Are you allowed to use a gas powered generator??

KeepRollin · Apr 5, 2007

Can you install a gas tank on a straight truck and use it for a gas powered generator? Is there a limit on the size of the tank?
I was considering putting one on one of my straight trucks and did not know what is leagal and what is not. Any information would be helpful.

Thanks
Todd

arkjarhead · Apr 5, 2007

RE: Are you allowed to use a gas powered generator

I think one thing that will make a difference is how it is mounted. Other than that I don't see why it would be illegal.

highway star · Apr 5, 2007

RE: Are you allowed to use a gas powered generator

I've seen it done, but I don't know anything about the legalities. I don't see why it would be a problem.

greg334 · Apr 6, 2007

RE: Are you allowed to use a gas powered generator

It is only legal if the tank is DOT approved. Meaning that the manufacture makes it according to DOT specs.

I have heard, but not seen someone using a small diesel tank from a city truck (like 35 gallon tank) for a gas generator. Seeing that is DOT approved, I am assuming it would be alright to use.

Outside of that, if you are thinking of a gas can, the gas can has to be DOT approved (self-closing, proper venting, safety blowplug, etc...).

Oh one other thing, I would not just hobble the fuel lines together, but use the proper fitings and tubing to install the generator. I saw an Onan generator mounted on a truck the other day with a nice transflo tank but the fuel line was air brake tubing and the cheap push together fittings.

Rocketman · Apr 7, 2007

RE: Are you allowed to use a gas powered generator

Would a gas powered generator not create enough Carbon Monoxide to become a danger to you and others nearby?

greg334 · Apr 7, 2007

RE: Are you allowed to use a gas powered generator

>Would a gas powered generator not create enough Carbon
>Monoxide to become a danger to you and others nearby?

Nope.

jeffman164 · Apr 8, 2007

RE: Are you allowed to use a gas powered generator

Was thinking about adding one to my straight truck as well. Saw a 3500 watt generator at Harbor Frieght for $350.00. Have to figure out a way to add an extra muffler to it. I know that it will add more back pressure and shorten the life of it but for $350.00 , just throw it out and buy another new one.

kempers_gramp · Apr 10, 2007

RE: Are you allowed to use a gas powered generator

Been thinking about doing this for some time. I come to the same conclusions about the added muffler. However, I believe that you could add an extended baffle system of some sort without actually increasing the back pressure, but I'm not sure how. I also don't believe that you would need an extra "gas" tank as long as you aren't parked away from civilization more than a day. I would also add a portable heater/air-conditioning unit inside the sleeper. It can easily be vented through the floor of the sleeper.

If you know of a way to safely mount it please let me know.
I can buy an awful lot of $350.00 gas units for the price of one diesel unit.

Thanks,
Kemp.

tcc53 · Apr 11, 2007

RE: Are you allowed to use a gas powered generator

Have a Generac 5000 watt. Stock muffler was screwed into the block on a 3/4 in pipe. Removed it and ran 3/4 pipe out 6 in to a 90 degree 3/4 in by 1 1/2 out female/female adapter. Put 1 1/2 by 1 1/2 male pipe into adapter and a 1 1/2 in and out car muffler on other end. Quieted it down a whole lot. Exhaust pipe can be run off muffler to quiet it even more as well as let you vent exhaust out away from truck.

Paul56 · Apr 11, 2007

RE: Are you allowed to use a gas powered generator

>Can you install a gas tank on a straight truck and use it
>for a gas powered generator? Is there a limit on the size
>of the tank?
>I was considering putting one on one of my straight trucks
>and did not know what is leagal and what is not. Any
>information would be helpful.
>
>Thanks
>Todd

We carry a self contained portable generator in one of the side boxes, more there as a precaution than anything given some areas we run in.