Power Montana via dual-heavy duty Ford alternator?

[kevinmcc08]

Hi all,

Is it possible to have a 50 amp outlet wired from my Ford F-350 to allow me to plug in the 50 amp service that the Montana requires?

I understand that I could wire the batteries together for charging, but say for example if I’m boondocking and I want to run both AC units for 10-20 minutes to cool the coach down. With the Diesel engine running it for a bit should be no problem.

And with the upfitter switches my understanding is that the Ford has 330 amps of power available? But when I talk to local Ford folks as well as truck customization folks, they tend to think I’m a bit looney. I get it, I am, but still I think this is within the capabilities of the systems?

Anyone ever do anything like this?
Thanks for your time.

[BuilderBob]

Your truck is 12 volt DC power and your AC's 120 volt AC you would have to have a really big Invert-er in your truck witch I don't think the battery's or your alternator could keep up witch at all. Can you fire!

[mlh]

Your truck will not power your ACs unless you put a 50 amp generator under the hood and power it off of your truck. There is no place under your hood even if someone made a generator for that purpose. Buy a generator.
Lynwood

[kevinmcc08]

Ok understood, thanks

[dieselguy]

I choose not to respond to your power question as it's just too far out there, but I will respond to your idea of cooling down your fiver for 10-20 minutes. On a hot day everything inside your fiver will be near ambient temp and running the A/C for 15 minutes will not begin to cool the walls, furniture, and cabinetry enough to matter.

[kevinmcc08]

Ok, I get it, really dumb question on all fronts , thanks.
Doesn’t appear to be a way to delete a thread or I would.

The alternators put out AC but then rectifiers within the alternator housing convert it back to DC so the post is DC.

[Mike117]

Kevin your question is not dumb and if folks made you feel that way. It’s on them. People are here to learn and believe me a lot of folks have opinions on this site. I have learned a lot as a newbie.

[Dam Worker]

I have actually thought about using the truck to power a generator. Both my old truck and my new truck has the PTO provision and all though I have not done any real research I would guess some company makes a PTO powered generator. Probably too expensive but in my opinion a neat idea especially when you're towing your rig down the road. In the meantime I will have to stop and go into the Montana and start up my built in 5500 Onan and turn on both AC's and then continue down the road to my destination and hopefully arrive with a unit that is cooler. I say this because in hot weather and arriving at a RV Park with only 30amp service sucks.
I hope you continue to ask questions Kevin as I like to read about other people's ideas.

Tom Marty

[mlh]

Everybody knows different things. There are things you can help us with. That is what the MOC is about. I don’t think you will find another club like this one. I, we hope you will help us when you can.
Lynwood

[kevinmcc08]

I agree, Lynwood, and thanks for the kind words, Mike and Tom.

This forum has been very helpful to me and I monitor it regularly for ways to help.

[Jersey Devil]

Originally Posted by Mike117

Kevin your question is not dumb and if folks made you feel that way. It’s on them. People are here to learn and believe me a lot of folks have opinions on this site. I have learned a lot as a newbie.

I agree!

[DQDick]

Me too! Don't be afraid to ask questions, that's how we learn. Things in RV's frequently appear similar to a stick house but in reality are very different. If you go back and look at some of my early questions you'll agree, when your new to these fancy 5th wheels there are many things to learn.

[dieselguy]

I'm most always straight forward in my replies with very little tact. I try to point out the ground level things people sometimes just run right over. I made no evaluation of your question … just stated it was in my thinking too far out to comment on. Like others have said … most all of us have asked some doozies over our stay on the MOC … that's life.

[waynemoore]

Take a look at a company called Cool Technologies. A start up that puts a generator system on an F350.

[jeffba]

Cool Tech’s auxiliary power package weighs 1,000 pounds and costs less than 1/2 the price to manufacture. Interesting.

[BB_TX]

Electrical is one of the most confusing issues for many people. And no question about it should be considered "dumb".

[uhftx]

PTO powered generators are available from Places like Northern Tool and tractor supply but prices start at 1K and go up from there. They are big bulky and unless you have a hoist in the bed of the truck to lower it to the ground. Then hook up the PTO to the transmission. Not recommended from my point of view. Just purchase a separate gas or diesel (loud) generator. but it will not help you driving down the road. maybe a class A with a generator and engine A/C would suit you better.

[Carl n Susan]

There are several members here who cool their Montanas as they roll down the road. Install a 120V receptacle in the front tied into the coach power system, put a Honda 3000i (or whatever) in the bed, run a power cord between the two, and let er rip.

[BuilderBob]

Kevin your question is not dumb it would be nice to run your 5er AC of your truck keep asking questions if you need help that is what the MOC is for to help each other.

[Jersey Devil]

There are no dumb questions asked on this site.All are here to help each other.Thats whats great about the Montana family.
Don’t let a dumb reply chase you away.Its no reflection on you.Every group has a couple now and then.Thats life!
Mean while hope this site has been helpful to you.