Author |
Share Topic Topic Search Topic Options
|
Colt
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Nov 2019
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 383
|
Topic: Battery Novice, Please Help Posted: 06 Jan 2021 at 2:19pm |
There's a lot of dimensions to "best".
What is most important to you? You will probably want quiet, so that generally means an inverter. Some of them are quite expensive. If you want to run everything in the trailer, you'll want to look at something near 3500 watts, but those will be 100+ pounds. The Japanese motorcycle makers have good reputations in generators. My brother has a 3500 watt Predator inverter that is less expensive, but who knows how reliable it is? He likes it. A few of the 2200 watt generators have been said on this forum to be capable of starting the A/C, with nothing else on. That may be a good compromise in weight and output. The 1000 watt Sportsman above is dandy for keeping the battery up and running the lights, TV, chargers, ....., but can't run the microwave or A/C. It would run a small electric heater for the bathroom like the ones people put under their desks.
More power means more fuel.
So, .... what do you need it to do?
|
John
'16 R-Pod 180
|
|
mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3419
|
Posted: 06 Jan 2021 at 4:30pm |
I have used a Generac IX2000 for 5 years. Very reliable. It will charge battery, run microwave but not with AC, and has run AC with Converter off. It meets my basic needs. When not using AC, it will run entire trailer. It is lightweight, relatively easy to lift and handle. If you plan to boondock you'll need more. it really is about your specific needs. Your plan.
|
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
|
|
DKowen
Newbie
Joined: 06 Dec 2020
Location: Olympia,WA
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 10
|
Posted: 06 Jan 2021 at 6:16pm |
Thxs for info u r right about needs. I was thinking about the IQ 3500 it is heavier but probably could run the whole trailer if needed. Do you know about the inverter? If the trailer has an inverter and the generator is that a problem?
|
DPO
|
|
mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3419
|
Posted: 06 Jan 2021 at 6:30pm |
I take it you have a newer Pod with inverter. IQ 3500 is more than adequate to run Pod. It is an Inverter Generator and will have no effect on the operation of the inverter in Pod. Not an issue, it's a power source.
|
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
|
|
DKowen
Newbie
Joined: 06 Dec 2020
Location: Olympia,WA
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 10
|
Posted: 06 Jan 2021 at 6:52pm |
Thx U
|
DPO
|
|
DKowen
Newbie
Joined: 06 Dec 2020
Location: Olympia,WA
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 10
|
Posted: 06 Jan 2021 at 6:53pm |
Yes a 2021 179 with solar panel
|
DPO
|
|
DKowen
Newbie
Joined: 06 Dec 2020
Location: Olympia,WA
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 10
|
Posted: 06 Jan 2021 at 6:54pm |
but here in WA state the sun is hard to find at times
|
DPO
|
|
offgrid
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Jul 2018
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5290
|
Posted: 06 Jan 2021 at 7:43pm |
The first question should be what do you want to be able to run on the generator? The second is what weight are you comfortable with lifting and carrying? The third is what fuel source do you prefer, gasoline or propane? With those answers we can probably guide you in a good direction.
Note on question number one, if you want to run the a/c overnight most campgrounds restrict generator operation to daytime and early evening hours. so if that is your planned use case you might not be able to achieve it.
A couple other considerations.
The inverter generators are quieter at low power levels but not especially so at high output line when running the a/c.
A generator around 2 to 2.5kw, sometimes even larger, is likely not going to be able to start the a/c compressor reliably, but can run it once started. Adding an Easystart soft start will allow these smaller generators to start it. That is an interesting combination if weight is an issue for you. You can’t run the a/c and microwave simultaneously with generators in that size but that’s not really a big deal, just turn one off while running the other.
Propane burns clean so there is less maintenance with it and does not require you to carry gasoline. You are already carrying propane anyway. OTOH there are less available options with propane generators.
|
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold
|
|
DKowen
Newbie
Joined: 06 Dec 2020
Location: Olympia,WA
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 10
|
Posted: 07 Jan 2021 at 8:39am |
GR8 Info Thx you
|
DPO
|
|
Olddawgsrule
Senior Member
Joined: 20 Sep 2017
Location: New Hampshire
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1014
|
Posted: 07 Jan 2021 at 8:57am |
This is one of the few YT Channels on How to's I recommend to anyone learning. He does break it down pretty well. I often watch his reviews of products and builds. Take a look at his playlist of subjects (linked).
My new lithium cells arrived yesterday (LiFePO4) and I'll be reviewing his BMS comparisons. Just to show I go to his site as well.
|
|
|