Ready ...Set ...Generator !!
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2817
Printed Date: 24 May 2025 at 8:30am Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Ready ...Set ...Generator !!
Posted By: Footslogger03
Subject: Ready ...Set ...Generator !!
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2012 at 10:56am
Can't read any more about generators or my head will burst. First it was a simple Honda 2000. Then it was the 2000 Companion (mainly because of the 30A outlet - - but then we found out you needed a special plug). Next we thought we just HAD to have the Honda 3000 (because we envisioned using EVERY electrical appliance all at the same time - - NOT). In the meantime the confusion continued and we bought nothing ....figured the best thing to do was wait and let the dust settle.
Jump to today ...after reading just about every RV/Camping blog about the "real world"practical" use(s) for a generator we're right back where we started. Headed out to buy the base model Honda 2000i today. For now it will do everything we want/need and if it turns out that we venture out when/where AC is needed we'll get a second base model 2000i.
Anyone else here go through similar generator chaos ??
'Slogger
------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger
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Replies:
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2012 at 11:19am
Glad you finally made a decision. We too, purchased the Honda 2000I. Also I had installed a larger starting capacitor on the A/C. Have just been camping with full hookups so haven't tried the generator yet with the A/C. Might suggest getting the larger starting capacitor installed. Part cost is only about $26. 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
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Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2012 at 11:26am
Originally posted by Camper Bob
Glad you finally made a decision. We too, purchased the Honda 2000I. Also I had installed a larger starting capacitor on the A/C. Have just been camping with full hookups so haven't tried the generator yet with the A/C. Might suggest getting the larger starting capacitor installed. Part cost is only about $26. Safe Travels. |
===========================
Hmmm ...you've got me interested. Is this higher rated capacitor a Dometic part ? ...and where/with how much difficulty is it installed.
We don't anticipate using the generator for powering the A/C ...but it never hurts to be prepared - - even if we just want to run it for a few minutes to take the edge off the temp. The majority of our camping out here (even in the heat of summer) doesn't require A/C because of the lower humidity. We've got 3 great little fans that run on 110V or 12V power and generally that's all we need. We generally have a healthy breeze.
Anxious to hear more about the capacitor.
Thanks for your reply,
'Slogger
------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2012 at 1:09pm
No. It is made by an outside vendor, as are most of the other parts. Google "hard start" and all will be revealed. I would assume it does not void the warranty. It is a replacement for the original capacitor which is a little undersized, however, as with most manufacturers, cost is most important. I see some of the prices for the replacement capacitor is $10. 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: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2012 at 1:34pm
Originally posted by Camper Bob
No. It is made by an outside vendor, as are most of the other parts. Google "hard start" and all will be revealed. I would assume it does not void the warranty. It is a replacement for the original capacitor which is a little undersized, however, as with most manufacturers, cost is most important. I see some of the prices for the replacement capacitor is $10. Safe Travels. |
====================
Thanks Bob ...did the search and one of the links was to the Forest River User Group. One of the members even posted pictures.
Curious - - did you install this yourself or have it done by someone else. It looks like a "plug and play" sort of install. Hardest part would be getting the hood off of the A/C unit.
Thanks again,
'Slogger
------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger
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Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2012 at 6:48pm
Okidokey ...now the fun begins. Have the Honda EU2000i sitting on the garage floor. Burning through the Op's manual as we speak. Still have to buy oil and a gas can. Have a one gallon that I use for the lawnmower but planning on getting a 2 gallon - - or maybe even a 5 gallon (what do you generator users recommend ?) can to travel with. For the time being the generator will sit in the back of the tow vehicle (Tacoma) until we get to the campground. Maybe some day I'll mount it to the frame of the camper ...but for now I want the flexibility of using it for more than just camping.
Have never owned a generator before ...but I'm a techie - - so it's fun acquiring new technotoys !!
'Slogger
------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2012 at 8:08pm
Congrats. Always fun acquiring new techytoys, yes. Make sure you run it once every 1-2 months for at least 15 minutes, to keep the seals oiled, keep moisture out of the crank case and moisture out of the carb. Gas storage at home, I would recommend 15-20 gallons even if your area usually doesn't loose power (I don't have optimism for the future of the North American power grid, either from terrorism or age). On the road will depend on your needs. If you use it to top the battery off a few times over a week you won't need anything other than what is in the tank.
------------- 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: dsmiths
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2012 at 9:26pm
About 3 years ago a giant red oak about 24 inches through the center fell across our dead end road, even with 4wd you could not get around it through the woods due to the 2 ft snow, temps were in the 20's. I burned the fire place and Donna and I cooked on the coleman camp stove (this was before the pod, the self contained survival pod) flashlights, oil lamps, Donna had just made a big pot of chili. took things out of the freezer, put them in coolers on the back deck weighted to keep out the coons, 3 days later we got out. I now own a 5500 constant, 8650 surge Generac generator. This will run our furnace and needed t.v. lights, both refrig, its a little cumbersome to take podding, but you could put it in the back of a truck and power the pod easily. We have only used it about 3 times since I purchased it, but I bet you if I sold it another 24 inch oak would isolate us, I am keeping the gen set.
------------- Dane and Donna Smith
2011 RP-172
2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4
lift kit
prodigy wireless brake controller
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Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2012 at 9:49pm
Originally posted by techntrek
Congrats. Always fun acquiring new techytoys, yes. Make sure you run it once every 1-2 months for at least 15 minutes, to keep the seals oiled, keep moisture out of the crank case and moisture out of the carb. Gas storage at home, I would recommend 15-20 gallons even if your area usually doesn't loose power (I don't have optimism for the future of the North American power grid, either from terrorism or age). On the road will depend on your needs. If you use it to top the battery off a few times over a week you won't need anything other than what is in the tank. |
=====================
Sage advice. I too am dubious about the future of available fuel. Hadn't even thought about "at home" supply though. Am planning on carrying either a 2 or 5 gallon container on the road when we go camping. We're not prisoners of A/C so our main interest is in keeping the battery topped off and the fridge cold (but even that we could get around with dry ice/ice in a cooler).
Thanks for the tip on running the generator on regular basis.
'Slogger
------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger
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Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2012 at 8:02am
If I read this right, you purchased a generator that won't power the AC? Why would you do that? At a minimum, I'd want something that could power all of my appliances, even if it were only one at a time. I don't get it.
------------- "Ray & Connie"
- 2017 R-Pod RP-180
- 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2012 at 8:52am
Originally posted by dsmiths
We have only used it about 3 times since I purchased it, but I bet you if I sold it another 24 inch oak would isolate us, I am keeping the gen set. |
Absolutely. I wish everyone would evaluate their needs and wants and plan ahead, short-term and long-term. Most people would include "electricity" on their list of short-term needs for heat, possibly water (well), and keeping food cold. Yet most don't do this evaluation even after experiencing an emergency - or if they do, they don't take steps to ensure those needs/wants are met. So then the power goes out for a week from a freak storm like the recent Derecho, and everyone screams bloody murder because the electric company is taking so "long" to get their power back. Instead of taking responsibility for their own comfort/survival and storing supplies ahead of time so they can take care of themselves... like getting a genset and storing 15-20 gallons of fuel (with Stabil).
A downside of our first-world existence in North America is most people expect someone else to always take care of their basic needs. Sure, most of the time others do take care of us. We pay the money for electric to be delivered to our house, we pay the money for the convenience of getting food from the local store, etc. But then we forget that the time will come when those things won't be there for some reason - I could name a half-dozen major emergencies just from the last decade where this was true. Then we blame someone else because our needs are suddenly not being met. Instead of blaming ourselves for not taking care of our selves.
Sorry for the rant. 
------------- 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: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2012 at 9:07am
Different parts of the country seem to do better than others with this. The same year as the disasterous Katrina in New Orleans a major winter storm could have had the same impact on the northern plains states. But people were prepared and they took care of themselves and their neighbors. On another forum a poster said the sheriff in his town said that with hurricain season on them it was OK to shoot and kill people if seen on other's property. In Wisconsin we assume that if after a disaster people are coming to help.
------------- Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2012 at 10:41am
Easy big fella'. Never known you to rant before. I do hold the same values. We have had a 5.5KW genset for years as standby power. Have had a transfer switch installed next to the garage where we store the genset. Try and run it about 30 minutes each month with a electric radiator as a "load." Storing gasoline is some serious business. Some garages have the gas water heater installed there. One small vapor trail and kaboom. All of us have a ready supply of gasoline in our vehicles. Might want to consider purchasing a small manual pump with hoses attached to draw fuel from our vehicles into a suitable container as the need arises. Additionally, gasoline does age, and without proper additives, will become unusuable. Any all good advice from you and others. 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: 09 Aug 2012 at 11:21am
Takes a lot to get me going. :-)
I store my gas in my shed so no worries about vapor for me. All modern gas containers have vapor seals so it shouldn't be a problem for most. I hate those dang things, though, I've spilled more gas (and therefore vapors) than I would have with the old-style caps which sealed just as well. Don't get me ranting again! I add Stabil so it should be good for a year before I need to recycle it into my cars and buy new.
The gas in my vehicles is part of my plan for longer outages. If I see a hurricane or ice storm is coming my way I'll go fill all of them up. The gas will be used in my Prius which has been modified to run half of my house via a large UPS - it effectively becomes a 3 kw genset which uses as much gas as a 2 kw Honda inverter-genset (about 0.2 gallons per hour based on tests I've run). Running my loads 12 hours a day I can stretch my total gas supply for a month, or a month and a half if I run them 8 hours a day. Probably longer because I can turn off my garage fridge right away in an emergency, and then my inside fridge once everything is gone, leaving just my freezer. The lower my loads go, the less fuel I'll burn.
I also have a 12 kw LPG genset on a 500 gallon tank (350 gallons usable). It burns a lot more fuel but I can stretch that supply to a month if I run it 8 hours per day, too.
I'm prepared on the electrical side, now I'm working on food, tools, etc. 
------------- 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: g4royce
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2012 at 11:51am
In preparation for Hurricane Irene last year, the old men on our street were all doing their old man techy-chats in the driveway but on generators instead of lawn mowers and hedge trimmers After a few minutes they seemed to remember we had a pod and came over to see what type of generator we would have. We haven't invested in one yet, the the old guys on our street were shocked to hear that the Hondas were going for approximately $3000+ for half the energy output of what they got at Lowes and Home Depot for approximately $600.
Why are these units so much more expensive? Are they quieter? more efficient?
BTW most of the old retired guys on our street are ex Electric Boat & Ex-Navy and all seem to have their generators hard wired into their house electric system with fancy shut offs and switches and all. I was thinking more along the lines of going solar as the gas stations by us ran out of gas the day after Irene hit.
------------- ChaiPod
2009 RP152
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5L V6
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Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2012 at 12:08pm
I haven't priced generators with comparable specs at Lowes or Home Depot ...but if you can get a brand new 2000i (Honda model) like system for $600 with a 3 year warranty it's a pretty good deal. I went with the Honda because of it's reputation, weight, sound levels and feedback from friends who own them. After discounts and Gift Card from the store I paid around $800. I'm good with that.
'Slogger
------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2012 at 2:24pm
You'll pay those high prices for inverter-gensets, the best are by Honda with Yamaha a close 2nd. They are much quieter than the cheap "work site" generators you'll pick up at Home Depot, because they will adjust their speed based on the load and because their parts are designed to be quieter. As a result of lowering their speed - all the way to an idle - they are also much more efficient. This is especially true for a house which will have at most 200-300 watts in load for 2/3 of the day (overnight and while you are at work).
Although as you can see from my post above, you don't have to run a genset 24/7 during an outage as some think you do. You might as well, if you have the fuel, if you expect the outage to be short. Its nice to have lights when you get up for a midnight bathroom run. However, if a long-term outage hits you can rely on thermal carryover in the fridge and freezer to last most of the day. Run it several times during the day for 2 hours each and your stuff will stay cold, for maximum fuel savings. Personally I do it 2 hours in the morning and then 4-6 hours at night. Unless I know something really bad has happened and then I'll revert to several times a day - and be sure to eat all the perishable food first so I can stop using up my fuel supply.
Keep your eye on places like Craigslist and once in a while a cheap Honda inverter-generator will show up.
I love solar and plan to go all the way eventually, but solar has its drawbacks, too. A grid-tied system will not work during an outage. Ironic, but true. An off-grid system is necessary but that means buying and maintaining a battery bank. They require watering every few months. I have a 22 kw battery bank which I use for shorter outages with my UPS and keeping up on the maintenance is a pain.
------------- 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: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2012 at 2:36pm
I met a woman from Iowa a few years ago at a conference that was totally off the grid with solar and wind. If I ever move out of town I would like to do this. She and her husband were quite comfortable with their power system, and were living a fully modern life. They were heating with wood which I wouldn't want to do, so I would still have some connection.
------------- Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150
|
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2012 at 4:30pm
Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar
I met a woman from Iowa a few years ago at a conference that was totally off the grid with solar and wind. If I ever move out of town I would like to do this. She and her husband were quite comfortable with their power system, and were living a fully modern life. They were heating with wood which I wouldn't want to do, so I would still have some connection. |
Man.. no way would I willingly turn my heat pump back on. Wife and I actually miss the stove come spring. We will both be sitting here trying to decide if it will get cool enough over night, if we leave the windows open, to be able to at least have a morning fire. just to "knock the chill off"...lol
It is a bit more "interactive" than the set it and forget it thermostat lifestyle.. but we see it as a good thing.
-------------
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Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2012 at 4:52pm
After loosing power for several days...I went to buy a house gen-set. I was worried about gasoline storage also. The sales person convinced me to have a plumber tap into my natural gas feed line for my furnace rather than use gasoline. The nat. gas burns much cleaner and a lot less gunk in the lube oil. And no worries about the old unused gas going bad.
------------- TIDALWAVE
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Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2012 at 7:06pm
Filled the crank case, gas tank and fired the 2000i up this afternoon. Started on 3rd pull. So quiet I thought it might not be running correcly. Of course, that was in "Eco Mode". When I plugged in a small vacuum cleaner that pulls 6.2 Amps it idled up a bit - - still very tolerable.
I located something called an "Power Maximizer" plug that insterts into both of the 110 outlets at the same time and has a 3-prong 30Amp style to attached your regular RV shore power cord. Don't have it yet but looking forward to seeing how that performs.
I think we'll go camping tomorrow !!
'Slogger
------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger
|
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2012 at 8:04pm
Originally posted by furpod
...Wife and I actually miss the stove come spring. ...It is a bit more "interactive" than the set it and forget it thermostat lifestyle.. but we see it as a good thing.
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100% Ditto! It is a ton of work - literally - but I love it.
------------- 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: dsmiths
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2012 at 10:32pm
I have a 5500 continous, 8750 surge Generac, its in an out building that has underground feed to the house. I run it every 2 months for 15 minutes, I use stabil in the fuel, I take the fuel out every 3 months and replace it with fresh, then use the old fuel in the mower, chain saw, weed eater etc, I also try to keep 5 gallons of fresh on hand. We have had to rely on it about 3 times in the last 2 years, its nice to have lights, fridge is running etc, now we have the pod and we could hole up in there for quiet a while if needed. we have some stuff back in case the #### hits the fan, we could make it for a month, but after that ? we have an osmosis water purifier and a spring on the back of the property, Donna does not like squirel, but I do. stay prepared people as I am not sure what the future holds.
------------- Dane and Donna Smith
2011 RP-172
2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4
lift kit
prodigy wireless brake controller
|
Posted By: plains
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2012 at 3:08am
I bought an interesting generator for my Pod this month. It's a Stanley 2250 watt unit with a 3250 surge capacity. Lowes sell its for $389. It's only 66 pounds, not terribly loud, and is about the size of most 2000 watt generators. It will easily run everything in the Pod but the water heater, all at once. The major draw back is the tank is only .4 gallons, which leaves you with under 2 hours of runtime with the AC on. I am working on an extended run tank for it. In theory, 2 gallons of gas will run the AC for 10 hours, which seems to be pretty on on par with even Honda and Yamaha generators.
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Posted By: g4royce
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2012 at 8:34am
Originally posted by dsmiths
I have a 5500 continous, 8750 surge Generac, its in an out building that has underground feed to the house. I run it every 2 months for 15 minutes, I use stabil in the fuel, I take the fuel out every 3 months and replace it with fresh, then use the old fuel in the mower, chain saw, weed eater etc, I also try to keep 5 gallons of fresh on hand. We have had to rely on it about 3 times in the last 2 years, its nice to have lights, fridge is running etc, now we have the pod and we could hole up in there for quiet a while if needed. we have some stuff back in case the #### hits the fan, we could make it for a month, but after that ? we have an osmosis water purifier and a spring on the back of the property, Donna does not like squirel, but I do. stay prepared people as I am not sure what the future holds. |
When we first got the pod, we were looking for online reviews on LED lighting and reviews on new camping gear (our stuff is quite old and bashed up) but google search results kept coming back with lots of links to survival websites, zombie apocalypse websites and EMP websites 
We always have candles, a means of heat, drinking water and canned goods for a week or so (grandparents taught us well). The pod is a very welcome addition to all of that 
------------- ChaiPod
2009 RP152
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5L V6
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2012 at 9:08am
plains, is that in inverter-genset? At that consumption level it must be.
------------- 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: plains
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2012 at 9:43am
Nope, not an inverter. Pretty amazing for not being an inverter. I am putting it through some tests to see how it holds up, and I'll report back.
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Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 12 Aug 2012 at 7:06pm
Just got home from our first campout with the Honda EU2000i generator. It proved to be everything I thoguht it would be. Took a 5 Liter gas can with us and never even used it. Ran it for about an hour in the morning and 2 hours at night.
Yes ...another battery would have extended our dry camping - - but we wouldn't have had 110 V
The generator performed flawlessly and most often was at it lowest idling/sound level.
Glad we did it !!
'Slogger
------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 12 Aug 2012 at 8:05pm
Glad it worked as advertised. You didn't mention whether or not you tried the A/C. Enjoy your new generator. We have yet to fire up ours, but heading out on the 23rd. We'll see. 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
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Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2012 at 9:49am
No ...no A/C. Weather didn't warrant it and I kinda knew in advance that a single EU2000i without a change in the A/C capacitor the likelihood of it working was slim to not at all.
It was just nice to get up, started the generator, have a good cup of coffee and top off the battery all at the same time (after a night running my CPAP). Then again at dinner time so that we could use 110V to recharge our cell phones/computers ...and again, top off the battery for another night of CPAP operation via a small inverter.
'Slogger
------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2012 at 10:02am
When you have the capacitor replaced and try the generator, let us know. I will be heading out again on the 23, without a hookup. Will let you know. 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: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2012 at 4:44pm
Originally posted by Camper Bob
When you have the capacitor replaced and try the generator, let us know. I will be heading out again on the 23, without a hookup. Will let you know. Safe Travels. |
========================
So ...do I understand correctly that if I replace the capacitor in my EU2000 that it will power the A/C all by itself - - or do I still need the second 2000 (Companion) ??
'Slogger
------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2012 at 5:47pm
My understanding is that with the larger capacitor in place a SINGLE 2 KW genset will run a 15,000 BTU A/C just fine. So, get the cap. Put it in and await my post on my return trip. 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: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2012 at 7:37pm
Originally posted by Footslogger03
Originally posted by Camper Bob
When you have the capacitor replaced and try the generator, let us know. I will be heading out again on the 23, without a hookup. Will let you know. Safe Travels. |
========================
So ...do I understand correctly that if I replace the capacitor in my EU2000 that it will power the A/C all by itself - - or do I still need the second 2000 (Companion) ??
'Slogger |
The capacitor goes on the motor of the air conditioner, not on the generator.
------------- Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150
|
Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2012 at 8:07pm
Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar
[QUOTE=Footslogger03] [QUOTE=Camper Bob]
The capacitor goes on the motor of the air conditioner, not on the generator. |
=================================
That part I knew - - I'm smarter than I look :-)
'Slogger
------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger
|
Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2012 at 8:09pm
....speaking of which though - - how do you get on top of the Pod to remove the A/C shroud ...or is this accessible from the side without removing the cover of the A/C unit ??
'Slogger
------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger
|
Posted By: plains
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2012 at 8:38pm
I bought a Honda EU2000i for $450 off craigslist today and am happy to report that it can run the AC, with economy turned on or off. Now, it is a very moderate day today, and I am sure it will have a harder time running when it is actually needed. I also cannot turn on the circuit breaker for the fridge/converter/outlets while the AC compressor runs. It sends the generator into overload. I will try putting the fridge on propane and disconnecting everything we have plugged in and report back.
For anyone else expecting similar results, know that I installed the Supco SPP6 hard start capacitor. I have also tried other 2000w inverter generators and they wouldn't run the AC. The Honda has a fairly large engine compared to others, and that may be the trick.
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Posted By: plains
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2012 at 8:43pm
Put a ladder up against the left and right side of the Pod and remove the 4 screws holding the AC shroud. It should lift right off, and the junction box is on the side of your Pod with the vents/dump valves. You won't need to get on the roof.
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Posted By: plains
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2012 at 8:44pm
CORRECTION: The junction box is actually on the side of your Pod with the DOOR. I forgot which way I had it parked when I did the mod.
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Posted By: Geri
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2012 at 10:10am
We are preparing to head out to Alaska next year pulling our Pod. One of the first things we did was to get a 3000 Handi. We did the research and found that you needed two 2000i's to make everything work. We opted to purchanse a used gen because of the price savings. The plug wasn't a problem. They make all kinds of connections that can be purchased.
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Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2012 at 11:41am
Originally posted by Geri
We are preparing to head out to Alaska next year pulling our Pod. One of the first things we did was to get a 3000 Handi. We did the research and found that you needed two 2000i's to make everything work. We opted to purchanse a used gen because of the price savings. The plug wasn't a problem. They make all kinds of connections that can be purchased. |
======================
We were tempted to get the 3000 handi - - but when I saw the weight of the unit and reconsidered how much/often we would actually use it we opted for the EU2000i. I am sure you will really like the Handi ...but I have a heart condition and just didn't want to handle that kind of weight (78lbs) on a regular basis. Time and experience may prove me wrong but for now we're very satisfied with what the 2000i provides.
Enjoy Alaska ...it's on our "bucket list"
'Slogger
------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2012 at 12:30pm
For those of us on the West Coast who are contemplating a trip to Alaska, at our Sept. roundup we are having the Geklunds who live in Washington State. They just returned from Alaska and will be sharing their experiences at the roundup in Seaside Oregon. Of course, one of our many questions will be about generators, and what to bring. Anyone interested may call the campground and reserve a site. The dates are Thurs Sept. 13th to Sunday Sept. 16th. Saturday night will be a campfire chat about their travels. All are welcome. You may call the campground at Circle Creek RV Park 503-738-6070. Tell them that you are with the Rpod group. 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
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Posted By: plains
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2012 at 5:33pm
For those wondering about how the Honda is working out with the AC, today I got a little over 5 hours out of it with economy on and the AC set to around 72 degrees (middle of the temperature dial). It's about 85 degrees out today with over 50% humidity, and I would say the compressor was running 50-60% of the time.
The Honda powered the AC well, but turning on the battery charger sent it into overload, even with economy disabled. Still pretty impressive.
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Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2012 at 7:39pm
Originally posted by plains
For those wondering about how the Honda is working out with the AC, today I got a little over 5 hours out of it with economy on and the AC set to around 72 degrees (middle of the temperature dial). It's about 85 degrees out today with over 50% humidity, and I would say the compressor was running 50-60% of the time.The Honda powered the AC well, but turning on the battery charger sent it into overload, even with economy disabled. Still pretty impressive. |
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...and this is with the Hard Start Capacitor on the A/C unit ?
What exactly do you mean when you said "turning on the battery charger" - - is that some sort of special/separate apparatus that you have ??
Thanks ...
'Slogger
------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger
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Posted By: plains
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2012 at 1:05pm
Yes, that is with the hard start capacitor on the unit. By battery charger, I'm just talking about the circuit breaker for the built in WFCO charger. It can draw up to 950 watts depending on the charging mode it is in and what is running off of DC power in your trailer. I haven't seen it over 350 watts or so personally on my Kill-A-Watt meter, but that is what the spec sheet says.
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