Inverter/Generator - R-pod Owners Forum

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pedwards2932 View Drop Down

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Joined: 21 Sep 2020
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Topic: Inverter/Generator
Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 11:32am

Sounds reasonable.....was hoping someone had experience with that model would chime in. I guess I can be the guinea pig. I can always get the easy start if needed. Not sure how often I will need a generator but the guy I bought the trailer from had a Harbor Freight Predator and I was amazed at how quiet it was.

offgrid

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Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 11:32am

You might also want to consider getting a propane powered generator. especially since you have an SUV, No stinky gas smell, less weight, no fouled carburetors either. I converted my Honda to propane and wouldn't go back to gasoline, and I think StephenH bought a propane one and likes his.

1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

offgrid

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Joined: 23 Jul 2018
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Posts: 5290

Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 11:20am

The a/c compressor without a soft start actually requires 30-40 amps momentarily to start. So with the inverter/generators it depends on what the protection circuits for the transistors are designed to limit things to. Also the lighter weight tends to make it less likely to work because the 30-40 amps has to come from stored energy in the rotating engine/flywheel. If that is lighter then there is less likelihood it will be able to provide the current.

I think it was the Westinghouse inverter generator someone reported on that was rated at 2500 peak that wouldn't start the a/c at all while the Honda 2.2 would, at least part of the time. My 2kw Honda will sometimes start my a/c the first time but not reliably. With the Easystart it works great, brings the startup current demand way down.

Unless someone has direct experience with that particular generator I suggest you try it but assume you'll need the easystart. If it works without that then you can be pleasantly surprised. You might not be able to give it a good test anymore this year though because of the cooler temperatures.

1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

pedwards2932 View Drop Down

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Joined: 21 Sep 2020
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Posts: 337

Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 11:02am

I thought since the peak on this was 2500 it may be a bit better than the others which are usually 2200/2300 peak. Weight on this is about 14lbs lighter than comparible models.

offgrid

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Joined: 23 Jul 2018
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Posts: 5290

Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 10:44am

Generators that size in general will run the a/c if nothing else is turned on (including the battery charger) but won't start it reliably. You can try it and see if it does (let the a/c compressor cycle a few times because its harder to start the second cycle). If it won't start it reliably you can install an Easystart in the a/c and that will bring the startup load way down and allow a small genny to start it. Not cheap but it works and is better than the alternative of a heavy generator if you're trying to keep rig weight down.

https://www.microair.net/collections/easystart-soft-starters/products/easystart-364-3-ton-single-phase-soft-starter-for-air-conditioners?gclid=CjwKCAjw8MD7BRArEiwAGZsrBdZoV2kQCDXXastbEW0bA5re3UVajDboCUbKHVhJzhRsQ2eWNdT8jxoCaVoQAvD_BwE&variant=30176048267

1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

pedwards2932 View Drop Down

Senior Member

Joined: 21 Sep 2020
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 337

Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 8:24am

Anyone have experience with this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/CHAMPION-POWER-EQUIPMENT-2500-Watt-Gasoline-Powered-Recoil-Start-Inverter-Generator-with-Champion-79-cc-Engine-100889/313554748#ratings-and-reviews

The weight (39lbs) and output(2500/1850) looks pretty good? Is it enough to run the AC if needed? It is showing a 20 amp output so I am guessing you can run AC but not in conjunction with much else?

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pedwards2932 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 21 Sep 2020 Online Status: Offline Posts: 337	Topic: Inverter/Generator Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 11:32am
	Sounds reasonable.....was hoping someone had experience with that model would chime in. I guess I can be the guinea pig. I can always get the easy start if needed. Not sure how often I will need a generator but the guy I bought the trailer from had a Harbor Freight Predator and I was amazed at how quiet it was.

offgrid Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290	Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 11:32am
	You might also want to consider getting a propane powered generator. especially since you have an SUV, No stinky gas smell, less weight, no fouled carburetors either. I converted my Honda to propane and wouldn't go back to gasoline, and I think StephenH bought a propane one and likes his.
	1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold

offgrid Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290	Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 11:20am
	The a/c compressor without a soft start actually requires 30-40 amps momentarily to start. So with the inverter/generators it depends on what the protection circuits for the transistors are designed to limit things to. Also the lighter weight tends to make it less likely to work because the 30-40 amps has to come from stored energy in the rotating engine/flywheel. If that is lighter then there is less likelihood it will be able to provide the current. I think it was the Westinghouse inverter generator someone reported on that was rated at 2500 peak that wouldn't start the a/c at all while the Honda 2.2 would, at least part of the time. My 2kw Honda will sometimes start my a/c the first time but not reliably. With the Easystart it works great, brings the startup current demand way down. Unless someone has direct experience with that particular generator I suggest you try it but assume you'll need the easystart. If it works without that then you can be pleasantly surprised. You might not be able to give it a good test anymore this year though because of the cooler temperatures.
	1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold

pedwards2932 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 21 Sep 2020 Online Status: Offline Posts: 337	Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 11:02am
	I thought since the peak on this was 2500 it may be a bit better than the others which are usually 2200/2300 peak. Weight on this is about 14lbs lighter than comparible models.

offgrid Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290	Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 10:44am
	Generators that size in general will run the a/c if nothing else is turned on (including the battery charger) but won't start it reliably. You can try it and see if it does (let the a/c compressor cycle a few times because its harder to start the second cycle). If it won't start it reliably you can install an Easystart in the a/c and that will bring the startup load way down and allow a small genny to start it. Not cheap but it works and is better than the alternative of a heavy generator if you're trying to keep rig weight down. https://www.microair.net/collections/easystart-soft-starters/products/easystart-364-3-ton-single-phase-soft-starter-for-air-conditioners?gclid=CjwKCAjw8MD7BRArEiwAGZsrBdZoV2kQCDXXastbEW0bA5re3UVajDboCUbKHVhJzhRsQ2eWNdT8jxoCaVoQAvD_BwE&variant=30176048267
	1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold

pedwards2932 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 21 Sep 2020 Online Status: Offline Posts: 337	Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 8:24am
	Anyone have experience with this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/CHAMPION-POWER-EQUIPMENT-2500-Watt-Gasoline-Powered-Recoil-Start-Inverter-Generator-with-Champion-79-cc-Engine-100889/313554748#ratings-and-reviews The weight (39lbs) and output(2500/1850) looks pretty good? Is it enough to run the AC if needed? It is showing a 20 amp output so I am guessing you can run AC but not in conjunction with much else?