PTO operation?

[illflem]

Most PTO units have their own cable or vacuum mechanism to engage/disengage, this is something you buy extra, the PTO units don't usually come with them. Since you have an AT and would have to use the transfer case PTO mount you need to be aware that the PTO will turn in reverse when you go in R, and will also spin faster depending on the gear you are in. You would have to put the transfer case in N and the AT in gear to use when stationary. I'm not sure what an AT does when you put it in D with the trans case in N, it may stay in first or shift all the way to high gear, this will make the difference what rpm it turns. Need to ask a AT tech that question. I would think if you tried to use the trans case mount while driving that the PTO speed would vary way too much.
When you install a PTO on a manual trans the PTO will turn in one direction only, the speed is dependent on the engine rpm, the gears do nothing.
I have installed one PTO unit on a Dodge manual, many more on other brands, it is very easy. Most have a plate on both sides of the transmission for different applications, one side spins the opposite direction from the other, but the PTO units can be ordered to spin either direction. The PTO units bolt right up, you need only use shims between the PTO unit and the transmission to adjust the gear lash.
The only times I've seen PTOs used on a transfer case are for ground speed applications such as on trailers that have drive axles. That doesn't mean it can't be done, you would just have to be careful when using it in an application that requires a constant speed and direction.

 

[MCrossley]

thanks for the info, actually the nice thing about this genset is that it can run from an idle RPM all the way to 12,000 RPm so I am not too concerned about that, I will have to search some more or hopefully somone will know exctly how the PTO works with the auto and our trucks whether or not they are even usable in gear or not. It is not a critical thing as they make an engine mount but I thought if I could use it why not do so.

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TAZ... 2001 2500 SLT+ 4X4 Auto ETC Cummins, LSD 3. 54,Quad Cab, Long Bed, Agate Leather, White/Driftwood Exterior, Sliding rear window, Camper Special Group, Towing Group, Cab clearance lights,SPA-Technique Digital Dual Gauges (Pyro/Boost, Trans pressure/temp) Aux. Backup lamps. BNM 5th Wheel Hitch, Additional Body Molding on Bed. Line-X bed-liner. DTT's TC & VB, Pac Brake, Power Edge, Edge EZ, Grover Air Horns

2000 32' Aljo Triple Slide 5th Wheel.

http://www.ramtaz.com

Add on's to come: any other Ram Runner required modifications...

 

[MCrossley]

I am looking into a Auragen 5KW www.aurasystems.com generator for my ram and they state they also make a PTO mounted unit, has anyone ever actually used the PTO on their truck? If so is it always engaged or just when in Neutral? At what RPM is it running? Are all of the pieces necessary already installed in the transfer case or anything need to be added. Thanks for the input.

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TAZ... 2001 2500 SLT+ 4X4 Auto ETC Cummins, LSD 3. 54,Quad Cab, Long Bed, Agate Leather, White/Driftwood Exterior, Sliding rear window, Camper Special Group, Towing Group, Cab clearance lights,SPA-Technique Digital Dual Gauges (Pyro/Boost, Trans pressure/temp) Aux. Backup lamps. BNM 5th Wheel Hitch, Additional Body Molding on Bed. Line-X bed-liner. DTT's TC & VB, Pac Brake, Power Edge, Edge EZ, Grover Air Horns

2000 32' Aljo Triple Slide 5th Wheel.

http://www.ramtaz.com

Add on's to come: any other Ram Runner required modifications...

 

[illflem]

If you can find room under the hood it would be the best way to go. With a generator off the PTO you would have use a driveshaft back to the mounting location of the generator. Unless you can keep it a straight shot the drive shafts can be noisy at high rpms.

Seems like a beefed up alternator with an inverter may be the best way to go even though a large inverter may set you back quite a bit.

A friend runs his entire 2000 sq ft house off 8 solar panels, with a propane generator for cloudy times, but his batteries weigh at least a ton. You could get by with smaller batteries if you get away from the coastal fog and follow the sun, not a bad way to go !!!

 

[David_VT]

Mike,
AG has a kit already designed for the Rams and it is an under the hood setup. They also call out a fast idle kit for the Ram, despite the claims you are reading on the website. I also seem to recall there was an issue with our two battery configuration which impacted something in that design.

I really have done a bunch of this same leg work on that setup. You know I am into the tech stuff too. Looking at their website, maybe they are off and running now. I'd love them to be successful, as it really is a great idea. If you get close to a buy, make sure you ask about the status of the 10KW project. I think it uses the same generator but bigger electronics box.



[This message has been edited by David_VT (edited 03-18-2001). ]

 

[MCrossley]

Yeah they do have a 10KW setup coming out adn also I have seen one mounted in the Ram so far and now that you mention it I do not remember whether or not the second battery was there, I will take a look at my pictures, I took some of the TST truck at May Madness last year that has one.

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TAZ... 2001 2500 SLT+ 4X4 Auto ETC Cummins, LSD 3. 54,Quad Cab, Long Bed, Agate Leather, White/Driftwood Exterior, Sliding rear window, Camper Special Group, Towing Group, Cab clearance lights,SPA-Technique Digital Dual Gauges (Pyro/Boost, Trans pressure/temp) Aux. Backup lamps. BNM 5th Wheel Hitch, Additional Body Molding on Bed. Line-X bed-liner. DTT's TC & VB, Pac Brake, Power Edge, Edge EZ, Grover Air Horns

2000 32' Aljo Triple Slide 5th Wheel.

http://www.ramtaz.com

Add on's to come: any other Ram Runner required modifications...

 

[Andy Perreault]

Mike, here's a good website with lots of PTO info: http://www.ptospecialties.com
You will find a well written textbook by clicking on "PTO + Hydraulics Basics"
Andy


[This message has been edited by Andy Perreault (edited 03-18-2001). ]