Which generator and where? 16BHB

[gord16bhb]

Hello,

New here, just picked up a 2013 16bhb (but with the tip out bed option + mountain bike back door option instead of the bunks). Has anyone run their AC with the new EU2200i (mines a coleman mach)? It's 200watts more than the outgoing EU2000i. I'm wondering if I can power my AC with that and avoid getting the EU3000i, I don't care about running anything else in the camper, it would only be used in places where we need to stop a few hours and run the A/C during trips.

Also has anyone mounted the EU2200i or EU2000i or larger EU3000i handi model or EU3000i full size model anywhere on their camper? Looking for ideas. I'm thinking the EU2200i (if it powers the AC) will fit nicely on the tongue, but the EU3000i looks like it would have to go in the back of the truck, which is a bit of a pain if we need to use it at a campsite and take the truck out for the day and need the A/C running in the camper for the dog or something, or some kids staying behind etc.

Thanks from Texas,
Gordon

[DavidM]

Gordon:

If your 16BHB is like my 16TBS it has the smaller Coleman A/C which will start and run fine on the Honda 2000 or 2200.

Putting the generator on the tongue may be the easiest, but it will add to tongue weight. With your full size truck that shouldn't be a problem.

If you want to put it on the bumper you will have to reinforce it by welding another cross member to the support struts. And of course that will reduce the tongue weight.

David

[gord16bhb]

Thanks a lot. I just ordered the eu2200i. I'll use a 10ga residential plug to 30amp adaptor on it, didn't want the companion (eu2200ic) model as that doesn't have the dc charging output which seems like it could come in handy for a flat truck battery or alike out on the road.

As it's small enough to take in and out I think I'll chain it down in the truck bed and see how that works. I have about 900lbs of payload/hitch weight available when family and dog is in the truck with 1607lbs payload rating.

[Merlin]

Welcome! Looks like a great setup. At least a couple others on the forum (but not me) have mounted a genny on the tounge with this:

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Cargo/Stromberg-Carlson/CC-255.html

And, of course, the obligatory anti-theft bracket:

https://www.campingworld.com/honda-generator-theft-deterrent-bracket

Happy camping!

[Pinstriper]

This is another advantage of a pickup as a tow vehicle. The ability to bring along a generator without worrying so much about tongue weight, frame reinforcement, etc. any more than we would worry about throwing another 100# of firewood in the bed.

[GoElectric]

The AC on my 2015 16 DBS would not run on the Honda 2000 and was hit or miss on the Briggs and Stratton P2200 we bought, so I changed the start capacitor to the one in the attached picture and works well. We transport ours on the rear deck in a large aluminum tool box.  If we were towing with a truck, we would probably prefer to have the larger 3000 watt generator to run the microwave oven just by itself, as well.

[gord16bhb]

Thanks all!

@goelectric your rear box looks great, I'm probably going to do the same but on the front, need to hit some weigh scales and see where the weight from the unit is under various conditions, but I'm guessing you found more and more weight up front as you loaded things in your camper, hence the rear box.

Understood on the hard/soft start issue on A/C that was my main concern, happy to do the capacitor if needed. Looks like this might be the same start capacitor just with different text, per the reviews saying people used it on their RV;
https://www.homedepot.com/p/SUPCO-120-288-VAC-1-Phase-1-2-10hp-Hardstart-Relay-and-Start-Capacitor-SPP6/203566183

Is that what you used?

[GoElectric]

Thanks for the comment, it has worked well for us.  We did replace the 12 volt Battery up front with 2 - 6 volts and have the fresh water tank half full to reduce sway, because when that box is really loaded up with generator, gear, and firewood, it really shifts too much weight to the rear.

Yes, that capacitor is the one. It is not too big of deal to install. With the hit or miss I was referring to, you may want to go ahead and add it because it would work in modest heat but would not when temperatures got hotter.

[gord16bhb]

Great, thanks for the heat tip. I'm in Texas so I'll add the spp6, but I'm going to try the eu2200i without it first and see what amp readings I can catch on startup (if it even starts up) and then add the spp6 after and see if I notice a difference, but with the point being I'll add it anyway so that hopefully the unit still works in the heat.   

[gord16bhb]

[...]couple others on the forum (but not me) have mounted a genny on the tounge with this:

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Cargo/Stromberg-Carlson/CC-255.html


Happy camping!

nice, that looks pretty good. I might try that or the bike rack/hitch receiver addition version and weld a plate on top, so that I can add my bike rack too. https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Cargo/Stromberg-Carlson/CC-275.html

[whitefish]

Thanks for the comment, it has worked well for us.  We did replace the 12 volt Battery up front with 2 - 6 volts and have the fresh water tank half full to reduce sway, because when that box is really loaded up with generator, gear, and firewood, it really shifts too much weight to the rear.

Yes, that capacitor is the one. It is not too big of deal to install. With the hit or miss I was referring to, you may want to go ahead and add it because it would work in modest heat but would not when temperatures got hotter.

There are days I wish I had the rear extended platform for this very reason.  Great looking setup.

Gord, I have a Honda EU3000i and it runs the AC no problem.  I wish I had bought the  eu2200i (or even the EU1000i).  I don't use the AC enough to justify the 3000, and its a beast to lug around.

[gord16bhb]

Gord, I have a Honda EU3000i and it runs the AC no problem.  I wish I had bought the  eu2200i (or even the EU1000i).  I don't use the AC enough to justify the 3000, and its a beast to lug around.

Yeah I really wish the eu3000i was lighter as that would have been perfect, but it is unrealistic to move it around. Worst case if the eu2200i doesn't have enough juice I can parallel with another eu2200i and it will still be cheaper than the eu3000i "handi" model. I'm going to be using an extended fuel tank anyway (those fuel caps which attach to an addon tank).

[gord16bhb]

EU2200i started compressor briefly for a few seconds, and then cut out.

I need to install the spp6 on the A/C unit on the roof, how do you guys get up there? And can I walk on the roof? 240lbs.

[Merlin]

Yes, you can get on the aluminum roof of your camper. It will hold you up fine. Just be careful not to fall off. And disconnect the shore-power. And tell someone you are up there. And use a good ladder. And take a tube of self-leveling caulk to touch up the thin spots and cracks in the caulking. And use 303 Protectant on all the plastic, but do that as you are getting down, it's slippery. 

[MitchB]

And don't talk to strangers and don't run with scissors.