recommendation for generator
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Printed Date: 27 Apr 2024 at 11:15am
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Topic: recommendation for generator
Posted By: MRuss
Subject: recommendation for generator
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2019 at 1:52pm
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I have a 2011 rPod 177 model (purchased used).
I want to be able to camp for extended periods and need a generator. I've looked at the Honda 2200 watt but have no experience with generators and don't know if this will run the heater/AC. Please advise. Thanks. |
Replies:
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2019 at 5:58pm
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The furnace runs mostly on propane (it needs 12V for controls and ignition), so no problem there. A Honda 2200 would run the AC if you installed a slow start device on the AC. One that gets high praise is the Micro-Air EasyStart 364. ------------- Alan 2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod" 2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4 Three cats |
Posted By: Happy Tripping
Date Posted: 06 Sep 2019 at 10:18am
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This is a common question. An 'advanced search' here or an internet search will give you a lot of relevant info. Bottom line, if no 'Easy Start', a 2400 Yamaha or equivalent probably will suffice for a/c, run alone, away from hi mountains. Test first. NEVER get a 'contractor's generator' - too loud
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Posted By: MRuss
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2019 at 11:15am
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This forum is amazing ! Thanks for the prompt & helpful replies.
I appreciate your suggestions & expert advice. Happy podding!!!😊 |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2019 at 10:14am
And the power is usually rather "dirty" because it typically doesn't have an inverter. It runs at one speed and relies on that speed for 50/60 Hz. ------------- Alan 2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod" 2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4 Three cats |
Posted By: crankster78
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2019 at 3:53pm
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Greetings: Contractor generators produce a 60 cycle square wave Which is not good for electronics of any kind. Plus they will vary on cycles. They run at about 3600 RPM, That's why they are noisy. A inverter runs at vey high cycles and down converts the out put to a pure 60 cycle sine wave. It only runs as fast as needed for the load. The engine is running at a lower speed, less wear and noise. Inverters cost much more but last longer and of course are much quieter. I've been using my Honda for over 12 years, still runs good. Crankster78 2015 R-179 ------------- Crankster 78 R-179 2015 |
Posted By: beardman
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2019 at 1:56pm
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I've powered my R-Pod with two different generators. The first week we had it, we decided to boondock with an old Honda EN2500. It kicked the AC just fine, and allowed us to watch TV. I found a used Predator 3500 (Honda EU3000is clone) for $425, and it's been fine ever since. With this thing, the only thing I wouldn't do is run the microwave/oven or a blowdryer, at the same time as the AC. No big deal. For the money it's been a decent stop-gap, as a paid of Honda 2200s or an EU3000 will cost in excess of $2500. Eventually I'll replace this thing with a Honda, but for now it works perfectly. |
Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 22 Nov 2019 at 7:38pm
This is incorrect. A conventional rotary generator will not produce square waves. The governor systems are usually incapable of tight control of the RPM. The resulting jitter in RPM may cause some harmonic distortion but never a square wave. And the frequency is never really 60 Hz. OTOH, inverters use switching electronics to create square waves to convert DC to AC but then have to filter it to smooth it enough have a sine wave. How would you know the filters were working well enough? Either design will produce power good enough to run household (and RV) appliances and electronics. BTDT. Bottom line, for everyday use buy a generator that is quiet enough for your use and that you can afford. Dometic says their 13,500 BTU roof AC pulls 15.1 amps or about 1750 watts. Electric motors require 2 or more times the running watts to start. A 3500 watt generator will safely start the AC. ------------- John '16 R-Pod 180 |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2019 at 8:15am
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What is BTDT? I often get lost in the acronyms. Thanks! ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2019 at 9:43am
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Colt is right. Rotary generators do produce a sine wave. However, because they are running from gas or propane engine, the RPM will be varying a bit. Also, some of them use generators with brushes, which can cause noise superimposed on the sine wave. A "better" rotary generator will usually have a brushless generator, but they still can be a little noisy. Better inverter generators actually produce a nice sine wave (Hondas are the classic example). Cheaper inverter generators will produce a square wave, which is sometimes cleaned up a bit with filters. YMMV. I think "BTDT" is Been There Done That, but I happy to be corrected. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2019 at 12:25am
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The benefit of an inverter generator is that it decouples engine speed from electrical frequency. A conventional generator has to run at 3600 rpm all the time to produce 60 cycle output. The engine in an inverter generator can run quietly at low rpm when the electrical load is low because the inverter section is setting the output frequency. You will find that there isn’t much if any difference in noise level between an inverter generator and a traditional generator under heavy loading, For example when running the a/c. Both are sine wave output.
A couple of other considerations before buying a generator: Consider the weight and how you will load and unload it. The Honda or equivalent 2kw-ish genny weighs in slightly under 50 lbs. Thats already pretty heavy for many folks to lift safely.,The bigger ones get really heavy. That’s why I went with the Honda 2kw and Microair easystart, one disc surgery was enough for me, The other consideration is that many/most campgrounds won’t allow you to run a generator at night, so if you want it for a/c overnight you might be disappointed. Then there is fuel. You’ll need to carry that safely somewhere as well as the generator,. I converted my Honda to propane so I don’t need to carry a fuel can around. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Stealth_81
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2020 at 7:03pm
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I have a generator question. We have a Honda EU3000is at the house as an emergency backup in case of extended power outage. We have some longer trips planned with the Rpod this summer and I was thinking of taking the generator along as insurance and for use if we stay somewhere without an electric hookup. Since the generator weighs 135# I would like to just leave it in the back of the truck and not have to take it out. Is there any issue with running the generator in the back of the pickup truck (with cap) as long as the side windows and back window and gate are open? I am only anticipating running it every other day to charge batteries as needed. We wouldn’t be running AC if off grid. ------------- 2018 R-Pod 179 His - 2019 F-150 Super Crew 3.5 Eco Hers - 2016 4-Runner 4.0 V-6 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2020 at 7:06pm
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2 considerations: 1st. Carbon monoxide. Having the gate and windows open should help prevent this. 2nd: Heat build-up. If the exhaust is aimed toward the open tailgate, then the airflow should be sufficient. Why not run the AC? That generator is large enough and if the day is really hot, you might appreciate it. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Stealth_81
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2020 at 7:16pm
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Delete. Double posted. ------------- 2018 R-Pod 179 His - 2019 F-150 Super Crew 3.5 Eco Hers - 2016 4-Runner 4.0 V-6 |
Posted By: Stealth_81
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2020 at 7:18pm
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Thanks for the confirmation. I figured that the CO and heat dispersal would be fine. I didn’t know if there were any drawbacks that I hadn’t considered. We normally don’t run the AC. I think we have run it twice while camping since we have owned it. Most of the time we are outside, anyway. ------------- 2018 R-Pod 179 His - 2019 F-150 Super Crew 3.5 Eco Hers - 2016 4-Runner 4.0 V-6 |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2020 at 7:34pm
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You might consider a rubber mat under the generator to help hold down he noise and help keep it from walking around on its own. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 29 Apr 2020 at 7:22am
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I wouldn't try to lift that generator either. Unless you get the genny exhaust directed out of the cap everything back there will wind up with a nice aroma of partially burned hydrocarbons. Can you slide the genny onto the tailgate and direct the exhaust away from the truck, trailer, and your neighbors? Of course taking steps to be sure it doesn't walk off as TT warned. Depending on how much tree cover there is where you camp, if you're not running a/c, your microwave or other big ac loads, a quieter, lighter, and less messy solution to consider might be to get a portable solar kit. That plus a dual battery bank seems to meet most people's 12V electrical requirements . You can always charge a bit from your tow vehicle via the 7 way connector if you run into a long string of cloudy days. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Stealth_81
Date Posted: 02 May 2020 at 5:38pm
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Thanks for the feedback. I already have a heavy rubber bed mat in the truck so it wouldn’t be sliding. I haven’t decided yet if we need to take the generator or not. I was thinking just for peace of mind on a 3-week trip out west we could take it along. We have the room and it might just go for a ride and not be needed, but that’s a better option than needing it and not having it along. ------------- 2018 R-Pod 179 His - 2019 F-150 Super Crew 3.5 Eco Hers - 2016 4-Runner 4.0 V-6 |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 02 May 2020 at 7:20pm
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I have run my 4000 watt genset inside the truck bed, with a truck bed topper on the pickup. I point the exhaust out towards the open tailgate and the lift window, and the sliding side windows are usually open part way. Of course this works well to power the trailer when I really need the A/C or microwave. It also reduces the noise levels to the side and front of the truck...which is nice if you have neighbors in the adjacent campsites. One problem tho, is that crawling in there to pull the starter cord, is a bit of a pain and you have to get out pretty quick once the genset is running. Of course a genset with wireless remote start would eliminate that problem.
------------- rï½¥pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 06 May 2020 at 1:51am
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I would not run a generator in an enclosed space even with the Windows open. Climbing back in to kill the generator, could be dangerous. Pull it out onto the tailgate. ------------- John '16 R-Pod 180 |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 06 May 2020 at 11:16am
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By the way mine is on wheels with a flip up handle so it's easy to roll it backwards to the tailgate and forward towards the front wall of the bed area. ------------- rï½¥pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 06 May 2020 at 1:32pm
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My geny is built in, exhaust is diverted to the ground reduces noise by more than 50%. There is a hatch underneath, with a bottle jack I can lift the geny 1/4" to 1/2" to eliminate vibration. https://postimg.cc/yknRX3bH">  https://postimages.org/">  ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |