Generator alternative?

[TBontrager]

Just wanted to post an idea to see what people think... .



I've got a truck camper with an LP generator. Works fine... a bit noisy... and uses quite a bit of propane.



Here's the idea. Assuming you don't really run your generator for long periods, just to run the microwave or A/C for a while, why not purchase a hi-amp (over 200 amp) alternator and a large, high-quality AC inverter. Then put a governor on the Cummins to spin up the alternator (about 1600rpm or so). Assuming you've considered the start-up load of the A/C unit in your invertor sizing, why wouldn't this work?

 

[Eric_77]

IF you try to use the Cummins for power you will find a few things one that the fuel used is much more then the generator takes, engine wear, engine cooling while stationary (truck was not designed for load while stationary even though this is minor load on the Cummins), you have to run real big wires like 00 to a 2500 watt invertor even for relatively short distances.



I looked at big golf cart batteries in camper with three solar cells to avoid the big cable from truck and still could not make the numbers work.

 

[MABurns]

Aurora (sp?) used to make an AC generator for underhood (accessory belt drive) that was good for 4kw.



They are not ceap though, cost as much as a generator but eliminates a fuel source and a cople hundred pounds... ... ...

 

[DKlimas]

How about something like this?



Or better yet this one...



Cheers,

Dave

 

[surfbeetle]

there's a place here in town that quoted me about a grand for a solar system that would run everything (including microwave) except the A/C in my camper. It included 6v golf cart batteries and large solar panels. I opted for a small solar panel, it works fine for me. We just don't use the ac or microwave at that point.