Generator for the tractor

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Beethoven, Apr 26, 2013.

  1. tommymonza

    tommymonza Road Train Member

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    Yea I have gone through a couple of the upright units. Used to have one at our condo for our bedroom so we could keep it ice cold and keep the cat locked out.
    During the summer when the condo commando was not around I would hang a window unit that was rated at 2/3 rds of the upright a/c unit because it was so much more efficient .
    The upright could not cool the bedroom during the summer. Had tried 3 different brands. Non were any better than the other.

    Now the window units definitely differed in cooling performance amongst the different brands with equal btu ratings.

    Window units always outperformed the outright with half the noise and air movement too.
     
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  3. CoyoteExpress

    CoyoteExpress Medium Load Member

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    Michael jackson will sing .... you are not alone ....

    The new windows are junk ... no real vent in the top ... i miss my 30/60cm sunroof from my Actros
     
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  4. nonsense007

    nonsense007 Light Load Member

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    That's so cool, I was thinking about getting a Yanmar generator being at diesel, but seems like the best option is the Honda 3000is. And I'll get one of those KSR marine boxes for the generator.

    I have a 2001 Peterbilt 379 with a 70 inch sleeper, what's the best option for an A/C unit on this truck??

    :blob::blob::blob:
     
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  5. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    Its all custom made.
    [​IMG]


    The cover can stay all the way open like this.
    [​IMG]




    Or if I want to make it more difficult to steal.. I set a latch that can be locked and it leaves the cover open like this.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    The best part in my opinion,.. when its all closed up, It looks like nothing more than a tool box. No one,..not even DOT has ever questioned me as to what is inside. Just in case,.. I made the box for the fuel cans separate from the generator, in case DOT wanted to make a stink. Originally I was going to make it just one large box with a divider in the middle.

    Hurst
     
    Last edited: May 30, 2016
  6. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    Not 100% sure for an ac option. Keep an eye on my posts later this summer or fall, as I will be replacing the Columbia with a 379 and will no doubt be doing a similat generator set up to the 379.

    Being that I would never resort to hanging an ac out the back of the sleeper, I may end up doing a larger Honda 6500 generator and convert some cabinet space inside to accomodate a 12,000 btu upright.. or I may look into a roof mount ac.

    This just ideas for now.... until I find a truck, its anyones guess.

    Hurst
     
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  7. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

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    the up right I got 12000 btu pulls 1500 watts. Honda 3000 runs it just fine.
     
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  8. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

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    I have a yanmar 6500 diesel gen. very very loud. I chose not to use it on truck. didn't want to po the neighbors off when parked.
     
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  9. 77fib77

    77fib77 Road Train Member

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    Different AC units have different levels of efficiency. Two different Ac units can pull different watts and have same BTU rating.
     
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  10. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    I know it will,.. but not as efficiently as with a smaller 8500 BTU. The way mine runs now,.. I put it in efficiency mode,.. low nice and quiet idle. The 3500 almost never goes above idle unless I have the microwave and AC running at the same time. A 12000 BTU will draw some more amps and thinking I may adapt a hydraulic tank or DEF tank as a larger gas tank for the generator,.. the 6500 may become a better option.

    I honestly dont know at this point. I'll do some research and try to figure out the most efficient (affordable) way to do it.

    Including the boxes,.. I have barely $3300 into my whole set up. That includes heat/ac and all my appliances,.. TV etc. Other than the inconvenience of needing to refill my gas cans,.. I feel its a much better option than any of the diesel APU's out there. Some of those APU's are nothing but glorified lawnmower engines bolted to the side of the frame and just as loud,.

    Hurst
     
  11. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

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    Yes, an up right isn't as efficient as a widow a/c. But I dont want to cut holes in my ride. I'm redneck enough as I am now. Dont need to broadcast it buy hang in one out a window or hole cut in back of sleeper plus I wanted simplistic setup. LOL
     
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