TV / Generatoor
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
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=5003
Printed Date: 13 Jun 2025 at 5:39pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: TV / Generatoor
Posted By: Outbackdave
Subject: TV / Generatoor
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2014 at 8:36pm
|
Is it safe to use the TV withe the generator running. Have a 3500 Champion? ------------- 176T, Dodge Dakota TV, South Carolina Dave,Mary and Olivia(sheltie) Suzuki V-Strom Adventure, Custom built TearDrop |
Replies:
Posted By: dockguy
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2014 at 9:38pm
|
Hi Fellow Camper, It is ok to use an inverter generator with your tv, but not a home generator. If it is not an "inverter generator" it may fry you tv. Inverter generators are made specifically to run electrical equipment like tv's, computer, etc. They are different than a regular household generators as these generators surge electricity which can fry your tv, etc. Hope that this helps... Dockguy 2005 Toyota Tundra 2011 Rpod 171 ------------- Randy/ dockguy |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 9:42am
|
Generally it's OK, even with a non-inverter generator. However, you should use a surge protector like the SurgeGuard just like you would use at a campground and I would not start the generator with the TV or anything else connected. .
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Old Dingo&Mrs.Dingo
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 10:30am
|
If it's a 12 volt TV w/ a transformer, run it on battery and the battery will absorb any surges. that said a SurgeGuard (or it's equivalent) is a smart investment for any of us. ------------- Old Dingo and/or Mrs. Dingo 181G 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 10:47am
Agree 100%. If the TV is the same POS as in my 172 it is 120V only. However small inverters are available (Radio Shack) so it can be run from 12V. Most useful while boondocking, but would also add protection from the generator. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 10:48am
|
We use a 5000 watt generator during hurricanes and other outages for over 20 years. We have surge protectors on our TVs, computers, etc., and don't worry about it not being an inverter. The same is true for running a regular generator for our pod, although we do use a surge protector there, too. I carry a quiet 1000 watt generator, just in case we have no hook-ups and we want to watch TV or use other small appliances.
------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2014 at 4:59pm
|
A surge protector should be used (in theory) all the time, no matter what kind of generator you are using or even (especially!) if you're connected to shore power.
The power produced by a regular generator is fine for all standard home electronic equipment and is better than a lot of the shore power you get in some campgrounds. If you're connected to shore power, you absolutely need a surge guard. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2014 at 11:30pm
|
To clear up a misconception, modern power supplies (computers, televisions, etc) must accept a large range of inputs by spec, well beyond the normal utility sinewave. There is no problem feeding them the dirty power from a cheap genset. In fact, many of them will operate from DC (90-260 volts). ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|