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Hurricane season is approaching here in Florida. The power grid must be weak because the power goes out a lot. Is there a way to hook up a generator to the Ex? I figure that the diesel could run a long time to power the generator.
I have a stand alone gas generator but was thinking of one on the Ex as a back up.
There was a company who made generator kits which mounted under hood and were driven by a belt connected to the engine. Can't remember the company now but I'd hate to have my vehicle just sitting there idling for hours at a time. While the portable generators are loud they are convenient. My Generac is way too loud but it connects to the house and runs everything except for a/c and water heater. The Honda EU's are nice and quiet but are pricey - the 2000 watt is about $1000 and the 3000 seems to run about $1700 or so.
You are talking about a POWER INVERTER. It converts DC to AC.
Depending on your requirements I would suggest you upgrade your OEM 110 amp alternator to at least 160 to 200 amps. That is what I did. You can buy direct bolt on replacements very easily and are easy to install.
If you go that route, be sure to run another #2 or #4 cable from the alternator output terminal to the passenger side battery. The OEM output cable is only sized for the OEM alternator.
If you are looking for a separate AC generator that bolts directly to the 6.0, I have never seen one.
Personally, I would not let my X idle for long periods of time. That is not good for the engine, especially if your EGR is active. Also, if you are pulling a lot od DC you will want the engine running at least 1500 RPM continuously or the alternator will not be cooled sufficiently to sustain high current output. Just food for thought.
I suggest doing something like this
3000 watts continuous is a bit under 30 Amps or 2 household circuit breakers
I also did a 3rd deep cycle battery and isolator from DB too.. if you did this you could run it without even having the truck running . it has a low voltage shut down. so when power goes out just go start the truck for a while
I would suggest upgrading to a DB Electrical 200A alternator . if you get a chip or tune for a 1200 high idle, the DB alternator puts out 100 amps at idle and 200 at 1200rpm so enough to run that inverter.. Diesels are designed for idling and continuous constant speed running. they use much less fuel idling that a gasser...
I've got the same sized inverter and cant find a spot to install the monster. Could fit in the left 1/4 panel if I lose the seatbelt but that would make hard to get at. Thought of mounting it in a box on the frame rail like a battery. For such a big truck theres really not that much storage space.
I agree with Soutthpaw becuase a power inverter is what made my Excursion my mobile command center when Hurricane Ike knocked out the power in 2008; had a portable TV and a way to keep my cell phone charged.