One or two generators?

[Rmack1]

I have two Yamaha EF2000iS generators, and they work together through the connecting cable.

My question is; is it always necessary or desirable to have both generators running? I know I need them both for the AC, but what If I'm just watching HD satellite TV? I'm thinking it would be a good idea to have two running if I use the microwave, and I would probably turn off the AC before using it, but I'm not sure.

I'm thinking that if the AC or microwave isn't being used, it might be more economical to just have one going, and alternate between the two.

Anyone know?

[Rmack1]

Jayco23FB wrote:
I have (2) Yamaha 2000is and an inverter. Here is how I use mine:
For TV I set up an inverter under the hood of my truck.

You have room under your hood? My XTerra ain't got much.

Jayco23FB wrote:
The inverter runs off of the aux. battery.

You have an auxiliary battery in your Truck? You're already out of my league. I only have my two twelve volt deep cycles on my trailer hitch.

Jayco23FB wrote:
I then ran wiring from the inverter to the box of my truck where I have an outlet.

I have an SUV. Not practical for me, but I still want to learn what you know.

Jayco23FB wrote:
The inverter is controlled with a remote control so I don't have to go out at night and shut the inverter off. I split the outlet for the TV so the bottom plug in is still Trailer 110 and the top outlet is connected to wiring that connects to the plug in the back of my truck. I can switch as needed depending on the power situation. This allows use to watch TV after generator hours.

I think I follow all of this. Nice set up.

Jayco23FB wrote:
As far as the generators I use 1 generator for most needs short of running the AC. I have hour meters on the generators to balance thier use.

Wow. How much do hour meters cost?

Jayco23FB wrote:
One tip is to install a "hard start" kit in your AC unit if you do not have one already. It makes the AC start up a lot easier on the generators and I have been able to leave my generators on econ mode where I could not do that without the hard start kit.

My AC definitely makes my generators throttle up when I turn it on, then everything settles down once it's running smoothly. Fascinating. Have mercy and give me a link to this 'hard start' kit.

[time2roll]

The 12 Volt Side of Life

I vote no generator. If I need air I go for hookups.

[Shadow_Catcher]

Our TV/DVD draws 23W and I use a 300W Morningstar Suresine inverter (true sine wave). This is fed by a 150 amp hour AGM battery which is fed by a 185W solar panel. I have a generator which we have yet to use.

[Jayco23FB]

I have (2) Yamaha 2000is and an inverter. Here is how I use mine:
For TV I set up an inverter under the hood of my truck. The inverter runs off of the aux. battery. I then ran wiring from the inverter to the box of my truck where I have an outlet. The inverter is controlled with a remote control so I don't have to go out at night and shut the inverter off. I split the outlet for the TV so the bottom plug in is still Trailer 110 and the top outlet is connected to wiring that connects to the plug in the back of my truck. I can switch as needed depending on the power situation. This allows use to watch TV after generator hours.

As far as the generators I use 1 generator for most needs short of running the AC. I have hour meters on the generators to balance thier use.

One tip is to install a "hard start" kit in your AC unit if you do not have one already. It makes the AC start up a lot easier on the generators and I have been able to leave my generators on econ mode where I could not do that without the hard start kit.

[BFL13]

Too much info to get it all in a few posts. This is an excellent bible to get you up to speed. Helped me a lot!

http://www.bestconverter.com/Books_c_67.html

[Rmack1]

old guy wrote:
no you do not need an inverter to watch tv. the poster just thinks that all generators are noisy and you should put out big bucks for both a generator and an inverter. I will admit though, the guy who was next to him running a noisy gen set was rude to run it in a cg. if in deed that was where they were at.

My generators are pretty quiet, but most campgrounds have rules against any generators after a certain time, often quite early. As it stands, I need either shore power or the generators to run the TV and my DirectTV receiver.

[mayo30]

We have a cd/tv/120v/12v by audio vox that does the job,no inverter we don't like micro wave cooking very much spend most time outside so very little AC.Our sound surround and entertainment work off the 2 12 volt batteries (not six) as we sometimes need to exchange between jeep and boat.Charge once a day o Honda 2000 while the bride is doing her thing in the morning.Done deal.At my age I need to keep things simple and always carry my name tag.Laptop on batteries,wifi from I phone hot spot.

[Rmack1]

BFL13 wrote:
You only need a 300w inverter for what you want. You can get a PSW if you need one for special items being charged, but a TV/dvd etc is good with MSW.

It should go close to the batteries to get the most out of it using short/fat DC wiring. You can just plug the shore power cable into it (with 30/15 adapter of course) and turn off (unplug) your converter, put fridge and WH on gas (not auto), and your receptacles will work just like on shore power.

TTs are a problem where the batteries are out front and you want the inverter in out of the rain and not get stolen. Some just put it in the front cargo bay and drill a hole in the floor to run the wires down to outside and then forward to the batteries on the tongue. Other solutions may be available in your rig, no idea.

MSW? PSW? Pardon my ignorance, but all things electronic is one of my weak suits.

Also, What exactly is the converter? I read the thick stack of manuals that came with my TT, and I remember having a power distribution center, or something. Hasn't given me any problems in over a year so I haven't worried about it. If this thing is what you are talking about, I'm pretty sure there is no obvious way to turn it off, certainly no way to unplug it.

I did figure out that I needed to run my WH and fridge on propane when I didn't have shore power.

[old_guy]

no you do not need an inverter to watch tv. the poster just thinks that all generators are noisy and you should put out big bucks for both a generator and an inverter. I will admit though, the guy who was next to him running a noisy gen set was rude to run it in a cg. if in deed that was where they were at.

[BFL13]

You only need a 300w inverter for what you want. You can get a PSW if you need one for special items being charged, but a TV/dvd etc is good with MSW.

It should go close to the batteries to get the most out of it using short/fat DC wiring. You can just plug the shore power cable into it (with 30/15 adapter of course) and turn off (unplug) your converter, put fridge and WH on gas (not auto), and your receptacles will work just like on shore power.

TTs are a problem where the batteries are out front and you want the inverter in out of the rain and not get stolen. Some just put it in the front cargo bay and drill a hole in the floor to run the wires down to outside and then forward to the batteries on the tongue. Other solutions may be available in your rig, no idea.

[Golden_HVAC]

Hi,

Inverters do not come on most RV's, only some of the more expensive units. You really need to pick out one for your needs, not everyone needs the same size, and those who just travel from one RV resort to another will never need one.

You also need upgraded batteries to get the RV to run on a inverter and still have power in the morning. I would suggest a 500 watt inverter - it can plug into a cigarette lighter. I installed one in my RV next to the TV set, with #10 wires from the battery with a 30 amp fuse. This will allow up to 300 watts output, more than enough to run the DTV and TV set.

With a pair of batteries, you can run the TV and receiver - about a 100 watt load for at least 5 hours per night, using about 50 amp hours of power. Then charge the batteries during the generator run hours, such as 9am to before 7 pm. You only need to run 1 generator about 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour towards night.

Many times I would set up my TV to run from the inverter, even if I had 120 volt power while running the generator. then when you are ready to shut off the generator, you will not need to stop the DVD and shut off the TV set to plug everything into the inverter. The generator will power the charger, it will power the inverter and any excess amperage will go to recharge the batteries.

Fred.

[Rmack1]

Just did some quick research.

If I get a 1000 watt inverter, will that work for everything except the AC and microwave? It would be nice to have the TV during quiet hours in campgrounds.

How big are these things? I have a small 22' trailer, though it has an amazing amount of living space due to the Murphy bed, but where would I put it?

[Rmack1]

BFL13 wrote:
For watching Tv etc all you need is an inverter that draws from the batteries. Then you use your generator(s) to power a battery charger or converter or inverter/charger to recharge the batteries when it is during "generator hours."

A newbie guy parked near us used his gen in the evening to watch TV because he had never heard of an inverter! Lucky for him I didn't have my Bazooka handy. 🙂

You need two 2000s for when your continuous load will be over 1600 watts, otherwise one will do. Your microwave probably wants 1500w so if you are also battery charging (1200w? maybe less depending) you will need two anyway.

I didn't know I needed an inverter, and thought I needed my gens to watch tv, also! I guess I need to check out inverters. Any suggestions for my 33amp TT?

Do inverters ever come as standard equipment? If so, why don't I have one? I bought a brand-new 2013 Forrest River Rockwood Mini-Lite.

[BFL13]

For watching Tv etc all you need is an inverter that draws from the batteries. Then you use your generator(s) to power a battery charger or converter or inverter/charger to recharge the batteries when it is during "generator hours."

A newbie guy parked near us used his gen in the evening to watch TV because he had never heard of an inverter! Lucky for him I didn't have my Bazooka handy. 🙂

You need two 2000s for when your continuous load will be over 1600 watts, otherwise one will do. Your microwave probably wants 1500w so if you are also battery charging (1200w? maybe less depending) you will need two anyway.