Future
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,338
Likes: 4,349
From: SW VA
While neat, I'd rather use a dedicated portable generator for outdoor stuff, or run an inverter off the battery for smaller stuff. There's a lot more benefits to that than a truck-based unit for me.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 165
I’m thinking that generator is linked to the hybrid version even though they weren’t clear about that.
I’m hoping for the seats and hands off cruise.
also, disappointing they didn’t release an all electric model. If they had, I could have tried to justify an f150 while keeping the 350...
I’m hoping for the seats and hands off cruise.
also, disappointing they didn’t release an all electric model. If they had, I could have tried to justify an f150 while keeping the 350...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
1. You do not need to be able to park your truck nearby (voltage and amperage drop in an extension cord. The longer the cord, the bigger the drop.); and
2. When you sell your truck, you get to keep the generator; and
3. I question the wisdom of idling my $70,000 truck for 30-40 hours at a time.
Tuned
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 385
Likes: 1
All fair points. I do believe though that the truck doesn't need to be running for the "generator" function. It look like it is actually a large inverter the draws off an large onboard lithium battery. Then I would assume if that battery level drops too far it will start the engine and via some large alternator fast charge the lithium battery. All of that said I doubt this is meant to replace a generator at a construction site where it goes all day every day. I imagine this as something you would use short term around the house, camping, tailgating, etc.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
All fair points. I do believe though that the truck doesn't need to be running for the "generator" function. It look like it is actually a large inverter the draws off an large onboard lithium battery. Then I would assume if that battery level drops too far it will start the engine and via some large alternator fast charge the lithium battery. All of that said I doubt this is meant to replace a generator at a construction site where it goes all day every day. I imagine this as something you would use short term around the house, camping, tailgating, etc.
Say you want to park somewhere remote and use the truck to power that camper. The hybrid 2.4-kW system will run for 85 hours on a full tank of gas at maximum load of 2,400 watts. The 7.2-kW system will go for 32 hours under the same max load conditions. If you’re not using all of those 7,200 watts, the system will continue for much longer, the company said. Normally, any Ford truck left idling and undisturbed will turn itself off after 30 minutes, according to Ford, via the built-in automatic idle shutdown function. But the generator mode disables this function, allowing it to go much longer, provided there’s at least a 400-watt draw on the system. So as long as the system detects that it’s powering something, the truck will continue to run.
Ford says this kind of portable power built into a truck can deliver electricity to remote construction locations, enough to power all the tools necessary for a team of builders to actually frame a house.
See further explanation here.
https://news.pickuptrucks.com/2020/0...generator.html
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 4,064
Likes: 13
TFL has additional information that the Ford "infomercial" didn't quite clarify. The highest kilowatt output is only on the hybrid, the gas only models do have the option available but at a lower max Kw output. I like the idea but really wonder what run time is off of battery before having to idle the vehicle.
As far as power tools for construction....there are plenty of cordless tools nowadays, any tool one might need is available cordless. All one needs is a way to charge the batteries.
As far as power tools for construction....there are plenty of cordless tools nowadays, any tool one might need is available cordless. All one needs is a way to charge the batteries.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 66
Likes: 4
Agree, especially since IIRC, last year they were showing off that "all electric" F-150. My guess is it's gonna be an option for MY '22/23/24.
Tuned
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 385
Likes: 1
Then why does Ford discuss how long the generator will run on a full tank of gas in the truck?
Why does Ford talk about how many power tools the generator will power?
The battery is not that big, 1.5 Kw. The engine has to run.
See further explanation here.
https://news.pickuptrucks.com/2020/0...generator.html
Why does Ford talk about how many power tools the generator will power?
The battery is not that big, 1.5 Kw. The engine has to run.
See further explanation here.
https://news.pickuptrucks.com/2020/0...generator.html
That was much more informative than the release that I read. In that case all of your points are spot on. There is no way I am going to idle a 60-70K truck for 100+ hrs a year to power my camper rather than just start up my $1000 3650 Watt remote start inverter generator. It just doesn't make sense. Plus the extra expense for gas as I am sure it will be far less economical than a portable generator.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
That was much more informative than the release that I read. In that case all of your points are spot on. There is no way I am going to idle a 60-70K truck for 100+ hrs a year to power my camper rather than just start up my $1000 3650 Watt remote start inverter generator. It just doesn't make sense. Plus the extra expense for gas as I am sure it will be far less economical than a portable generator.
I just do not see it as a "deal breaker" option.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 510
Likes: 35
The guy that refuses to buy cordless tools is the same guy that doesnt buy a new truck, at least not one with fancy options that might give headaches down the road. The only time I can see using it is if I parked my rv at walmart lot for a 6 hour nap and plug into generator in case I need more power than the rv battery would provide. And I wouldnt want to even chain up my current Yamaha inverter in case someone wants to take. Current state of property rights being what it is.... 
Fancy seat is platinum + so irrelevant to me. I'm not sawing any lumber on this expensive sawhorse either. I'm more interested in how does it handle a heavy load, NVH improvements, does it outpull a gm.6.2L.with a 10,000 lb trailer. That kind of stuff interests me.
Fancy seat is platinum + so irrelevant to me. I'm not sawing any lumber on this expensive sawhorse either. I'm more interested in how does it handle a heavy load, NVH improvements, does it outpull a gm.6.2L.with a 10,000 lb trailer. That kind of stuff interests me.
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 309
Likes: 41
I think what we're are seeing and it's coming to all models of HD trucks soon is all these trucks are reaching simple capability. The half tons are there! The only way to keep up with each other is tech and goofy options. 13k behind a half ton, no thanks.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 3,422
Likes: 20
I really liked the fold flat center console. I’m always struggling to rest my laptop while doing paperwork in the truck. I don’t like the ram mounts and always have a passenger.
I also like the auto running boards extending to the rear wheel and having the foot switch was a good addition.
With the big screen, did anyone notice if the climate controls and seat climate buttons were still on the dash?
Power plant.... not my thing. I’m still very disappointed in ford for the cheap inverter they used in these Superduty trucks so I’m not putting any faith in their “power plant” working anything like they describe.
I also like the auto running boards extending to the rear wheel and having the foot switch was a good addition.
With the big screen, did anyone notice if the climate controls and seat climate buttons were still on the dash?
Power plant.... not my thing. I’m still very disappointed in ford for the cheap inverter they used in these Superduty trucks so I’m not putting any faith in their “power plant” working anything like they describe.