generator

kontiki · 02-13-2007, 04:38 PM

We just finished our 2nd trip in our Argosy. The first night was great but the second night we lost power. It only has a single 24 type battery. I tried to recharge via the connection to the truck but no luck. I have seen some threads that suggested a 27 type battery or perhaps 2 batteries. What about a small generator just to run the basics? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanx Jim

**overlander63** · 02-13-2007, 04:40 PM

Were you plugged in to shore power, or just running off the battery?

thecatsandi · 02-13-2007, 04:47 PM

What do you cconsider the basics? Water Heater? gas or Electric? AC? lights? ....

kontiki · 02-13-2007, 05:29 PM

I was not plugged into shore power. The basics would be lights,waterpump, perhaps furnace fan. Water heater and furnace are gas.

**azflycaster** · 02-13-2007, 05:39 PM

You most likely ran out of battery because you used your furnace, it is a big draw. Without the furnace you should be able to go several days on one battery. A larger battery would increase your battery life somewhat and two batteries would double it. I have a Honda eu1000 generator. It is very light and very quiet. It will run the basics and charge your battery. It will not run a microwave or an AC unit. It works well for me.

GlenCoombe · 02-13-2007, 05:39 PM

Everyone agrees that a Honda 2000 or 2 will do just about anything they need. BTW 2 is what you'll need if you want to run A/C.

Fyrzowt · 02-13-2007, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kontiki

I was not plugged into shore power. The basics would be lights,waterpump, perhaps furnace fan. Water heater and furnace are gas.

The furnace can be a large battery consumer. Add that to the lights, waterpump. T.V. and anything else you may use, it does add up quickly.
You may also have a weak battery. Make sure you have it charged fully with a battery charger (my preference). The vehicle connection just doesn't do much for charging batteries. Your converter may when you're plugged in, depending on type.
Here's a good link for everything 12 volt, including batteries.

The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)

Good luck,
Dave

DreamWeaver · 02-13-2007, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlenCoombe

Everyone agrees that a Honda 2000 or 2 will do just about anything they need. BTW 2 is what you'll need if you want to run A/C.

Would a Honda 3000 by itself run a 30amp circuit including A/C?

thecatsandi · 02-13-2007, 06:12 PM

Have you ever tried to lift an EU3000i? 2 EU2000i are much easier to carry around and gives you a spare in the unlikely event one of them should ever die.

One EU3000=25Amps Two EU2000=33Amps available.

DreamWeaver · 02-13-2007, 06:23 PM

I have not lifted a 3000. What I have now is about 125lbs and loud. I think I like the idea of only one unit... the 3000 looked like it would work and be quieter.Steve

Fyrzowt · 02-13-2007, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamWeaver

I have not lifted a 3000. What I have now is about 125lbs and loud. I think I like the idea of only one unit... the 3000 looked like it would work and be quieter.Steve

A 3000 is 135# dry. It is quiet.

thecatsandi · 02-13-2007, 06:28 PM

According to Honda. THe EU3000is is 134 lbs. Light enough?

DreamWeaver · 02-13-2007, 06:34 PM

Is anyone using a 3000? Or are 2 2000's really the way to go.

Steve

bill benton · 02-13-2007, 06:36 PM

A honda 3000 puts out about 24 amps max. It will not run everything on a 30 amp circuit. It will run most Ac's It wouldn't start the compressor on my 91 AC until I had a extra starting capacitor installed. Also with altitude, and as temps climb, generator capacity gets lower.