Community Forums

Vette Racer · 05-23-2012, 04:35 PM

OK, suppose you have a 5th wheel with a 50 amp system and want to charge the batteries. Can you use an adapter from 50 to 30 and then plug that into the Honda 2000 with the 30 amp plug to use just for charging, maybe while plugged in run some lights or tv or such other low current items? My thinking is this would allow the large inverter/charger to get the batteries up in good shape in a short time rather than just using the charger output of the Honda which is only a few amps. This is considering that the overall draw on the Honda is under the max rating of the generator. What say you, has anyone done this and how has it worked?

troyrice76 · 05-23-2012, 05:03 PM

Should be fine. I would just make sure that your AC is not turned on before firing up the generator.

EMD_Driver · 05-23-2012, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troyrice76

Should be fine. I would just make sure that your AC is not turned on before firing up the generator.

X2 on that.

I'd also not use the microwave.

smiller · 05-23-2012, 05:45 PM

Yes, the DC charging outlet on the Honda will be next to useless for a large battery or battery bank (if you want to achieve full charge within this century.) A 50-ish amp charger will draw 10 amps or more of AC at full output so it may use up just about all the eu2000's got, but there should be a few amps left over for other light loads. Given the high-quality power output of the inverter-based generators like the eu2000 your RV charger/converter should work great.

Gary - K7GLD · 05-23-2012, 05:56 PM

I've installed a modern power converter in our older '88 Winnie, since we boondock a lot - and wanted the 40 amp battery charging capability of the new converter - works great with our Honda 2000i - charges batteries LOTS faster than the OEM converter 10 amp charge rate that came with the rig, and power to spare for other light demand coach needs while charging...

85antique · 05-23-2012, 06:05 PM

No problem do it all the time uses less gas than the onan 4 k

3665RE · 05-24-2012, 02:47 AM

Hi

I have a pair of 2000i’s and the paralleling unit. They have no problem running the charger, 1 AC and lights. I operate the refrigerator and hot water heater on gas.

I haven’t used them since installing the LED lights.

3665RE

CapnMorgan · 05-24-2012, 03:26 AM

How/where do you store the fuel while traveling?

TXiceman · 05-24-2012, 06:13 AM

Tom, you will get a faster battery charge if you run a 120 VAC battery charger on the Honda and let it charge your battery.

For our trailer I have a pair of EU2000i in parallel. They easily run one A/C and a microwave if needed. If I don't need the A/C, we can run one and save fuel. I ahve a 6 gallon extended run tank for the units. We ahve pwoered field day from these (actually one) for a fe years. Never missed a lick.

Besure and drain the carb when you shut down, unless you will be running them about every 4 to 6 weeks.

Ken

CapnMorgan · 05-24-2012, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapnMorgan

How/where do you store the fuel while traveling?

I guess I should add, "if you are in a motor home.". Seems like storing gas in the basement would be dangerous.

Vette Racer · 05-24-2012, 12:30 PM

Appreciate all the answers, now I just have to look up the current draw on the inverter/charger to make sure the Honda will handle it.

Ken, I think the 100 amp three stage charger will charge the bats (4 of them) better than a small car charger and I won't have to carry so much stuff around either. At least that is my thinking.

3665RE · 05-24-2012, 01:04 PM

Hi

When we travel I carry 10 gallons of Diesel, 5 gallons of recreational fuel (no alcohol) and 2 gallons of 100LL avgas in the bed of the truck.

We don’t dry camp often and most of the time we use the 2000i’s when we arrive at an event that has run out of RV spaces.

I use the 100LL avgas to clean the 2000i’s fuel system after use so they store well.

I carry the diesel only when traveling in areas that I may have problems getting Diesel like the desert in the western part of the US.

I always have both 2000i’s dry of fuel in the front compartment where the generator would be mounted.

3665RE

kevkill · 05-24-2012, 02:02 PM

I too, run my 50a rig on a EU2000 Honda generator. It will run everything but the AC. If I fill the fuel tank up @ 10:00 pm (+-2gallons, I think), it will run until about 5am without a hiccup. I only have 1 battery (12v) on my 5er, and the Honda keeps it charged up in the single-digit desert nights we often camp in. I do run the 2 fridges on LPG, though, as running them on electric power makes the Honda spool up pretty high.

Kevin