genny questions

RottieMom · 07-18-2016, 11:44 AM

Well, I was going to wait until next year to buy a genny, but I'm wondering if I should go ahead now as $619 (w/free shipping) seems like a good price on the Westinghouse WH2400i.

Padgett, I know you did a lot of research and like the Westinghouse generators, so I'm wondering if you and/or others can help me out--

I have the Dometic 13.5 BTU AC on my TM. I live at 7000 ft elevation and often travel to fairly high altitude locations. How much does altitude affect generators?

Will 2400 watts be enough to start AC (especially at high altitudes)?

How many watts will converter use when genny is running? Or, should I shut off converter?

I can buy two of the Westinghouse 2400s for the price of one Yamaha 2400. I can have two Westinghouse gennys in parallel and then not have to worry about having enough juice for the AC, brewing coffee, converter, etc. So, should I just get two? I'd prefer to only have one generator, but need to know if it will handle what I need it to do.

Thx,

Hiram123 · 07-18-2016, 12:46 PM

I have a Yamaha 2400, it always started the air on my popup, it does equally well on my 2014 2720.

RottieMom · 07-18-2016, 06:47 PM

Thx for the feedback Hiram. Have you used your generator in high altitudes?

Padgett · 07-18-2016, 08:55 PM

In general your power loss is 4-5% per thousand feet above 5,000 so at 7000 feet a 2400W will act like a 2100W (why gas stations above 5000 feet have lower octanes than at sea level (e.g. 85 instead of 87). YMMV.

The highest point around here is one of the rides at Disney.

gonzo628 · 07-19-2016, 12:53 AM

Funny you should say that, Padgett... My Wife and I will be headed to parts west (Disneyland) for our 19th wedding anniversary on Friday. We are taking the TV only. (It will be the first chance I've had to see what kind of miles I can really wring out of it.. CC set at 75, no trailer -or kiddos-).

flipflop · 12-06-2016, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RottieMom

Well, I was going to wait until next year to buy a genny, but I'm wondering if I should go ahead now as $619 (w/free shipping) seems like a good price on the Westinghouse WH2400i.

Padgett, I know you did a lot of research and like the Westinghouse generators, so I'm wondering if you and/or others can help me out--

I have the Dometic 13.5 BTU AC on my TM. I live at 7000 ft elevation and often travel to fairly high altitude locations. How much does altitude affect generators?

Will 2400 watts be enough to start AC (especially at high altitudes)?

How many watts will converter use when genny is running? Or, should I shut off converter?

I can buy two of the Westinghouse 2400s for the price of one Yamaha 2400. I can have two Westinghouse gennys in parallel and then not have to worry about having enough juice for the AC, brewing coffee, converter, etc. So, should I just get two? I'd prefer to only have one generator, but need to know if it will handle what I need it to do.

Thx,

Here's a chart from Honda about changing the carburetor jets for high altitude. http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/...s/pci54675.pdf

Whatever gen you get I recommend a propane conversion on it. You don't have to re-jet the carbs for altitude changes. Propane doesn't use the jets in the carburetor, it's a direct feed into the choke opening on the carburetor.

http://www.motorsnorkel.com/westingh...orkel-kit.html

They sell the Westinghouse 2000 already converted, and trifuel conversion kits so you can still use gasoline if you like.

Using propane at high altitude you may have to adjust the loadblock on the regulator, but it's a simple crescent wrench adjustment instead of changing the carb jets. I described it some here http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ad.php?t=17758

Propane has only 73% of the BTU's per gallon compared to gasoline but LP is so much easier to deal with. I haven't run the LP gen over 5400 ft but I believe it would do fine, just have to adjust the LP/air mixture via the loadblock.

Padgett · 12-06-2016, 08:45 PM

Just a note but there has apparently been a price drop on the 2400.

Have seen a second opinion that says to derate 2.5% for every 1,000 feet above sea level so at 7,000 feet derate 17.5% or 2100W continuous becomes 1730W. My AC pulls 1440W running so would still have some margin. On mine I did wire a bypass so the gen could dedicate to the AC and not go through the converter.

TMfor4ofus · 12-06-2016, 11:15 PM

This is good info. So would a 2000W be enough to run AC near sea level? Padgett can you tell me about this wire bypass to dedicate gen for AC?

scrubjaysnest · 12-07-2016, 05:46 AM

Any time we've been at 7k feet it was cool enough didn't need the AC as for the converter not a lot, most likely under 50 watts.

Padgett · 12-07-2016, 07:37 AM

Depends on whether the battery(s) need charging. Not sure what rate is possible but is a 30A fuse in the battery line and the fridge pulls 12-14A on DC. Plus any lights or other 12v accessories.

I added an isolation switch under the coach by the leg with the junction box. Is in a waterproof box with a cover. Can be a 120vac plug when ON or I made a double ended extension cord to connect to the generator when OFF.