what do you guys do for power

Ive got a tri-pac APU with a hard wired 1800 watt inverter. Plenty of power to run everything I need. The tri-pac also has an alternater to charge batteries.

 

I thought about strapping a generator to the back but I also think about the hassle of getting gas for it all the time and if the cost would even be worth it. Only electronics I run in my truck is my laptop, cpap and for the most part thats it. Got a company truck so no APU, no hard wire inverters etc allowed, I just deal with what I have.

 

I bring along some solar panels, plus a windmill for backup!

 

I have a 2000 watt Honda generator. Use it to run an 8000 BTU air conditioner, various fans, crock pot, coffee pot, computers and tv's etc. It rides on the passenger floor when driving. So it is a pain in the tail to get it in and out of the truck sometimes. Considering buying my own trailer and welding a platform on the front to hold a larger generator sorta like a redneck reefer lol and run extension cord to shore power in the truck which I also want to get put in someday.

 

I currently have an inverter and can run almost everything off the batts. (I got agm batts since they handle hotel loads better) Im planning on buying a diesel gen (they sell um for less then 2,ooo) and mounting it either under the drive shaft or on the cat walk. Running ac and heat off batts will kill um quick so a diesel gen would work nice to provide electric heat and ac. You can plum the diesel feel right of one of the main tanks and they are more fuel efficient then a tripac.

Diesel Gen 2000
AC/Heat 400
Install Your time
Total 2400
Fuel/hour .3-.5

Tripack 9000
install 2000+
Total 11,000
Fuel/hour .3-.5

 

I just bought a generator from Home Depot ( online ) for $150....its 800w and only 40lbs.
I've yet to be home to pick it up...but I think it's a good idea for portable power.
It's good for 8hrs on 1.5 gallons of gas.

 

I work for Crete and they will install inverters (at the driver's cost) so I have a 2000 watt inverter similar to this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...N=B003R7M6CS&linkCode=as2&tag=lifofamodtru-20
It works so well because Crete has an APU-like battery system. 4 batteries for the truck, 4 batteries for me.

Before I worked for Crete I had a 1600 watt Honda generator like this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...N=B00C112T1O&linkCode=as2&tag=lifofamodtru-20
I highly recommend Honda. Its small, quiet and fuel efficient. A lot of people don't like generators because they have to buy fuel for them. well they sell gas almost everywhere they sell diesel so its no big deal.

Of course this ALL depends on what you need the power for. if you are just looking to run your laptop or a small appliance this might work for you:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...N=B002AP95H2&linkCode=as2&tag=lifofamodtru-20


when I first started driving a truck I had a 75w inverter just to charge my laptop. it worked pretty good and i still have it on the truck as a just in case back-up. heres a link to it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...N=B003Q54V88&linkCode=as2&tag=lifofamodtru-20

 

Giving drivers another reason to stay at the pumps for longer
After they get their fuel, then get food and a shower "oh yeah have to walk to the car pumps and get some gas for my gen"