Real Power Questions
 Frequently
Asked Questions
1. What vehicles will accommodate Real Power generation
systems?
If you have a 2001 or later Allison® 1000 automatic transmission in your GMC® or
Chevy® truck, you have a PTO gear. Note: From March 1 through November 30, 2004
Chevrolet® and GMC® pickup trucks were not built with PTO. After Nov. 30, 2004 PTO
is optional (order “RPO=M1F or PTO” option.) Real Power also offers applications for
Allison® 3000 and 4000 series transmission applications with PTO.
Real Power is also available to fit medium and heavy-duty Ford® trucks with
Torque Shift® automatic transmission and the PTO option (RPO=62R).
Ford® trucks with manual transmissions (ZF five and six speed) are compatible
with Real Power Generators. Diesel powered applications work best.
2. How do I order my new vehicle from the dealer to
make certain it has Real Power capability?
Chevrolet® and GMC® trucks must be ordered with the PTO gear to be compatible with
Real Power. The order code must include "RPO = M1F or PTO" to assure compatibility with
Real Power.
Ford® trucks also must be equipped with the PTO gear in the transmission to run
Real Power. Be sure to include the PTO order code of "RPO = 62R" with the order
of your next truck to assure compatibility with Real Power.
3. What are the possible uses for Real Power?
Potential users include: equestrian tow vehicles and trailers, contractors who
desire to be self-sufficient at the job site, home and recreational uses (backup
generation for sump pump, water pumps, personal protection systems, tailgating,
camping, etc.), auto racers & race trailers, railroad and transportation
maintenance vehicles, emergency response, park and municipal maintenance
vehicles, utility (water/gas/cable/telephone, etc.) maintenance vehicles,
security and communications mobile command centers, military and defense
vehicles, etc.
4. What does the Real Power system cost?
Real Power is purposefully designed and engineered to provide substantial pure
AC power for practical applications at an affordable price. Contact your nearest
Real Power installer/dealer for a no obligation price quote.
5. Where and when can I buy a Real Power system?
Go to the authorized installer pull-down at the top of our home page to obtain the name of your closest dealer.
You may also be able to order your new Chevrolet®, GMC® or Ford® truck with Real
Power pre-installed directly from your truck dealer.
Real Power systems are sold EXCLUSIVELY through authorized
distributors/installers. We are actively building the distribution network and
certifying installers. For personal and vehicle safety reasons, REAL POWER
systems are not sold directly to end-users.
REAL POWER systems are shipped to distributors and installers AFTER formal
installation training and certification is supplied by Contour Hardening, Inc.
6. What is the warranty period for the Real Power
system?
Real Power generation systems are delivered with a limited one-year factory
warranty from the manufacturer (Contour Hardening, Inc.) and the installer.
7. What is the estimated life of the Real Power system?
Under normal operating conditions, Real Power's anticipated life is expected to
equal the life of the vehicle in which it is installed.
8. Who will provide product support and technical
support?
In addition to the support available from all certified installation technicians
and distributors, Contour Hardening, Inc. provides technical and engineering
support from the Indianapolis, Indiana headquarters.
Dealer/Installer Questions
1. How much does it cost to become a Real Power
installer/distributor?
Contour Hardening, Inc will select all distributors and installers. We are not
selling exclusive territories or “franchises”. A modest training and
certification fee will depend on whether the distributor/installer’s personnel
come to our facility in Indianapolis for training or whether the distributor
desires training/certification on-site. From that point forward, future
financial commitments are made at the time of ordering Real Power systems from
Contour Hardening, Inc.
All distributors and installers are expected to promote and market the product
in their applicable markets. CHI will supply certain materials and proprietary
information to support these marketing efforts. Real Power also engages in
certain national and local promotional programs from time to time.
2. How do I become a Real Power distributor?
If you are interested in becoming a distributor/installer or just want more
information about Real Power, simply call 888-867-2184 or email us at
questions@realacpower.com.
3. Who is Contour Hardening, Inc.?
Contour Hardening, Inc. is the manufacturer and owner of the pending patent
application for REAL POWER. Contour Hardening, Inc. is a privately held company
in Indianapolis, Indiana.
In 1986, Contour Hardening, Inc. developed the patented Micropulse induction
heat-treating process to harden gear teeth and other high performance mechanical
parts used in a variety of applications ranging from industrial power tools to
airplanes. Contour Hardening, Inc. has supplied induction hardening systems and
services to harden high performance mechanical components used in airplanes,
trains, automobiles, American made motorcycles, trucks, agricultural and
construction equipment, lawn equipment, power tools, electric motors, and
racecars. Contour Hardening, Inc.’s unique understanding of vehicles, driveline
components, and gears lead to the development of REAL POWER. To find out more
about Contour Hardening, Inc. visit our website at
www.contourhardening.com.
Supplemental Real Power Questions
Q: How soon can I have one?
A: Depends on customer/dealer location. Real Power will make every effort to
provide the nearest
installer. Near the Indianapolis area Real Power is available immediately for
installation.
Q: How does it work?
A: The Real Power generator is driven by a vehicle’s power take off, which is
located on the vehicle’s transmission. Using the vehicle’s factory installed
settings; the engine will run at a constant idle speed that is controlled by the
vehicle’s computer. As the demand for electricity increases or decreases, the
vehicle’s computer automatically adjusts the fuel supplied to the engine to
ensure a constant predetermined engine speed
to enable the generator to supply a clean, constant and uninterrupted electrical
signal. Real Power utilizes a "cold shift" PTO - so the truck must be
turned off and then restarted to engage the generator. The PTO will only
engage during the startup cycle of the vehicle and once all safety conditions
have been met.
Q: How is Real Power different than the other products
currently on the market?
A: Real Power is not an inverter. Real AC Power is separated from the vehicle’s
12V battery system. Therefore, there is no risk of damage to your vehicle’s
electrical system.
1) The Real Power system is not hydraulically driven.
2) Real Power uses the truck’s engine and fuel system so there is no need to
maintain a separate engine or carry separate fuel cans.
3) Real Power is an integrated part of the vehicle so there is no concern that
it will be stolen. You don’t have to worry about hanging this generator from a
crane at a jobsite every night.
4) Real Power’s controls are completely integrated into the vehicle’s
factory-installed control systems.
Q: How do I make this work with my house or business?
A: Have a power transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician.
Place the truck in a well ventilated place.
Hook up the truck mounted generator to your house or business via the transfer
switch.
Start the truck under no electrical load.
Turn on on-site devices (AC, Lights, Appliances, etc.) as needed up to 12,000
watts total load.
Devices may be connected individually to the power distribution box on the truck
however, the load must be balanced.
* Note: Connecting cords may be purchased from the Real Power network or your
local hardware store
WARNING: Backfeed to utility systems can cause electrocution
or property damage. Do not connect to building electrical except through
approved device and after building main breaker is opened.
Q: What attention does the Real Power system need?
A: Check truck gages 3-4 times daily.
Once load has been reached, check to make sure voltage at the truck distribution
box is at
240V plus or minus 20 volts. Also check voltage when truck gages are checked.
After approximately 120 hours of operation, shut down truck and system, allow
time for cooling
off, Check shafts and belts and lube as prescribed in your Real Power operators manual.
The system is now ready for another extended period of operation.
Q: How much fuel does the system consume?
A: Chevrolet® with Automatic transmission- .67 GPH @ 50% load; Ford® with
Automatic transmission- .9 GPH @ 50% load; Ford® with 5 speed manual
transmission- .5 GPH @ 50% load.
Q: What truck models does it fit, Ford®, Chevrolet®,
Dodge and others?
A: GM Allison® Transmission 2001 to early 2004 (VIN 210,000 or lower), post
October, 2004 (with
RPO= M1F or PTO), 2004 and later Ford® Torque Shift® automatic with RPO=62R PTO option
and Ford®
manual 5 speed (ZF)
Q: What does the Real Power System cost?
A: Call your nearest Real Power Distributor for a no obligation quotation on
your application.
Q: Weight?
A: Ship wt. 192#, installed wt. 183#
Q: Length of warranty?
A: 1 year- limited.
Q: Warranty, who honors?
A: Installing dlr.- Backed up by CHI/Real Power
Q: Will the generator warranty transfer with the truck
to a new owner?
A: Yes- After inspection at certified installer a warranty transfer certificate
will be issued to the new owner.
Q: Can I install myself and forget the warranty?
A: No- Installed only at certified dealer/installer.
Q: Generator rated amps.
A: 50 @ 240 volt and 100 @ 120 volt, however in all cases load must be properly
balanced.
Local conditions (temp and altitude) will affect actual output. See owners
manual.
Q: Can both voltages be used at the same time?
A: Yes, however in all cases load must be properly balanced. See owners manual.
Q: Who do I call with questions concerning operation of
unit?
A: Installing dlr./CHI- in that order.
Q: Can I operate it in wet conditions?
A: Yes, Real Power AC Generators are made of the same materials as your truck.
Operate it wherever you would use your truck. However, it is never safe to
operate electrical equipment in standing water conditions. Be very cautious of
wet cords, plugs, etc.
Q: Will it void my truck warranty?
A: No- Real Power uses the PTO that was built into your truck from the factory.
Your truck was designed to run PTO driven accessories
Q: How long does it take to install?
A: 4-6hrs.
Q: How much noise does it make?
A: 70 to 86 dB depending on ground surface. Lower with noise screening. Note:
average vacuum cleaner = 70 dB, avg. lawn mower = 90dB, electric shaver= 85dB.
These levels are lowered considerably by appropriate noise screening. Real Power
generator-truck combinations make less noise than a comparable portable
generator set.
Q: Does it hurt my truck to run it for a long time?
A: No. Trucks in good running condition can support power generation for a long
period of time. Diesels are ideally suited for the task. Gasoline engines
produce more under-vehicle heat due to higher exhaust temperatures. Caution
should be exercised with gasoline engine power applications in the area of the
exhaust system components.
Q: Can my remote starter be incorporated with the
startup?
A: Not by CHI/Real Power or certified installer.
Q: Will it shut down before it runs my truck out of
fuel?
A: No. A good policy would be to pre-determine fuel/time capacity by checking
the hour meter supplied with each Real Power unit during a trial run.
Q: Is there a maximum number of hours of continuous
operation?
A: No- limited only by scheduled maintenance intervals and fuel capacity.
Q: How does water/moisture affect the generator?
A: Generator not affected by moisture. If it is immersed in water, it should be
allowed to drip dry before engagement.
Q: Will salt spray affect the generator?
A: No more than other aluminum and coated copper components of the truck.
Q: What kind of service does the unit require?
A: Lube shaft joints and check belt tension every 250 hrs.
Q: Do I have to use a transfer switch for backing up my
office/ business / residence?
A: Yes- contact your local electrician or refer to local electrical codes.
Note: Wiring and Equipment must be installed in accordance with the National
Electric Code, local ordinances and the requirements of your power supplier. It
is essential that you have the proper equipment for disconnecting the generator
from public utility line. Check with your electrician or power supply
representative for installation, instruction and inspection.
Q: Does generator installation lower truck ground
clearance?
A: In most cases- No.
Q: Does generator reduce cargo area?
A: No.
Q: What kind of circuit/safety protection does the
system have?
A: The system is GFI and thermal breaker protected.
Q: What is service life of generator system?
A: Same as that of the vehicle if operated under normal conditions and with
proper maintenance.
Real Power, by
Contour Hardening Inc. Patent pending.
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