R-pod Owners Forum : Min generator size http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Min generator size Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 19:08:26 +0000 Tue, 25 Aug 2015 11:25:14 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=6850 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Min generator size : Originally posted by bobditch Where... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65193#65193 Author: techntrek
Subject: 6850
Posted: 25 Aug 2015 at 11:25am

Originally posted by bobditch


Where do you store your Honda 3000 when traveling?
Where do you keep it while running it?


http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3689&PID=35302&title=my-generator-mount]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2015 11:25:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65193#65193 Min generator size : Originally posted by PilotwhHey... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65175#65175 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 6850
Posted: 25 Aug 2015 at 6:27am

Originally posted by Pilotwh

Hey Toolman,
Beautiful installation, you have way too much time on your hands!. Electrician in a previous life?


I have an old and little used Electronics Engineering degree, and 20+ years in manufacturing (tool and die making).

I purchased a hydraulic cable crimper to make the custom cable lengths so everything turned out perfect.

I also put the enclosure into a Bridgeport Mill in order to bore the through hole for the switch in the enclosure cover, and drill the mounting holes. All the mounting hardware is 18-8 stainless steel.

]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2015 06:27:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65175#65175 Min generator size : Originally posted by techntrekFuel... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65162#65162 Author: Guests
Subject: 6850
Posted: 24 Aug 2015 at 9:12pm

Originally posted by techntrek

Fuel capacity and sound rating.  My Yamaha always ran exactly 8 hours, which wasn't long enough.  Otherwise I was happy with it.  Since Yamahas don't have a fuel pump my choice was to switch to dual Hondas (with an external tank) or a larger Honda or Yamaha.  The Honda 3000 has the lowest sound rating, partly because its engine is oversized, so that swayed me.  I'm happy with the fuel tank size.  So far it has run my house over 22 hours w/o running out, and my Salem over 20 hours w/o running out.  An unintended benefit of the single unit is it is impossible for one person to steal, and nearly impossible for two.

Where do you store your Honda 3000 when traveling?
Where do you keep it while running it?
]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2015 21:12:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65162#65162 Min generator size : Fuel capacity and sound rating.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65160#65160 Author: techntrek
Subject: 6850
Posted: 24 Aug 2015 at 8:02pm

Fuel capacity and sound rating.  My Yamaha always ran exactly 8 hours, which wasn't long enough.  Otherwise I was happy with it.  Since Yamahas don't have a fuel pump my choice was to switch to dual Hondas (with an external tank) or a larger Honda or Yamaha.  The Honda 3000 has the lowest sound rating, partly because its engine is oversized, so that swayed me.  I'm happy with the fuel tank size.  So far it has run my house over 22 hours w/o running out, and my Salem over 20 hours w/o running out.  An unintended benefit of the single unit is it is impossible for one person to steal, and nearly impossible for two.]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2015 20:02:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65160#65160 Min generator size : Originally posted by techntrekI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65148#65148 Author: WillThrill
Subject: 6850
Posted: 24 Aug 2015 at 11:24am

Originally posted by techntrek

I recommend 3000 watts if you will camp at a higher altitude (Yellowstone is over 8000 feet).  You'll lose 3.5% of your power for every 1000 feet above sea level, and 1% for every 10 F above 60 F.  So you'll lose 30% of its rating at Yellowstone on an 80 degree day.  This was why I moved from the Yamaha 2400 mentioned earlier to the Honda 3000.  Plus it has a larger fuel capacity.


Out of curiosity, why did you not go with two Honda or Yamaha 2000 watt units and parallel them? The cost difference is not very much. Not only would you get more power, but if you didn't need to run the AC or microwave, you would only need to connect one.

I've actually seen people modify the parallel kits to enable them to run more than two units together as well as units of different wattage ratings.]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2015 11:24:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65148#65148 Min generator size : Hey Toolman,Beautiful installation,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65144#65144 Author: Pilot
Subject: 6850
Posted: 24 Aug 2015 at 8:57am

Hey Toolman,
Beautiful installation, you have way too much time on your hands!. Electrician in a previous life?
]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2015 08:57:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65144#65144 Min generator size : I recommend 3000 watts if you... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65135#65135 Author: techntrek
Subject: 6850
Posted: 23 Aug 2015 at 9:36pm

I recommend 3000 watts if you will camp at a higher altitude (Yellowstone is over 8000 feet).  You'll lose 3.5% of your power for every 1000 feet above sea level, and 1% for every 10 F above 60 F.  So you'll lose 30% of its rating at Yellowstone on an 80 degree day.  This was why I moved from the Yamaha 2400 mentioned earlier to the Honda 3000.  Plus it has a larger fuel capacity.]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2015 21:36:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65135#65135 Min generator size : Originally posted by PilotwhLot... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65107#65107 Author: jstrenn
Subject: 6850
Posted: 23 Aug 2015 at 3:57pm

Originally posted by Pilotwh

Lot of great info from all. Thanks.
Hey toolman where did you put the marine switch. I have boats with them but they came that way.
Probably gonna take a serious look at the Champion. Right now Costco has it for $799.

Amazon has it for $799 also.  Can avoid tax too depending on where you live.  Free shipping too if your a prime member
]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2015 15:57:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65107#65107 Min generator size : Originally posted by PilotwhLot... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65106#65106 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 6850
Posted: 23 Aug 2015 at 3:27pm

Originally posted by Pilotwh

Lot of great info from all. Thanks.
Hey toolman where did you put the marine switch. I have boats with them but they came that way.
Probably gonna take a serious look at the Champion. Right now Costco has it for $799.


I mounted the switch inside a NEMA 4X fiberglass outdoor rated box (sealed lid), cable glands with outdoor rating UV rating, but I did drill 4 small hole sin the bottom, just in case water somehow got into the enclosure it can drain easily. The switch is IP67 marine rated, although this is the second one since 2012, the first imploded (broken internally and ceased to function).
 I made the custom battery cables. Basically, the switch has three connections. Each battery positive terminal  goes to a switch terminal (Battery 1 and Battery 2), the last switch terminal goes to the original camper positive.  The batteries (both) negative terminals are wired together to the original camper ground (white). I can use battery 1, or battery 2, or both in parallel, or both off.




]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2015 15:27:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65106#65106 Min generator size : Lot of great info from all. Thanks.Hey... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65103#65103 Author: Pilot
Subject: 6850
Posted: 23 Aug 2015 at 1:36pm

Lot of great info from all. Thanks.
Hey toolman where did you put the marine switch. I have boats with them but they came that way.
Probably gonna take a serious look at the Champion. Right now Costco has it for $799.
]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2015 13:36:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65103#65103 Min generator size : Originally posted by PilotwhWill... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65100#65100 Author: jstrenn
Subject: 6850
Posted: 23 Aug 2015 at 12:56pm

Originally posted by Pilotwh

Will it run most everything with the ac on?
What are the db's.

It will run everything with the A/C on except the microwave, or the water heater on 120V (But I always use propane anyway when dry camping.

According to Champion the generator is 58db under 1/4 load from 23 feet away.  We camped next to a guy that had a Honda 3000 watt generator and we both had our generators running so I stepped away from the campsite and got in the middle of us to see if I could hear a difference.  Couldn't really tell if the Champion was any louder or not.  Was not noticeably louder anyway.  (unscientific test only)
]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2015 12:56:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65100#65100 Min generator size : If your intention is to run the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65094#65094 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 6850
Posted: 23 Aug 2015 at 11:43am

If your intention is to run the a/c AND the microwave oven, you'll need the starting wattage for the a/c (about 2100 watts) PLUS the microwave (1500 Watts) PLUS whatever the power converter uses during use ( ?? watts). 

Instead.   Buy the 2400 watt or more generator, and don't run the microwave and the A/C at the same time. It will do fine.

 I have a Honda EU2000i, tested it will start and run the A/C, BUT not if my 2x 12V batteries are connected to the converter charging system. The converter charger tries to charge when connected to shore power if the batteries are connected. Don't try running A/C in ECO mode. Not going to happen.

 I disconnect the batteries (marine disconnect switch), plug in the generator and run it for a minute, then enter the camper and turn on the A/C. The generator bogs for a couple seconds then runs full tilt, A/C functions normally. 

Fortunately, I haven't yet had to run the A/C on a camping trip for real. Just not hot enough. But I have used it to reheat a fellow tent campers pasta in my microwave. Most of my trips are 2 nights, sometimes 3. So I don't have a real need for the generator, someday I'll do a whole week without power, then I'll definitely take it with me.
]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2015 11:43:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65094#65094 Min generator size : Originally posted by jstrennAfter... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65075#65075 Author: WillThrill
Subject: 6850
Posted: 22 Aug 2015 at 6:33pm

Originally posted by jstrenn

After a lot of searching I ended up buying the Champion 3100 watt generator on Amazon for about half the cost of the Yamaha or Honda's.  I am pretty happy with it.  It powers the A/C with no problems even in the mountains at 6000 to 7000 feet.
At half the price it's hard to beat!!


I have the Yamaha 2400 iSHC and love it. It's the best generator I've had any personal experience with. It's quiet and reliably runs the AC, though the fan must be running before you turn on the compressor, and there is a 1-2 second lag where the fan briefly stops when the compressor starts. If I were to buy it again, I would buy it on www.generatorsales.com and get the model with the tri-fuel kit already installed. This way, I could run it at home from natural gas during power outages.

Based on all of the feedback I've seen, I would definitely recommend the Champion 3100 watt inverter generator as a very close second to the Yamaha 2400 for running a Pod's AC. Granted, it has more power and costs less, but it doesn't have the incredible track record of Yamaha, at least not yet.]]> Sat, 22 Aug 2015 18:33:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65075#65075 Min generator size : I picked up the Champion 2,800W... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65068#65068 Author: JandL
Subject: 6850
Posted: 22 Aug 2015 at 2:12pm

I picked up the Champion 2,800W generator Item #941930, also known as the 3100W, only difference is the color. When I got it they had a special price at $699 and it’s covered under Costco’s warranty]]> Sat, 22 Aug 2015 14:12:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65068#65068 Min generator size : Will it run most everything with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65067#65067 Author: Pilot
Subject: 6850
Posted: 22 Aug 2015 at 2:10pm

Will it run most everything with the ac on?
What are the db's.
]]> Sat, 22 Aug 2015 14:10:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65067#65067 Min generator size : After a lot of searching I ended... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65060#65060 Author: jstrenn
Subject: 6850
Posted: 22 Aug 2015 at 10:22am

After a lot of searching I ended up buying the Champion 3100 watt generator on Amazon for about half the cost of the Yamaha or Honda's.  I am pretty happy with it.  It powers the A/C with no problems even in the mountains at 6000 to 7000 feet.

At half the price it's hard to beat!!
]]> Sat, 22 Aug 2015 10:22:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65060#65060 Min generator size : thanks, I look at it. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65054#65054 Author: Pilot
Subject: 6850
Posted: 22 Aug 2015 at 7:25am

thanks, I look at it.]]> Sat, 22 Aug 2015 07:25:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65054#65054 Min generator size : The Yamaha 2400iSCH is about the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65050#65050 Author: furpod
Subject: 6850
Posted: 21 Aug 2015 at 10:21pm

The Yamaha 2400iSCH is about the smallest that will start and run the a/c reliably. And with it, ONLY the a/c should be running, if running the a/c. ]]> Fri, 21 Aug 2015 22:21:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65050#65050 Min generator size : What is the feeling of the bunch... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65049#65049 Author: Pilot
Subject: 6850
Posted: 21 Aug 2015 at 9:55pm

What is the feeling of the bunch as to minimum size genny to run the r-pod, air conditioning included. I can't find any spec data on the AC but I think the dealer told me it's about 2000 watts startup.]]> Fri, 21 Aug 2015 21:55:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6850&PID=65049#65049