I know I can read, and I watched the video before my truck arrived - but has anyone used the power outlets in the truck bed? Hybrid 7.2KW - looking for "Cliff Notes" quick steps - in case this cold weather causes us to lose power.

 

1. Get a cord similar to this one
2. Back your truck up to a window and leave it running
3. Connect the cord to the 240V outlet in the bed of the truck
4. Run the cord thru the window, then use towels/rags to seal the crack around the cord
5. Turn on ProPower Onboard, then lock the truck with the fob
6. Use extension cords to power computer, fridge, TV, fireplace insert blower, etc

 

Pretty much what SouthernGuy said, turn on truck, turn on generator mode, walk away from truck. The cord listed above, or a generator power distribution box, depending on how fancy you want to get, is nice because it allows you to use the full 30A on each leg of the generator. Using the two 120V duplex outlets in the bed only allows you to draw 20A on each leg. I have a power distribution box for my truck, mostly because we use it for tailgating and needed "more outlets" to keep things plugged in.

If your house isn't set up with a transfer panel, you're stuck running cords everywhere to plug in critical items. With 7200W at your disposal, it's a good time to add a transfer switch/panel with an exterior power connection and move critical and convenient circuits over to the new panel.

 

My truck bed only has the (U.S.) standard 3-prong female plug, not one suitable for this cord. What would I use?

 

Yes, it has the four-prong if it's 7.2kW. That's how it can get the power through.

If it's the 2.4kW, then a three-prong plug... I'm sure you can find that in Amazon.

 

Heads up, most building codes don’t allow a generator within a building or close to a window. Since the engine will run periodically, you should try to get the tailpipe pointing away from the house or get a flex y exhaust pipe to take fume away from your windows

 

True but read through the replies on the subject of transfer panels and the F-150 7.2 power. A standard transfer panel will throw a ground fault as the gen in the truck is neutrally bonded. This means that you need to switch the neutral and the hot leg. This is also why an interlock won't work. Resist the impulse to cut off the ground prong on the cabling. While it may work, it's not safe and if you plan to use a stand-alone gen, you'll be left with no path to ground other than yourself. Reliance makes a good panel for this and if you change out the standard breakers with a double in the same space you get about 18 useful circuits. Doesn't give you more power just more choice on what you want powered at the same time.

 

Occasionally I leave my powerboost truck unattended, but locked, in generator mode at night. It has bothered me that the digital dash (not the infotainment screen) cannot be turned off while in park.

It sure would be nice to enable some sort of ‘stealth mode’ that turns all lights, screens/displays, etc., completely off so it isn’t obvious that the truck is running. Another use case of this mode is for people using the max recline seats to get some rest at a rest stop with the truck turned on for heat.

@Ford Motor Co. , how about it??

 

I agree fully, Neversummer!! There are plenty of us who spend (spent) our lives operating in a tactical environment and want the stealth of ingress / egress offered by no lights/horns announcing to the neighbors or the parking lot that we are coming or going. Should an actual incident occur in/around my F-150, I do not want my countermeasures being telegraphed by lights going off when I crack the door open to engage.

 

I can’t tell if you’re genuinely agreeing or making fun of me, but either way your post was an interesting read and I’m not above laughing at myself.

I should clarify that my proposed ‘stealth mode’ (stupid name, I know…) would only apply to the vehicle while it is in Park. At night, the digital dash shines brightly, even at the dimmest setting, for all to see. Just doesn’t sit well with me when I leave my truck.