Truck-Powered Generator Provides Moblie AC Power

Truck-Powered Generator Provides Moblie AC Power TRUCKS Accessories 28-5-20 If you have a late model pickup equipped with a transmission-driven pto, you'll want to take a look at this new built-in AC power system that literally becomes part of the truck. "Unlike an inverter, our Real Power unit doesn't affect the trucks' electrical system, but instead works directly off the pto gear found on many newer transmissions," says John Storm, company president and inventor of the Real Power system. Real Power requires a GMC or Chevrolet pickup equipped with an Allison 1000 transmission with a pto gear manufactured in 2001 or later. Ford pickups equipped with the new TorqShift transmissions also work with it. Storm says dealers are discovering the pto is fast becoming an attractive selling point. "We've only been selling it since early June, and we already have dealers changing their orders to add the pto," says Storm. "These full size trucks run 300 hp, and this unit only draws 15 to 20 hp," explains Storm. "You can run the generator at full production, and the engine will run only at idle or slightly above. A stand alone generator will burn 1.2 gph for 6 kW. We burn about half that for 8 kW." The Real Power generator comes in two sizes. The smaller unit will produce up to 8.0 kW continuous output or up to 9.0 kW peak output for 2 hours out of 24 and up to 66 amps at 120 volts. The larger unit will produce 12.0 kW continuous output and up to 13.2 kW peak output and up to 100 amps at 120 volts. The beauty of the system is that it requires no inverters or DC converters. It is maintenance-free with no brushes to replace. The generator itself mounts between the frame rails, while the outlet box is located just behind the wheel well. It requires no electrical system alterations, holes to be drilled or cutouts. Once installed, the system has virtually no impact on the truck until engaged. "The pto-driven gear disengages completely from the transmission drive gear when not in operation," explains Storm. "This means no drag or noise during normal truck operation." The unit is controlled with a cab-mounted switch and the truck's cruise control. The switch engages the pto, while the cruise control maintains constant speed as the engine comes under load. It can maintain constant voltage and frequency independent of load. "At less than $4,000 installed, this system is cheaper and lighter than competitive products," says Storm. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Contour Hardening, Inc., 801 NW Boulevard, Indianapolis, Ind. 46278 (ph 317 876-1530 or 888-867-2184; website: www.realac power.com).

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