Does anyone think this could be possible...
 

A while back someone here mentioned turning a f250 into a hybrid and I got the crazy idea into my head of a dual engine setup for my truck. I kinda envisioned the system as having the main 6.7l V8 as running but idle (to keep all the electronics and stuff working) but have power come from a 2nd small v4 or I4 when I don't need to move fast (like on short trips or something) Anyone think this may be possible or am I crazy?

I think you should have 5 motors, one for each wheel and one for accessories. :thumbup:

Anyone think this may be possible or am I crazy?

I hate test questions.....

can crazy be an answer even if it's possible????:D

Mccrews- yes il take that
Cobb- well that would be nice to have 5, one electric for each wheel and the gas primary

In all seriousness though is there a way of using a small car drivetrain mounted in the bed or under it to power the truck for local drives?

Anything is possible. The real questions are how much will it cost? How much work will it take? And will it be worth it in the end? The answers are: too much, too much and no.

Anything is possible, but is it economical or practical? My preference would be a 4x8 capacity pickup bed with a 2.4 liter 6 speed manual fwd. with a aero camper shell for highway use and a place to sleep.

regards
mech

I'd just buy a beater for $1200 and call it good... Oh wait, I did. :)

The problem there is you've got both the largest APU engine going (Even military vehicles use a 3-cylinder for an APU), and a small engine that has to push it about!

I'm just curious guys.......don't gang up on me so hard lol. Look as far as practicality is concerned I know its non-existent in this case and you brought up a great point that the 6.7 is probably the largest APU in existence, cost isn't the worst concern if its less than like 10k. I just want to see if there is a way to do something as interesting and uncommon as a truck with a 650hp supercharged primary engine that also has a 4cyl it can move about with so get double fuel economy when in 4cyl mode. I was thinking maybe add in a 2nd transfer case near the rear axle for the 4cyl engine and transmission to interface with.....

'04 2wd 1500 ram w/ 8.3 v10 gets 9/14mpg
'04 2wd 1500 ram w/ 3.7 v6 gets 14/19mpg
Less engine is only going to go so far, when it still has to push the same vehicle