I didn't mention power factor, reactive power, apparent power, waveform (true sine vs what most inverters make) or any of the other complex issues that prevent large motors from working well on standard inverters. Admittedly, I did pigeon hole your example though. Wasn't picking on you, just pointing out a common belief. Sorry.

The net result is, a standard, AC powered compressor will not perform well on a commonly available inverter, for reasons beyond what is discussed here, beyond even the 'surge' factor.

 

refer to post #4 above - i use just this kind of system all the time, and the ONLY problem i have with my system is the ability to run down the batteries if i forget to keep the idle speed up.
and for what its worth, i'm using a relatively cheap harbor-freight inverter

 

IMHO "without getting technical" - here it is in a nutshell.

Remford was "afraid (his) van (with 225 amp alternator & 2 batteries) can't provide enough electrical power to meet any such compressor's starting wattage requirements". He didn't worry IF his van can "provide enough electrical power to meet any such compressor's" much lower "wattage requirements" once running at speed.

Again "without getting technical" or having to "pigeon hole...common belief" we haven't see any reason why "just this kind of system"..."will not perform well" ENOUGH. No, it's not very efficient. It's a convoluted system & suffers lots of energy loss. After all, we're talking about using a V8 to power a 1-2 hp AC compressor.

Almost makes me want to suggest 1 of those antique 'Spark Plug' compressors. Ever seen one? A little Emergency Kit designed to carry in glove box, to inflate a flat tire. Consists of a length of hose long enough to reach from motor to furthest tire. One end has special check valve fitting w/spark plug threads, the other a tire valve chuck for inflation. Idea is to remove 1 spark plug & install 'kit' so that cylinder works as compressor.

 

Haha, I have seen those used on old (OOOOLD) tractors. I can imagine it now:

"We got a flat tire, time to remove the doghouse!"

 

I'm sure he's right. PTO cases are very hard to find.

That's also what I'm not sure about. The last time I ordered a new van was in 1999. I don't remember if the PTO was an option then. I also don't know if that information would mean anything for the current model year.

I do know that you can replace a non-PTO trans in an E series with a PTO trans.

 

im looking to install a flat bed dump on my truck. its a 2000 ford f350 single wheel 4x4 , 6speed manual. i want to install a pto off the trans to raise the body any one have any suggestions on which pto to use and where i can also get the dump hoist kit to raise the body.