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IWally's avatar
IWally
Explorer
May 28, 2013

automatic start / stop switch for generators - options?

Trying to figure out a generator solution. Primary need is to insure that AC continues to run while dog remains in camper alone. However leaving a generator running continuously when we are not there doesn't seem .. optimal. Also would prefer to run gen on propane.

So there's the Onan 3600 for ~$3500 plus the "Energy Command" (EC-30W) auto-start unit for $500 +$60 for wiring harness. Good but expensive and heavy.

Or maybe the Yamaha EF30iSEB for $2568 @ uscarb.com converted to tri-fuel but no auto-failover/start/stop options that I can find.

Any other options for out there I've missed?

Also - I have pre-wiring for an Onan genset - would this make EC-30 (non wireless) easy to install?
  • My Yamaha EF3000iSE will run for over 12 hrs on it's 3.4 gal tank. Surely the poor pup would need to go potty by then.
  • To run the air you need to close the windows etc, so if it or the gen conks out or fails to start the rig will be sweltering soon with everything closed. I would be nervous leaving. DW would simply refuse to take the chance.

    If you leave them under a running Fantastic Fan with plenty of water they should be ok, and with that method you can have open vents and windows too.

    It might also depend on the breed of dog what they can take. Better to ask on the RV Pet Forum what people do. They have lots of good ideas over there on such matters.
  • I wonder if anyone has tried to rig one of the Onan "Energy Command" switches to a Honda or Yamaha (with electric start) ?

    As to scenario - well a lot of our travel is in the summer and most campgrounds are off the beaten track. So by time you drive out to the .. winery, museum, fair, whatever - that doesn't allow dogs - it's generally a few hours before you get back. Leaving the dog in the truck in a parking lot at a destination with the air conditioner running? .. hmm .. don't know about that.
  • We got our Honda 3000 so it could run the air-conditioner when the dogs got too hot. We can get by with a fan. Otherwise a 2000 would have done.

    However, we never had a scenario for leaving the dogs in the rig with us gone that long as in the OP's scenario.

    If it were that bad, if circumstances permitted, you could also leave the dogs in their kennels in the truck, engine running, with its air conditioning on.

    It is all about scenarios. We know about tossing a dog into a tub of cold water when the dog gets over-heated at events. :( Silly things- they don't know when to quit! :)
  • I like Onan, you get what you pay for. Especially if you are looking for Auto Start features, Onan is all about that kind of stuff.

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