convert prostar battery powered HVAC to generator powered

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by gentran, Jan 11, 2025.

  1. gentran

    gentran Light Load Member

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    Is is possible to replace the battery powered HVAC with a generator? What size generator would be needed?
     
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  3. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    What do you mean size generator?

    Detail your ideas, because the last time I looked at one of these things, it drew 100 amps from a 13 volt bank, or 1300 watts. The problem is that it is a low voltage system, not a 115 vac system.
     
  4. gentran

    gentran Light Load Member

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    Thanks for the reply. It probably won't work if you removed the batteries and used a generator. I thought a generator plugged into shore power would run the HVAC but it didn't work. The batteries don't last for a 34 reset and I was trying to figure out how to run the HVAC for a reset.
     
  5. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    What do you mean by shore power?

    Is there an optional power supply for charging the battery bank? If so, then I think you would be safe with a 2kw generator.

    The other option is you need to build a small generator with a small alternator - 100amp that will feed the power in place of the truck. Don't get a one-wire alternator, get one with a sense wire to do it right.
     
  6. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    Is this a company truck or do you own it..?
     
  7. gentran

    gentran Light Load Member

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    Thanks. I own the truck. Shore power is a plug in on the side of the truck to power household type outlets in the truck
     
  8. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    No battery bank will last a 34 hour reset. You'd need 2000ah of batteries. I have a huge bank of lithiums (560ah) that will run AC for a day or so but a 34 is a huge ask for any battery system. I don't know how you'd do it but a generator is probably the best and only realistic option.
     
  9. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    Did the Op opt out as steeler hijacked the thread?
     
  10. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Won't work.
     
  11. gentran

    gentran Light Load Member

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    Mar 29, 2011
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    Thanks for all the responses. I unfortunately have two accounts due to being on the road and forgetting my login info and set up a new account. So, gentran and Steeler are the same person. I am going to try my generator plugged into shore power and then plug in an electric heater in the sleeper outlets to see if that will work. Thanks again to y'all.
     
    Moosetek13 Thanks this.
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