WiFi Hotspot only in generator mode

[fwunder]

So testing Wifi Hotspot as only load in generator mode. I was under the impression generator mode would shutdown with little or no load.

Sitting in living room connected to truck Wifi I have gotten through two hours streaming YouTube TV no problem. Actually, I have decent WiFi connection to truck throughout our small house. Could easily hook up repeater if needed. Looks like truck went from 342 - 337 miles over the two hours.

Is it more efficient to just leave truck running or to put it in generator mode if you just need WiFi hotspot to stay working?

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[Snakebitten]

Why would it need to be in generator mode? Just curious.

The WiFi Hotspot is surely a 12V component/draw, so it's not directly being powered by ProPower anyway.

But yes, a Powerboost can be really frugal sitting in Park for hours.

 

[fwunder]

I guess that’s my question. I read somewhere that in full accessory mode, truck would shut off without 400 watt load.

 

[Snakebitten]

Accessory Mode will not work. That would drain the 12V system quickly.

I meant starting the truck and leaving it in Park. But no need to turn on generator mode.

 

[DBL R]

I typically put the truck into generator mode then turn off climate control and turn the screen off, if I’m using Wi-Fi off grid. You could technically just keep the truck running and turn off auto 30 minute shut off. Not sure which would be more efficient.

 

[Snakebitten]

If there's nothing actually plugged into any of the AC outlets, I doubt there's a measurable difference in how much draw is actually being put on the Hybrid battery, which is the determining factor of when the ICE comes on and turns off.

I can go out to the truck and monitor the Amp draw on the Hybrid battery, as well as the SOC, and see if the Amp draw increases at all just by turning on the generator mode. I suppose the inverter might consume some electrons just by being on?

 

[fwunder]

Just to followup...

I left the truck in generator mode and a home computer connected to the WiFi for 8 hours. FordPass reported 16 miles used. I might play with turning off the auto shut off limit and see if there is any difference just leaving the truck on. Regardless, it's nice to know we have reliable WiFi backup when another falling tree takes out the cable or when camping. Wish I could use my 300 Watts portable solar to feed truck HV battery during day.

Before you wonder why we just don't use our phone Hotspot, let me explain. We have a cheap 6GB shared data plan with AT&T - $40.00/mt per line for two phones. We also are RV (towable) campers. Prior to the truck, I used an old phone ( hotspot ) and Visible $25/mt unlimited plan for cell data. And carried a generator, btw. The truck $20/mt data plan is a slightly better deal and the connectivity is definitely better than the Visible solution.

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