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  1. #1
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    PTO on new truck?

    I'm looking at ordering a new F350, and see that for ~$280, you can add a PTO take-off to it. I'm considering adding this option to maybe run an on-board air compressor.

    Has anyone had any experience adding PTO-based accessories to their trucks? Would a PTO compressor be significantly more $$$ than adding an electric on-board air system from ARB or VIAir? I can't seem to find much info on the costs of doing this.

    Thoughts?

  2. #2
    Site Sponsor
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    Unless you are doing tire service work or using air tools, I can’t ever see it being worth the money. They just don’t make low volume PTO compressors that I’ve come across, so you will pay through the nose.
    John & Kathy
    2014 F250 Lariat FX4 6.2L SBCC
    2014 Reflection 303RLS
    SW Indiana

  3. #3
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    @jkwilson - Thx... I may order the PTO anyway (I always like having options), but I guess I'll just look at mounting a 12v compressor under the hood or bed.

  4. #4
    Big Traveler
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    Quote Originally Posted by LMychajluk View Post
    @jkwilson - Thx... I may order the PTO anyway (I always like having options), but I guess I'll just look at mounting a 12v compressor under the hood or bed.
    For small air needs, this is absolutely the way to go!

    Now, one thing I don't get, why aren't there more "cool" options on the PTO. How about a high power generator running off PTO? Have to be an inverter to deal with the fluctuating RPMs, but, how cool would that be? Need to power your house, no problem, pull the truck up and plug it in. Arc welder? Power your RV? Lots of cool applications for something like that, and, guess what? PTO generators are cheap! 15KW for 2K.. That's a serious generator, but only required 30HP to run, our trucks could run it easily at idle. Honestly, without getting fancy, they should make a standard 540PTO at IDLE coming off the engine, that would probably give you 75-100HP to play with (actually, I looked it up, at idle, ~50HP on a 6.7, which is enough to run a 25KW generator, more than enough to run a house). Seems like so much missed potential here, given the amount of PTO "stuff" out there, gennys, air compressors, hydro pumps of all types. Just give enough room to hook up something reasonable, provide a standard 540PTO spline and gear it to the engine to provide 540 at idle.

  5. #5
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    They exist - ex. https://vanair.com/underdeck-ford.html

    There are compressors, generators, hydraulic pumps, etc... But, I think they get pretty expensive. I'm just looking to fill tires and maybe run a few small pneumatic tools.

    With the right boxes checked on the new F150, it seems like you can run it as a 7kw generator, complete w/ a 30Amp plug in the bed. From what I understand, it will even auto-start when there's AC demand. Seems like the perfect option to pair w/ a camper that has a battery bank w/ a monitor that could flip on the on-board charger when the voltage get's to a certain level, or if you use the truck as 'shore power' and then kick on the A/C. It can also be a backup generator while parked in the driveway!

    Too bad this is not an option (yet) on the SD line.

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