Powering trailer with an alternator
This is something that's been kicking around in my head. I've been researching alternators and i've seen 2 that have an output of 370 amps at 1200 rpm. If my math is correct then that is 4440 watts @ ...
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Hybridhunter wrote:Thanks for posting to show that a 6K AC can be run off the inverter and batteries.
So I just spent my first weekend camping where I am back to using the alternator in my F150 for power. The alternator is 220 or 230 amps, (not sure), and the engine is a 3.7 V6, with EPS. With no power steering pump, and small displacement, it idles very efficiently. I have ordered a WIFI OBD plug in, and I will report actual fuel used at a later date. It was able to run my 6000btu AC effortlessly.
I used fairly cheapo #8 AWG booster cables 12' long to connect the vehicle to one of my 2 batteries in the rear of my TT. From there, it goes #2 AWG hard wired to my 1500 watt inverter 12' away. The lowest voltage I saw at the truck was 13.4v when the cooling fans cycled. It idled near silently while powering my trailer. Running a 60-70 amp load off a 220 amp alternator shouldn't appreciably shorten its life IMO.
Everyone loves to say how inefficient this type of setup is, but my genset used .4 gph when powering the AC. An inverter gen would be more efficient. But I think spending $1K to save on fuel is donkey economics.
I really like the quietness, no extra fuel to haul, no genset to haul, no other campers bothered.
I think you may be mistaken on the output of the alternator. More common are 100-130 amp alternators in Ford pickups. I may be behind the curve, though, as I don't have much experience with newer Ford's.
Bottom line is that it's working for 'ya and that is the most important.
