generators?what r u using?
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Topic: generators?what r u using?
Posted By: jim park
Subject: generators?what r u using?
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2011 at 9:43pm
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hello all
i just bought a slightly used rpod 177.i owned an 09 casita liberty deluxe for about two months,loved the quality but it was just to tight for me as im 6 two and 350 pounds.rpods have way more room.my question is,what generators are you using?i got a honda 2000i with the rpod but its to small to run the 11,000 btu a/c.im thinking of a 3000i or buying another 2000i and using them together,they say it can be done easily.the upside would be when you didnt need a/c you could use one and save on gas.the downside would be maintaining two generators.
thanks jim
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Replies:
Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2011 at 10:40pm
| There are several on here that are using the 2000i and happy with them. I run battery as much as I can and do without the AC. Im sure some will let you know how they work. Welcome to the group! |
Posted By: kmcmurph
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2011 at 1:47am
| I purchased an ETQ 3500i inverter generator. I have run the pod with A/C, TV, and microwave with no problem. |
Posted By: Pawpod
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2011 at 3:20am
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We got a hyundai hy2000si. Still have to try it out yet but it will push 2200 watts. Some here posted that it would run the AC. Guess we'll find out in a month or two. ------------- Ready to pod around! |
Posted By: jim park
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2011 at 11:14am
rpodcamper
do you mean that peaple are running there a/c with a 2000i?i have an 11,000 btu in mine and its just to much for it.maybe there are smaller a/c units in some rpods?
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Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2011 at 11:20am
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I have an HY2000si and it runs the A/C just fine. Just so you know the difference: - Honda 2000i produces 1600 watts running and 2000 watts surge - Hyundai 2000si produces 2000 watts running and 2200 watts surge As usual, the details are in the fine print
------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2011 at 1:26pm
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Just to throw a big wrench in the mix, there are alternatives to the existing A/C. I've considered installing a Sanyo mini-split A/C, but haven't pulled the trigger yet since they cost about $1500 and will require a custom installation. However, they can run on as little as 250 watts when set on low and 755 on max. So they could even be run overnight using 3-4 batteries and an inverter. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: jim park
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2011 at 3:45pm
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[QUOTE=Outbound] I have an HY2000si and it runs the A/C just fine.
Just so you know the difference:
- Honda 2000i produces 1600 watts running and 2000 watts surge
- Hyundai 2000si produces 2000 watts running and 2200 watts surge
As usual, the details are in the fine print [/QU
OTE]
as far as i can see you cant get the hyundai in the united states,is your a/c the 11,000 btu?
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Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2011 at 4:58pm
I see that they're available on Amazon in the US: http://www.amazon.com/Hyundai-HY2000si-2200-Watt-Portable-Generator/dp/B004919NEK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1302036505&sr=8-2 - http://www.amazon.com/Hyundai-HY2000si-2200-Watt-Portable-Generator/dp/B004919NEK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1302036505&sr=8-2
No, mine is the stock 13,500 BTU low-profile Dometic. If you're looking for a generator capable of powering your A/C, check out the http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/products/modelhome/475/0/home.aspx - Yamaha 2400 EF2400iS-HC . Its specifically marketed at the RV crowd, very quiet, very reliable and is designed to power 13.5k BTU air conditioners (see the "Features" page). The Yamaha 2400 EF2400iS-HC produces 2000 watts running, 2400 watts surge.
------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: Hawkeyes
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2011 at 5:06pm
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We bought the 3000i but have not used it yet. Like you, we wanted air conditioning.
------------- Hawkpod 2013 Surveyor Sport 189 2017 Chevy Silverado |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2011 at 5:16pm
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Jim, you may be able to use your current Honda 2000i generator if you install a hard start capacitor in your A/C unit. You can find some background information and general instructions on how to do this ( http://www.modmyrv.com/2009/05/27/rv-air-conditioner-hard-start-capacitor - here ). The article also has a link to a supplier on Amazon who sells a capacitor for $13.50. If I was you, I'd keep the Honda generator and install a capacitor. The Honda is a nice unit. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, talk to some local RV dealers (any dealer that you trust should do - they don't have to carry Forest River products). I bet you'll find one who can do it for $100 or so. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: jim park
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2011 at 5:24pm
if i did not have a/c here where i live i could only use my rpod for maybe 3 months in a year.its already 100 degree heat here.
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Posted By: jim park
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2011 at 5:27pm
outbound
wow i had no idea that is possible.i will look at the link now.i dont want to get rid of the honda unless i have to. thanks
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Posted By: jim park
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2011 at 6:04pm
outbound
thanks alot,i just ordered one,should be here in a few days.they had two reviews,one said it worked great for him and the other said id didnt work.13.50 is a pretty cheap roll of the dice.i hope someone on here has used one on their 2000i
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Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2011 at 7:28pm
My thought exactly. It looks like a pretty easy install, too. Just be careful with the old capacitor when you take apart the A/C - it'll hold a charge for quite a while after the power is disconnected and an accidental discharge would be very dangerous. Make sure to take pictures and report back on your success
 ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2011 at 9:32pm
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Best way to take care of that problem is to short out the terminals on the capacitor with a screwdriver.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: jim park
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2011 at 11:18pm
im gonna get someone to install it for me as i have two left fingers.i hope this works,i really dont want to buy another generator
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Posted By: pmjensen
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2011 at 7:46am
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Welcome to the forum. Obviously you have found that this is the place for all things R-Pod. We are just up the road in Harlingen. I am sure you'll enjoy your pod. And yes your right down here A/C is a must have. Where are you planning on camping. We have enjoyed, Adolph Thomae County park in Arroyo City, Isla Blanca and Andy Bowie on S. Padre for nearby weekend get-a-ways. Hope to see you out and about. ------------- 2011 R-176 Nuestro Pod 2014 Silverado |
Posted By: jim park
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2011 at 11:43am
| I live down at boca chica beach so i probably wont be camping on padre.next week im going to falcon lake for my shakedown.eventualy i want to see big bend. |
Posted By: pmjensen
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2011 at 3:15pm
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There are several (4) of us who will be at IB Magee County Park in Port Aransas (Nueces County Park) on the 15th & 16th of the month. I don't know if they have any spaces left or not. But as with all things Podding your welcome to come. Happy Podding ------------- 2011 R-176 Nuestro Pod 2014 Silverado |
Posted By: jim park
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2011 at 6:10pm
| thanks i may just do that. |
Posted By: TravelingTeacher
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2011 at 1:47am
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Hey Outbound,
Don't mean to sound ignorant here, but what is the difference between and inverter and a generator? When I went to the page, the http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/products/modelhome/475/0/home.aspx - Yamaha 2400 EF2400iS-HC that you posted, it calls it an inverter not a generator. I've never used a generator before but there is a campground I am very interested in but it has no hookups. Is a generator hard to use or hook up? Are there any risks to your camper electrical systems? I know I sound ignorant, but that's because in this department, I am! I would appreciate any pointers from anyone in the forum, truly I would. ------------- Traveling Teacher w. R-Pod 177 "To teach is to learn twice." - Joseph Joubert "Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right." - Henry Ford |
Posted By: TravelingTeacher
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2011 at 1:51am
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I mean "AN" inverter, not "AND!" We teachers have to get it right! ------------- Traveling Teacher w. R-Pod 177 "To teach is to learn twice." - Joseph Joubert "Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right." - Henry Ford |
Posted By: Pawpod
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2011 at 4:27am
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From what I understand is a generator produces power that can be subject to spikes and brownouts, ok for power saws and lights, very bad for computers, microwaves, and other RV components. A generator/inverter produces power very close to your household power, no spikes, brownouts, Ect... A inverter converts 12 volt into 120 volt.
I'm sure I am over simpleizing this and some one will have a more technical explanation.  ------------- Ready to pod around! |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2011 at 7:39am
As you've spotted, the word 'generator' is generally used to identify both a generator and an inverter generator (Yamaha is the only manufacturer I've spotted who shortens the name to just 'inverter'). A generator produces 120 volts alternating at 60 cycles per second (120v AC) by essentially rotating a magnet within a coil of wire. A generator is a simple machine: to maintain the 60 cycles per second, it must maintain a constant rotational speed. As you put more load on a generator (i.e. you plug more things in), there is more resistance as the generator tries to spin the magnet and the motor must work harder to maintain the rotational speed. Although its a pretty good system, there are some drawbacks. First: as loads are added, the generator must ramp-up power and during this time the voltage and the cycles per second will drop, producing 'dirty' power (brownouts and spikes). Second: the 60 cycles per second is a fixed requirement (even when there is little or no load), requiring the engine to be running constantly at a high speed. An inverter generator uses electronics to improve performance. The generator produces direct current (as opposed to alternating current) and this is run through some electronics to convert it to 120v AC and clean-up the blips in the incoming power as it ramps up/down under load. An inverter generator doesn't need to maintain a constant engine speed to keep up to the 60 cycles per second as the electronics adjust the incoming power to a standard of 120v AC. The net advantage to an inverter generator is that it provides cleaner power and is able to idle at a much lower (and quieter) level.
A generator is very easy to use and, once its started and warmed-up, you simply plug in your RPOD (an adapter may be necessary, but you've probably already got one for plugging your RPOD into your house). An RPOD has a fantastic WFCO converter which will recharge your battery automatically and very quickly. It'll take the WFCO less than an hour to bulk charge your battery (bringing it to a 75% charge), which is all you're trying to accomplish while on generated power. NOTE: it takes an additional 8 hours or more to fully charge a battery that is at 75%. There is some generator maintenance required, however. At least once a year, you'll have to drain and replace the oil and you'll have to check and clean the air filters. Every 2-3 years, you'll have to replace the spark plugs. You'll have to drain the gasoline from the generator before storing it for winter. You'll also have to pay attention to how long gas has been sitting in the generator as it begins to gum up the carburetor after a few months.
The only risk in an RPOD would be the air conditioner. The compressor is sensitive to undervolts (brownouts) and, if your generator is also powering the microwave or a teapot or a toaster while the air conditioner is trying to cycle on, there's an outside chance of damage. I suggest turning off the A/C while making tea & toast. Hair dryers, curling irons, coffee pots and most any other heat-producing electrical appliance are also on the 'turn off the A/C before using' list. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2011 at 9:57am
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There is also an actual inverter, which runs from a 12 volt, 24 volt or 48 volt battery bank and outputs either 120 volts AC or 240 volts AC. These usually aren't suited to running high-amp loads like A/Cs or microwaves unless you have a very large battery bank (as one example, I have a 6000 watt inverter at home attached to 16 12 volt batteries and I can run most things in my house from it - obviously not practical at all for an RV). These can be used in place of a generator (or inverter/generator) for small loads, such as running CFL or LED lights, charging your cell phone or laptop, etc. When we dry camp we'll run our 300 watt inverter for our phones and laptops. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Hodge-PODge
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2011 at 1:57pm
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Outbound, you explained that so well, I think YOU would make a pretty good teacher. I actually understood at a basic level what you were talking about!
Techntrek, I appreciate your additional info. Thanks, guys!
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Posted By: TravelingTeacher
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2011 at 6:39pm
Outbound and techntrek, you told me everything I need to know. Well, for now anyway -  And Outbound, thank you for taking the time to explain in such detail all the basics. I appreciate it. In this forum, you guys are the teachers and I'm the student!------------- Traveling Teacher w. R-Pod 177 "To teach is to learn twice." - Joseph Joubert "Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right." - Henry Ford |
Posted By: jim park
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2011 at 7:11pm
just installed the hard start capacitor and it runs my a/c like a champ in 94 degree heat.it runs my a/c at 68 degrees for about seven hours and 5 minutes on 1.1 gallons of gas.much better than buying a second generator. thanks for the tip outbound.
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Posted By: jim park
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2011 at 7:12pm
just installed the hard start capacitor and it runs my a/c like a champ in 94 degree heat.it runs my a/c at 68 degrees for about seven hours and 5 minutes on 1.1 gallons of gas.much better than buying a second generator. thanks for the tip outbound. ps i talked to a local dealer and they refused to install it.
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Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2011 at 7:36pm
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Glad I could help with generators vs inverter/generators 101! ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2011 at 7:41pm
That's great, Jim! I'm glad it worked for you! That's got to be the best $13.50 ever spent. Good to hear that you were able to do the install yourself ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: Farmers
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2011 at 7:39pm
| Picking up our used 177, 2011 this Friday. I'm planning on getting a Honda EU2000i to start with. We plan to camp mostly in Vt., so it will generally be cooler, but it can get hot and humid up there too. If we decide we need the air, we'll get another EU2000i. I'll look into the start cap issue before getting the 2nd generator. Now if paying for this stuff was only as easy as saying it ! |