Diesel Generator in tow vehicle

[bigdon68]

Has anyone installed a Diesel Generator in their diesel tow vehicle? Seems line a logical setup. If so, what make of generator did you use (onan, etc) and how has it worked out.

bigdon68

[e-light]

Heck..eventually these 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks will run electric motors with diesel generators themselves...

But as to the OP, I have seen folk with them at campgrounds, but I have no experience with a diesel generator myself. My Champion Inverter (2800 maybe? Can't remember the model) runs my AC and will charge my batteries. I have a big solar kit that I need to install to keep the batteries charged, once I do that I won't need a generator 🙂 Well I prefer AC, but you know...

[LowRyter]

I've always wondered why trucks couldn't be optioned with a generator option running on the vehicle's engine + hybrid system. A computer could control the engine so that it wasn't running all the time.

Just plug into the an outlet in the bed and hit the switch.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

I'm I the only one on here that remembers the Ford PowerPack? :W

[colliehauler]

I have seen several medium duty trucks with aftermarket beds that had built in Diesel generators. Every one I have seen had a Onan.

[Happy_Prospecto]

So you can only use the 120 volt appliances in the trailer when the truck is at the trailer. I guess when the wife leaves to go shopping or such everything in the trailer shuts down. Seems kinda silly but to each there own I guess.


The information is out there, all you have to do is let it in.

[rjstractor]

Happy Prospector wrote:
When I bought my truck it came with an alternator already installed, why would you want a generator for your truck?

Just guessing here, but probably to run the microwave, A/C and other things in his trailer that need 30 amps of 110 power to run. It's a little hard to get that out of an alternator. 🙂

[Happy_Prospecto]

When I bought my truck it came with an alternator already installed, why would you want a generator for your truck?


The information is out there, all you have to do is let it in.

[tinner12002]

I seen someone had one for sale online sometime back that he had built a alum tread plate box around. He said his Dad had built and used it while towing their 5th wheel. It was an Onan diesel, looked like a pretty decent setup, it had openings on the bottom for air cir and had the exhaust in the upward position. Just looked like a possible nightmare to service or work on.

[rhagfo]

christopherglenn wrote:
"Spilled diesel is forever"??

:h

I find it easier to cleanup after working on my diesel, than either of my gassers.

[christopherglen]

"Spilled diesel is forever"??

[mkirsch]

Not sure what your exact requirements would be, but diesel generators start out heavy, and you'd want emissions equipment on them to get rid of the soot and smell from the exhaust, so even heavier, and more expensive.

Spill a drop of fuel, and the place REALLY starts to stink like a truck stop... Spilled gasoline evaporates. Spilled diesel is forever.

[Grit_dog]

That would be a splendid idea if you plan to use the generator heavily and have the budget.
Otherwise as mentioned, you can do a lot with a Honda or 2 reliably.

[bigdon68]

I probably should of said I was thinking of a hauler body like Utility Bodywerks or Herrin Haulers

Thanks. Good information.

bigdon68

[frankwp]

One issue that I've seen with diesel generators is that, unless worked fairly hard, the exhaust systems can plug up with soot & gunk. That was a good 15 years ago though. The generators were Honda 5 KVA & 10 KVA.