newbe needs electrics

[bsadams]

Just bought a 35 fiver and need advise. We plan some boondocking. What do we need for batteries and generator. I don't plan on a generator instellation and do want airconditioning on occassion.

Bob A

[illapah]

I have two Honda 2000I generators. Can use only one if I want.

[Ozz]

Get two to four Golf Cart batteries, a 2,000 or 3,000 watt inverter, transfer switch and the two honda's or other brand like Illapah. The A/C will only work on the two generators, (2000) not inverter, or battery power.
And you will be in fat city......

[stiles watson]

Well, at least three of us agree.

[noneck]

Ok, 3.5 of us...I would do the Golf cart battery thing (on my shopping list when my Group 27's stop working) but I have a Ti3000 Kipor that powers the A/C unit. It's cost was what made up my mind ($1250.00) down side is its weight.

[rames14]

One other thing to remember. If you camp at altitude, you start losing watts. Can't remember what the Honda said, but I think it was 10% for every 1000 ft altitude above 5000 feet. We only have one honda 2000 so far, but got it with the intention of adding a second one later for boondocking when its warm. The two 2000 watt will give you some headroom at altitude. Just another perspective.

[Cat320]

Non turbo engines lose 3% of their power for every 1000' of altitude.

[bsadams]

Great advice from all. Really appreciate it. Yesturday I came across a Subaru 5000 wat 10 HP genny at Sams for 560 bucks. It ways 250 lbs and I don't know the noise level. Thinking about putting it in the truck (I've a fold down w goose neck hitch}. Its got a couple of wheels so could ramp it up and down when required. Seems two light Hondas would be easier to handle and much easier on the ears. Also, could run just one for charging batteries.

I've got a 97 F350 power stroke. Would I need to beef up the alternator to handle a low battery load when furst underway? Burning out the alternator would not be good.

The Kountry Star has a converter in the forward outside storage compartment where the battery is located. Would I instal the inverter in the same place? I couldn't find a 12 volt outlet in the unit. I guess some rewiring will be required. I'll study the wiring diagrams a little harder.

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by bsadams


I've got a 97 F350 power stroke. Would I need to beef up the alternator to handle a low battery load when furst underway? Burning out the alternator would not be good.

The Kountry Star has a converter in the forward outside storage compartment where the battery is located. Would I instal the inverter in the same place? I couldn't find a 12 volt outlet in the unit. I guess some rewiring will be required. I'll study the wiring diagrams a little harder.

No, you don't need to beef up your alternator. The stock alternator should do just fine.

It is not recommended that you install an inverter in the same compartment with wet cell batteries because of the gases given off by the batteries. Notice I said, "It is not recommended..." Many are doing it but you're playing with peril by doing it. I know Xantrex the maker of my inverter has said that this is a no-no.

Orv

[snfexpress]

Something else to remember - the quieter the generator, the more expensive it is. You don't want to be shouting over the generator noise. We have 2 2000i's. They fit nicely in the front compartment and there is an added benefit that I can wrap a heavy-duty chain around one of the Monty's inside welded rails to keep them from walking away.

[RCMP03]

We have 2 Honda EU2000's and they work great! Last summer our stick house community lost power for 3 days during a miserable heat wave. We powered both and stayed cool in our trailer while others in the neighborhood had to pay for hotel rooms! Although they make some noise,they are quieter then other gens. Be sure to place them away from your trailer and neighbors to avoid exhaust fumes. Another bonus is their size/weight, and ease of handling. You can get good pricing during RV shows,that's what we did. Good luck!

[bsadams]

A pair of EU2000s sounds pretty much perfect. At 54 lbs they're not too heavy to handle.

Thanks

[bsadams]

Great advice all. Monek, I found a new Kipor 3000 for $1100. Will it drive the AC and a battery charger OK?. The AC starts and 1600 watts and runs at 900. Don't know what the charger draws. The 2 Honda 2000s would be great overall but too pricy for me at this time.

[bsadams]

Meant to say, just installed 4 6 volt cart batteries. Boy are they heavy.

Bob

[dannyl]

Honda is so proud of their generators. I'm sure they are quiet and work well in tandem but I've seen others that are rated at 4000-5000 for a lot less than one Honda.
Any one used another brand?