air conditioner
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=7170
Printed Date: 20 Jun 2025 at 11:13pm
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Topic: air conditioner
Posted By: 1tulip
Subject: air conditioner
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2015 at 3:49pm
| We're trying to figure out what size generator we will need for boondocking. This particular adventure will be in late April in Northern NV which could mean blazing sun or sideways sleet and snow. In the event that it is the former, how much wattage does it take to start the air conditioner and run it long enough to cool the pod down? How much does it take to run it on low? |
Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2015 at 4:30pm
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The general consensus is the smallest genny that is sure to start and run the a/c reliably is the Yamaha 2400iSCH. The dual Honda 2000i set up is very popular. I wouldn't run an off brand my self, but people do, any inverter genny 3000watt or so should be able to handle the pods a/c. ------------- |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2015 at 5:46pm
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You can easily run a pod with 3500 watts in any configuration of generator. While FurPod and others won't use anything other than a Honda inverter they can cost many times more than others and in most ways perform about the same. Shop and choose the one you feel comfortable with.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2015 at 7:26pm
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I agree that 2400 watts is about the minimum for using the air con. I have a Yamaha 2400isch and I'm biased, I'm sure. Noise level is a big reason for a Yamaha or Honda. The electricity will be pretty much the same with others, though dependability and longevity may or may not. If you're camping with others, noise is a big issue, at least to the others in the campground. If you're boondocking by yourself in the middle of nowhere the noise level still might matter to you. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2015 at 4:33pm
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In addition to size, consider the pros and cons of getting a cheap contractor "screamer" vs. a modern inverter-generator. Usually for camping you will want the later. ------------- 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: Podster
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2015 at 5:11am
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Yes, inverter generators don't necessarily have to maintain a consistent 3,600 rpm like contractor grade generators and, therefore, are usually much quieter. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2015 at 9:07am
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Inverter generators are (at least the ones we use) also 120v native, not 240v. There can be an issue with a 240v genny when you are pulling a lot of power on one leg, and not on the other. Circuit/load balancing is pretty important for generator health. ------------- |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2015 at 10:46am
Minimum size appears to be 2400 watts, 3000 is better. Running the AC on low only reduces the fan noise, but does not reduce the compressor electrical load. Running the fan on low will decrease the cooling performance, increase the cool down time, and risk a freeze up. Do not run the AC on low until cool down has been achieved, and then only at a setting less than maximum (coldest). ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |