feeling stupid

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   We got our 2015 setup with dual batteries but the first time we took it out for a couple day practice run on our property we realized a generator would be handy, especially to watch a little tv at night. The cost of solar to keep up with two batteries was really expensive. I chose the new Briggs and Stratton P3000 inverter generator. It was able to start the A/C and it was topping off the batteries. It was running at 106% but I shut the A/C down and next time I would wait until the batteries were charged. I was just curious if it would run the A/C.
The other benefit to a geni is that you can use it at home so some day I might have an electrician install a 30A outlet on the outside of my house so I can run just about everything.

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R-Pod'nFJ Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 04 Apr 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 37	Topic: feeling stupid Posted: 03 Jun 2015 at 10:48am
	We got our 2015 setup with dual batteries but the first time we took it out for a couple day practice run on our property we realized a generator would be handy, especially to watch a little tv at night. The cost of solar to keep up with two batteries was really expensive. I chose the new Briggs and Stratton P3000 inverter generator. It was able to start the A/C and it was topping off the batteries. It was running at 106% but I shut the A/C down and next time I would wait until the batteries were charged. I was just curious if it would run the A/C. The other benefit to a geni is that you can use it at home so some day I might have an electrician install a 30A outlet on the outside of my house so I can run just about everything.
	14 Cement Gray FJ Cruiser 15 R-Pod 179 71 Honda CB750 cafe racer project 71 Honda CB350 75 Honda XL350 81 KZ550 Ltd. street tracker project Scott & Kerri

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062	Posted: 03 Jun 2015 at 10:56am
	Again it depends on your camping conditions and needs. If your solar panels will be in full sun a solar system will be enough for boondocking (although I recommend 200 watts). If you are often in shade a dual-battery system may be enough to get you through a week, with conservation. Or a small generator. You will most likely need to pair 2 of the Honda 2000's to run an A/C. Some have managed to do it with one, but not reliably. Don't let the "inverter" in inverter-generator confuse you (it is unfortunate they decided to use that terminology for the newer gensets even though it is correct). It is built-in to the generator and isn't something you can use separately. You would need a separate inverter to run/charge smaller AC appliances directly from the battery.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

Sms9758 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 09 Apr 2015 Location: Ohio Online Status: Offline Posts: 16	Posted: 03 Jun 2015 at 12:05pm
	The help on here is amazing. I really appreciate all the advice and think in finally understand it. Thumbs up to everyonr

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062	Posted: 03 Jun 2015 at 1:15pm
	Glad to help. A note on home backup use - usually the smaller generators (below 6000 watts) only supply 120 volts, not 120/240. So to use one with a house usually an electrician must pull circuits out of your service panel and put them into a subpanel with a transfer switch, which will then run from the generator. You won't be able to run an electric water heater, well pump, electric stove since they need 120/240 or just 240 and they need more amperage than a small generator can provide. The electrician must also make sure no multi-wire branch circuits are moved to the subpanel (or if they must, both sides must be combined onto one breaker).
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

R-Pod'nFJ Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 04 Apr 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 37	Posted: 03 Jun 2015 at 2:31pm
	Thanks for the heads up on home hook-up. I know it won't power the higher 240v appliances but to be able to have some lights on, tv, keep the fridge running, the basic stuff, etc. I would only use it when the power goes out. I think some furnaces can be run on 3000 watts? I'm not sure but I thought when I did research on generators that furnaces don't take much to operate.
	14 Cement Gray FJ Cruiser 15 R-Pod 179 71 Honda CB750 cafe racer project 71 Honda CB350 75 Honda XL350 81 KZ550 Ltd. street tracker project Scott & Kerri

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062	Posted: 03 Jun 2015 at 3:06pm
	Furnaces only need electric to run the blower, so usually you are ok. Some newer picky models won't run unless the frequency is accurate and stable, so cheap screamers may not work then.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual