R-pod Owners Forum : GENERATOR http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Miscellaneous / Off-topic : GENERATOR Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:07:27 +0000 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 14:59:14 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=4430 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ GENERATOR : That works? I'd figure... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54718#54718 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4430
Posted: 04 Dec 2014 at 2:59pm

That works?  I'd figure the computer would recognize the button was locked down and would ignore it!]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2014 14:59:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54718#54718 GENERATOR : Oh heck no. Duct tape! http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54699#54699 Author: Luv2Q
Subject: 4430
Posted: 03 Dec 2014 at 9:56pm

Oh heck no.  Duct tape!]]> Wed, 03 Dec 2014 21:56:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54699#54699 GENERATOR : Yeah, putting out that 2.5... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54657#54657 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4430
Posted: 02 Dec 2014 at 8:56am

Yeah, putting out that 2.5 MW doesn't come cheap!  But, no worries about running the A/C.
 
So are you hitting a dead-man's switch all day for a living?
]]> Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:56:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54657#54657 GENERATOR : Originally posted by techntrekThis... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54650#54650 Author: Luv2Q
Subject: 4430
Posted: 01 Dec 2014 at 9:28pm

Originally posted by techntrek

This would be my generator of choice.  For the neighborhood.  With the bonus that it could tow the pod, although only to limited locations.



How funny! I've got one just like this .. works purty good, too, 'cept it's kinda thirsty. Embarrassed

]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2014 21:28:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54650#54650 GENERATOR : But no sway/WDH required! ... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54639#54639 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 4430
Posted: 01 Dec 2014 at 3:39pm

But no sway/WDH required!]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2014 15:39:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54639#54639 GENERATOR : This would be my generator of... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54636#54636 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4430
Posted: 01 Dec 2014 at 3:22pm

This would be my generator of choice.  For the neighborhood.  With the bonus that it could tow the pod, although only to limited locations.



]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2014 15:22:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54636#54636 GENERATOR : Originally posted by hogone just... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54627#54627 Author: Podster
Subject: 4430
Posted: 01 Dec 2014 at 12:03pm

Originally posted by hogone

just to clarify one thing; this gen will never go on a trip with me unless im going out for a year and living deep in the woods!!!!!!!  hogone

Understood, you purchased this Genny http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwfSmU0clak with an eye to power the house, and the bonus is that it will power everything in the POD with ease in the event you have to bug out.

You have a nice generator hogone and thanks for starting this thread...I learned a lot on this one.
]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2014 12:03:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54627#54627 GENERATOR : just to clarify one thing;... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54626#54626 Author: hogone
Subject: 4430
Posted: 01 Dec 2014 at 11:57am

just to clarify one thing; this gen will never go on a trip with me unless im going out for a year and living deep in the woods!!!!!!!  hogone]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2014 11:57:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54626#54626 GENERATOR : The answer is "it depends... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54625#54625 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4430
Posted: 01 Dec 2014 at 11:22am

The answer is "it depends on the altitude where you'll be running the generator".  At lower altitudes a 2000 watt generator is marginal, but possible.  You may find on the hottest days it won't start the A/C.  I opted for the Yamaha EF2400is and most people on the net have said it runs their A/C.  It ran the A/C (and microwave, but not at the same time) on my pod w/o a problem - at lower altitudes.  That one was 2400 peak, and 2000 continuous if I remember right.

This past summer I knew we would be at much higher altitudes (8000+ feet) so I moved up to the Honda EU3000is.  3000 watts peak, 2800 watts continuous.  At lower altitude it would run 2 things at one time - A/C and microwave, or A/C and AC water heater element.  At higher altitudes I could only run one, but that wasn't a big deal.

When I measured mine years ago, my A/C used about 1000 watts (fan on low), the water heater about 1300 and microwave about 1700.  That would be different for others depending on 13.5 vs. 15 k BTU A/C, and different models of microwave.

Edit:  Charlie answered while I was typing, he is correct the startup surge from the A/C is by far the biggest problem.
]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2014 11:22:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54625#54625 GENERATOR : I'll take a shot at this,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54624#54624 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 4430
Posted: 01 Dec 2014 at 11:05am

I'll take a shot at this, but others with more experience may jump in. The AC is by far the most demanding. Its start up current is the limiter for any genny. From what I see on the forum the 2000W Hondas are marginal considering high ambient temps and altitude. I would guess the 2400W Yamaha might be a better choice and you should consider replacing the starting capacitor in the AC. The microwave would be easy for the 2000W genny. ]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2014 11:05:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54624#54624 GENERATOR : Originally posted by hogone podster:... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54621#54621 Author: Podster
Subject: 4430
Posted: 01 Dec 2014 at 9:54am

Originally posted by hogone

podster:  sorry, just saw your post.  i purchased the camco 55382 adaptor; works great on the gen and hooked up directly to pod.  i didn't try to power all three hog loads at once however, just two at a time; but i think it would of been fine.  how bout those packers!!!!!!Thumbs Up

Good deal...so let me throw this one out there. I'm sure it has been discussed elsewhere, but having it addressed here will save me the pain of dredging through it all and besides...this is a good thread, and the only question for me going unanswered here is: 

What is the minimum Peak/Continues generator rating needed to run the POD A/C? OR (not at the same time) the Microwave Oven? 

Does the A/C draw more the the Microwave?

Good stuff to know, thanks for your response. 


]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2014 09:54:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54621#54621 GENERATOR : podster: sorry, just saw your... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54620#54620 Author: hogone
Subject: 4430
Posted: 01 Dec 2014 at 9:01am

podster:  sorry, just saw your post.  i purchased the camco 55382 adaptor; works great on the gen and hooked up directly to pod.  i didn't try to power all three hog loads at once however, just two at a time; but i think it would of been fine.  how bout those packers!!!!!!Thumbs Up]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2014 09:01:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54620#54620 GENERATOR : Indeed, those are the three. My... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54612#54612 Author: Podster
Subject: 4430
Posted: 30 Nov 2014 at 8:15pm

Indeed, those are the three. My shorthand is motivated by the challenging task of typing on a tablet without a full size keyboard. Thanks for your response.]]> Sun, 30 Nov 2014 20:15:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54612#54612 GENERATOR : Originally posted by PodsterWow,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54609#54609 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 4430
Posted: 30 Nov 2014 at 8:04pm

Originally posted by Podster

Wow, interesting discussion for anybody thinking of powering their POD with a generator.

Two questions: What happens if you try to run all three POD power hogs at the same time while on campsite shore power?



If by three power hogs you mean AC, microwave, and electric WH a circuit breaker somewhere should trip. Your Pod main breaker is 30A. Assuming the generator is protected by a 30A breaker it becomes a race as to which one will go first.
]]> Sun, 30 Nov 2014 20:04:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54609#54609 GENERATOR : Wow, interesting discussion for... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54608#54608 Author: Podster
Subject: 4430
Posted: 30 Nov 2014 at 7:06pm

Wow, interesting discussion for anybody thinking of powering their POD with a generator.

Two questions: What happens if you try to run all three POD power hogs at the same time while on campsite shore power?

2) hogone, what happened? Did it work out OK?
]]> Sun, 30 Nov 2014 19:06:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=54608#54608 GENERATOR : http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43550#43550 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4430
Posted: 14 Mar 2014 at 3:00pm

Nuke]]> Fri, 14 Mar 2014 15:00:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43550#43550 GENERATOR : bought the camco 55382 instead... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43548#43548 Author: hogone
Subject: 4430
Posted: 14 Mar 2014 at 2:17pm

bought the camco 55382 instead of using the one from HD.  Ill hook it up tomorrow and see if she BLOWS!!!!!!!!!!!!  hogone]]> Fri, 14 Mar 2014 14:17:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43548#43548 GENERATOR : No need to apologize, this has... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43245#43245 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4430
Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 2:02pm

No need to apologize, this has been a good discussion.]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2014 14:02:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43245#43245 GENERATOR : rog and thanks to all. I agree... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43231#43231 Author: hogone
Subject: 4430
Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 11:03am

rog and thanks to all.  I agree Charlie, time to go canoeing or fishing.  and tech, i have the pigtail (hockey puck as you call it) to plug into a 15 amp as this is how i have been charging up the pod at home.  Again, sorry for the drawn out discussion, but thanks for alot of good info.  Out, hogone.]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2014 11:03:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43231#43231 GENERATOR : I agree that an imbalance condition... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43228#43228 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4430
Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 10:31am

I agree that an imbalance condition isn't a big deal here.  For the brief periods you'll have the A/C compressor on AND the microwave on, it won't matter.  Most of the time you'll be around a 25% imbalance or lower so don't worry about that.
 
Your genset has 15 amp 120 volt outlets (call these collectively "outlet 1"), and the 30 amp 120/240 volt outlet (call this "outlet 2").  I assume the adapter cord that came with your genset splits the 30 amp outlet into 15 amp outlets (call these collectively "outlet 3") and must have built-in circuit breakers to limit those outlets to 15 amps.  Otherwise you could pull a full 30 amps (at 120 volts) from outlet 3 and that would be bad.
 
So, you can either get 15 amps from outlet 1, or 15 amps from outlet 3.  Either way you'll need a hockey puck adapter which allows you to plug in the 30 amp cord going to the pod, into the 15 amp outlets (1 or 3).  This solution gives you 15 amps which is enough to run any one of the big items at one time - the A/C, the microwave, or the electric element in the water heater.  I do this with my generator.  Just remember to temporarily turn off the A/C when you nuke dinner and keep the electric element in the water heater off.
 
Or, you can get the other adapter linked a page or 2 back, which plugs into outlet 2.  That would allow you to plug in the 30 amp cord that goes to the pod and get a full 30 amps, just like being plugged in at the campground.  This would allow you to run any 2 of the big items at one time (you can't run all 3 even at the campground).
]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:31:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43228#43228 GENERATOR : Hogone,Time to fish or cut bait.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43226#43226 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 4430
Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 9:42am

Hogone,

Time to fish or cut bait. All of the discussed methods will get 120V to the pod. All will requires ome sort of adapter. I like the looks of the Camco 55382 which can be ordered from Amazon and be on you generator in a few days. It will provide the full 30 Amp capability so you can run the pod as you would at a campground. For the total time you would require the full 30 Amps in your lifetime the gen will die of rust before the bearings give up. They are designed to handle unbalances. Sally forth and buy one Smile
]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:42:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43226#43226 GENERATOR : Originally posted by hogone It... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43225#43225 Author: furpod
Subject: 4430
Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 9:21am

Originally posted by hogone

It did come with that cord.  I guess I always knew that I could plug into that or one of the single outlets on the gen and hook up the pod and have the ability to run various items at separate times.  Just thought though using the 120/240 outlet with the adaptor would be like hooking up to a 30 amp source(like at a campground) and have the ability to run it all at once.  Again, I didnt buy the gen for the pod, just was looking at this for convenience. 


and with that adapter, you can. again, that adapter is going to supply 120v 30 amps.
]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:21:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43225#43225 GENERATOR : It did come with that cord.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43224#43224 Author: hogone
Subject: 4430
Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 9:12am

It did come with that cord.  I guess I always knew that I could plug into that or one of the single outlets on the gen and hook up the pod and have the ability to run various items at separate times.  Just thought though using the 120/240 outlet with the adaptor would be like hooking up to a 30 amp source(like at a campground) and have the ability to run it all at once.  Again, I didnt buy the gen for the pod, just was looking at this for convenience.  ]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:12:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43224#43224 GENERATOR : Originally posted by SleeplessHogone,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43222#43222 Author: furpod
Subject: 4430
Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 9:09am

Originally posted by Sleepless

Hogone, I did not take the time to read all of the comments again, but if I remember correctly, your generator came with a cable that plugs into that outlet, and splits into 4 secondary cables, each of which will give you 120 volts.  This is the way my Troybilt 5500 watt unit came, and the cord completely eliminates the need for an adapter.  If anyone disagrees with this, please correct me.

Bob


Well, he still needs an adapter to plug the 30 amp TT plug into the 15/20 amp outlets on the end of the cord. Same adapter he needs to plug into the 15/20 amp outlets on the genny itself.
]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:09:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43222#43222 GENERATOR : Hogone, I did not take the time... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43221#43221 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 4430
Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 9:05am

Hogone, I did not take the time to read all of the comments again, but if I remember correctly, your generator came with a cable that plugs into that outlet, and splits into 4 secondary cables, each of which will give you 120 volts.  This is the way my Troybilt 5500 watt unit came, and the cord completely eliminates the need for an adapter.  If anyone disagrees with this, please correct me.

Bob
]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:05:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43221#43221 GENERATOR : Originally posted by hogone I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43220#43220 Author: furpod
Subject: 4430
Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 9:05am

Originally posted by hogone

I was just reading the reviews on the camco 55382 and it apears that one only taps 1 leg as well.  so as I mentioned above, what would be the difference in converting the 220 plug for pod use vs just using one of the standard outlets on the gen?  and then another goofy question....what is the point of even having a 120/240 receptacle?  hope I'm not wearing anybody out with all this.  hogone


On a 120/240 receptacle...such as the typical 4 prong dryer receptacle...you'll note that the two 120 volts legs come in on the 2 outside stabs..(supplying the 240 volts across them)....the neutral goes to the center stab (to make the 120 volts available from one of the 120 volt hot legs) and the ground goes to the U shaped prong...to pick up the metal of the frame (and help the user to avoid shock in the event of a problem) You'll note the typical dryer requires 10/3 with ground....having a total of 4 wires.(two hots, one neutral, one ground)
 

]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:05:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43220#43220 GENERATOR : I was just reading the reviews... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43219#43219 Author: hogone
Subject: 4430
Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 9:00am

I was just reading the reviews on the camco 55382 and it apears that one only taps 1 leg as well.  so as I mentioned above, what would be the difference in converting the 220 plug for pod use vs just using one of the standard outlets on the gen?  and then another goofy question....what is the point of even having a 120/240 receptacle?  hope I'm not wearing anybody out with all this.  hogone]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:00:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43219#43219 GENERATOR : Tapping one leg means it will... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43218#43218 Author: furpod
Subject: 4430
Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 8:57am

Tapping one leg means it will only pull power off one side of the feed. Your generator makes two feeds, (legs) each leg is 120v 30 amps. When you draw from both legs, you get 240v 30 amps. When drawing from one leg you get 120v 30 amps.

Because of how the windings and magnets work, as the stator rotates, it makes power on one leg, then on the other, 60 times a second, for each. What can happen, is, if the generator is having to make a lot more power on one leg, then on the other, it has an "unbalanced load". each time the magnets pass the windings there is a bit of "drag" or pull. over time, if the load is unbalanced enough, it can/may/might/will cause a little flaw right there in the bearings, (most are just a sleeve bearing) and this can/may/might/will cause the generator head to fail.

So theoretically, if you were pulling a large load, ie: everything turned on in the pod at once, all pulling on that one leg, for an extended length of time... you could/might damage the genny head unit. Odds are slim.. but it is possible..

and, no it's no different than putting the pod on the single outlets.. notice there are 2 of them? 1 for each leg...

and no, I was at the site for my store. lol.
]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2014 08:57:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43218#43218 GENERATOR : "green" hogone here!!!... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43217#43217 Author: hogone
Subject: 4430
Posted: 05 Mar 2014 at 6:42am

"green" hogone here!!!  i am taking it that tapping 1 leg is not a good thing.  furpod, i did get one at home depot and mine said seven in stock too!!!!  maybe you looked at my store, kidding!  i asked an associate on its function, quality, etc and he looked at me like i was crazy (he had no clue).  huron, disecting for me wouldn't do any good, wouldn't know what to look for.  tech, when you say tapping one pole meaning i would still only get 120 and not the full 30 amps? if so, it wouldn't make any difference than plugging into one of the single outlets. hopefully not stupid questions again!  ]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2014 06:42:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43217#43217 GENERATOR : 100% chance the adapter is tapping... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43206#43206 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4430
Posted: 04 Mar 2014 at 8:29pm

100% chance the adapter is tapping one leg.]]> Tue, 04 Mar 2014 20:29:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4430&PID=43206#43206