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Vector1952 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Propane tanks
    Posted: 01 Nov 2016 at 7:29pm
I noticed u bought a generic, (I believe that's how it's spelled) generator....you said it runs ur a/c but not ur micro,that's ok with me.... was considering champion 3100w, but it's heavy...if the 2000w will run the a/c it will save me money also...ur thoughts we'd be appreciated...
Xxxx7
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Nov 2016 at 8:36pm
The Generac iX2000 will run the generator, but it is running near max when the AC starts. The running wattage is less, so it works okay. The 3100 would do better and I think it has a 30A outlet on it. I have to use a 15A to 30A converter plug with the iX2000. I was also quite disappointed when I found out that the 2000 Watt generator with 2200 surge Watts was insufficient to start up the HiPointe microwave. The starting surge for the magnetron must be quite large. I would have gladly settled for a less powerful convection/microwave if it would run with the generator I bought.

The Generac iQ2000 is different. It is actually 1600 running Watts with 2000 surge Watts, which is less than the iX2000's specs. However, unlike the iX2000 the iQ2000 can be run with a second one using a parallel kit. That keeps the weight of each part lower but at the cost of two generators instead of one. The benefit would be that two iQ2000 generators run in parallel would supply plenty of power to run the AC and the microwave.
StephenH
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john in idaho View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Nov 2016 at 9:48pm
Just remember --- 3000 watts is a lot heavier to carry than 1000 or 2000 when you are trying to store the beast.   We are both in our mid 70s, and the 2000 is about the max.  I bought the AC because all the trailers had one.  I don't have 30 amps here in the barn so I may never know if it works.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Nov 2016 at 10:31pm
John,

If you have 20A available, you can run the AC. Just don't try to run the refrigerator (on AC) or the microwave at the same time. The breaker for the AC in the R-Pod is a 20A breaker. 15A is not sufficient. It will trip but 20A will work.

I just turned 63 and so I understand about the weight. That and cost are why I chose the iX2000. Even so, it is about the maximum I would care to lift without assistance. It may not be too many more years before even it would be too heavy.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Nov 2016 at 9:41am
Hi, yes I'm almost 65 my wife 60, the weight was the issue...had picked the champion 3100 till your post of the ix series, since then I've researched and compared (you tube, internet)...Still have time to decide...thanks again....
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Nov 2016 at 7:40pm
Things to consider when deciding on wattage.  First as StephenH mentioned, you need a minimum of 2000 watts running wattage - when you are running at 500 feet and it is 75 F outside.  However, if you will be camping at higher altitudes you will need more.  The output is derated depending on altitude and ambient temperature: -3.5% per 1000 feet, -1% for each 10F above 60F.  So you'll lose 31% at 8000 feet and 90F, and your 2000 watt genset now will only output 1380 watts at best.  Plus the A/C gets harder to start the warmer it is, requiring more power.  You'll want 3000 minimum running wattage in those conditions.

A single, larger, genset may be harder for you to move, but it is harder for a thief to move, too.  Two smaller gensets that are paralleled are easier for you to move, but easier for the thief, and requires more maintenance.

Then there is conventional vs. inverter-generator types of gensets.  Conventional are always loud and use a lot of gas, but are cheap to buy.  Inverter-genset are much quieter and usually use less gas, but are more expensive.  Over time the reduction in gas will offset the additional cost.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Dec 2016 at 11:24pm
Just an update here. I recently had to have the convection-microwave replaced. The sound had faded out to the point where we could no longer hear it when something was done. I called, and it was replaced by a new HiSense convection-microwave.

This new microwave has a difference that makes me think the first one was defective from the start. I had noticed that the first one was rather silent when it was running. Unlike most every microwave I have had, I couldn't really hear any fan running. I thought it was just the way this was built. It turns out that it may have had a defective fan which lead to the sound problem. When the new one is running, I can hear the fan running and feel the air being vented. This difference seems to confirm that the first one was defective or incorrectly installed.

The second thing was a pleasant surprise. While I could not run the first microwave on our Generac iX2000 generator, I tested our generator with this new convection-microwave and IT WORKS! Thumbs Up
The microwave does not immediately reset when the magnetron kicks in. I can hear the generator engine speed up which tells me that the load has increased. It does not overload. Big smile

We will be taking off soon on a cross-country trip. It will be nice to connect the generator and warm up some meals while we are traveling without having to use pots and pans that would then need washing. I'll have to post an update when we get a chance to test it more but for now, it seems to be working great.
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