A/C Generator

[crazy96863]

A friend of mine recently picked up a Tacoma that had a neat factory accessory - an A/C Generator. You could plug and extention cord, a splitter and a number of appliances. To say the least I am jealous and I want one.

I am not buying a Toyota to get it.

It seems logical that someone out there would make a bolt on kit for this type of feature. Considering there are more Ford Trucks on the road than any other type of vehicle, it seems there should be one for it.

I envision a sort of fancy replacement alternator that has a built in A/C generator, some sort of transformer, and wiring of course.

Does anyone know if something like this exists? It would be a great feature on the Tech Library. Thanks!

 

[MAKG]

Alternators ARE A/C (3 phase) generators. You just have to figure out how to tap them correctly, ahead of the rectifier.

You can buy inverters that plug into 12V DC. But I think you're overestimating how much power is available. A hairdryer is 2 HP. Put enough load on the alternator, and you'll melt or slip the belt.

 

[crazy96863]

I appreciate the heads up. I really don't know much about the capabilities of the system as far as loads go. It just seems like a handy accessory to have when camping or whatnot.

I would only be interested in a system separate from the vehicles own. I thought I saw a generator mounted as an accessory on the motor above the alternator a while back but I haven't been able to put a finger on how it was done. I am going to look into what the Toyota has regarding load capabilities and see if any systems can be removed and reinstalled on a Ranger somehow.

If anyone has anything else to add here, it would be great.

Thanks!

 

[jagar147]

Hey guys,buy an inverter,can get them in many various wattages.They wire into your system then you can plug in almost any appliance within their wattage range.Not too awful on thew wallet either.

 

[RangerFella]

Buy a gas powered generator and put it in your bed.

 

[Will]

A 5 or 6 serpentine belt will support a 150-amp @ 12V alternator according to Balmar. That's only 1,800 watts--and probably short lived if using an automotive alternator. A Balmar 150amp alternator would set you back $1,200 and require 2x 1/2" belts and an additional several hundred dollar external regulator to drive it. They would probably qualify a 130amp automotive alternator as a 60 amp marine alternator--and not warranty it. They sell alternators meant to be used as generators. Their product guide on their website which I think is balmar.net is worth having as a reference.

I don't know what Toyota has, and I have seen people stack the poles or something in a car alternator to get 120V. But it's not a generator. the good thing about an inverter is that it can put out a large current because there is a tremendous amount of energy stored in a car battery. A car alternator can eventually catch back up if you give it time.

A caution on inverters--they can torture electric motors apparently. The cheaper modified sine wave inverters put out an ugly looking AC voltage and motors don't like it. Probably not a problem on a tool like a drill that you use intermittently. Might not want to run something continously that is expensive like a refigerator. I've also read that some 12V tool chargers will be damaged by the ugly voltage. There is an expensive inverter that hs a nice looking voltage--better than what comes out of the wall--and is good for anything. Some electronis may have internal power supplies that clean up the incoming current and actually work well without needing the pure sine inverter. It's the brainless things that need good power than can be damaged.

If the Toyota is actually an inverter and not an alternator tap, you might read the manual and see if there are limits on what should be plugged into it.