Help with generator
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10980
Printed Date: 26 May 2024 at 3:19pm
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Topic: Help with generator
Posted By: Luv2travel
Subject: Help with generator
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 11:44am
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I'm really new here and hope someone can offer advice. We have an RPod 179 and have done only a couple of short camping trips to sites with electricity and water. In February we will take the RPod from South Carolina to Big Bend National Park in TX, meeting up with friends from TN. After a week in Big Bend we will probably head to Guadalupe Mountains Park for a week. Neither site will have service, so I thought, what better Christmas present for my hubby than a generator (to keep me warm and happy - and also because there's not a darn thing he needs). First, what size generator would I need? We want it to be propane. Second, recommendations on brand? We tow with a RAM 1500, so lots of room in the bed for generator and propane tanks. Thank you very much, Linda in SC ------------- R-Pod 179, Gone With the Wind. |
Replies:
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 1:29pm
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If you're going to buy a generator, I would recommend purchasing one with enough power to run your air conditioner. A 2,000 watt generator is generally incapable of doing this, particularly in really hot weather when it's harder to start air conditioners. For the money, I think it's hard to beat this highly rated https://smile.amazon.com/Champion-3400-Watt-Portable-Inverter-Generator/dp/B01FAWMMEY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1512501796&sr=8-5&keywords=champion+inverter+generator+3100 - Champion inverter generator . It's 3400 watts and dual fuel, so it runs on gasoline and propane. It already has a 30 amp outlet tap, so it will plug straight into your Pod. No muss, no fuss, no modifications. For $1,100, I don't think you'll find a better overall value. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: Luv2travel
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 2:46pm
Thank you so much for the recommendation. Greatly appreciated!!! ------------- R-Pod 179, Gone With the Wind. |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 2:59pm
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Been reading good reviews on this Champion Brand. To be honest I was draw away from it due to knowing more of the Popular brands (lot more money for less Wattage). Curious thought.. Why propane? Teach me something I may be still missing! ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: Luv2travel
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 3:15pm
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Hi Olddawgsrule: We personally want propane since we have a 100 gallon propane tank buried in our yard at home. Hopefully we can dual purpose the generator as a home back up. The only disadvantage I see to the Champion recommended is weight; other than that it looks great. My friend has two 2000watt generators because a single generator is too heavy for her to lift. I may have to go that route also. We have friends with Honda and Generac and both are happy with their generators. ------------- R-Pod 179, Gone With the Wind. |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 3:46pm
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I just bought 2 honda 2000 watt gennys myself. I wanted enough power to run the whole pod, and when i only need a little power, i run only one of them. Also at 46 pounds, they can go anywhere. The other consideration is noise. These are the quietest running genny's you can get. Ofcourse there is the price,the EU2000I sells for 1,000 bucks (not on sale) And the companion genny with the 30 amp plug, runs 1,100 bucks. The parallels kit is about 75. bucks. I bought all of that for 1900 dollars on sale. If you can wait, maybe you can get that, or a better deal. And the last point I personally find a real goody, they fit in the bed of the pick up with the tonneau cover closed. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 3:47pm
Thank you! I'm always curious about peoples choices! The 'popular' brands of portable are smaller in size and lighter in weight, yet don't give the same 'bang for the buck'. It all comes down to what you can afford and it's use. My intent is to have a generator, yet for me, for the season, I never see it coming out of the back of the truck. So once loaded, I won't pick it up again until the season is over. If needed, lift the tunnel cover and run it. But I have a pickup as a TV, so to each their own requirements. My requirement is it's not taller than 18". For there I move forward in 'my' choices. Be interested to hear what you end up buying! ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 4:11pm
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We use two Honda EU2000i generators in parallel. One is a Companion model, which has 20A and 30A outputs. The 30A is a locking marine socket that had to be adapted to a TT30 socket with an inexpensive dogbone so we can plug out 179's cord into it. We also have a shared 6-gallon external tank (giving us an 8-gallon capacity when including the generators' tanks), so we can run two or three days straight without refueling.
My wife, who has a bad knee, can move the Hondas one at a time. We previously had a couple of Ryobi 2200s that she couldn't move. |
Posted By: Luv2travel
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 4:34pm
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Thank you very much! It's really important to me that the generator is quiet, and I really do have to be able to move it/them from the bed of the truck for those times I take the RPod with my sister or friends. Being able to cover them with the tonneau is awesome!
------------- R-Pod 179, Gone With the Wind. |
Posted By: SteveA
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 6:15pm
| Just a heads up Linda, my wife and I spent some time in Big Bend a few years back and some of the state campgrounds had a no generator policy. Apparently the area is big on bird watching and complete silence was a big deal. |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 6:24pm
Just glue a bunch of feathers all over the generators, and nobody will know heh ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 7:38pm
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We have a Yamaha 2400iSCH, which is big enough to run the air conditioner, or the microwave, but not at the same time. It's gas operated. The reason I chose it is because of it's decibel level. I don't remember what that is, but it's one of the lowest you can find. We've been to Big Bend twice, both around Christmas/New Years, but not with the pod. We tent camped. I would definitely check the generator policy. We stayed at Rio Grande campground one night because Chisos Basin was full, but all the rest of the time we were in the Basin. BiBe is one of the best places we've ever been. The Chihuahuan Desert is ceaselessly spectacular. There are all kinds of back roads, and we've covered most of them. They are all great. Almost all of them are okay for 2WD vehicles with high ground clearance. Check with a ranger before heading out though, and 4WD is preferred. I do recall generators on a drive through at the Cottonwood campground, and I want to say they have limited hookups at Rio Grande, but check. There are plenty of campgrounds outside the NP too. One of the most beautiful paved roads in the country is between Lajitas and Presidio. It's an easy day's drive there and back from the NP, with lunch in Presidio or Ojinga. I don't know about the Guadalupes, but I recommend taking the river road to Presidio, then up to Marfa, to get there, even if it's a little out of the way. I'll bet you'll hate leaving BiBe. Back to the generator, I'd think carefully about going with propane. There are some that run on gas or propane, and that might be the way to go if you're set on propane. The electrical output of the dual power generators is lower on propane than on gas though. And it's generally a lot easier to find gasoline than propane. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 7:39pm
Even though the Honda EU2000i is quieter than the Champion generators (both their 2 kW and the 3.4 kW models), two of them working in parallel will probably produce at least the same noise as the Champion 3.4 kW as sound levels are cumulative. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Hondas and Yamahas (equivalent in my experience and many others as well) are the highest quality out there, and it's fairly easy to find someone to repair them in the unlikely event that's necessary. They are also quieter than other generators of the same type and wattage rating. I personally own a Yamaha 2400 iSHC. That being said, I think that you are definitely paying a big price premium for that quality. From all of the reviews I've heard, Champion is probably the best overall value right now for the money involved, especially when you can get them on sale, which is pretty rare for Honda and Yamaha. For Black Friday weekend, several retailers were selling the Champion 2 kW inverter generators, which can be tied together to double their output, for just $399. That's less than half the price of just one Honda or Yamaha of the same rating. To be honest, if something happened to my Yamaha, which I have really enjoyed, I would probably get either two Champion 2 kW generators with a parallel kit, the 3.1 kW gas generator, or the 3.4 kW dual fuel generator. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 7:51pm
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Just my opinion: quiet is worth the price premium. If I were getting a generator for home or job use, a Champion would probably be the way to go, but for camping, for my own peace and quiet, as well as those around me, I like quiet. I can tell you from hard experience, even the Yamaha makes too much noise for a lot of campers. All that said, I'm under the impression that many of the smaller inverter generators from Champion and others may be quieter than they used to be. It also seems to be getting harder to find the manufacturers' dB ratings. They are usually discoverable, but sometimes you really have to dig to get that info. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: crazycoyote
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 9:56pm
| WE are heading for Big Bend National Park on the 19th of Dec. coming from Arizona for a week or two. Maybe I'll see a few Pods in the Park. There is a bird count on Christmas Day, and we are birders. |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 10:19pm
I have the same generator and have really enjoyed it. The only generator I'm aware of that's quieter than it and will run the AC is the Honda EU3000iS. As far as I know, that Honda model is still the quietest portable generator on the market of literally any size. Some here have specifically elected to go with it due to that reason. The catches are its 131 lb. weight and $2,000 price tag. It's only real advantage over dual 2 kW generators is its very low noise level, especially at low loads.
------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: crazycoyote
Date Posted: 06 Dec 2017 at 9:41am
| To me, Honda is not always the answer to generators. I bought the Predator 3500 inverter Generator at Harbor Freight last month for $649.00, they are now at $699.I have also a Honda 2000i which will NOT run my A/C in my Pod, but for another $1000 I could of bought another Honda to run it. 2 generators to carry around, to heavy for me. My Predator runs everything in my Pod. I don't even have to start it with a cord. Push button start. I put the both generators side by side and run them- MY HONDA is louder, I couldn't believe it, but that is a fact. Those Predator Generators 3500 are quite I would check them out before spending another $1000 to power up your a/c in your pod.My Predator 3500 is 98 pounds and has wheels for rolling. It now goes in back of the truck when I'm pulling the Pod |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 06 Dec 2017 at 9:53am
Thanks for the review! The only inverter generator I've ever heard of being quieter than the Honda EU2000i was the EU3000i. It's amazing for a Harbor Freight generator to be even quieter. The reviews on HF's website are extremely solid as well. I'm honestly shocked. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 06 Dec 2017 at 10:26am
| I wonder what people do in those parks in the Big Bend area when it's 100 degrees outside. Unless they have hookups to run air conditioning, not being able to run a generator is a serious health hazard. |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 06 Dec 2017 at 3:12pm
There are still some options. Shade cloth isn't very expensive and dramatically helps with the heat; I've seen people completely cover their rig with it, leaving some air gap at the top. Small humidifiers do exactly the same job that evaporative coolers do and use far less power than an AC. The air blowing off of them feels very cool in a dry climate. You can also still make ice with your Pod's refrigerator running on propane. This ice can go in your drinks (very good way to stay cool) or can be used to chill water that you can then rub on your skin with a towel. Blowing a fan over a bowl of ice can be done but is a very poor way of cooling yourself off; the above methods are far better. Don't forget about a good, old-fashioned fan. And to be honest, if I knew I would be camping regularly in very hot places, I'd invest in a Honda EU3000iS that is extremely quiet. The worst they can do is ask you to turn it off. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: SteveA
Date Posted: 06 Dec 2017 at 3:54pm
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We stayed in a park that was all grass and heavily canopied with trees. It was high 90's to low 100's with afternoon breezes. Hot for sure but doable. |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 06 Dec 2017 at 5:24pm
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Try a swamp cooler https://postimages.org/">  https://postimages.org/"> 
------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: Luv2travel
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2017 at 10:07am
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This forum is so great! Thank you to everyone who posted. Looks like I’ve changed my initial thought and am now looking at two Champion 2000 generators. At 48 pounds I can lift them into the truck bed and they will fit under the cover. Specs say they will run 9 hours (.25% load) on 1 gallon, which is pretty amazing. With that, the dual fuel propane I originally considered just isn’t necessary. Another question for all you pros out there.... the Champion 2000 has a recoil start. After three shoulder surgeries I am unable to pull start our lawn mower so I’m wondering how much strength is needed to pull start the Champion? Ive seen a push button start feature on some generators, and may need to go that direction, but I think the push start is only on the larger generators and I really need to keep the weight down to 50 pounds or so. And about generators in Big Bend, the campsite we have reserved allows generator use 8AM - 8PM. I understand generators are not allowed at all at the primitive sites, so anyone heading to Big Bend just make sure to check generator policy for your specific campground.  ------------- R-Pod 179, Gone With the Wind. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2017 at 10:11am
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Get the larger generator with a push-button start and get a ramp so you can roll it up into your truck. I have a Generac iX2000 with a recoil start. If you can't pull a lawnmower starter rope, you won't be able to pull the starter rope on a generator. The strength needed is roughly equivalent. Edit: I just did a quick search and found a https://www.amazon.com/Ton-Capacity-Pickup-Truck-Crane/dp/B00OBV2Y62 - pickup truck crane which would certainly help with getting a heavier generator loaded into your truck. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2017 at 10:30am
| The 2000W generators are designed to be ultra portable, so there's no space volume-wise or weight-wise for a starter motor and battery. Our Honda EU2000is pull easier than a lawnmower but they would still be a challenge for someone with a bum shoulder. |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2017 at 11:04am
+1 I agree. The strength to start the Champion might be a little less than the lawnmower (those can actually require quite a lot of force), but I still wouldn't recommend it for those with shoulder injuries. A truck with ramps and/or the truck crane definitely makes a lot of sense. The Champion 3100 can be equipped with an electric remote start, so you don't have to do anything but hit a button while inside your Pod. I've not heard of anyone who sprang for remote start late regretting it. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: Luv2travel
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2017 at 11:22am
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Wow! A pickup crane! Thank you for the suggestion. And thanks to those who posted about the pull start. Sweet hubby says he will just pull start it, but the truth is I don’t want him injured either lifting or pulling. Plus, I want to be able to take the RPod out with my girlfriends now and then for a few days of hiking so I need solutions that work for me without always requiring sweet hubby’s help. All the input from you seasoned travelers is so very much appreciated! Thank you!!  ------------- R-Pod 179, Gone With the Wind. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2017 at 12:33pm
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There may be other model cranes that would work also. I just listed the first one I saw and did not look further. I like the idea and may be replacing my iX2000 with the Predator 3500 from Harbor Freight. That one is getting excellent reviews, is supposed to be very quiet, and is electric start. I found a https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osF2nPhrW7c - YouTube video showing one such crane that mounts to the hitch. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2017 at 12:45pm
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+1 to SH and pickup crane, I have one that mounts in the receiver hitch, I use it all the time to load things in my pickup. They make them in various weight capacities, mine is heavier duty than you would need for a genset. I also use mine to lift objects into my cargo trailers. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: henryv
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2017 at 5:10pm
I too have the two Honda generators. At $1000 each, they better perform, and they do. You can use one or two as the need arises. One will even charge your tow battery or camper battery. Two will run everything, even AC. I used them in an emergency during a hurricane at home. Light enough to carry. Quiet, quality, efficient. Best choice in my opinion.  ------------- |
Posted By: meljr
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 9:59am
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This week, I bought and installed a Curt cargo carrier that fits the 1 1/4" receiver on the rear of our Rpod and the Harbor Freight Predator 3500 generator/inverter. https://flic.kr/p/22zvVc5">  https://flic.kr/p/22zvVc5 - IMG-1617 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/moparmel/ - Mel Lester Jr. , on Flickr https://flic.kr/p/HFvJvk">  https://flic.kr/p/HFvJvk - IMG-1619 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/moparmel/ - Mel Lester Jr. , on Flickr https://flic.kr/p/22zvVnW">  https://flic.kr/p/22zvVnW - IMG-1618 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/moparmel/ - Mel Lester Jr. , on FlickrThe Curt cargo carrier was more expensive than the Harbor Freight equivalent, but not having to reduce the 2" hitch size to 1 1/4"with an extension made for a stronger installation in my opinion. The 3500 generator fit in the cargo carrier like it was designed to fit (which it probably was) and I was able to lift it by myself into the carrier and secure it without problems. The generator electric started on the first hit of the switch and is extremely quiet -- probably more so than the roof air-conditioner. All I had to do to install it was to connect the included battery, ground the generator to the Rpod, put in 20 oz. of 10-30 motor oil and fill it with stabilized regular gasoline (10% ethanol or less). So far, I am quite satisfied. -meljr ------------- 2018 Hood River 180 2016 Ford Transit 250 CampVan 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 2008 Jeep JKU Wrangler X 2003 Dodge 2500 4x4 1989 Jeep MJ Comanche 1976 Dodge W100 Powerwagon |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 10:12am
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Don't think I want to be behind that rig bouncing down the highway.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 10:26am
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I would be very leery of your setup. While the generator does fit the carrier and the stinger fits the receiver, the weight of the generator plus the gasoline plus the carrier itself is likely going to cause problems. The receiver is not made to hold that kind of weight. It is rated at 150 lbs, but that is close-in. The generator itself weighs 99.2 lbs plus the weight of the oil and gasoline in the tank. Gasoline weighs 6.183 lbs/gallon. The Curt rack weighs 29.5 lbs (shipping weight, a little less after unpacked and assembled). You are pushing maximum weight just sitting still. Hit a big bump and you are likely to see your generator bouncing down the road when the crossbar holding the hitch receiver breaks at the welds. I have used a rack similarly, but only put lightweight items back there. Total weight of what I carried was probably under 75 lbs. I never weighed things to get an exact figure but I kept it light. One propane tank, a small 2 gallon gasoline container, and some lightweight camping equipment. My generator rides on a Stromberg Carlson Trailer Tray. That also happens to be the best place as it will have the smoothest ride. In the back, every bump is magnified since it is at the end of a lever opposite the fulcrum (hitch). Please reconsider your arrangement before taking it out on the road. If it were to fall off, it would not only be a loss for you, but could potentially cause a fatality for someone following you. Please don't risk it! Since we now have a pickup truck, the items we used to carry on the rack now ride in the pickup bed. The rack itself went to my daughter since she needed it more than I did. My spare tire now rides in its original position on the back of the R-Pod. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 10:27am
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You may want to strengthen your attachment to the frame. Your generator weights about 99 pounds (dry weight) Gasoline is 6 pounds per gallon so a 5 gallon gas can is 30 pounds and the generator has a 2.6 gallon tank that adds another 15.6 pounds. I don't know what the basket weights but everything else is 141.5 pounds. You have quite a lot of weight cantilevered out from the trailer. I have seen pictures where the receiver was bent from to much weight ------------- JandL 2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
Posted By: SteveA
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 11:58am
| I like your setup but am a little concerned about the weight as well. I'm almost done with a custom designed, smaller and lighter rack for the hitch as well that will hold our Honda 2000i and 2 Gal Rotopax gas can. What I hope to achieve is the ability to store, tote and lock down the gen in the same spot it will be used as well as not to be next to where I sleep or watch tv (tongue area) in the 179. The spare tire will go under the back between the frame on a swing out system. |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 5:41pm
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I also would bolster the support, possibly use the ends of the frame rails. I wouldn't be comfortable with the present set up. Shouldn't be much of a project to add support arms. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 5:55pm
| I've considered carrying one of our Honda 2000 generators on a carrier in the back and the other on an A-frame tray (the aforementioned Stromberg-Carlson). They would roughly cancel each other out weight-distribution-wise and the weight on the back should be supportable (~50 lbs for the generator plus the rack weight). Unfortunately, I'd have to figure out a place to put the spare. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 6:16pm
I have a BAL Hide-a-spare tire carrier available. I am no longer using it since we got the pickup. I don't know how much shipping would be though. They sell new on Amazon for about $100. Mine was the 28210 and was modified to fit the RP179 frame distance. That should be the same for other models also. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 6:32pm
I'd be leery of using a carrier like that since our Pod doesn't have risers. I'm not really inclined to add risers because of the hit to my already marginal gas mileage. |
Posted By: VancleVector
Date Posted: 26 Dec 2017 at 1:47am
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First, for Propane generator. I purchased a Propane Generator from Central Maine Diesel a few years ago. 20 HP Honda engine, Italian generator head. Paid about $2300 plus shipping via Paradise Freight which was a few hundred. I see the price is just a bit higher now... But the one I want most is Yuchai which i saw from a website. Recently it blew a capacitor. Central Maine sent me 2 for the price of one even though it is out of warranty. $39 total for two. I looked at generators on island but a similar Honda at Quality electric was close to $6000 and it wasn't even a 13750kw. More like 8 or 9000kw if I remember right..... They have many generators at great prices but this is the one I settled for. Quiet, no smell, propane lasts forever........ ------------- Never too late to learn |
Posted By: VancleVector
Date Posted: 26 Dec 2017 at 1:49am
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Second, for portable generator. My experience is that people want (a) easy and (b) cheap.so I'll focus on portable units. Where are you going to (1) store your generator (2) set up the generator to use it? Remember, it may be severe weather so, where could you put it to keep it safe and be able to refuel it easily? If you're using power cords, will they be dry and as far out of the way as possible? Small generators (less than 5500 watts) can only do so much. If you overload the unit and damage it, you won't have any power at all. So be smart! Portable units are made up to almost 20k watts but they're not for people on budgets. The bottom line is to add up the load (watts) you plan to connect and size your generator at least 25% higher. When motors like the compressor in the refrigerator start up there is a sudden draw of power higher than the normal running load and you want to compensate for that. Small appliances will have the wattage marked on them. Lighting circuits will be less than 1200 watts each. Water heater is 4500 watts alone. Also,you'll truly get what you pay for...unless you buy from one of those guys selling from the back of their pick-up truck (don't do that). Don't wait till the last minute or you'll be stuck with whatever is left in the stores. I got a http://www.dieselgeneratortech.com/cummins/ - cummins genenerator and it is hard to find a place for storing. Oh, and the "trick" with connecting the generator to the dryer outlet to backfeed the house? DON'T YOU DARE!! It will result in damage and/or injury... Hope that helped a little...sorry it's so wordy ------------- Never too late to learn |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 26 Dec 2017 at 7:49pm
I bet this starts your pod air conditioner and the microwave at the same time. Maybe even a hair drier and coffee pot too! ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2017 at 8:07am
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I'm not sure if it has been mentioned in the thread at some point, but running a genny on propane will not put out the same wattage as running on gas. I don't really know why, but thats what I have been told. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2017 at 10:45am
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The reason is simple: Gasoline has a higher energy density than propane. Gasoline has 114,500 BTU/gallon. Propane has 91,500 BTU/gallon.
Therefore, gasoline can generate more power. The flip side is that
propane has a higher octane rating and burns a lot cleaner than gasoline. Propane engines can last
much longer. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |