Field Power Without a Generator: Pro Power Onboard for Pumps, Welders, and Fence Repairs

Ford F-150 Super-Duty Truck in the Desert

Hauling a clunky, loud generator to every job can become tiresome. Whether fixing irrigation pipes in an almond field, welding fence posts miles from nowhere, or running tools for repairs, that separate generator means extra weight, more gas money, and one more thing that might fail when you can’t afford downtime. Ford’s Pro Power Onboard system provides the required electricity straight from the vehicle, eliminating the need to haul around a separate generator. Read on as our team at Jim Burke Ford explores more about this innovative system.

What Is Pro Power Onboard?

Pro Power Onboard converts truck power into electricity through bed and cab outlets. It’s a built-in generator using the truck’s fuel and electrical system, with 120V and 240V outlets controlled through the touch screen.

Ford offers different power setups, with 2 kW and 2.4 kW systems handling basics such as charging devices or running small tools, while 7.2 kW and 9.6 kW systems are ideal for bigger projects. The system works while cruising down the highway or parked at a campsite, with smart features that stop drivers from accidentally killing the truck’s battery by saving enough power to start back up. It’s built into the truck, eliminating the need for separate equipment.

The benefits include cleaner operation with fewer fumes and better fuel efficiency. Hybrid models can run electronics for extended periods on battery power before engaging the engine.

Power Levels for Ford Vehicles

F-150s offer multiple Pro Power configurations. Standard F-150s get 2.0 kW with four 120V outlets, while the PowerBoost hybrid provides 2.4 kW with better fuel economy. The 7.2 kW system adds 240V for larger equipment.

The Lightning Pro starts at $57,090 with a 240-mile range and four 120V outlets. The Lightning Lariat, from $79,090, has a 320-mile range and a 9.6 kW Pro Power Onboard feature. The Lightning Platinum, starting at $87,090, has a 320-mile range and an 8,500-pound towing capacity when properly equipped.

Can It Run a Welder?

Yes, but you should match your Pro Power system correctly. You could use this calculation: Watts = Volts × Amps. A 120V welder drawing 10 amps needs 1,200W, while a 240V welder drawing 10 amps needs 2400W. Check the welder’s nameplate for actual amp requirements.

Power requirements by amperage:

Most 120 to 240V welders need 7 to 13 kVA capacity.

Pumps in the Field

Pump power requirements vary by size, voltage, and use. A 1 hp well pump on 120V pulls 16 to 17 amps, but a 240V draws 8 to 9 amps, with a 25-amp breaker requirement. A 2 hp well pump at 240V pulls 13 to 15 amps, with a 40-amp breaker. A 1 hp sprinkler pump pushes 830 gallons per hour at 72 psi for irrigation or livestock watering.

Starting watts versus running watts matter with pumps. The initial surge hits two to three times higher than running power due to motor startup. A water well pump runs on 1,000W but needs 2,000W to start. Sump pumps use 800 to 1050W running but demand 1,300 to 2,200W at startup.

Most water pumps need 500 to 1,500W during use, plus the startup surge. The 2.0 to 2.4 kW systems can handle smaller pumps, while the 7.2 kW works best with bigger irrigation pumps and multiple pumps. For high flow or uphill pumping, a 9.6 kW system provides the necessary capacity without overloading.

Fence Repairs

Fence work needs multiple tools running together. A common setup includes a circular saw (1,400W), a reciprocating saw (1,200W), a drill (500W), and work lights (300W), equalling 3,400 watts, which is perfect for 7.2 kW Pro Power. Construction sites run power-hungry tools such as circular saws, impact drills, sanders, air compressors, and welders.

A 7.2 kW system would be ideal for cutting boards with a circular saw (1,400W), cleaning posts with an angle grinder (1,200W), and work lights (300W).

Starting watts matter here, too. Most electric tools don’t have much startup surge compared with motors, but air compressors and big saws can pull a lot of power when first starting. Light bulbs need 60 to 75W with zero startup watts, making them ideal for stretching a power budget.

Runtime and Practical Tips

The runtime depends on load size and temperature. The F-150 Lightning works as a mobile power station for tools, appliances, and home backup power. Hybrid trucks run electronics on battery power before starting the engine, saving fuel.

Utility Idle keeps Pro Power running while locked for overnight equipment. The touch screen shows power usage and resets breakers.

A welder pulling 6,000W for 20 minutes uses the same energy as 2,000W tools for an hour, but concentrated loads burn fuel differently.

Which Configuration To Choose?

The 2.0 to 2.4 kW systems handle charging, hand tools, lights, and smaller equipment. They cost less and use minimal fuel for basic maintenance work.

The 7.2 kW system suits most contractors and farm workers. It runs 30-amp welders, powers multiple tools, operates irrigation pumps, and provides a 240V outlet in the truck bed. This covers 80% of field needs efficiently.

The 9.6 kW Lightning system works for maximum power needs. Large welding jobs, multi-person crews, or simultaneous 120V/240V equipment benefit here. The electric platform provides silent, zero-emission operation for indoor or noise-restricted work.

Kern County’s Valuable Farm Sector

Valued at $8.6 billion, Kern County’s agricultural sector supports approximately one in six local jobs. The area is responsible for 15% of the world’s almond supply. Pro Power Onboard works perfectly for fixing orchard irrigation, repairing pasture fences, and servicing oilfield equipment. Agricultural technicians can power water pumps for irrigation fixes, run welders for repairs, and use power tools without hauling generators. This eliminates downtime from generator failures.

Field work demands reliable power for leak detection and repair, and logistics for transporting technicians to job sites. Built-in power means fewer trips back to base and better productivity where grid power doesn’t exist. This is particularly valuable during harvest when downtime directly hits yields.

Power Up Your Fieldwork With Jim Burke Ford

The convenience, reliability, and time savings of built-in power make Pro Power Onboard especially valuable for Kern County’s agricultural and construction sectors. Instead of juggling separate generators, fuel cans, and maintenance schedules, they can get instant power wherever their trucks go. Visit Jim Burke Ford to check out our trucks with Pro Power Onboard — including the F-150, Super Duty, and Lightning — and try hands-on demos with actual tools to see how this technology can simplify fieldwork.