Portable generator as "Range Extender"

[YDR37]

Not really surprising that it can be done, but maybe interesting to see someone actually using this approach.

So this guy carries a Predator 9500 generator (9500W, $2,300 at Harbor Freight) in the back of his CT when he goes camping in the snow.

The generator apparently supplies a Tesla connector. He was able to charge at about 11 miles/hr. Took about 14 hours (overnight) to go from 12% to 100%. Burned about 15 gallons of gasoline.

So it can be done, but there are some obvious downsides. You can’t charge while driving, so you’ll probably want to charge overnight. But that’s probably also when you'll want to sleep, and then the generator is noisy.

 

[Jedi2155]

Saw that, 15 mpg isn't horrible for a vehicle of this size.

 

[cybercricket]

The only thing I'd be worried about is relying on a HF product in critical conditions. So at least bring a Honda EU2200 as a backup. Two is one, one is none.

Also note that Predator 9500 is rated for 7600W continuous, or just about 31A@240V.

 

[YDR37]

Also note that Predator 9500 is rated for 7600W continuous, or just about 31A@240V.

And also, a stock Predator 9500 only has a 6.6 gallon fuel tank. So if he burned through 15 gallons overnight, seems like he must have gotten up during the night to refuel. Or else he paid extra for an additional fuel tank and some sort of extended run time kit.

 

[cybercricket]

And also, a stock Predator 9500 only has a 6.6 gallon fuel tank. So if he burned through 15 gallons overnight, seems like he must have gotten up during the night to refuel. Or else he paid extra for an additional fuel tank and some sort of extended run time kit.

I am also wondering... would it be possible to attach a hose to divert the exhaust form the generator under the vehicle to use waste heat for keeping the battery warmish ?

 

[NotMyTruck]

That’s like buying a portable nuclear reactor, then attaching it to a back pressure turbine and saying you power your house off the grid.

 

[Crissa]

I am also wondering... would it be possible to attach a hose to divert the exhaust form the generator under the vehicle to use waste heat for keeping the battery warmish ?

Sounds like something my spouse would do.

-Crissa

 

[YDR37]

That’s like buying a portable nuclear reactor, then attaching it to a back pressure turbine and saying you power your house off the grid.

I've been meaning to get one of those portable nuclear reactors from Harbor Freight

 

[NotMyTruck]

I've been meaning to get one of those portable nuclear reactors from Harbor Freight

Those are the best kind.

 

[bosshog]

lol I was always thinking about a portable generator for camping as lots of drain of battery when camping as well .
Kettle lights etc

 

[yippie]

Not really surprising that it can be done, but maybe interesting to see someone actually using this approach.

So this guy carries a Predator 9500 generator (9500W, $2,300 at Harbor Freight) in the back of his CT when he goes camping in the snow.

The generator apparently supplies a Tesla connector. He was able to charge at about 11 miles/hr. Took about 14 hours (overnight) to go from 12% to 100%. Burned about 15 gallons of gasoline.

So it can be done, but there are some obvious downsides. You can’t charge while driving, so you’ll probably want to charge overnight. But that’s probably also when you'll want to sleep, and then the generator is noisy.

we got idiots trading their trucks for a new truck after 1 year or less, so I'm not suprised that people do this foolishness either

 

[cybercricket]

we got idiots trading their trucks for a new truck after 1 year or less, so I'm not suprised that people do this foolishness either

Why so angry ?

 

[bosshog]

Maybe instead of gas use a propane generator .As the propane can be used for other camping activities .

I don’t think it’s that foolish . Camping in wild places and off road to get there can use a lot more power than expected …

 

[yippie]

Why so angry ?

because stuff like this just makes us look like even bigger idiots. "Hey did you see that guy why carries a gas generator with him so he can charge his truck" because no one ever reads past the headline or reports the situation truthfully.

 

[yippie]

Maybe instead of gas use a propane generator .As the propane can be used for other camping activities .

I don’t think it’s that foolish . Camping in wild places and off road to get there can use a lot more power than expected …

Then maybe an electric truck isn't for you ... bringing your gas generator with you to charge your truck when your camping IS foolish.