Frunk Ventilation

[HelloToast]

Has anyone successfully ventilated their frunk?

I have a dual-fuel generator that fits in the ice well (Pulsar GX400BN). I'm thinking about running it WITH THE FRUNK LID CLOSED to minimize generator noise while camping. The generator will need combustion air and to have the exhaust vented to the exterior. There's already a duck-bill water drain installed, but there doesn't appear to be any existing ventilation for combustion or exhaust air.

My intent is to fuel the generator with propane (but the dual-fuel capacity would allow gasoline use in a pinch). The generator output is primarily intended for recharging a power station (Bluetti Apex 300 with the DC Hub I use while camping). This also allows me to field-charge the truck via the 30 amp generator plug with the F-150 wall charger.

I would appreciate any guidance.

Thanks

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[K6CCC]

That scares me. Putting any ICE into an enclosure that was not specifically designed for the purpose sounds like a recipe for disaster.

 

[BhamDCam]

I think you’d be better off putting the generator on the ground and building an insulated enclosure (leaving one side open) to go around the generator to block most of the noise.

 

[RickLightning]

In addition to exhaust, what about heat buildup? Running a propane or gasoline engine in a closed frunk sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

I am also wondering why you aren't simply powering things with the Lightning...

 

[Runaway Tractor]

The answer is no. There is no good way to provide the ventilation required. You need fresh air, exhaust air, and ambient heat ventilation. And then you have carbon monoxide literally filling up the frunk which WILL be pushed into the cabin. It will also stink up the whole truck. No. Just no. Please don't.

There are many designs and ideas out there on YouTube for inexpensive enclosures for portable generators to muffle the sound.

 

[MountainAlive]

Yeah this sounds like a dangerous idea as others have said. Maybe a sound box instead https://www.zombiebox.com/shop/z-hut-shelter-noise-barrier

 

[Lytning]

From OSHA ...

• Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed
spaces such as garages, crawl spaces, and
basements. NOTE: Open windows and doors
may NOT prevent CO from building up when a
generator is located in an enclosed space.
• Make sure a generator has 3 to 4 feet of clear
space on all sides and above it to ensure
adequate ventilation.
• Do not use a generator outdoors if its placement
near doors, windows, and vents could allow CO
to enter and build up in occupied spaces.

 

[B177y]

My intent is to fuel the generator with propane (but the dual-fuel capacity would allow gasoline use in a pinch). The generator output is primarily intended for recharging a power station (Bluetti Apex 300 with the DC Hub I use while camping).

Your Lightning is a silent power station with outlets scattered all around. Use the Lightning to recharge your Bluetti if you can't reach your electric load with an extension cord from directly from the Lightning.

I have a dual-fuel generator that fits in the ice well (Pulsar GX400BN)....
This also allows me to field-charge the truck via the 30 amp generator plug with the F-150 wall charger.

The Pulsar is only a 4000 watt generator. The 30 amp plug is only 120 volt. The Ford charger only charges at 1200 Watts on 120 volt. This will be painfully slow and not worth the hassle.

I would appreciate any guidance.

1. Don't run a generator in your frunk. If you have a shell or cover on your bed, don't run it in there either.

2. Power whatever you need while camping directly from the Lightning power outlets. If that is impractical, use the Lightning to recharge your Bluetti and take the Bluetti where you need it.

3. Charge the Lightning before you head into the wild so that you have battery available to use and get back to civilization. There are very few camping places that you drive to that are far enough away from a DCFC that you can't charge before you hit the campsite. I just powered my travel trailer running everything for my family for three days and only used about 10% of the Lightning battery per day. Recharging your 4000 watt Bluetti or just running your camping load from the Lightning will hardly use anything.

 

[Athrun88]

Going to echo everyone else above me: not a good idea.

That area was not designed, or intended, for any sort of use like what you want to use it for. Better way would be to build an insulated enclosure with the proper one-way airflow to promote clean combustion in the bed of the truck. Off the top of my head, I'm thinking some 2x4s, plywood, and heat/fire resistant insulation with some of those flappy exhaust covers and some PC fans to push/pull air in/out of the enclosure.

Probably could come up with something that looks pretty decent that is semi-permanent that will suit your needs without having to deal with the frunk. Enclosure could house the generator, power station, and fuel cell all in one as well. I would solely rely on the generator/Bluetti power station to run everything else and preserve the Lightning for getting around. Either that or get a powerstation that will give true 240V out of the 30A plug, though I think you'd need an adapter.

 

[chl]

Agree - don't try it.

Doesn't your Platinum have an ER 131kWh battery? And that isn't enough?

Well, must be a really distant/remote camping area I guess...

A safe alternative would be a portable battery backup system - they don't make noise.

Yes they are more expensive, but safety first.

This one has 2.762kWh energy storage and both 120V and 240V output....not a lot for charging an EV unless you had a bank of them, but 1 might be enough for camping? I have no experience with them just an example from a search on Amazon. Caveat emptor.

https://www.amazon.com/BLUETTI-Apex...y+backup+with+240v+output,aps,158&sr=8-3&th=1

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