Fuel for Thought

Let There Be... POWER

About a year ago, I decided to add a gasoline generator and auxiliary fuel tank to my truck for my 120v power needs in the sleeper. I researched generators and while many truck drivers choose either the Honda or Predator generators, I decided to get a Genmax GM3500iAED (3500/3200 watts) generator for my needs. 

I still have the Carrier Comfort Pro diesel APU on my truck, as well as the Genmax gasoline generator. The Carrier will produce more power, but the Genmax puts out plenty for most needs. Recently, I decided to try the newest model from Genmax. This is a 4600 starting/3800 running watts generator. The increased available power will certainly come in handy as winter sets in. Heaters will generally use more wattage thus leaving less wattage for other appliances. The additional 600 watts of the new generator is not only useful, but it comes in the same small package as the GM3500. No modifications to the tool box were needed. The 4600 runs just as quiet as the 3500 and both of these run so much quieter than the loud Carrier APU. Since installing the 3500 generator last year, I have not used or needed the Carrier APU and have only turned it on a couple times (to verify operation).

After nearly a year, having the Genmax mounted in a well vented toolbox on the frame rail of the truck, many miles traveled, too many potholes to count, all kinds of weather conditions and numerous high pressure truck washes (water and dust can enter the toolbox through the vents), this little Genmax generator has proven to be reliable. The addition of the 12 gallon gasoline tank means fewer trips to fill up. So when I saw the Genmax 4600 was available with higher wattage output in the same small footprint, I had to try it out. It did not disappoint.

If you are on the fence about going with a gasoline portable generator for your truck sleeper power needs, go for it. If you didn’t think that 3200 watts of power was not enough for your needs with the 3500, the 4600 packs 3800 watts in the same small package. This is especially important when frame rail space is minimal, not to mention that a larger generator will also require a larger, more expensive tool box to mount it in. When you compare the purchase cost, the noise level and the fuel cost of a diesel APU vs a gasoline generator, extra fuel tank and secure tool box, there is no comparison, except for convenience of using the same diesel tank to run both the truck and APU.

Now that I know I can rely on this brand of generator, I decided to go a step further. The 4600 is not only parallel capable (linking two 120v generators to increase the wattage output) but it is also series capable (linking two 120v generators to produce 240v). So I have two of them and the parallel kit. Now I have a new generator for the truck and a backup home generator. When I am home and need 240v to run, say a well pump (those of us who live in the country rely on a 240v well pump), water heater or some shop tools when the power goes out, I now have that capability.

See you down the road,

Greg