I agree with all of that completely except solar. I think it's a waste of time on a truck. We have big alternators and can do in an hour what it would take solar all day to charge, and that's if you've got good sun where you are parked. And your solar setup is not going to be cheap. I've done many. I'm a believer on campers that sit a lot, not on trucks that are going to run all day anyway. But to each his/her own. I see tons of trucks these days with solar all over the roof.
A single panel to act as a tender/capable of keeping a coolant heater (diesel powered) running in subzero is about the size i want personally. My old 3406s get grumpy under 25 degrees
Why could you not set up a pto operated generator to charge your house batteries vs using the truck alternator? If you could do that, should be able to power a large generator from the pto? Less engine time to get back to 100% charge?
My truck is wired with sure power. However, Love’s is the only truck stops that are offering outlets at some of their locations. It is very expensive to park at these locations at a rate of $75 per night. Not worth it to me. Cost and installation of a PTO generator is not worth the investment when there are better options available that are less the cost. So far, everything that I have installed on my truck is transferable to another truck should something happen to this truck. Again, the objective is to have a setup that can be used off grid that is electric while at the same time reduces wear on the engine and DPF system, recharges the batteries while sitting, allowing excess to hotel loads, and providing comfort during all weather conditions. The EPU’s on the market are far to expensive for the investment when you can build out a setup for far less. Please see the data that I have attached. Remember, this is without solar panels and Lifepo4 batteries installed. Once these items are installed, I will be able to cut my engine run time down to half the time shown in the graph.
Yes but it can be added. I don't know the cost but I would think a pto generator could produce a lot of energy quickly
the "wet kit" (after market belt drive pto) is a minimum of $1,500 plus a generator if you can find 1 that will fit under the hood...
My 3,500 watt portable generator $850, 2 year extended warranty $200, portable ac $300, portable heater $30, and battery charger $25. I can sit anywhere not idling for 60-70 hours. btw my generator would run your shore power
just get a bigger alternator. Very simple. I'm sure they are made for semi trucks. You can get one for modern pick up trucks and vans up to several hundred amps vs. the 165 or so OEM alternators. At least that's what my truck has and it's a 2021.
Lithium batteries have a BMS. Short them all you want. The BMS will shut off the output above 200 amps instantly.
