Ok, so we have some water problems at our house and I am faced with a dilemma.

If our power goes out our sump pump no longer works.. I know I can get a battery backup sump pump but those are majorly weak compared to electric.. Generators are like $500.. :(

Is it possible to use my truck as a generator to operate a sump pump if needed? How long would the truck be able to do so if at all?

Thanks!

 

Depending on the amount of current the sump draws, you going get an AC/DC Power Inverter and power it. I'm assuming the sump runs off of 110 volt A/C, so something like this would work for much cheaper than a generator. Just make sure you let the alternator keep a good charge on the battery!

Basically this connects to your truck battery via two alligator clips and allows you to plug something into a "home" outlet.

Click here for a list of the common range of power inverters available


Check the current draw on the sump pump (ANSI requires it to be listed on the UL sticker or manufacturer's label)

 

How do you do that? Just by keeping the truck running?

 

you would NEED to keep the truck running because it would suck the battery down very quickly. Inverters get very expensive very quickly when you need something that can handle a lot of current. It also will exceed your vehicle's alternator capacity pretty quickly when you need a lot of current. You are much better off getting a small generator.

 

Im with him ^. Generators can handle much more of a load, besides if your power goes out agian you can hook your sump pump and your refrigerator up to it at the same time.

 

You know of a cheap one that would suit my needs? Thanks

 

have you throught of a gas powered water pump?

 

This one is a good price and would be able to suit your needs.

Clicky!

 

I have a low quality 2500 Watt Inverter on my truck, that would easily handle a sump pump for about $300 total cost... Basically it equates to about 15-20 amps of load (although I have mine downrated, so I can only handle about 10amps of load right now because of my alternater output and other factors). Your Sump pump is probably around 4-7 amps of load. You will need to keep your trucking, but asside from that it isn't bad for it. Like others said, a generator is probably better, but an inverter will work for for a few hours, it's just pretty in-efficient to run a 4.0L engine to drive a small alternator.

I use mine all the time for shop-vacs, drills, saws, TVs, blenders and the such.

Don

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That will run the fridge and the sump pump easily. That one will give you a full 20 amps continuous. This would be my recomendation.

THIS ONE is $100 less and is good for about 8 amps. It will run the sump but not the fridge at the same time. It may not even run the fridge by itself depending on how big it is.

 

Blenders...LOL. Nothing like a good frozen-margarita tailgate party!

 

Yeah plus if he wanted to, he could power his TV up or some lamps around the place, and since its portable he could take it camping or wheeling. Its not the most quiet running generator out there, but it will surely get the job done.

 

ya kno, it probably WOULD work, but say sometihng goes wrong, murphies law - if it can, it will... and you have to call 911 cause your truck is on fire... man, that would seriously suck, try explaining THAT one to the insurence company.