110 volt receptacle not working on battery
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2659
Printed Date: 24 May 2025 at 1:44am
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Topic: 110 volt receptacle not working on battery
Posted By: Fuki
Subject: 110 volt receptacle not working on battery
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2012 at 3:07pm
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Hi,
We just went on our first dry camping trip.
Our 110 receptacles don't seem to work on battery.
The RV dealer said that they won't work unless you are externally plugged into 110v.
this can't be true... is it?
thanks
brian
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Replies:
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2012 at 3:10pm
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Yes it is true. You cannot get 110 volt without being plugged in unless you install an inverter. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: Fuki
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2012 at 3:34pm
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Thanks Sean...
I thought that the receptacles worked off of the inverter.
thanks
brian
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Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2012 at 4:07pm
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Unless you add an inverter to your Pod you won't have one. You have a converter that converts 120 volts to 12 volts DC and charges your battery when the camper is plugged in. If you add an inverter battery life will be reduced dramatically.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2012 at 9:44pm
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Honda Generator time. Get the 2000w one and you'll be happy. However, you will need two of them if you want to run the A/C. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2012 at 10:06pm
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Camper Bob, I hate to disagree with you, I have a EU2000I honda. If you do it right the gen. will run your 11000 btu AC. Talked to my service rep. turn gen. on full throttle start the fan on low only, let it run 1 or 2 min. then turn on the cooling, it works. Dont turn fan and cooling on at the same time.
------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2012 at 11:12pm
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I would love to be wrong. Just replaying what I had read from others. We have a 13,500 btu unit. Wonder if it will run that one. Anyway, thanks for the info. Will try it in June when we hit Big Sur. Got a site with no service. Will have the gen with us for charging batts and such. Also, to run the microwave as I enjoy cooking. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 8:21am
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The 2000i my buddy has will not start our 13.5k. There is a mod out there, that replaces the capacitor with a larger one.. "hard start" mod I think it's called. Will probably do the research and mod after August.. warranty ends then..
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Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 9:28am
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Camper Bob, I hate to disagree with you, I have a EU2000I honda. If you do it right the gen. will run your 11000 btu AC. Talked to my service rep. turn gen. on full throttle start the fan on low only, let it run 1 or 2 min. then turn on the cooling, it works. Dont turn fan and cooling on at the same time.
[/QUOTE] ================================= For what it's worth, I have run the A/C unit in our Pod off of a dedicated 20amp/110 volt line. Might not be a good correlation but it makes sense to me that if that is possible then the Honda 2000 line of generators should work too - - No ? MJ ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 10:51am
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Even with the larger capacitor to start the motor I think you would be putting an awfully high load on the electronics in the Honda. It probably would start it, but I wonder if you would be shortening the service life of the generator. On the occasions where we can't get a full hookup will have to do without the A/C. Thanks for the input. Safe Travels. P.S. Att. Slogger. I believe the starting current is far higher than the running current. For a brief moment, the A/C pulls more than 2 KW. Your house supply can stand a brief moment of higher current draw. The Honda does not have enough excess to start the motor. Once running, the A/C pulls whatever but I think the Honda would be stressed even at that point. I think the 2kw rating is for a brief moment. I think they are rated at about 1600 watts continuous. Anyone, correct me if I'm wrong. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 1:18pm
You are correct on the wattage for the EU2000i, 2000w starting load, 1600 watts continuous. Once running the 13.5k btu AC only draws about 1200 watts, well within the operating range of the Honda. It's all about getting it started. Honda has a chart on the website somewhere that covers it. Of course, with the AC running, best not to hit start on the microwave or fire up that blender for margaritas..  EDIT Here: 1st google hit: http://www.hayesequipment.com/honda_generator_wattage_guide.htm ------------- |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 2:04pm
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Now you have my undivided attention. Any how-to's on adding the capacitor to the A/C? Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 3:22pm
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Whatever AC generator you buy, it should be larger than the KW required to run your AC. I agree with the above comments...you may be able finesse the A/C to run with a small generator. But you should expect to replace the A/C or generator fairly soon. If you continually jammed on the accelerator of your tow vehicle and then ran your TV+Pod at red-line speeds...how long do you suspect the TV or the Pod would last?
------------- TIDALWAVE |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 3:30pm
Google "hard start" mod.. LOL, it's litteraly a 2 wire part swap deal, and the capacitor is >$20. The hard part is getting up on top of the camper and undoing all the screws on the AC cover. About a dozen if I remember right from the 'stream.. ------------- |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 3:38pm
Apparently not according to my research. People report no observed shortening of life span on the genny or the AC, but since they both go bad "eventually" hard to know I guess. (This is specific to the Honda EU2000i) The capacitor is what does the "flooring of the accelerator", and it's what capacitors are MADE to do. Once running, the AC is drawing less amps/watts then say.. a toaster, electric frying pan, or coffee machine. The generator is rated to put out 1600 watts ALL day. You are only asking for 1200 or so. 75% load. Is that worse than say 50%.. probably, but I see no reason to assume it means the genny is going to self destruct. But as always.. Do as you see fit and are comfortable with. ------------- |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 4:10pm
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As I posted on another reply I did order a starting cap. for the A/C. About $20 and the hard part is getting on the roof and taking off the A/C shroud. Then just push on two wires and remove the old cap. I think I can do that. Will report back when I install it. Thanks for all the great input. You are all the best. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 4:25pm
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I measured my A/C at about 1000 watts, well within the limits of a 2 kw genset (not including startup surge). I wouldn't worry about shortening its life. Another forum I visit had a several-dozen page thread about this very point and the conclusion most made in the end was that you'll be fine. ------------- 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: furpod
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 7:54pm
Make sure you short the existing cap before removal.. things can get REAL exciting real quick if you do it unexpectedly.. And could even be "harmful" if you are part of the short "path".. Friend "welded" a great big one to his trunk wall in his hot rod (and burned out his ignition module).. when it grounded against it. Oh, and he #%@ his pants. Really. ------------- |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2012 at 9:39pm
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Wow. Cetainly don't want to #%@ my pants. Thanks for the heads up. I did read in one of the articles on Google about that very thought. Ground out the cap before removing it. Was wondering how to get on a roof that really isn't built to support camping bodies. You know who you are! I am approaching being one of them myself. Have now ordered the clear cover for the fan and now this capacitor. Will be on the roof, big time. Hope I don't put my foot thru it. Will advise. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 14 Jun 2012 at 12:28pm
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On anticipation of changing the A/C starting cap so my Honda 2 KW generator will run it, I came across this website.
http://www.modmyrv.com/ - http://www.modmyrv.com/
I believe it has all the answers to an easy replacement of the cap. I purchased the cap from Amazon for about $26. delivered. Just heard from my local RV dealer and they want to sell me the cap for $36. plus $130-0$160 additional to install. A tad overpriced in my book. Will take out my ladder and attempt the 5 minute changeover myself. Do read the attached website article, as it has some safety items that should be adhered to. Then just disconnect two wires on the old cap and install two wires from the new one and put back the A/C shroud. I think I can do that. Safe Travels.
c ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 14 Jun 2012 at 3:26pm
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Camper Bob, be careful when changing a starting capactor, they can store a pretty good little whack of energy, dont get zapped and fall off the ladder, power down the pod, short across the capacitor with a suitable conductor (preferably not your body) ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 14 Jun 2012 at 6:35pm
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That was also mentioned on the website. Thanks for your concern. I have a very healthy respect for volts and amps. May have to sacrafice a screwdriver to the volt/amp god, but better it than me. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 14 Jun 2012 at 10:23pm
I once welded the probe of a volt ohm meter to the chassis of a VHF Transceiver when it slipped off a test point while I was in training in the airforce. The circut was supposed to be discharged as I was reading resistance which is tested with the power off. I had to cut the probe off with a set of side cutters.  ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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