Not too long ago, I wrote about the features of the Ford 2021 F150 SuperCrew XLT Platinum 4×4. What I didn’t mention in any detail was the Pro Power Onboard Generator of the F-150 trucks.
In a nutshell, the Ford Pro Power Onboard Generator reimagines your truck’s engine into a generator. The generator provides power to an inverter. The inverter transforms this power into energy that can be used to run power tools, appliances, electronics, and electricity for your camper.
This is super when working at a job site with no power or when camping where there isn’t an electrical hookup. It also makes sense in the event of an emergency at home when you lose power. Power is sent to the outlets inside the truck’s cabin as well as to a dedicated panel in the truck’s bed.
Let’s take a look at 5 things I really like about the Ford Pro Power on board Generator.
1. Three Available Configurations
There are three different levels of Pro Power Onboard available. These include a 2.0 kW system on any gas-fired F-150 engine except for the standard 3.3 liter V-6, a 2.4 kW system standard on the F-150 hybrid, and an optional 7.2 kW system only available on the hybrid.
The 2.0 kW system runs the engine to provide power to the inverter and to the two 120 V, 20 amp outlets in the bed of the truck.
It operates while the vehicle is moving or is parked. This is great for recharging anything you might need on the way to your destination. It provides up to 2,000 watts of power.
The F-150 hybrid’s power system puts out 2,400 watts of electricity. It first uses energy stored in the 1.5 kW Ford pro power on board battery to power whatever it is you are using or charging before activating the 3.5-liter V-6 engine when that battery starts to run low.
The ultimate system is the 7.2 kW version that’s offered as an option on the hybrid. In addition to first drawing from the battery, it offers four 120 V, 20 amp outlets and one NEMA L6-20 240-volt, 30 amp outlet that can provide up to 7,200 watts of electricity. That is almost double what many RVs offer in their generators.
2. The Pro Power Onboard Generator Can Run all Night
The hybrid 2.4 kW system will run for up to 85 hours on a full tank of gas. The 7.2 kW system will run for up to 32 hours. If you aren’t using all of the 7,200 watts, the system will continue for much longer. Under normal conditions, an idling truck will turn off after 30 minutes.
3. Safety is Built-In
Are you wondering if leaving your truck running all night, say near your camper or in the driveway, is safe? Ford has built-in secure idle and utility idle functions that enable the truck to be locked so it can’t be stolen.
As well, the system can detect a ground fault and will immediately shut off. This can be reset using the interior console touchscreen or the FordPass app.
4. The Ford Pro Power On Board Generator is Perfect for Camping
This kind of power delivery system can make the F-150 the ultimate camping truck. On the way to your campsite, you can keep a cooler running and charge your laptop and phone.
After you set up your camper or tent, you can start using your cooking appliances and run some lights and a travel TV. Make a full pot of coffee in the morning while you listen to the radio and cook up some eggs.
The 2.0 kW and 2.4 kW systems are ideal for making tent camping more comfortable. The 7.2 kW system has the potential to be the ultimate truck for hauling your camper with the 240 V, 30 amp output to run all the systems inside the camper or trailer, such as air conditioning, refrigerator, lights, and a TV. Oh, and you can recharge any electric recreational ATV.
5. Control with Your Phone
The FordPass app for smartphones makes it super easy to monitor and control the Pro Power system. You can see what the loads are on each circuit and check if the system is activated from anywhere that you have a connection.
To control the system, you need to be within the truck’s Wi-Fi range, approximately 30 feet. Once you hit the hay, you can control everything from your sleeping bag or cot.
