Ideas/Help wanted for modifying Smart for emergency generator

[6strings]

A recent 2 day power outage has had me thinking about getting a generator but I think my diesel smart could do the job.

I would like to permanently install an inverter somewhere out of the way and have a plugin accessible from the outside of the car so doors can be locked and windows up when running.

Would running parked on idle for long periods of time be damaging to the engine?

Does anyone know how much power(watts) would be available at idle so I can choose an appropriate sized inverter? (daytime running lights are shut off )

Any ideas on a good place for an external(hidden) plug? I am thinking it could be where you fill up the washer fluid but i am not sure if leaving the plastic grill off would cause problems if rain got in there.

Any ideas on wiring the battery to the inverter and getting a plug accessible from the outside?

I may not have another power outage for years but I think it would be really cool to be able to plug in to the outside of my car and have some electricity when needed.

Edited October 19, 2015 by 6strings

[Huronlad]

The setup you are envisioning may be able to supply a little over 5 or 6 amps at 120V.

[marchanna]

You're better off buying a generator; they're purpose designed.

[smartnhappy]

That's right..... get a real generator.

It's a cheaper, faster and much easier solution than your plan to mod the car.

You'll have a higher output (likely), 220v, a warranty and a car that isn't chopped up.

Then you can divert your creative juices to turning your water heater into a big mocha/latte machine.

[dmoonen]

Go all out and power your neighbour hood http://www.kijiji.ca/v-heavy-equipment-machinery/london/150-kw-containerized-genset/1003114603?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

[smartnhappy]

That's exactly what you need !!

Instead of putting a generator in your Smart, you can put your Smart in a generator.

[houseofdiesel]

You will fry the alternator really fast on the car. Alternators are not designed to supply power at idle speed, they will create too much heat and only put out around 10-20 amps at 14V. You need a fast idle for this work.

Second the engine in the car will not like idling forever, again a fast idle is necessary to keep things good and clean.

Kijiji is your friend, good quality generators (honda) are under $1000 used/working for 3000-5000 watt. Cheap off shore ones are really cheap, $200-300 for same size (the price of a power inverter). These are fine for most household uses.

Sensitive ones are more money and less powerful but also really quiet, again under $500 used but usually in the 2000 watt range but clean power for charging phones, running laptops and such (what most consider an essential need these days).

I have found some cheap diesel generators over the years, they do come up but are loud and fussy to get going (electric start is a must!) it'll yank your arm off trying with the pull cord! The engines are fine, the parts hard to get as there were so many different versions for the generator side (each plant in China had their own idea...). Usually $500 gets a 5000-6000 watt one, anything more and they are over priced. Again, these are loud units, better off with gas ones or even propane ones for most people.

[smartzuuk]

Heck, Princess Auto had brand new Subaru generators one time for $899 I think....

Interesting idea though, but yeah the electrical output just will not be what you hope and even at that, too much strain on the car in any event