system is designed to recirculate fuel. Altering the system is a good way to give yourself some expensive grief and maybe end up in a burn center while doing it.

Edd505 wrote:

GordonThree wrote:
Modifying your vehicle fuel system to provide a quick connect likely is illegal, I can't see USDOT or the NTSB approving anything like that.

How hard is it to carry a little gas can? If the answer too hard, get a propane conversion for your unit.

Look up pro heat generators used in class 8 trucks, fueled by trucks fuel system. Only one of many, pro heat was the one I had.

That's a portable electric generator?

GordonThree wrote:
Modifying your vehicle fuel system to provide a quick connect likely is illegal, I can't see USDOT or the NTSB approving anything like that.

How hard is it to carry a little gas can? If the answer too hard, get a propane conversion for your unit.

Look up pro heat generators used in class 8 trucks, fueled by trucks fuel system. Only one of many, pro heat was the one I had.

back when i had my Lifetime Premiere class a, dodge 413
some previous owner had installed a diesel style water trap in the fuel line up front behind the grill

gave me no end of grief, when i got some water laden fuel did not know what was going on

after i got it all figured out, it became a God Send
i extended the drain hose on the bottom , and used it to fill the gas can for the portable genset , it also came in handy many times, helping out fellow campers
just switch on the key, (electric fuel pump) place hose in can, open valve
i rarely got any bad gas with water, after that first time, but i always kept an eye on the trap to keep it clean and ready to use

RoyB wrote:
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

you sure that isn't called a Virginia VISA? Lol ;)

rv bill-e wrote:
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.

Yes. there is, with most models at least.

Now, Honda (At least the inverter lines) has a fuel pump. This is why you can hook up an "Extended run" Gas tank IN theory you could replace the :Tie line" from the main tank to the extended with a siphon hose to your Honda and suck gas out of the main.. Howevcer I woudl not recommend it. read on.

Doing this would leave the main tank open and that's an enviormental issue. and unlike some who I will not name (not forum members) I rather like breathing clean air.

Now another issue
THe tank on the truck is higher than the tank the generator is used to using. this will cause fule line pressure to be higher than the carb is expecting and may also cause problems with engine performance.

Finally.. If you want. There are mods you might be able to do.

First I'd go to a dual-pick up gauge assembly. Like on a motor home. This way you don't suck your main tank dry.

Then an ONAN type fuel pump, or other electric fuel pump, and hose.. Manually operated.. That way you can Refill your generator from the vehicle tank..

NOT Sure of the legality (not an expert) but that is how I'd do it

All I know is I bought a vehicle that had the wrong gas cap on it. It fit, looked right, worked and everything but the **** smart computer on board knew it was not the correct gas cap. :R

Wouldn't want to think what would happen with the computer on board if you start cutting into a gas tank, adding non OEM fuel line hoses, etc.etc.

One thing to note is that the built in generators typically use a dedicated pickup port, not the vehicle engine fuel line. The generator pickup is cut short of the tank bottom, usually leaving at least a quarter tank of unreachable fuel so the vehicle engine always has fuel to get to a gas station. Any mods for an external generator fuel line should be installed with the same protection included.

Modifying your vehicle fuel system to provide a quick connect likely is illegal, I can't see USDOT or the NTSB approving anything like that.

How hard is it to carry a little gas can? If the answer too hard, get a propane conversion for your unit.