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Installing a transformer in my truck

bmwhitetx

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You might look at the other threads on this. Search for inrush. For example one person found having a small load on before starting a 15 amp saw helped. Also discusses a “programmable“ soft start. https://www.f150lightningforum.com/...able-to-handle-a-circular-saw.3240/post-49499

Note this is not unique to Lightning. The ICE has a 7.2 kW and the article above is actually about that. So search ICE forum as well for ideas. Lots more people using ICE trucks for real work than us (I also have a garage princess).

I think your solution is good since a) it works and b) you are running other equipment like compressors so putting soft-starts on everything may not be worth it. Just hate you have to lug around a 150 lb. transformer.
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Dylanch

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I hope you don’t have a 40-80 amp surge on a 20amp 120v plug. Sounds like you need to fix your equipment. I was running a 50 amp plug fifth wheel with 2 A/C units and an electric water heater. Pulling 38 amps on one leg and 18-28 on the other. Both A/c units would cycle fine. Even ran the Air fryer with the water heater off. While the A/C units were running.
Our mixer Will melt cheap electrical cords it basically pulls 20 amps I assure you it's my 3 mixer and there all the same your comparing something that's supposed to be efficient to something that mixes concrete. It pulls steady 1500 watts and if your mixing heavy it's 2000. There's so much voltage drop it's hard to even use on a long extension cord.
 

Mustang11s

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Have you tried the cord I recommended? Very heavy gauge. Rated for 30 amps per leg. If you were local I’d be happy to let you give it a try. I wasn’t trying to stir stuff. I was just wondering if you tried the proper cord. I think the 4 prong twist cord in heavy gauge just might work for you. I could be wrong. And they are not very expensive.
 
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Dylanch

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Have you tried the cord I recommended? Very heavy gauge. Rated for 30 amps per leg. If you were local I’d be happy to let you give it a try. I wasn’t trying to stir stuff. I was just wondering if you tried the proper cord. I think the 4 prong twist cord in heavy gauge just might work for you. I could be wrong. And they are not very expensive.
Have you tried the cord I recommended? Very heavy gauge. Rated for 30 amps per leg. If you were local I’d be happy to let you give it a try. I wasn’t trying to stir stuff. I was just wondering if you tried the proper cord. I think the 4 prong twist cord in heavy gauge just might work for you. I could be wrong. And they are not very expensive.
Your not understanding the problem imagine if it was water you have two taps that put out very little flow to get more flow u combine them into 1 hose
That's what the transformer is doing is combining both legs into 1 to get more flow aka current sharing. Your idea still only uses 1 leg.

I don't blow the breaker when trying to use the truckS 120v outlet
It goes into over current protection, and it turns the truck off not the breaker.
 

Mustang11s

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This is happening when you are on a 20amp outlet. The plug in the back is a lin networked module. If it sees over current it shuts down. That is why I am recommending to try the 30 amp circuit. If you don’t want to try. Your setup is neat and works for sure. I was just offering an easy possible solution. I am a Ford Senior Master Tech at a dealer. I work on these and I own one. Just saying I think it will work on the 30amp plug. I’m out.
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