Rooftop AC

The unit I have has no generator whatsoever, it just runs off the truck batteries, it'll run for 24hrs without the need to start the truck, besides it won't run down the batteries because if the power gets low it will cut off, it's also very good, it would freeze your ##### off if u wanted it to,
These are the ones I use, http://www.waeco.com/en/products/3882.php,

 

What you think about APOLLO DIESEL ENGINE GENERATOR 6.3KW ELECTRIC START GEN it seams as a good option.Still much cheaper then EU3000is.

 

The capacitor is a plug and play deal. The recommended one was either a SPP5E or a SPP6E, both manufactured in the USA by Supco. Their website (www.Supco.com) lists their distributors etc. I got a 7E due to that being te only one they had in stock near me. It is working great though, and makes the restart a non issue for the generator. I think the EU3000is was right on the edge of being able to start the ac up, thus why Star never had an issue thus far maybe?
There are 2 wires on the capacitor, and they go the output of the fan capacitor. Red and white wires on a Dometic. Look at the wiring diagram on the instruction sheet and you will see the capacitor there, along with "optional on some models". The new one just goes right into the same place that a Dometic one would have gone, or where the Dometic one is now if you have one. No warranty issues to speak of, as the new capacitor will take all of 5 minutes to remove. Undo the cover screws, lift cover to one side, undo 2 screws that retain the electrical cover and lift to one side. New capacitor simply plugs onto the wiring that is already there with the included connectors. No new connectors to fit, no brackets to modify, and so on. The hardest and most time consuming part is removing the outer cover.
I went with the EU3000is for the warranty, low fuel consumption (2 gallons per 12hrs of a/c), very low noise level, and being able to get it repaired anywhere. I looked into the "off brand" APU's, but they all seem to be going out of business at an alarming rate, or being bought out by other companies. In fact, the only one that I know of that hasn't been bought out is Tripack!
At the end of the day, just do something though. A cheap China generator from Lowes etc will still save you money. No "need" to get it all permanently mounted like me and Star did, but it does make it nicer to operate and use if it is mounted nicely.
I saw LOTS of other generators around, but the noise is what deterred me from buying them. Luckily I had the coin for the EU3000, otherwise it would have been a trip to Northern Tool, Lowes, etc.
I use a battery charger at home that is not spec'd for a 4 battery system, but it does great at charging them up. Although with it being on wheels, it is a little impractical to carry around....
I did see the other one at the store that said it was for up to 3 or 4 batteries, but that is meaning separate batteries IIRC, not ones that are all linked like ours are. So far, this one is working out great. My LVD would normally kick into play after @2days of non running with the fridge going, but it has yet to make a peep with the battery charger set to automatic.

Martin

 

Again, Thanks for the heads up on the capacitor...
I didn't think about isolating the batteries for that particular charger.
I can get like 3 days out of my batteries (4) with my fridge on, but then again, according to my records, I last replaced then in Nov of 2008, wow... I'm betting that they will need replacing later this yr.

 

I am back on pulling the blade trailers, so I expect bad batteries this year! The charge cord for the trailer batteries kills whichever one it is hooked to normally, so I may be in the New Interstate Club myself soon!
Like I said though, I plug in the Craftsman charger at home, onto the jump start terminal under the hood, and it does great. So I dont see an issue with the automatic one I installed. If it does not do the job however, I will post up to possibly save someone else the expense etc.

Martin

 

OK, quick update.
Everything works perfectly as far as the ac etc goes. Ran the EU3000is with the rooftop ac on all day yesterday (11hrs) and used 2 gallons of gas!
The Northern Tool battery charger however took a dump on a wind site in Tx.
I will not be going anywhere near a store, and feel I need one to keep the batteries topped up. Not a clue what went wrong with it. I called the 800 number and was told there is a fuse inside it.
I opened it up, and the fuse was good, so that isn't the problem.
I also got told when I called back, that if I had opened it up and they can tell, there is no warranty! Seeing as 2 of the screws are under a sticker, and another sticker covers the seam where the 2 halves meet, this is a moot point IMHO. Needless to say, not happy with NT or their supplier right about now. Will hit Sears in the AM and see what that have that can be permanently mounted etc.
Just didnt want others to get the same POS charger I did.

Martin

 

Thanks for the update Martin.

 

Looks like you guys have been busy since I last visited! Great jobs on yall's instilations.

As ya know Martin,I'm a big fan of Northern Tool and am sorry ya got a bad charger. Over the years I have only 1 time, been un-satisfied with a product from them (coleman genset) and they took it back and refunded my money. I bought my latest charger from NAPA & it's a good one. Has a 50 amp starting mode, and full auto on 12/4 amps. Won't overcharge the batterys. NOTE---You can NOT leave the charger connected to the batterys while the truck is running! I tought there was a diode in the charger that would prevent a "back-feed" but I guess there is not. The trucks alternator will smoke the charger. This may be what happened to your NT charger? Maybe the Craftsman charger has a diode, but my very expensive/high-end NAPAs don't. I learned this the hard way.

Luck to all of ya and hope to see ya out there sometime.
R.

 

Cheers Rob.
I now have just a small Die Hard charger/maintainer, so we shall see how that one goes I guess!
At least the warranty on that one is no questions asked.
It may well have been the fact that it was hard wired though, time will tell I guess.

Martin

 

Martin, I believe the 3000i charges batterys yes?
If so, then why wouldja need an additional charger unless yer on shore-power & not running the genset? Guess I'm confused. Anyway, my Kawasaki GE-2900 didn't like being "hardwired" either. You'd think these guys would design chargers/gensets that would allow this.
The only option I know of is the CONVERTER the r/v's use. This absolutely will allow hardwireing to the vehicles charging system, & charge batterys off of shore or genset power, while providing BIG 12 vdc amperage.

C-ya!
R.