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Old 04-15-2012, 01:56 AM   #1
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Boon docking power

I am new to the forums. Hope I get this right.

We took our maiden voyage to the sister's farm. We quick discovered that the regular 3-pronged plugs did not work while on battery power. The cigarette lighter plugs were only two. One for the TV and another hidden behind a cabinet near the entrance.

For us to hook up electric blankets, while boon docking, we would have needed an inverter and several extension cords to hang off a cigarette plug. This does not seem right. Is there not a way to energize the 3-pronged plugs with the batteries?

Jayco Flight 26BH. (2) x Group 24 Batteries.

Please help.
Sincerely,
Travis.
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Old 04-15-2012, 04:47 AM   #2
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Welcome to the JOF, braithwaite. Glad to have you join us.

To answer your question: when you are running off 12V (battery) power, that's what you get with the basic system. That powers your lights, radio, pump, frig, heater, etc. but not the AC (alternating current) devices such as your TV, microwave, etc. That's why you found the 12V plug near the TV. Some TVs can operate on 120V or 12V with an adapter.

In order to power standard AC devices, like your TV, you will need an inverter. These range quite a bit in terms of power and cost. I would recommend you go with a pure sine wave inverter vs. a modified sine wave model because you will get cleaner power and you'll be less likely to cause damage to sensitive equipment.

You're probably going to want to leave off microwave or any device that consumes large amounts of power since that will drain your batteries very quickly.

Something else you may want to consider is getting a generator. If it's allowed where you are camping, you can use it then plug your shore power cord directly into the generator which will enable all your AC equipment. If you do go this route, make sure you size it properly for the anticipated load. If you can't run the generator except for certain periods of the day, you can at least use it to recharge your batteries when you're on an extended stay.

That's some food for thought. Take care.
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Old 04-15-2012, 07:08 AM   #3
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Does anyone know if there is a certain brand of generator that is known as "the quietest"?
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Old 04-15-2012, 07:22 AM   #4
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Honda and Yamaha are two that I know. Look for the db level and choose inverter for low noise. Honda makes a Companion model in the 2kW range that eliminates the need for an RV plug adapter. I don't know if Yamaha does or not though.
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Old 04-15-2012, 07:24 AM   #5
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Genny noise is measured in dB's (decibels) at x or y feet. Some have better mufflers, some have partially enclosed housings.
Some makers say things like inside a car on the highway, or an adult speaking voice at 10 feet etc.
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Old 04-15-2012, 08:14 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Quahog View Post
Honda makes a Companion model in the 2kW range that eliminates the need for an RV plug adapter.
I have an EU2000i Companion and it DOES require a plug adapter. The 30A plug on the end of the TT power cable is a crowsfoot style plug. The 30A receptacle on my Companion is a twistlock style. I bought the necessary adapter at a local Honda dealer.

With a single EU2000i generator, the 30A receptacle isn't providing 30A, but only half that amount (and the same as the standard 120V receptacle on the genny). The twistlock connector is designed for use when a second generator is piggybacked to the first, when it does provide 30A of power.
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Old 04-15-2012, 08:34 AM   #7
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My bad... you're right on the adapter.
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Old 04-15-2012, 08:59 AM   #8
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snip......With a single EU2000i generator, the 30A receptacle isn't providing 30A, but only half that amount (and the same as the standard 120V receptacle on the genny)......snip
I would assume if one used a dual 15amp/30amp adapter on a single Honda EU2000i it would then provide 30amps to the TT.



Bob
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Old 04-15-2012, 09:19 AM   #9
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I would assume if one used a dual 15amp/30amp adapter on a single Honda EU2000i it would then provide 30amps to the TT.



Bob
Unfortunately not, the total amp load of that outlet is 15a whether using one or both.
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Old 04-15-2012, 09:21 AM   #10
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To get to 30a: 110v x 30a = 3300 watt converter
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Old 04-15-2012, 09:24 AM   #11
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Many 3000 watt converters have a 30a RV plug but if you read the fine print it is only 25a max. before it trips
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Old 04-15-2012, 09:35 AM   #12
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Unfortunately not, the total amp load of that outlet is 15a whether using one or both.
Good to know....., and must account for the fact that in only a few cases have I heard that using this style adapter with a single Honda EU2000i will it even run one TT A/C (the cases where it did had to have been under ideal/specific conditions).

Question (I'm not an electrical guy): What is gained by using the dual 15amp/30amp adapter in lieu of a single 15amp/30amp adapter??

Bob
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Old 04-15-2012, 09:38 AM   #13
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1. Better connection.
2. Nobody plugs anything in other socket
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Old 04-15-2012, 09:44 AM   #14
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working 110 outlets off batteries

Go Power! makes a kit that will hook up your 110 outlets off battery power, but you would have to seriously upgrade your battery bank. You still won't be able to run the AC. I have two 110 amp hour batteries on mine and plan on going to 3 in the future. It's enough to run my CPAP and TT heater all night. I have one solar panel and a 300 watt inverter. With this setup I can go several days before needing a recharge. I plan on going to 2 solar panels in the future.

Electric blankets will probably pull a lot more amps than my CPAP does.

Just as a warning I decided to run a 1000-1500 watt electric heater in my TT when connected to shore power and it pulled too many watts for the 30 amp adapter and it melted the adapter to the TT's power cord. Be careful of your wattage usage. Watts are determined by multiplying the volts times the amps of the device or combination of devices running at the same time.

Go Power!'s website has a power usage calculator to determine your needs.

You will probably need at least a 1500 watt inverter which can come with the kit you order. Understand you will not be able run the inverter 24 hours a day. When not in use you need to turn the inverter off. Energy management is very important when you intend to dry camp for long periods of time.
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Old 04-15-2012, 03:24 PM   #15
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Two things I would mention:

1) Get a Kill-a-watt and measure the current so you know what each item needs.
2) Dogbones make better adapters and are less likely to get hot and melt.
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Old 04-15-2012, 04:33 PM   #16
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Wow..you guys are great. Thanks for the info.


Sincerely,
T.
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Old 04-19-2012, 10:52 AM   #17
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Two things I would mention:

1) Get a Kill-a-watt and measure the current so you know what each item needs.
2) Dogbones make better adapters and are less likely to get hot and melt.
Got a dogbone with a grip. Like it a lot. Much heftier than the one I had.
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Old 04-19-2012, 11:25 AM   #18
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The specific twist lock plug on most 30A generators is a NEMA 5L-30. I use the Camco 55333 adapter on my Yamaha 3K boost which converts it to a 30A RV plug.

I also use a 700W hardwired inverter off 2 x 6V GC batteries for TV, laptop or other small electronics use while not running the genny when off the grid.

You have 3 options - solar, batteries and inverter. Genny, less batteries and smaller inverter. Or just a genny and stock equipment but no 120V unless genny is on.

All have their respective advantages so it's a personal choice. If you need high drawing items like A/C all the time then a genny would be your fastest and cheapest option.

My Yamaha is rated at 58db from 7ft. It is very quiet and even less when in econo mode for it's size. It is heavy though,160-170 with full fuel.
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Old 04-19-2012, 12:08 PM   #19
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I have had a Honda EU2000 Generator for 8 years. It is super quiet, weighs 46 lbs, and will run everything except the AC.

Tom
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