Generator or Inverter?

[Sonetpro]

That's the one I have. It run's everthing in my tear. Great Generator. I have had it for 2 years now without a single problem. It is also very quiet.

[Lucky489]

I think the part you are missing is you will need a battery to run the lights and an inverter to run the TV/Laptop unless you want the generator running all the time.

The minimal it sounds like you want. To achieve them you need a 12 volt system with a battery that runs lights. Then an inverter that runs the TV/Laptop off the battery. For the battery you have 2 options for charging it. A battery charger like the battery tender or an inverter.

The inverters have 2 styles one just plugs into a cigarette lighter and converts 12 volt to 110 to run your TV. The other converts but also has a built in charger.

[madjack]

sky, the Honda EU200I is the CREAM of the crop...it is the one, that all who desire generators cream over........

[Arne]

I have added a page 14 to my aero-1 site. It shows how I set mine up. I am very happy with the whole setup. The power strip is actually fed by shore power. It automatically charges battery when plugged in, and it has a 15 amp circuit breaker built in that protects all the 115v wiring in the trailer.

[brian_bp]

Ok, so what is this then?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=360081523543&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=023

Will that do both, will it run the small stuff as well as an AC unit? When I'm at the DZ, I don't mind letting it run while I'm using those items as most of the time I'm not even in the trailer and when I am, I want/need it cool and I want to watch TV or use my laptop. Does that item on eBay have a battery built in and it charges while the load it low or something?

That is a generator, of the type that uses an inverter to make the right frequency of power. It doesn't have a battery in it, and will not change power from some other battery into AC power - it will only provide power when it (its engine) is running. You can power stuff as small as you want with it... but I can't imagine wanting to run a gas-engined generator to run a laptop computer or a television.

If you really do plan to run a generator for hours a day, I sincerely hope we never camp near you... nothing personal, but I would camp at truck stops if I wanted to listen to engine noise. If "DZ" is "drop zone" - as in parachuting - then perhaps that's a place where the engine is acceptable. I still wouldn't want to rack up a bunch of hours on a cheap engine to run stuff that could run on a battery.

[_skydiver_]

I happen to have a deep cycle marine battery, could I use that to power my laptop and TV? I really only want the generator for the AC and then just enough time to cool it off so that I can sleep in it. If I were to try and use that battery, what would I need to turn that into usable power?

Yes DZ is drop zone and they are noisy places well into the early morning hours normally.

[Lucky489]

Wiring harness and a fuse block. Wire a cigarette lighter plug. Then get an inverter like this http://www.theinverterstore.com/the-inverter-store-product.php?model=pwrinv150w-front-rgb

Use 12 volt lights.

[_skydiver_]

Wiring harness and a fuse block. Wire a cigarette lighter plug. Then get an inverter like this http://www.theinverterstore.com/the-inverter-store-product.php?model=pwrinv150w-front-rgb

Use 12 volt lights.

I think the light just came on in a big bright way!!! I may be able to skip getting a generator for a good while actually. I have a nice sized deep cycle marine battery, and I think your link above just gave me an idea that will work. I also found something that may work as a temporary AC too. It sits on top of an ice cooler and runs off a 12volt battery too.... so hmmm could be quiet and still comfortable. Gotta give this some thought.

[_skydiver_]

How can I figure out how many watts I need, is there a way to look at the back of a TV or the laptop power adapter and figure out how many watt's I'll need?

[madjack]

...first off, you can't practically use a battery to power a conventional AC unit...the type you are talking about(ice box based) work pretty well in lower humidity areas...the battery can be used for most other low draw items...to find out wattage, multiply amps times volts to get watts..the plate on the appliance should give you either amperage or wattage...a power strip w/circuit breaker can serve to supply 120vac to the camper and power a battery charger for the battery...a good 3 stage battery charger can be left permanently attached to the battery and used as a power supply(while hooked to the battery) when 120vac is available...you can also get a RV type converter(about125 bucks) that will distribute both 120vac and 12vdc to the system without a battery(as long as 120vac is available).....
madjack

[Arne]

Just a thought that came to mind. People sometimes say they only want 12v or 115v and don't need the other..... or they don't need a vent.

Building these things in considering the total build time involved in minimal. The wires can always be buried in the walls just in case you want them in the future. Same with the vent...

If sometime down the road you decide you do want them (or just for resale value), they can be added..... The only other add-on option is surface wiring....

Personally, I would never build without being able to have all of the above available. I use the vent all the time. I use 12v for lights and fan. That way, even when traveling at night I can stick my head in and turn on a light... as for 115v, one word: petcool