Portable generator on truck??

Yep. And inverter charger is hooked up to the batteries just like any other inverter out there. The only difference is it also has an AC electric input that you can wire a plug to use with a generator or shore power. It passes the generator or shore power right on thru instead of doing it's inverter thing and automatically goes into charging mode as needed to bring the batteries up to full charge. I am really surprised more folks don't invest in these. Much better than a standard inverter.

That Honda EU3000 is a great generator. I am more of a Yamaha fan, and would opt for their 3000, but the Honda in my book is a darn close second choice if I had to make one. There really are only two major brands that stand the test of time... Honda and Yamaha. Pricier than some of the others, but this is one instance where you do get what you pay for.

 

What is it about Yamaha that you prefer?

 

The Yamaha EF2000 I got has a dedicated fuel shut off valve compared to the Honda. The Honda, the fuel shutoff is part of the engine shut off. I can fully run the carb out of fuel before storing the generator away, unlike the Honda. There were some other engine design characteristics that tipped the decision. I also have a Yamaha specific dealer and repair 11.5 miles from my front door. It also has an EPA service life rating of 500 hrs compared to the Honda EU2000 250 hrs. Now, that is the EPA certification, and doesn't mean everything, but it does show that the generator just might have a few design differences that could lead to greater longevity. I have no real data to back that up, just perception. The Honda unit is a great generator, for sure, so don't mean to demean it in any way. In many ways, the Honda and the Yamaha are pretty equal. I got my Yamaha EF2000is for under $900, free delivery.

Because of this experience, I would most likely go with a Yamaha again over an Honda. But if faced with only a Honda for a choice, I would have no problem getting one.

 

Nice. Are there any auxiliary tank setups for the Yamaha?

I found them for the Honda but not the Yamaha

 

That I am not sure of. I never have looked into the additional tank thing for mine. I have seen caps made for connecting a additional tank of the Yamaha, but that is it. In my case, and my use, a tank of gas for my Yamaha lasts almost a full 10 hr break, so I haven't been persuaded I need to go with an additional tank. Each situation is different.

Oh, not sure about the Honda, but my Yamaha has a dedicated vent shutoff valve on the fuel cap, so I suppose a similar cap set up for additional tank would work. And my Yamaha has a fuel gauge on the top, unlike the Honda, so I can see how much fuel I there without opening up the cap and looking in.

 

Cool deal. Really thinking about doing this as I am typically only out 2-3 nights a week and even some of those nights I stay with friends so the payoff for an apu would be years not months for me.

Would you mind sharing the model number of your Xantrex inverter/charger and webasto unit? I searched and there are several of each

 

The Webasto is their Air Top 2000 ST. Espar has a comparable sized unit also. I think it is the D2. I highly recommend a professional install on one of those units. Unless you are very skilled at such things. Else you will probably invent new swear words trying to get it all done. Save your handy man inclinations for the Xantrex unit.

The Xantrex inverter / Charger I have is the Freedom HF1800 with 40 amp battery charging. Should be able to land one of those for under $500. If your needs aren't as great, you can go with the HF1000 version and save a few bucks. There are two models in that size... a 55 amp battery charging and a 20 amp battery charging. Either will get the charging job done. Just the 55 does it quicker. They all have variable charging cycles and levels so that batteries aren't at risk. Everything is monitored by the inverter / charger.

Key to a good inverter / charger setup is the cables to the batteries. You want at least #2 cables, or better yet, #1/0 cables. You don't want to skimp on cables. It is the same thing as having good coax and antennas for a radio. You can overheat and fry cables that are not adequate. And you must put a proper sized fuse inline near the battery on the positive cable. This all is very easy, not a wallet buster, and you can get everything you need in one stop at http://www.donrowe.com You might find that another inverter / charger they have would work better. The cable sets they sell are complete and ready to install. No crimping connectors and other stuff.

Oh, editing this post.... the Xantrex I use is a modified sine wave instead of a pure sine wave. That could be an issue with some electronics. But you don't have to shell out big bucks for a pure sine wave unit. I have a Tripp-Lite line conditioner that has multiple outlets that does the same thing for under $100. It has multi capacitors in it that smooth out the wave and make it pure sine wave, providing industry standard, computer grade ANSI C84.1 AC power. It also acts like a surge protector also. Will provide a number of additional outlets for plugging in stuff.

I like the Tripp-Lite LC1200. It has 4 outlets on the unit.

http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-LC...=1418097447&sr=8-1&keywords=Tripp-Lite+lc1200

 

The EU3000is has a 3.6 gallon tank, and an actual shutoff valve inline between the tank and carburetor. Taken them apart to install remote starts etc to see it for myself.
The ac or heat, along with the charger, uses @2gallons in 12hrs. So no need for an extra tank.

Martin

 

Great info, shore power inverter/charger and a honda generator. Quick follow up.

can you just run an extension cord from generator to inverter/charger and be done?

 

Not sure what you are asking here...
I have 2 plugs into the generator. One for the rooftop AC, and one that comes inside and goes to a GFI socket, then to the inverter. When I am at home, I just unplug the GFI plug from the generator and plug it into a normal extension lead. That charges batteries etc. I made a jumper lead for my AC plug too, so can just plug in where available and use shore power for both battery charging and AC/Heat.

Martin