Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-13-2011, 07:30 AM   #1
3 Rivet Member
 
Airstream Dad's Avatar
 
2005 28' International CCD
Arlington , Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 166
Images: 1
Honda 3000i Handi for late 70s Sovereign?

All -

I've been researching the power systems for a potential Airstream purchase (am looking at late 70s Sovereign or Excella 500 31'). I'd like to add solar capability for most boon docking needs, but am now looking at the larger A/C power requirements.

There's this Honda 3000i Handi that comes in at just 78 lbs, not too bad to lift on and off a tow vehicle. The specs on the Honda website say "120V 3000W max.(25A) 2600W rated (21.7A)"m with a 30A lockable outlet.

Would this be enough power/ amps to run the A/C? I'lll likely replace the A/C with a more power efficient modern model anyway (hoping 13,500 BTU will keep the A/S cool).

Thoughts?
Airstream Dad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2011, 07:34 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
dznf0g's Avatar
 
2007 30' Classic
Oswego , Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,656
Images: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by JBSVirginia View Post
All -

I've been researching the power systems for a potential Airstream purchase (am looking at late 70s Sovereign or Excella 500 31'). I'd like to add solar capability for most boon docking needs, but am now looking at the larger A/C power requirements.

There's this Honda 3000i Handi that comes in at just 78 lbs, not too bad to lift on and off a tow vehicle. The specs on the Honda website say "120V 3000W max.(25A) 2600W rated (21.7A)"m with a 30A lockable outlet.

Would this be enough power/ amps to run the A/C? I'lll likely replace the A/C with a more power efficient modern model anyway (hoping 13,500 BTU will keep the A/S cool).

Thoughts?
My recent research found that most say the 3000 is fine to power the AC, but not much left over for other potential electrical needs at the same time. I elected for the EU200i and EU200i Companion with the paralleling cable. This allows me a lot of flexibility in need vs. fuel use, weight, cargo space etc.
dznf0g is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2011, 09:27 AM   #3
Rivet Master
 
HowieE's Avatar
 
1991 34' Excella
Princeton , New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
Images: 12
The size and convenience of a single unit make the 300 worth considering.

The comment that it would most likely be limited by the load of the AC is correct but you may have found a way around that.

If you install solar and design a switching system that could remove the AC from the electrical panel when you are using the generator then the solar/batteries would supply the lighter loads and the generator the AC.

Put a single pole double through 30 amp switch, just before the ac panel, in the city service line. The common to the city service line, one leg feeding the ac panel in the trailer and the other leg to the output side of the AC circuit breaker. This line should have a circuit breaker or fuse in it to replace the one in the panel you will be bypassing. When running the generator you would turn off the ac breaker in the trailer panel and switch the new switch in the city service line.

Plug into the generator in and you are good to go.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles

HowieE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2011, 09:32 AM   #4
Rivet Master
 
tkasten's Avatar
 
1965 22' Safari
Vassar , Michigan
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 848
Images: 6
I use the Honda 3000iu (elect. start) and it powers my air and all lights (LED) at the same time very well. I do not have a microwave. I like the 3000iu because it is really quite, has a large gas tank and elect. start. It is very heavy at 130lbs. so I put it in the back of the truck at the beginning of our travel season and it stays there until winterize time (it's chained in). I rigged up a chain fall in my barn so putting in and out of the truck bed is a breeze. Many others use a dolly and roll it up and down on ramps. The best part is that once in the bed I don't have to move anything. Just roll back the bed cover plug in. I also installed a longer power cord from the trailer so I can reach the gen. without moving the truck while it is in front of the trailer.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN0818.JPG
Views:	133
Size:	204.6 KB
ID:	142556  
__________________
Tim
TAC MI 14

Everyday is a Saturday
tkasten is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2011, 09:38 AM   #5
Refurbished 89 Excella
 
DKDarrow's Avatar
 
1988 29' Excella
Sugar Valley , Georgia
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 246
+1 on the 3K honda........there are a lot of threads on this that address the plus and minus issues.....worth reading if you search.....Plug in HONDA 3000........

I would address the 15k heat pump rather than the 13 AC........My 3000 honda powers it just fine in the summer and winter and it's kinda like horsepower in your truck......you can NEVER have enough...........God bless.....Dennis
__________________
Dennis & Susan
D&D Farms, Sugar Valley, Ga
Registered Boer goats
DKDarrow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2011, 09:39 AM   #6
Rivet Master
 
dznf0g's Avatar
 
2007 30' Classic
Oswego , Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,656
Images: 5
ya see? There is no "one size fits all" answer. Since these things are quite pricey, spend some soak time and read up on all the posts on airforums, sailboat forums, rv.net, etc. You will begin to develop how you will most likely use yours. The more you read, the more it will become defined. The right answer for you is all that matters. They are all fine machines, it's all about need and configurations.
dznf0g is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2011, 01:42 PM   #7
Rivet Master
 
TBRich's Avatar

 
2006 19' Safari SE
Tucson , Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,627
Images: 64
Ditto dsnf0g...it all depends on how you want/need to use it. After months (literally) of researching and thinking and considering, we decided on two Honda 2000s...one regular and one Companion model. A big part of the decision for us was the weight. WE can manage tow 2000s but the 3000 would present logistics issues for us. Plus, when we aren't going to need AC, we take only one with us...which powers everything except the AC. Good luck with your decision-making.
__________________
TB & Greg and Abbey Schnauzer
AirForums #21900
PastPrez, 4CU/WBCCI
TBRich is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
sovereign


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Honda EU3000iS vs. Yamaha EF3000iSE/B pickerdd Generators & Solar Power 13 07-02-2017 09:47 AM
Honda EU3000is conversion to propane pickerdd Generators & Solar Power 2 10-02-2011 03:41 PM
1969 Sovereign :: 1969 Airstream Sovereign evers310 Airstream Registry Discussions 0 08-19-2011 08:31 AM
Honda EU 3000i generator for sale rando Generators & Solar Power 2 05-12-2011 10:30 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:08 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.