R-pod Owners Forum : Generator question

R-pod Owners Forum : Generator question https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Miscellaneous / Off-topic : Generator question Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:34:36 +0000 Wed, 04 May 2011 13:11:00 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=1664 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Generator question : Not to cause futher confusion,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15262#15262 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1664
Posted: 04 May 2011 at 1:11pm

Not to cause futher confusion, but marine deep cycle batteries are a hybrid between a true deep cycle and a starting battery. They are designed to be able to start a boat's engine but then last for hours running the lights with the engine off if you are anchored somewhere in a channel. True deep cycle batteries won't say "marine". For your typical camping trip - a 2 or 3 day weekend - a marine deep cycle probably will last you as long (between charges and total lifetime) as a true deep cycle, but if you will always dry camp or plan on occasional long-term dry trips you should go with a true deep cycle. You can get one at Wal-Mart for about $75.

As was already mentioned, a starting battery will die quickly if used as a deep cycle. Maybe 10 charge/discharge cycles before loosing capacity.

]]> Wed, 04 May 2011 13:11:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15262#15262 Generator question : This is similar to what... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15261#15261 Author: Guests
Subject: 1664
Posted: 04 May 2011 at 6:25am

This is similar to what came with my existing camper, and Pod, also. Note the fill caps and threaded connection posts. I am guessing you're probably OK...unless the dealer was really dumb.

]]> Wed, 04 May 2011 06:25:43 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15261#15261 Generator question : Originally posted by DavidIf... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15259#15259 Author: Hodge-PODge
Subject: 1664
Posted: 03 May 2011 at 7:28pm

Originally posted by David

If the dealer gave you a "starting" battery, (if were me), I'd have a discussion with them. Hope this helps.

Well, what I know about batteries is pretty much nothing. So I took your advice and got in touch with the dealer. He assured me my battery was a deep cycle, so that's a relief. If it weren't raining I'd take a pic and post it so you guys could look at it. As far as I know, the dealer has shot straight with me about everything else until now so I don't really have any reason to doubt him.

Diane

]]> Tue, 03 May 2011 19:28:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15259#15259 Generator question : Originally posted by mountain... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15243#15243 Author: creel
Subject: 1664
Posted: 03 May 2011 at 11:35am

Originally posted by mountain mist

A little more information on the generator I am looking at.

1000 running watts

1200 max watts

ETQ 2 stoke air cooled OHV engine

less than 65 db

47 lb.

$139.99

If I may add my thoughts on this. As already mentioned, I would not purchase a 2 stroke due to noise and having to mix oil and gas.

Also, at that price, I really don't think you would be buying anything half decent. You're better off saving for a while and get a 4 stroke unit, which will cost you more.

With regards to your battery that came with your Pod, if it is not a deep cycle/marine, go back to the dealer, as they really ought to provide you with such a type of battery...period. A normal car battery will not last long at all, as they are not designed for 'continuous' use/discharge, hope this helps. Smile

]]> Tue, 03 May 2011 11:35:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15243#15243 Generator question : Thanks for all the information.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15239#15239 Author: mountain mist
Subject: 1664
Posted: 03 May 2011 at 7:36am

Thanks for all the information. Since the marine batteries are quite expensive, I do not see getting one when there are other things I want to add to the Pod

I have not used the exhaust fan except when I have had full hookups. Use it when cooking and to dry out the shower

Say that I use the exhaust fan for the really hot and stuffy part of the night, since later it becomes quite cool, only when I get home and plug in will the battery recharge, correct?

The Pod came with a battery, but I don't know if it is a marine one or not, will check when I find where the hubby stored it.

Again, thank you for the information, I am thankful for the good answers on this site, as I am just about flying blind. The hubby knows about these things, but thinks I should not be having the Pod unless I KNOW all about it before I had one. Not much willing information to be gotten from him.

By getting some insight from the site, I am getting informed and thusly get information from him.

]]> Tue, 03 May 2011 07:36:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15239#15239 Generator question : Guess I should go get a... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15238#15238 Author: Guests
Subject: 1664
Posted: 03 May 2011 at 5:33am

Guess I should go get a new deep cycle battery, right?

[/QUOTE]

******************************************************************

Maybe, maybe not. I don't know how much or little you know about batteries, so I'll offer this.....

A typical deep cycle will "look" very similar to an automotive "starting" type battery. You may have to actually remove it from the battery box to see the words "deep cycle" or "marine" on it. Also, most will have fill caps on top (like the older car batteries - before they became maintenace free). Along with this, there are usually large round battery posts with threaded screw posts right next to them - this is usually where the Pod would be connected - to the threaded post.

If there is any doubt, please post a picture and many of us could probably tell, just by looking. Or, you could google the make/model of the battery and maybe find the info.

If the dealer gave you a "starting" battery, (if were me), I'd have a discussion with them. Hope this helps.

]]> Tue, 03 May 2011 05:33:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15238#15238 Generator question : Originally posted by techntrekYour... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15236#15236 Author: Hodge-PODge
Subject: 1664
Posted: 03 May 2011 at 12:04am

Originally posted by techntrek

Your 'pod should have come with its own deep cycle battery . . . .

Hmmm, just as I feared. I think I made a mistake not insisting that the dealer install a deep cycle battery -- because, of course, I just assumed he would. It wasn't until I got home that I realized I had just an automotive battery. I bet that won't run a fan for 2 nights!

Guess I should go get a new deep cycle battery, right?

]]> Tue, 03 May 2011 00:04:35 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15236#15236 Generator question : Your 'pod should have come... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15235#15235 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1664
Posted: 02 May 2011 at 9:59pm

Your 'pod should have come with its own deep cycle battery, which will run a fan overnight for two nights (plus run some lights and the water pump). Battery power is better than a genset when you are trying to sleep at night. At home I have a big 12 kw genset for power outages, but run the basics like my clocks and heat blanket or fans with a battery bank and inverter at night. You don't need an inverter to run a 12 volt fan. Have you tried to see how much draft you get through the windows just by using the built-in exhaust fan? We did this 2 weeks ago one night while Wal-Mart camping, and used the fan on low and it felt great on our feet and heads.]]> Mon, 02 May 2011 21:59:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15235#15235 Generator question : I looked into 12 volt batteries,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15233#15233 Author: mountain mist
Subject: 1664
Posted: 02 May 2011 at 8:22pm

I looked into 12 volt batteries, like the OPTIMA Blue Top. Is this the kind you need to run the fan?]]> Mon, 02 May 2011 20:22:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15233#15233 Generator question : Where do you get the 12 volt power... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15232#15232 Author: mountain mist
Subject: 1664
Posted: 02 May 2011 at 8:09pm

Where do you get the 12 volt power to run the fan? I am completely clueless on this. I don't want to run the car battery down.

Thanks for the heads up on the generator. Sure helps to ask

]]> Mon, 02 May 2011 20:09:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15232#15232 Generator question : That little 2-stroke will be quite... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15229#15229 Author: Outbound
Subject: 1664
Posted: 02 May 2011 at 6:35pm

That little 2-stroke will be quite noisy. My 2400 watt generator peaks at 58 db and is generally 56 db while running the A/C - almost 10x quieter than the 2-stroke you're looking at. Your ear next to a hair dryer is about 65 db - thats how loud this generator would be when you're standing 15 feet away.

Also, the power produced by this little 2-stroke is not electronics-friendly and you certainly wouldn't want to connect your R-POD to it. You'll need an inverter-generator for that.

If you're looking for a fan, may I suggest the Endless Breeze? If runs off of 12v and is really fantastic. It also draws 1.18 amps/hr on the low setting, and the low setting produces a significant breeze (all you'll need in an R-POD). Otherwise, if you want a generator, you'll have to look to a 4-stroke inverter generator; preferably of the insulated variety.

]]> Mon, 02 May 2011 18:35:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15229#15229 Generator question : A little more information on the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15228#15228 Author: mountain mist
Subject: 1664
Posted: 02 May 2011 at 4:07pm

A little more information on the generator I am looking at.

1000 running watts

1200 max watts

ETQ 2 stoke air cooled OHV engine

less than 65 db

47 lb.

$139.99

free shipping

I am looking for something that a fan can be powered, just for circulation on the hot Summer nights.

]]> Mon, 02 May 2011 16:07:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15228#15228 Generator question : I have been looking at a ETQTG... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15227#15227 Author: mountain mist
Subject: 1664
Posted: 02 May 2011 at 3:59pm

I have been looking at a ETQTG 1200. 1200 watt,2cycle gas, generator.

Comes off of Amazon

Will this little one be able to do anything but power a light blub!

I don't want to have a pricey one, AND one any heavier than this one.

Has a lot of ratings, some good, some not good. But LOTS of them.

However, I don't get information on how useful it would be when out without hook ups.

Any insight into this will be most appreciated.

]]> Mon, 02 May 2011 15:59:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=15227#15227 Generator question : I also have a HY2000si and have... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=14220#14220 Author: Outbound
Subject: 1664
Posted: 23 Mar 2011 at 4:33pm

I also have a HY2000si and have never grounded it. I've only once seen someone ground their generator for use while camping.

From the Occupational Health & Safety Board:

Under the following conditions, OSHA directs (29 CFR 1926.404(f)(3)(i)) that the frame of a portable generator need not be grounded (connected to earth) and that the frame may serve as the ground (in place of the earth):

• The generator supplies only equipment mounted on the generator and/or cord- and plug-connected equipment through receptacles mounted on the generator, § 1926.404(f)(3)(i)(A), and

• The noncurrent-carrying metal parts of equipment (such as the fuel tank, the internal combustion engine, and the generator’s housing) are bonded to the generator frame, and the equipment grounding conductor terminals (of the power receptacles that are a part of [mounted on] the generator) are bonded to the generator frame, § 1926.404(f)(3)(i)(B).

Good enough for me!

]]> Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:33:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=14220#14220 Generator question : When I run mine I tryto run a... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=14217#14217 Author: rpodcamper.com
Subject: 1664
Posted: 23 Mar 2011 at 10:44am

When I run mine I try to run a ground using a 2' Copper pole and have a 6 gauge wire with clips on both ends (old set of Jumper cables). But when I'm using it I'm also powering Laptops and Ham Radio Equipment. Sometimes it is hard to get it into the ground due to rocks or we may be setup on a parking lot.]]> Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:44:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=14217#14217 Generator question : I think they are just using legal... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=14214#14214 Author: TerryM
Subject: 1664
Posted: 23 Mar 2011 at 4:10am

I think they are just using legal talk.

Terry
]]> Wed, 23 Mar 2011 04:10:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=14214#14214 Generator question : We have used various generators... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=14212#14212 Author: photog
Subject: 1664
Posted: 22 Mar 2011 at 10:06pm

We have used various generators over the past 25 years or so and never used a ground wire. We usually run it in the afternoon for a few hours to charge the trailer battery as well as laptop and camera batteries.

At present we use a CHAMPION 2000 watt inverter generator.

]]> Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:06:10 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=14212#14212 Generator question : We just bought a HY2000si portable... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=14210#14210 Author: Pawpod
Subject: 1664
Posted: 22 Mar 2011 at 9:49pm

We just bought a HY2000si portable generator. Never had used one before I've been reading the manual. It mentions a ground wire. It says contact a qualified electrician to connect this. If i was hooking this up to our house i would hire a electrician to do it. Now this raises a few questions when we're using it for dry camping with our travel trailer. Do you just place the unit on the ground and start it (grounded through the case somehow) or just drive a copper rod into the ground, attach a wire to the rod and to the generator? And if you use a wire, what gauge?
Max wattage output is 2200 watts.]]> Tue, 22 Mar 2011 21:49:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1664&PID=14210#14210