Inverter/Generator
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Reviews and General Information
Forum Discription: Find r-pod reviews and new product announcements here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14054
Printed Date: 26 Apr 2024 at 7:08am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Inverter/Generator
Posted By: pedwards2932
Subject: Inverter/Generator
Date 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 - 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?
|
Replies:
Posted By: offgrid
Date 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 - 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 |
Posted By: pedwards2932
Date 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. |
Posted By: offgrid
Date 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 |
Posted By: offgrid
Date 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 |
Posted By: pedwards2932
Date 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. |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 11:37am
|
Give it a day or two, someone might know about it. One thing on the inverter generators, they aren't really all that quiet when running at full load like they do running the a/c. They run quiet at low load because they can idle down and let the inverter keep the AC frequency at 60 cycles. Not suggesting getting a non-inverter generator, just saying don't be surprised at the noise when you load 'em up. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: pedwards2932
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 12:06pm
| That makes sense.....we are probably going to be at campgrounds with hook ups. This would be only for occasional use. The AC on these is pretty noisy so it would probably drown out some of the gen set noise. Is there anyway to make the AC shut the fan down when it hits the proper temp or does it run all the time? I also have fan on the refrig outside vent that runs all the time.....I bought a thermostat so it will only run when needed....will that work? |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 12:18pm
|
One thing to know, pretty much all campgrounds have quiet hours when you can't run a generator, so if you want the generator to run the a/c on a muggy night, you most likely won't be able to unless you're boon docking somewhere. For sure you won't hear the generator over that jet exhaust level noise of the a/c. You want to leave the a/c fan on I think because it is really oversized for the trailer so it runs on a pretty short cycle, like 5 minutes on 10 off typically, so it will be waking you up every time the fan starts just as you're falling asleep but if you leave the fan on you get used to it. At least that's how it is for us, others might feel differently. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 12:54pm
|
Yes, I purchased a dual-fuel generator, but only intend to run it on propane. It is a Firman generator. This is the current model Costco has: https://www.costco.com/firman-2900w-running--3200w-peak-electric-start-gasoline-or-propane-fuel-powered-inverter-generator-gas-and-lp.product.100481637.html - https://www.costco.com/firman-2900w-running--3200w-peak-electric-start-gasoline-or-propane-fuel-powered-inverter-generator-gas-and-lp.product.100481637.html The one I purchased is not quite as powerful. Mine has 2700 running, 2900 peak while on propane if I recall correctly. It has electric start, which is nice. It does run the AC with no problem, but I had already added a Micro-Air EasyStart for use with the Generac iX2000 I had been using. I like the propane since I don't have to worry about carrying gasoline.
------------- 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: Pod People
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 5:03pm
|
think about a simple solar suitcase system. It won't run the a/c, but it will keep your batter(y/ies) charged and allow non-hookup camping.they are simple and less cost than a generator, lighter weight and no fuel to carry. Plus, you can park in the shade and have the panel in the sun. They don't replace a generator, just an alternative. We have a Renogy 100 watt suitcase and love it. Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
|
Posted By: Colonel Podder
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2021 at 5:19pm
|
I am curious how the Champion 2500 worked with the A/C? There is a new Champion 2500 dual fuel model that will put out 2500 starting watts on propane. I am considering picking one up. Thanks! ------------- 2021 R-pod 196 |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2021 at 6:38pm
|
It will need to produce much more than 2500 watts momentarily to start the a/c, unless you have an Easystart. More like 5-6 kw. Some small inverter generators can do it, some cannot. Without actual testing involving multiple starts under “hot and high” conditions it is just guesswork., ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Colonel Podder
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2021 at 8:37am
|
I was hoping it would be able to start the A/C on propane. Not sure I want to handle a 100lb generator, which is about what the 3500 watt portable inverter generators weigh. I find it odd that a 2500 watt weighs 39lbs, but the 3400-3500 weighs 95lbs. Adding 1000 watts is 50+ pounds more. Any recommendations for a 3500 inverter that runs on propane and weighs around 70lbs? Not sure there is one. ------------- 2021 R-pod 196 |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2021 at 9:16am
|
Probably there isn’t one and if there was it likely wouldn’t start the a/c. . It’s the weight that allows the larger generators to spin up the a/c compressor.
Think of it this way: the energy stored in the rotating mass of the generator is transferred electrically to the compressor. The engine can’t throttle up fast enough to do it, it’s all over in a fraction of a second. So the energy has to already be stored in the generator before the compressor is connected. That takes spinning mass. There is a proven way to do what you want, get an Easystart for the a/c. That greatly reduces the power needed by the compressor by ramping it up more slowly, giving the generator time to throttle up. Then you can use a 2kw-ish generator that is light weight and still get the compressor started. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2021 at 2:00pm
|
I recently purchased a Honda 2200 generator, a Microaire Easy Start kit and converted the generator to propane with a Hutch Mountain conversion kit. all working together will start and run the AC on our 179 Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9">
|
Posted By: Colonel Podder
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2021 at 2:08pm
|
Thanks for the info and explanation. I can understand this a little better now. The Easy start is something I have considered. However my camper is new and I'm fairly certain this would void any warranty on the A/C unit? So this makes the decision a little harder. Thanks again! ------------- 2021 R-pod 196 |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2021 at 3:18pm
|
Even IF the EasyStart voids the warranty (not sure that it does and you can always remove it...just sayin) I would generally assume that an EasyStart would probably extend the useful life of an A/C unit simply because it gets the moving parts moving with less 'jolt'. In electronics we sometimes use 'inrush' current protection to extend the life of sensitive components. I would be very surprised if a test was conducted and the EasyStart did not extend the life of a compressor, start capacitor, and associated relays and such. Of course, it's cost is around a third to a half of a new rooftop A/C so the argument might be moot.
------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2021 at 7:00pm
+1. Just take out the Easystart and return the a/c to its original status if you have a warranty claim. The Easystart itself will make things “easier” for the a/c not harder. As for the price tag on the Easystart, if your back doesn’t want to deal with a 100 lb genny (whose does?) and you want a/c boondocking then you need it and it’s worth it’s price. Dometic could solve this problem themselves by updating their a/c to a modern high efficiency variable speed compressor system like everyone else uses now but they choose instead to stick with 40-50 year old technology. If that creates an opportunity for MicroAir to be paid to meet an unmet need in the market it’s certainly not their fault (I have no affiliation with them BTW other than that I like their product). ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2021 at 9:59pm
|
I installed the EasyStart after the warranty expired. I did not know about it before. Given what it does, I would likely have installed it even if the unit were new because it does work. It is worth the money. ------------- 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: podwerkz
Date Posted: 21 Mar 2021 at 10:41am
|
I am breaking in a brand new Champion open frame inverter generator as we speak. It has about 3 hours on it so far...It is lighter and more efficient than my OTHER big-honkin Champion genset...and this one will also start and run the r-pod rooftop A/C no problem. It is open frame tho, so while it is easier to lift and drag around, it is NOT quiet. It is a bit less noisy than my OTHER big-honkin Champion genset, but it is certainly noisier than my small 1000w inverter generator...(the blue one in the background) as one might expect. It does run at low speed most of the time...it surges just a bit when the A/C compressor kicks in but then settles back to almost normal low speed...which will presumably save gas. I like that it is rated to run about 22 hours on a 4 gallon tankful at 25% load. We will see! I got a good price on it, and it takes up less room than my OTHER big-honkin Champion genset...and that OTHER big-honkin Champion genset will now be my home backup genset...we have frequent power outages here due to a variety of factors...life in the country on an electric co-op! I can actually lift this new one onto the tailgate of my truck without busting a gut! So far, I like it!   ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 21 Mar 2021 at 6:18pm
|
My experience with my Honda 2k is that its really pretty loud when running at full load. Most of the noise comes from the exhaust. In eco mode at low rpm it is quiet, but running a high load like the a/c I doubt there’s really much difference between an open frame constant rpm genny and a “quiet” inverter generator. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2021 at 2:27pm
|
I changed the oil at 5 hours (first oil change, per manual) and then continued to run and test the new genset powering my r-pod and its systems for the next 4 hours till it ran out of gas...I had only put about 1 1/2 gallons of gas in the tank to begin testing, so it ran for about 9 hours total (per the built-in meter) on less than 2 gallons. The load was varied from light (only the converter/charger powered on) to about 50% (A/C running and water heater electric on and electric space heater on and converter/charger on). So far, so good....after break-in I would expect it to do a really good job for me!
------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: EchoGale
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2021 at 7:35pm
|
Hi Folks, I'm going way back to the original 2020 post in this thread about the Champion 2500 dual fuel generator. Has anyone since had experience with this? I'm looking at it and hoping it might run my a/c but I am prepared to have an easy start installed if it can't start it. I've learned from the thread why lighter generators are less powerful but I have to balance that with whether I can lift it in and out of my SUV. I am anxious about the pull start but none of these smaller ones seem to have electric start. Will it be hard for me to start it? I've never done that before and can't really tell how much strength it takes. (internet guys seems to pull all their weight into it too lol). Any other things I should be considering? Julie ------------- Julie |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2021 at 9:40pm
|
The Firman dual-fuel generator I purchased has electric start. That is really nice. I'm thinking that I can rig up a ramp or hoist to help get it in and out of the back of the truck if I can't find help to lift it. It is heavy. Not having gasoline in it saves a few pounds. If you have to use a manual rope-start, if you an pull the rope on a lawnmower, you should be able to pull the rope on a small generator. Put one hand against the generator to brace it and keep it from shifting, then pull the rope with the other hand. ------------- 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: EchoGale
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2021 at 9:59pm
|
Thank you, Stephen. I found that Firman and if it weren't so heavy it would be my choice. There's no way I can manage that though. Have had an electric lawnmower and a manual one but always avoided these pull-starts. I wish there were a way to try it out. :) Still I'm hoping someone will have experience wiht the Champion 2500 ------------- Julie |
Posted By: Colonel Podder
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 7:47am
|
The Camping World location here locally has them in stock. They had one out of the box and it is easy to handle compared to the 100lb models. Even if they don't have the dual fuel model, the 2500 gas model will be the same in weight and starting, so you can get an idea how it would work for you. But I bet you would not have any trouble starting the 2500 series. I'm planning the same as you, Champion 2500 dual fuel, and add the easy start if needed. Which I expect it will probably be needed. But I'm not purchasing it through Camping World, much better prices at other retailers. ------------- 2021 R-pod 196 |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 8:28am
|
It's a bit of a trade-off. For a given wattage, the pull-start units will usually weigh a bit less, since they wont have a battery and a starter motor. As far as pull starting effort, it's not a LOT of work, unless you find that you need to keep at it to get the genset started. In that case I will use starting fluid. The new units normally start easily, but if you let one sit un-used for a few months it can be difficult to get it started, and sometimes starting fluid (ether) can help. But in most cases, you can start a generator with 1-3 'sharp' pulls of the cord. ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: EchoGale
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 9:00am
|
Ah...I now understand why there was this cut-off in size below which there were no electric start options. The small ones are definitely marketed on their weight so I see why they'd cut that since most people won't care--though that bluetooth Honda is pretty neat. Same way laptops lost their cd drives. I'd like to now more about how to use staring fluid to start it. Can you do that when you are operating on propane? Colonel Podder: thanks for the tip about in-stock options at Camping World. The closest one is a ways for me but I'm going to try to make it over there. I might do this soon but I might not do it until the end of summer so If you buy it I'd be interested to know what you find. Thanks again, folks. ------------- Julie |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 10:39am
|
Starting fluid is only for gasoline (or diesel) fueled generators, not propane fueled generators. That's the short, simple answer...but if you want more info...here ya go: In other words, fueling issues. (sometimes air intake or compression issues but that is another topic) (BTW: Starting fluid is a 'tool' used to diagnose and or help with starting a small gasoline or diesel engine by squirting it into the aircleaner box or air intake during (or right before) pulling the cord or pushing a start button)
On propane you should not have 'fueling' issues...if you have propane hooked up and the valves turned on, you will have fuel...now, you could have ignition failures, it's possible, but, starting fluid wont help with that (other than you will know you have an ignition failure!) And there is no liquid propane that will be 'going bad' while 'sitting' in the carburetor anyway....it can't! It is 'injected' under pressure thru a separate orifice after passing thru the regulator, it does not enter the carb float bowl, and does not enter the intake airstream the same way that gasoline is taken in. Think of a propane-fueled genset as if it was running on 'starting fluid' all the time! ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: EchoGale
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 11:12am
|
Tuition free schooling. :) Thank you. ------------- Julie |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 12:34pm
|
Also, if you are using gasoline, always get ethanol-free gasoline. It costs a bit more, but it is worth the extra price. Also, always add fuel stabilizer to the gasoline (Sta-Bil brand or equivalent) when you buy the gasoline. It will really help if there are extended times between starts. The reason for not using gasoline with ethanol is that ethanol attracts water. When combined, it can seriously gum up the carburetor jets. I have had to replace the carburetor on more than one small engine where ethanol gasoline had been used. Since switching to ethanol-free gasoline and using stabilizer, I have not had any problems. ------------- 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: podwerkz
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 1:22pm
|
Yes, I should have mentioned that the primary reason that gasoline these days gums up is because of the way that ethanol (gasohol, E-10, etc) attracts water into the gasoline when it sits in a vented (open to the atmosphere) tank, gas can, or, carburetor. A sealed gas can with NO pressure venting is a 'must have' for fueling your genset, especially if you can't find pure gas locally wherever you are. And if you can find it, buy PURE gasoline, usually stated as 'NO ETHANOL' or 'ETHANOL FREE' on the pump. It will generally cost a bit more. Put this gasoline in a sealed gas can...use it for small engines like lawnmowers and generators, and you should also keep a can of Seafoam or Startron for those times when you can't find the pure gas. There is at least one website that helps you find pure gasoline: http://www.pure-gas.org - www.pure-gas.org ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: EchoGale
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 1:38pm
|
Great...all this is why I'm going with propane. Plus I have nowhere to carry a gas can. ------------- Julie |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 1:53pm
|
lol...ok...I use gasoline because it provides the generator's rated power, more or less, and carrying several extra propane bottles and tanks is not my idea of fun... Pros and cons to each! ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 2:41pm
|
You don’t want gasoline inside an SUV. Stinky. Also I like running the generator on propane because I only need to carry one type of fuel which can work on both the gen and rpod appliances. Simpler that way.
I find that I usually need several pulls when starting my Honda 2k on propane. The reason is that you still have to get the air/fuel mixture right to get a start, and if you turn on the propane and wait too long to pull you will have too much fuel, if you pull too early you won’t have enough. A couple of pulls clears it. It’s not hard to pull though, but for sure you should try before you buy to be sure you are comfortable with the force involved. The alternative of a big heavy generator is a non starter for anyone with back issues so an Easystart is a requirement if you want to run the a/c reliably. If you’re not running the a/c a single propane cylinder will last a long time running the trailer and generator, if you are running the a/c you can go through a cylinder in a day so will want at least 2. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 3:20pm
|
Yep, and another BTW, I prefer to use a plastic propane tank 'stand' for the tanks when in use, and when in the vehicle, I store the 20 pound propane tanks in milk crates....sure does help keep them steady. ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: EchoGale
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 3:58pm
|
It's helpful to hear how much propane I might use for the generator. ...thanks ------------- Julie |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 4:15pm
|
NFPA requires propane cylinders to be transported upright and secured. So plastic milk crates, flat floors and tie downs, or the equivalent are required. Up to 4 lb cylinders don’t have to be upright. You can transport up to 90 lbs of propane (cylinder capacity) in an enclosed vehicle. Max cylinder size is 45lbs. Up to 420 lbs in an open truck bed if you ever needed that much. You often see “requirements” for keeping the trunk lid open and stuff like that but those are just some company’s recommendations, not regulatory as far as I can find. Of course, a dual propane RV mount would be best if you can stand the tongue weight. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 9:01pm
|
Here is the update for my new generator and pertinent info to pas on relative to this post-- I purchased the Honda 2200, a Hutch Mountain Propane Conversion kit and a MicroAire easy start. We have just spent 3 weeks in Florida at a variety of camping options. I can say that the Honda powered by propane will definitely run the A/C at Florida's elevation without problems on eco mode. I carried a standard 20# propane tank nestled tightly in a plastic dairy crate in the back of our expedition. I never smelled propane. I'm happy with the total package Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9">
|
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 9:19pm
|
I love it when a plan comes together! Thanks for the report! ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 9:59pm
|
Great Vann. I am happy to hear that. We will be heading to Florida shortly, but only for a week and we have a reservation at an RV park, so I likely won't need the generator for this trip. However, we will be heading west this summer, and the generator to run the AC will likely come in very handy. ------------- 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: EchoGale
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2021 at 10:08am
|
Thanks for all the information. ------------- Julie |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2021 at 10:41am
|
Same setup I have except for the newer generation Honda (mine is the 2k). Works well at least up to about 4000 ft elevation, which covers the East. In the West I’m not sure how well it would do under really hot, high elevation conditions. With the Century Fuels propane kit you can adjust the demand regulator for elevation, can you do that with the Hutch Mtn one? ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2021 at 8:02am
|
The Hutch Mtn kit says that you may encounter problems at higher elevations. there is a primer button on the demand regulator that can be depressed several times if necessary to add additional propane into the carb. Normally, you depress the primer only once before you start the generator. I haven't tried this yet Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9">
|
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2021 at 9:41am
|
The primer button would help with startup but not with steady state high altitude running. Sounds like Hutch Mtn doesn’t provide for any mixture adjustments. You might want to ask them.
I don’t think there will be a startup problem with the Easystart installed. Mine always starts the a/c just fine. I have experienced generator tripping with the Honda 2k after running the a/c for awhile on a hot day, but that was because I had other loads on or hadn’t properly adjusted the mixture for altitude. Once I turned those off and adjusted the demand regulator it handled things ok. You have 10% more rated capacity than I do, but in reality maybe more like 20% to compensate for altitude. I could hear my engine rpm dropping under load prior to the gen tripping, so I know it was engine limited not inverter limited. Your engine has 20% higher volumetric capacity than mine does. The gen is only rated 10% higher so I would guess (could be wrong) that it’s now limited by the inverter rather than the engine, at sea level anyway. Since the inverter section is not effected by altitude you should have that additional 20% capacity available to compensate for altitude. That would take you up to around 8000 feet altitude or so, if you could adjust the mixture. See attached chart. http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/pdf/pubs/pci54675.pdf - Honda alt derate ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |