Yes. The generator is not DOT compliant, as it is gravity fed. I may throw that fuel pump I purchased on the system, even if I'm not really using it, just so I can claim it has a fuel pump. :lol:

The auxiliary fuel tank has to be mounted "in a workmanlike manner". That means it needs to be secured properly. That will be no problem, since I tend to over-secure things I attach to my truck. I'm thinking I will put it up on the deck plate, right behind the sleeper (where my air line box is). I'm not sure yet, but I may have a fuel tank built. The DOT regulations state that you can haul 8 gallons of gasoline without being required to placard. It just so happens that all the fuel tanks I've been looking at today were just barely over 8 gallons....

IMHO, it isn't 100% legal, but everyone I've ever heard of who has a gas generator on their truck hasn't been hassled by DOT, since most DOT cops don't know the regs themselves. At this point, I just see it as being the best solution. I want to keep this system from getting overly complex. The less there is, the less there is to go wrong. :lol:

On a side note, the really awesome Xantrex inverter system I had in my truck took a dump about a month or so ago. The plug on top of the inverter where the remote switch plugged in got corroded, and 2 of the pins sheared off. I dug into the inverter (which was darn near impossible to get into), and found that it is going to be pretty much impossible to repair this, as the pins in the connector plug were soldered directly to the circuit board. So today I cut the power cable that went from the inverter to the breaker box. I am going to put a junction box in, and run that power cable into it. I'll then run a cable from the generator into the junction box, so I can use the already-installed outlets that are inside the truck for power, rather than having to run an extension cord and power strip. At least I was able to salvage something from the system. It's really a shame. I loved that inverter system. But with a price tag of over $1500, it's not something I really wanted to replace. I may end up putting a 1000 watt inverter into the truck (so I don't have to run that 400 watt inverter for my laptop), but for now I'm going to leave it as is. I haven't decided yet if I will put another Optima in the empty space I just created in my battery box.

 

24 hours on 8 to 9 gallons would be best case with that model and that's reading the manufactures blurb which you know they lie. That's also at 1/2 load which isn't going to happen. So unless you fill that tank up every day your only get to run with what you have. I wonder how long that little engine will last running non stop also.

And for one who spouts off regulations all the time it sounds like that little book just went right the Hell out the window!

In my opinion it just sounds like your making regular payments on a real APU which in the end, you will never own.

 

Rev, there is a world of info/discussion about Honda generators (and everything else) on a site called RV.net. Click on "Open Roads Forum". then scroll to "Tech Issues" topic. Alot of what's been tried and discussed on there applies to what you're doing. Usually a posted tech question receives answers from other posters within an hour or two, very active forum.

 

Ummmm.....Who said anything about running it 24 hours nonstop? That "little engine" is a Honda - which are known for their reliability. Besides, I can replace that "little engine" 10 times for the cost of one of yours.

 

Don't you know by now that those Regs are for Rev to bust everyone else on, but they don't necessarily apply to him. :wink:

 

I have a 2500 Honda generator for work, I'll say it's a work horse for sure.

 

That's right! :lol:

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to head down to the local truckstop and throw a bunch of food on the ground.

 

A buddy of mine has been running a rooftop a/c on his pickup canopy with one of those slick little Honda gens for years. The worst conditions, off-roading in the desert, and both units have held up exceptionally well.

 

Hey Rev i just want to tell you. Why are you 1/2 ass'in your truck?? You have one hell of a nice truck and now you want to go cheap on a APU. Just thiought i would give you my 2cents even though it means shit. I think you would be ahead of the game just drop the 8k and buy a rig master like your boy steve.

 

Give me $8000 to spend on an APU, and I'll buy one tomorrow. Otherwise, no.