generator usage

skihor · April 19, 2012, 04:14:27 PM

On our Vending trailer I have a 16 C.F. refer, and a 17C.F. chest freezer. I need to keep them powered while on the road. The trailer gennie will be inside and can't be run. My only option is a small unit just for them or wire from our big diesel unit on the bus. P.I.A. Do you think that a Honda eu2000i would be enough ? Each unit says 5 AMP. for a total of 10 AMPs My calculations say all I need is 1150 watts.

Thanks Don & Sheila

bobofthenorth · April 19, 2012, 05:55:31 PM

If you've got an inverter on the bus run a cord. If not, install an inverter and run a cord.

bevans6 · April 19, 2012, 06:15:41 PM

A honda EU2000 will be fine, but I would run them from an inverter on the bus, which was itself being powered by the bus engine alternator.

Brian

Oonrahnjay · April 19, 2012, 06:23:58 PM

If you have a "big diesel unit" on the bus, spend $20 for an extension cord and fittings and use that. Why spend $$ on more equipment? (Or, as others have said, run via inverter - if you have one - from the bus alternator while you're rolling.)

skihor · April 19, 2012, 06:30:35 PM

I have a 40 amp alt on the bus. I have 2 6V house batts. The bus genny uses upwards of 1 GPH, the honda gets up to 9 hours on ONE gallon of gas. I can get the Honda for alot less than a big alternator, inverter, more batts. I can get it for under $900 new, free shipping. I guess my question is will the eu2000i Honda handle the start-ups of the two units ?

Don & Sheila

bevans6 · April 19, 2012, 06:38:10 PM

The Honda should be able to start both units if they don't try to start simultaneously, which would be an odd coincidence. Mine can start a 1 hp compressor, which is closer to a 10 amp draw. The Honda is rated for 1600 watts continuous, if my memory is correct.

Brian

gus · April 19, 2012, 06:44:30 PM

i agree with Bruce, use the big unit you already have. You can buy a lot of diesel for the $1000 plus it will cost you for the other options.

I'm not impressed by inverters since they have about a 20% power loss.

Bill 340 · April 20, 2012, 05:22:14 AM

Test the freezers, see how long they hold without power, ours hold 9 hours frozen solid. I am sure you don't drive 9 hours without stopping, Place a regular ICE Popsicle on top of the goods in the freezer, check it off and on till you see it melt slightly. Then that's the max life your freezer will hold without being plugged in. we used the Popsicle whenever we leave the coach set long term , if the Popsicle is melted then refrozen, then your freezer has been off too long, throw all the food out,Its a cheap fix but a CHEAP safe way to keep from eating anthing that was spoiled then refroze,This Idea works for everyone.

Gary '79 5C · April 20, 2012, 04:51:51 PM

What Bruce & Gus said....

I find myself using the genset almost as much as I run it monthly in the off season. I would put the hours on the genset you already have.

BUT !! Do it your way. You have selected a great small genset, which should do the job. Just another piece to maintain to me, however.

bevans6 · April 21, 2012, 06:57:09 AM

The little Honda makes the trailer self-sufficient if you ever have to leave it working without the bus or outside power.

Brian

skihor · April 21, 2012, 09:03:28 AM

Quote from: bevans6 on April 21, 2012, 06:57:09 AM
The little Honda makes the trailer self-sufficient if you ever have to leave it working without the bus or outside power.

Brian

Thanks for all the answers guys. I went with the Honda just for that reason. Self sufficient in case the trailer or bus had to be seperated. If we were loaded for an event it could be very costly.
Got a new one from the E place for $910 shipped.
Don & Sheila

gus · April 22, 2012, 04:05:02 PM

You can't go very far wrong with anything that says "Honda"!