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05-05-2007, 06:42 AM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Daytona Beach
Posts: 23
M.O.C. #6905
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newbe needs electrics
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
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05-05-2007, 07:04 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Layton
Posts: 1,048
M.O.C. #666
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I have two Honda 2000I generators. Can use only one if I want.
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05-05-2007, 07:43 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
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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......
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05-05-2007, 08:53 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Leona
Posts: 6,382
M.O.C. #2059
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Well, at least three of us agree.
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05-05-2007, 10:42 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Wappingers Falls
Posts: 1,303
M.O.C. #6263
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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.
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05-05-2007, 12:20 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,146
M.O.C. #1920
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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.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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05-05-2007, 01:46 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2006
Location:
Posts: 1,700
M.O.C. #5751
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Non turbo engines lose 3% of their power for every 1000' of altitude.
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05-06-2007, 04:59 AM
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#8
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Established Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Daytona Beach
Posts: 23
M.O.C. #6905
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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.
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05-06-2007, 06:36 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Cedar Rapids
Posts: 4,876
M.O.C. #1944
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Quote:
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.
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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
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05-06-2007, 08:32 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: South
Posts: 2,499
M.O.C. #5140
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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.
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05-06-2007, 08:49 AM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Olympia
Posts: 181
M.O.C. #7063
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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!
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05-06-2007, 01:27 PM
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#12
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Established Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Daytona Beach
Posts: 23
M.O.C. #6905
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A pair of EU2000s sounds pretty much perfect. At 54 lbs they're not too heavy to handle.
Thanks
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05-14-2007, 06:46 AM
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#13
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Established Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Daytona Beach
Posts: 23
M.O.C. #6905
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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.
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05-14-2007, 06:47 AM
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#14
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Established Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Daytona Beach
Posts: 23
M.O.C. #6905
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Meant to say, just installed 4 6 volt cart batteries. Boy are they heavy.
Bob
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05-17-2007, 03:31 PM
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#15
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Gainesville
Posts: 243
M.O.C. #4190
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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?
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