2024 2.4 kW Real World Use?

[1375mlm]

Anyone max out the 2.4 kW capacity on their lightnings without the 9.6 kW upgrade?
Looking to get info on a prospective 2024 Flash purchase, but worried 2.4 kW may not be enough for camping/tailgating if powering a stove stop/air fryer/appliances simultaneously.

If anyone has info on how the base pro-power trucks perform when running constantly in the real world (hrs at a time) at close to their 2.4 kW capacity, would be greatly appreciated! Or if it's suggested that the limit is easy to hit and for loads close to 2.4 kW, the 9.6 kW upgrade is suggested.
Also wondering if it comes with any limitations where the outlets can't be used with the truck off, or anything notable someone has noticed, such as if the 2.4 kW is conservative (or getting close will trip). thanks!

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[bub]

Most kitchen appliances use 1.5kw. That's a kettle, toaster oven, microwave, air fryer, etc. They'll all be about 1.5kw.
That means you'll likely overload it running just two kitchen appliances at a time.

All of the outlets can't be used with the truck off unfortunately.

One of the most notable differences with the 9.6kw upgrade is the 240v outlet in the bed. This outlet can allow you to run heavier loads for example, power your home, a welder, a large industrial heater. Its a popular alternative to the poorly received home power backup solution from ford/sunrun.

I would be asking yourself:

1. Do you need more than 2.4kw at a time to be happy with powering misc things off the truck?
2. Do you want the 240v outlet?

 

[Altivec]

It all depends what your expectations are. Camping/tailgating were happening well before outlets in our trucks. So 2.4kw is better than no kw. Most items don't really take up that much power, but the stuff you listed certainly do. A normal 15 amp house hold outlet tops out at 1500 watts (1.5kw) so at 2.4, you basically have 1 1/2 house outlets. Heating type kitchen appliances draw a lot of power so it would be touch and go if you would be able to run 2 at the same time. 3 at the same time is definitely out of the question. the wattage your devices use should be listed. You could possibly find lower wattage appliance but that means it would take a lot longer for them to heat up and have poor performance to stay hot.

Most people can get away with 2.4 but by the sounds of what you want to do, you are the type of person who should just bite the bullet and get 9.6kw. I am sure you will be kicking yourself if you don't.

 

[Evlar77]

I have the Flash with the 2.4kw inverter. I had the same concerns as you because we trailer camp A LOT and I want to be able to boondock and not rely on shore power.

I took a chance and while I did have to install a soft start on my rooftop 15k BTU AC on my camper, it starts and runs just fine using pro power. Pulls about 1.6 -1.9kw.

All the cooking and heating uses propane and the fridge is 12v. Only thing I have to be careful of is the Keurig lol. That little bastard pulls a lot of watts to heat a coffee.

 

[1375mlm]

All the cooking and heating uses propane and the fridge is 12v. Only thing I have to be careful of is the Keurig lol. That little bastard pulls a lot of watts to heat a coffee.

Appreciate the images and info! Have you ever maxed out the 2.4 kW by any chance? Wondering how it performs if we hold steady at close to or at max.

All our local dealers with the competitive incentives have 2.4 kW equipped. My choice now seems to be risk delaying until the new year/no incentives on an incoming 9.6 kW, or get guaranteed incentives on a truck that might not be doing everything I had in mind for it.

 

[Evlar77]

Appreciate the images and info! Have you ever maxed out the 2.4 kW by any chance? Wondering how it performs if we hold steady at close to or at max.

All our local dealers with the competitive incentives have 2.4 kW equipped. My choice now seems to be risk delaying until the new year/no incentives on an incoming 9.6 kW, or get guaranteed incentives on a truck that might not be doing everything I had in mind for it.

If you overload it, the circuit trips and you reset it on the truck. It should run right up to the 2.4k before doing so. The largest draw for me was the AC with the startup surge needed. With the soft start it never tripped on my 15k BTU AC but every model is different on energy draw as well as the age of the unit.

It's really an individual decision based on need. I know I wouldn't pass up a $7,500 rebate, but that's me. Good luck!

 

[PreservedSwine]

I power an air-conditioned shed, almost every weekend, and at night, with my lightning. I’ve been doing this for about a year. At peak with the air conditioner and fridge, I’m pulling about 6KW.
It requires absolutely nothing from me, other than activating the outlets once plugged in and leaving the truck on.
I’ve left the lights on by mistake once or twice, usually a neighbor walking their dog will alert me.
Not sure what you’re looking for, but hope this helps

 

[Evlar77]

If you overload it, the circuit trips and you reset it on the truck. It should run right up to the 2.4k before doing so. The largest draw for me was the AC with the startup surge needed. With the soft start it never tripped on my 15k BTU AC but every model is different on energy draw as well as the age of the unit.

It's really an individual decision based on need. I know I wouldn't pass up a $7,500 rebate, but that's me. Good luck!

Another thing you might consider is do you need all of your items to be powered at the same time. When boondock camping I shut off the AC for a few minutes while I make my coffee then turn it back on.

 

[1375mlm]

I would be asking yourself:

1. Do you need more than 2.4kw at a time to be happy with powering misc things off the truck?
2. Do you want the 240v outlet?

I power an air-conditioned shed, almost every weekend, and at night, with my lightning. I’ve been doing this for about a year. At peak with the air conditioner and fridge, I’m pulling about 6KW.
It requires absolutely nothing from me, other than activating the outlets once plugged in and leaving the truck on.

Another thing you might consider is do you need all of your items to be powered at the same time. When boondock camping I shut off the AC for a few minutes while I make my coffee then turn it back on.

Great points and exactly the information I was looking for, thanks! I was originally imagining running appliances at campsites or while overlanding without thought, but with 2.4 kW it's definitely possible, just with the occasional compromise of not running everything at once.

Will really scour inventory to see if 9.6 is available, but may just pull the trigger on 2.4 if nothing is. Like it was said, 2400W is better than the 0 (or 400w in my maverick) that I am used to now!

 

[Altivec]

All our local dealers with the competitive incentives have 2.4 kW equipped. My choice now seems to be risk delaying until the new year/no incentives on an incoming 9.6 kW, or get guaranteed incentives on a truck that might not be doing everything I had in mind for it.

Yeah... that changes things. I thought you were just debating between the two. There will definitely be some volatility in the new year, especially if Tariffs go through as implied. A lot of parts for these trucks are imported and I just can't see Ford eating 25% on those parts, so prices will definitely go up. That is on top of the lost incentive. If you are okay with compromise and dealing with some plugging gymnastics at times, definitely lock up a 2.4kw truck now. On the other hand, there is no point getting a car if you need a truck no matter how much cheaper the car is. In other words, if you really need a 9.6kw truck to the point that you won't be happy and have to sell it later, you will not really be saving by buying now.

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