Running hybrid for hours as a power source, is it harmful to the engine?

[Kingfish]

Would I damage anything by running my hybrid for hours as a power source?

Say we had a power outage and I ran an extension cord from the truck bed outlet to my office for monitors, laptop, etc. I know the 400w inverter would be plenty of power. And in my non-technical mind the truck acts like a generator in that scenario.

But would hours of idle cause any damage?


I did search the threads, but didn't find the answer (please share a thread link if I missed it).

Thanks!

Sponsored

 

[Montana]

Didn't you read the manual? Well, RIP your Maverick.

j/k you are fine.

Idling is bad because you are adding wear but not mileage. But in this scenario, you gotta do what you gotta do. Lots of applications used this way for camping as well, but to be in the danger zone you'd really have to be depleting your battery often and idling a lot more than just a couple hours or days worth.

 

[Kingfish]

Didn't you read the manual? Well, RIP your Maverick.

j/k you are fine.

Idling is bad because you are adding wear but not mileage. But in this scenario, you gotta do what you gotta do. Lots of applications used this way for camping as well, but to be in the danger zone you'd really have to be depleting your battery often and idling a lot more than just a couple hours or days worth.

Thanks!

Believe it or not, I did read the manual. It was...a lot. And a looong time ago. Sadly, I didn't even think to check there for this answer.

 

[Silver23]

Would I damage anything by running my hybrid for hours as a power source?

Say we had a power outage and I ran an extension cord from the truck bed outlet to my office for monitors, laptop, etc. I know the 400w inverter would be plenty of power. And in my non-technical mind the truck acts like a generator in that scenario.

But would hours of idle cause any damage?


I did search the threads, but didn't find the answer (please share a thread link if I missed it).

Thanks!

I would not worry one bit about the engine, idling is easy on it. I would however worry a little about the built in inverter. The duty cycle on it could be limited but who really knows...right. I think it would be best to buy a good quality, much higher wattage than needed inverter and just connect it to the 12v battery.
The truck is always charging the battery so just having it running you are all good.
also, I would be sure to turn off all the accessories in the truck like AC too.

 

[Montana]

Thanks!

Believe it or not, I did read the manual. It was...a lot. And a looong time ago. Sadly, I didn't even think to check there for this answer.

I was just being sarcastic about the manual

 

[MAVERICK OCD]

Hey Kingfish,

Listen to Silver23. The 400W inverter sucks. I would seriously make sure you test this out first. The inverter in my Lariat doesn't push enough amps to allow my printer to turn on.

I also tried to make a Margarita once and it failed at that too.

Do your self a favor and buy a real inverter like Silver23 suggests and test it out in advance.

 

[Kingfish]

I would not worry one bit about the engine, idling is easy on it. I would however worry a little about the built in inverter. The duty cycle on it could be limited but who really knows...right. I think it would be best to buy a good quality, much higher wattage than needed inverter and just connect it to the 12v battery.
The truck is always charging the battery so just having it running you are all good.
also, I would be sure to turn off all the accessories in the truck like AC too.

Oh, great to know.

Looks like I get to go shopping for another truck accessory!

Thanks!

 

[Darnon]

I would not worry one bit about the engine, idling is easy on it.

Also the engine doesn't really 'idle'. Typically when it's running, it's doing so at 1800-2200 RPM and under load to charge the HVB until "full" (~70%) and then shuts off.

 

[FabMav]

Check out this post for a 2000 watt inverter installation instruction

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/2000-watt-removable-inverter-installation.44646/

 

[EffNo50]

Hey Kingfish,

Listen to Silver23. The 400W inverter sucks. I would seriously make sure you test this out first. The inverter in my Lariat doesn't push enough amps to allow my printer to turn on.

I also tried to make a Margarita once and it failed at that too.

Do your self a favor and buy a real inverter like Silver23 suggests and test it out in advance.

Inkjet (should work) or laser printer (no way)?
blender makes total sense, way more than 400 watts

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Also the engine doesn't really 'idle'. Typically when it's running, it's doing so at 1800-2200 RPM and under load to charge the HVB until "full" (~70%) and then shuts off.

The ice runs to keep the HVB FROM 30% to 40%. 40% to 70-72% is reserved to Regen storage. 72%+ is reserved for emergency regen but mainly for reserve for the 8yr/100k miles warranty.

 

[MAVERICK OCD]

Inkjet (should work) or laser printer (no way)?
blender makes total sense, way more than 400 watts

Yup,
It's a Brother Black and White Laser printer HL-L2370DW. I never thought about buying a inkjet. Thats a good suggestion and thanks.

I would kill for a low amp blender for the beach. Have any suggestions for that

 

[EffNo50]

Yup,
It's a Brother Black and White Laser printer HL-L2370DW. I never thought about buying a inkjet. Thats a good suggestion and thanks.

I would kill for a low amp blender for the beach. Have any suggestions for that

Low wattage requirement is about the ONLY!! time I'd recommend an inkjet. I despise their need to waste ink even when they are not being used and the high per page cost of refills.

As for margaritas on the beach....go on the rocks or do shaved ice (no recommendations but quick search shows ~$20 for manual shaved ice maker).

 

[Kingfish]

Check out this post for a 2000 watt inverter installation instruction

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/2000-watt-removable-inverter-installation.44646/

Thanks!

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Yup,
It's a Brother Black and White Laser printer HL-L2370DW. I never thought about buying a inkjet. Thats a good suggestion and thanks.

I would kill for a low amp blender for the beach. Have any suggestions for that

Buy a pure sine 2-3k watt inverter power station that has dual 7.5-10 amp DC inputs for fast charging. Wire it to appropriate fuse active when trucks DcDc converter is active. Probably $500-$1200 depending on its battery size. Will have limited 8-12+ amp 120v current without truck being on. Recharge with truck or solar panel??

Sponsored