Portable generator solutions

[burningac1d]

I have a 19' Rockwood Eco Pro. I'd like to get a generator for camping off the grid. I want to run the A/C so solar is out as a solution. I'm looking at portable generator for road trips as a solution but I don't see any with a 30Amp outlet (even with 1800 watt output). Am I right to conclude that a portable generator is not a solution to run the A/C? The larger generators that do have 30Amp outlet are just too big for me.

Am I reading this right? Or am I missing something? Please share any experience if you have with the generators from the list above.

Thank you!

 

[dreadlocks]

My Honda EU2200i Companion has a 30A Twist-Loc and runs my 10k BTU Air Conditioner Just Dandy.. runs bigger AC's w/a softstart and even though I dont need one I'm still looking at installing a soft start for AirCon so I can run genset on Ecco Throttle and make it more friendly to run at my dads house off an extension cord in the summer... also hoping it cuts down on the jolt the compressor makes that wakes me up when sleeping w/aircon

 

[Buddha.]

Dreadlocks beat me to it.
Softstart might allow you to run a smaller generator.

 

[huachuca]

Just get a 30 amp to 15 amp adapter if the generator you buy doesn't have a matching plug. We don't often camp with hookups but, when we have, we've sometimes found the 30 amp plug on the pedestal to be damaged so you'll likely need one of these at some point in time anyway. There are a couple of different 30 amp iterations so be sure to pick the one that matches your camper.

I have a Honda EU3000is - overkill for our camper but its used more often for power outages at home. Definitely get one with inverter technology - it will be quieter because the engine rpm is matched to the load. The open frame contractor style typically must run at a higher fixed RPM to provide consistent voltage. I don't think there's any common standard for decibel ratings on these units but the lower the better - Honda claims 50db @ 1/4 load @ 7m on the EU3000is and I'd say its as quiet as any I've run across. Our's is several years old and, at that time, Honda and Yamaha were the only two players offering inverter gensets. Today, there are several choices with pricing all over the place. My recommendation would be for a one of the Honda 2200 watt models just because I have experience with this brand.

 

[dreadlocks]

Yeah adapters are going to be required either way.. my camper didn't come w/a 30A Twistlock plug and I needed this to plug into my Honda Genset: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WGP1JMR/

like OP I still wanted a 30A outlet though, because I've seen my dad melt 15A converter plugs running the AC for extended periods on the camper we had growing up, but to be fair we were living in the thing so it was non-stop use.. Ive not had any such issues w/the 30A plug on the genset, even after running non stop for a few days its just warm and nowhere near melty.

 

[dbhost]

Watts to amps is roughly 100w per amp at 110v, It's actually slightly higher. So to get 30 amp service, you will need at least a 3500w generator. Either accept a bigger generator, or lower your power needs. No middle point here.

 

[dreadlocks]

So to get 30 amp service, you will need at least a 3500w generator. Either accept a bigger generator, or lower your power needs. No middle point here.

No, to need a 30A plug one just needs to go over that of a 15A plug (1800W), and you dont want to run it at limits thats supposed to be a max for short bursts.. if you derate it to about 85% for continuous duty your at ~1500W, if you de-rate a 30A plug to 85% your at about 3000W continuous duty..

Now lets look at the genset I recommended in first post, its got 2200W, and a 30A plug.. it is the middle point you claim dont exist.. it can run 1800W continuously, and 2200W intermittently.. running it at full 1800W at full duty cycle would leave no overhead for the plug rating at all, and any spikes up to 2200W would exceed the rating of the plug.. with the 30A outlet, your wiring is OVER rated.. with a 15A model your wiring is Under rated.. Which is safer? Over-wiring something is no danger, its not like the genset is gonna explode if you ask 30A from it.. its just gonna shut off.

 

[john61ct]

I'm looking at using 240Vac.

I assume the non-USA models of Honda and Yamaha are that way even in quiet & little inverter types.

Ideally the ones that sync up in parallel to get 4kW output. Likely will convert to propane.

Any feedback, pro/cons, suggestions?

 

[Buliwyf]

These seem to work ok around here:

3500-Watt Wireless Start Inverter - Champion Power Equipment

Powering Your Life

www.championpowerequipment.com

I would NOT recommend converting to propane. These gens are already pathetically twitchy, don't make your situation worse.

 

[dreadlocks]

@john61ct Yes it appears non US models are setup for your local voltages: https://store.honda.co.uk/gardening-tools-equipment/eu22i-2200w-portable-generator/11655251.html

I'mna convert my US Model 2200 to TriFuel, there's kits online.. one has to assume the'd work w/any regional engine as its only the inverter and plugs that would varry.. going to run a NG line to back patio for Grill and Generator (I use my 2200 to as backup to my furnace if power is out) and then use my LP tank in the summer to cool the camper.. I'm a Diesel Tow Vehicle and my toy hauler is full of 2-strokes, I'm getting sick of all the fuel containers so if I can drop gasoline tha'd be nice.

 

[john61ct]

That's OK for my use case, all shore power loads are universal "world power"

 

[Alloy]

Something to be aware of is the output of the Yamaha 2000w is 13.5A while the output of the Honda 2000 are protected with a 20amp breaker.

Using a Honda 2000 it is possible to overload a 15amp plug/cord (connected 30A or 50A service) with a Honda 2000. The same goes for 30amp (connected to 50A service) if two H2000 generators are connected in parallel. A buddy borrowed my H2000 and plugged it into his 30A shore power. They managed to melt the extension cord and the adapter together. From what I was able to figure out the fridge was on 110V, batteries were charging and his wife was using the microwave.

We have a H3000is but it's an arm full so we bought a H2000. If we need more we'll get a H2000 Companion instead of using the H3000.

Don't convert a generator to propane if its going to be used in single digit temps.

 

[dreadlocks]

Don't convert a generator to propane if its going to be used in single digit temps.

for me, not off LP, in winter tha'd be too precious for heating fuel, I'll burn gas.. in the off seasons I burn through my LP tank in about 5 days, in season it goes 5 months as just cooking gas.. and genset is just ran for few hours of quick bulking battery, rarely even empties its own tank but I still drag fuel along.. If I'm going anywhere hot and humid in the summer and want to run aircon alot boondocking, I'll just bring gasoline as it'll be easier and quicker to refill.

now at home for backup power, NG fed service lines should be fine right if its below zero? I could insulate any exposed fuel lines.. I like the idea of hooking it up in late fall and if power ever goes out I can just walk out back door, open a box up, turn on fuel supply, crank it a few times and then the furnace is back on w/unlimited fuel supply.. right now Ive got furnace only wired up to a transfer switch, I'm keeping 5g of treated fuel and genset winterized.. so I'd have to pull it out of shed, fuel it up, hook everything up, and get it going potentially in middle of a blizzard and then keep refilling it throughout the night and going out to get more gas if its an extended power outage... Lost power for a few weeks once due to an ice storm crippling power lines, trying to be able to handle that better next time.

 

[Alloy]

for me, not off LP, in winter tha'd be too precious for heating fuel, I'll burn gas.. in the off seasons I burn through my LP tank in about 5 days, in season it goes 5 months as just cooking gas.. and genset is just ran for few hours of quick bulking battery, rarely even empties its own tank but I still drag fuel along.. If I'm going anywhere hot and humid in the summer and want to run aircon alot boondocking, I'll just bring gasoline as it'll be easier and quicker to refill.

now at home for backup power, NG fed service lines should be fine right if its below zero? I could insulate any exposed fuel lines.. I like the idea of hooking it up in late fall and if power ever goes out I can just walk out back door, open a box up, turn on fuel supply, crank it a few times and then the furnace is back on w/unlimited fuel supply.. right now Ive got furnace only wired up to a transfer switch, I'm keeping 5g of treated fuel and genset winterized.. so I'd have to pull it out of shed, fuel it up, hook everything up, and get it going potentially in middle of a blizzard and then keep refilling it throughout the night and going out to get more gas if its an extended power outage... Lost power for a few weeks once due to an ice storm crippling power lines, trying to be able to handle that better next time.

No evaporation with NG so no problem.

Lately I've had gas with treatment go bad after in 10-12 months and it is getting harder to find non ethanol gas.

Started using Aspen 4 in a couple of the tools that don't use much gas.

Aspen 2 | Aspen 4 | Premixed Petrol | Aspen Fuel

Aspen Fuel is a leading UK distributor of Aspen Products including Aspen 2 stroke fuel, Aspen 4 stroke fuel and Premixed Petrol.

aspenfuel.co.uk

 

[Buliwyf]

Sea Foam is still easier than converting to gas.

Make sure your resi has a carb heater and keep a little heater or 100w bulb around. NG resi gens won't light off well in cold temps.