Generators
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5809
Printed Date: 05 May 2024 at 3:06pm
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Topic: Generators
Posted By: Lily Pod
Subject: Generators
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2015 at 8:37pm
 Hello! 👋 We are new to the forum. We bought a 2014 R-pod 178 in the fall of 2013, and are now towing it with a 2015 Toyota Tundra double cab V8. We have only taken her out approx. 4 times, but now that we are completely retired and have a plan to travel this summer. Each time we have gone out we have been hooked to full service, but trying to get ready for those times when we need to dry camp for a week, we purchased a Honda 2000i (campanion type) Generator. I have a question for those seasoned R-plodders, do you think it is sufficient enough to run the A/C and all appliances or do we need to buy the campanion and Piggyback them? Thank you, Cathy
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Replies:
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2015 at 8:59pm
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2000w won't start the air con. It will run everything else. Yamaha makes a 2400iSHC that will start the air con most of the time. It won't let you use the oven and the air con at the same time. You could get a Honda 3000w generator, or another 2000 and link them. The 3000 is hard to move around. Two 2000s are a lot to haul around, but you should have plenty of room with your Tundra. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Lily Pod
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2015 at 9:20pm
| Thank you TT! The information really helped. But you answered what we feared, that it wasn't enough juice. But had to ask as we are old time tent campers, and having the R-Pod now, we don't want to ruin thing off the bat. The info is greatly appreciated! 👍 |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2015 at 10:21pm
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The nice thing about 2 2000w generators is that you don't have to carry them both all the time. If you can get away without air conditioning on a trip 1 2000w generator will do everything that needs doing. Depending on where and when you got the generator you have you might be able to return it in exchange for a 3000. The store might be glad to make that deal. You just have to think about which way you want to go. A 3000 can really damage a back if it has to be lifted off and on the truck. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Lily Pod
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2015 at 10:46pm
| Yeah, we ordered it from Camp World, and we ordered the campanion type so just in case we needed to order another one to piggyback. We just talked about that, and the only time we will need to use the A/C is when we are in PA, but then we will have full hook up. Mainly need lights and appliances for this year. |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2015 at 11:08pm
The generator weight issue has suddenly gotten very real to me: I fell & got a fractured T-12 vertebra. Am now limited to around 15-20 lbs, at least for the next few weeks. Am trying to convince my little 5' tall wife to start weight training so she can handle gen sets, etc. So far, she's not buying into the idea.  ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: Lily Pod
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2015 at 11:17pm
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Oh No! Sorry to hear that John... Hope for a speed recovery for your sake and for Teri too... 😉 Jack tweeked his back years ago moving a combo battery pack for a bulldozer, and every once in awhile it still raises its ugly head. Good luck! Cathy |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2015 at 11:59pm
Thanks, Cathy. Hopefully just a matter of being patient & not rushing things. Should be out of the brace near end of March .. then start the PT.  ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 12 Feb 2015 at 11:09am
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I've had back issues for years. I've considered engineering a small portable crane - basically an engine hoist - to lift my Honda EU3000 onto the cargo tray it rides on. Even w/o back issues it is too heavy for me to lift on my own. ------------- 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: Lily Pod
Date Posted: 12 Feb 2015 at 3:53pm
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I think we are going to take Tars advice of just using one Honda 2000i w/o using the A/C. Then maybe next year purchase a second Honda 2000i, so we can piggyback then together. Jack and I are not getting any younger and have enough problems with our backs, and not wanting to them worse.. Thank you Tar, John and Tech for the info on hurting ourselves. We'd much rather lift two something's together at hat is little lighter than one heavy beast.... Happy Podding everyone! C
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Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 12 Feb 2015 at 5:37pm
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On the subject of small cranes mentioned by Doug, I've been thinking of a game hoist. Have seen a few that are receiver mounted & will hoist 150+ lbs. Using skids & a winch is another possibility. Would be nice to come up with a solution, though, that doesn't get too "Rube Goldberg". Let's see, I could tow my Kubota w/ front-end loader behind the Pod. Oops, see what I mean? Cathy/Lily Pod ... I think you've hit on a good solution. I know of some lady campers who travel solo and who use the 2-gen solution. It's just painful where the wallet is concerned. Wallet pain or back pain: looks like it's gonna hurt either way. Just don't want both!
 ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: Lily Pod
Date Posted: 12 Feb 2015 at 7:05pm
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I'm totally with you on that thought John... This Honda 2000i (weighing shy of 50#) was not to bad on price about what we expected, we ordered it from Camp World plus being a Good Sam member we got free shipping. between the two of us, I think we can lower it out of the truck and if I'm by myself, well, it will stay in the back of the truck while Lily is plugged in to it. Lol! 😜 |
Posted By: KSST
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2015 at 11:38pm
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We too have talked with folks about a generator. Costco had the Goal Zero rep in showing their solar products and generators. On thing about their biggest generator was that it came with a wheeled rack to move it more easily. Anyone have any experience using Goal Zero solar panels with their r-pod? The r-pod dealer recommends and sells Yamaha. They didn't have one for us to see and listen to (last weekend was the local Outdoor Show) but claim it is very quiet. I do know that Goal Zero generator was running a bunch of stuff and I had to lean in to hear it. The dealer also recommended (and sold) Zamper solar panels. We live in the town where Zamper solar panels are made but haven't used them for anything. If you have experience with them camping, please share! ------------- You, who are one the road, must have a code that you can live by. And so become yourself because the past is just a good bye. |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2015 at 8:47am
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Goal Zero does not make a "generator". No matter what they tell you or want to call it. They make a storage battery/inverter/panel package in a box. You already have a storage battery. Add a second one, buy a set of folding panels with charge controller for $250 and a 400w inverter for $75. You now have a goal zero style system, for $1000 less. And you still can't run the a/c or microwave, or get past a couple cloudy days. ------------- |
Posted By: podderfj
Date Posted: 27 Nov 2015 at 10:46pm
| I have a 2010 172 and I also have a Honda 2000 generator and a companion Honda 2000 generator. HOWEVER, just one of the 2000 Honda generators will start and run my AC very well. Also, I can turn on all of the lights in the 172 and the exhaust fan in the bathroom with the AC running off one Honda 2000 generator. Now, it I am going to use the Microwave or my wife is going to use a hair dryer, or if we plan to heat hot water with power from the generator, the the AC has to be turned off. But, so far, no problem with the AC and one Honda 2000 generator.. |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 27 Nov 2015 at 11:33pm
I'd sure consider myself fortunate if I were you. Most of us don't have that outcome using a single 2K generator. Is your a/c the 13,500 btu model used in the newer pods, or is it maybe a smaller one? Seems like I recall reading about a 9,500 btu model being used in earlier Pods but could be wrong on that. In any case, I sure as heck can't use one 2K genny to do what you can. Durnit! ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: podderfj
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2015 at 12:11pm
| Don't really know about the size of my AC. Will have to check and see. Maybe it is a 9500. If so, it will still cool down the pod and run you out on short order. Good question, I will have to check and see what I have. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2015 at 10:01pm
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11k was the smallest A/C. 9.5k has been done as an aftermarket installation, and is what the non-slides should have from the factory IMO. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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