: Air conditioning on a truck camper, is it worth it


JR
09-04-2003, 02:21 PM
Getting a new pop-up truck camper and one of the options is air conditioning. It would mean getting a generator also which drives the way price up , plus there's more weight, things to break and noise.
Is it worth it? Do you guys wish you had it or do you not use the ones you have?

FYRMAN
09-04-2003, 02:49 PM
Find a spot on the trailer for Honda's new 3000 EU genset. Loaded up, you can't hear it any louder than the exhaust on a brand new Accord. super quiet.

Since you do get to places like the Hammers, I would suggest getting the AC to keep the wife happy. You will also be a hero if someone starts to get a little too hot.

MattS
09-04-2003, 03:38 PM
Does it get over 85 degrees where you go?

If yes then I would get it. IMHO

SanDiegoCJ
09-04-2003, 03:40 PM
Originally posted by MattS
Does it get over 85 degrees where you go?

If yes then I would get it. IMHO

Matt, he goes to the Hammers. 115* in the summer is not unheard of.

MattS
09-04-2003, 03:44 PM
Originally posted by SanDiegoCJ
Matt, he goes to the Hammers. 115* in the summer is not unheard of.

Well, then it's a pretty stupid question then! :eek:

GloNDark
09-04-2003, 04:00 PM
No kidding, I thought a/c on a camper would be stupid. But it's like parking a sardine can in the sun and trying to take a nap in it with out it on. Glad my new trailer has it really.

JR
09-04-2003, 04:25 PM
Originally posted by SanDiegoCJ


Matt, he goes to the Hammers. 115* in the summer is not unheard of.

Last year, we did one of those night runs at the hammers, sleep during the day and wheel at night. We used my bro's camper, as we have many times. It doesn't have ac, but we really wished it had it then. That was the only time I can remember needing it.

The truck camper I'm thinking of has a generator option. It's an Onan 2500LP and runs on propane ( no fumes), has electric start and is really quiet. But it's $2,600 :eek: The air conditioner is $585 which is OK. I've seen the Onans online for $1600 but it's still a big nut.

How important is electric start and propane power? One could probably get the Honda for $400 - just have the wife go out and pull start it, I guess :D

coyote
09-04-2003, 04:42 PM
you want propane...less different types of fuel to carry in the camper...otherwise go gas as you already carry extra for the vehicle....

JR
09-04-2003, 05:50 PM
Originally posted by coyote
you want propane...less different types of fuel to carry in the camper...otherwise go gas as you already carry extra for the vehicle....

Except that the PSD doesn't like gas :D

Blazerman1
09-04-2003, 06:19 PM
Are you looking at the Outfitter Campers?
:usa:

coyote
09-04-2003, 06:40 PM
JR 50% credit unless you changed the Rockcrawler.....

JR
09-04-2003, 07:24 PM
Originally posted by Blazerman1
Are you looking at the Outfitter Campers?
:usa:
Yeah, Do you know anything about them? They seem well built.
Was also thinking of Four Wheel Campers, but I like the Outfitter better. A little pricey and probably can't find a used one, though. :(

Blazerman1
09-04-2003, 07:51 PM
Originally posted by JR

Yeah, Do you know anything about them? They seem well built.
Was also thinking of Four Wheel Campers, but I like the Outfitter better. A little pricey and probably can't find a used one, though. :(

All I know about them is what I read in the internet and there brochure, they are real nice poeple to talk to. If you give them a call the can hook you up with someone that owns one so that you can check them out instead of driving to calorado. I am looking to buy one next spring hopefully.
:usa:

Motornoggin
09-04-2003, 11:21 PM
Originally posted by FYRMAN
Find a spot on the trailer for Honda's new 3000 EU genset. Loaded up, you can't hear it any louder than the exhaust on a brand new Accord. super quiet.



I agree with you on the quietness of the EU3000, but IMHO, the Yahama 2800 is better. The Honda is a tank, it weighs in at over 100lbs dry, where the Yahama is under 70 and, physically, much more compact than the Honda. It is small enough for one person to handle, but the Honda isn't. There is also the $700 price difference. Yes, the Yahama is louder, but not enough for me to want the Honda.
Onan makes some of the best gensets, but you do pay for it. That option is gonna be the most convienent and cleanest setup.

Desert Jeepin
09-05-2003, 08:16 AM
The Honda E series is computer safe, is the Yamaha?

tators
09-05-2003, 08:33 AM
just got back from a Tellico camping trip... with the Honda EU3000I
....

I love this generator... its VERY quiet....

I kept it in my truck about 50ft away from our camp shelter...

One afternoon we had a fan running while cooking lunch... a guy came over to see how we were running a 110v fan with no generator because he couldn't see or hear it !!

Some neighbors started up their $500 home depot generator and reminded me why mine cost $1k more than theirs.... It was obnoxiously LOUD !!!


Yamaha does have a new inverter generator out to compete with the Honda... they have one that bumps up the output for a few seconds using juice from the starting battery which would help alot during compressor start up on the A/C
I had to add a "hard start kit" to the A/c unit on my camper to get it to run with the Honda EU3000I ...

SanDiegoCJ
09-05-2003, 09:08 AM
Originally posted by Desert Jeepin
The Honda E series is computer safe, is the Yamaha?


Phil, it looks like it is.


http://www.southwestfastener.com/yg2800i.html

High5
09-05-2003, 01:33 PM
i have A/C in my truck bed camper and it is definately worth it! A/C is the main reason i wanted one.

i just have a troy built 3500 generator from LOWES and it is kind loud but when you are in the camper with the A/C on you don't really notice it. my camper is not a pop up though.

Motornoggin
09-05-2003, 11:39 PM
Here is the Honda EU3000 (http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/eu3000.htm)



Specifications

Engine 6.5 HP, Single Cylinder, Overhead Valve, Air Cooled

Displacement 196 cc
AC Output 120V
3000W max.(25A)
2800W rated (23.3A)

Receptacles 20A 125V Duplex
NEMA Plug Number:
5-20P

30A 125V Locking Plug
NEMA Plug Number:
L5-30P

DC Output 12V, 144W (12A)

Starting System Recoil, Electric
Fuel Tank Capacity 3.4 gallons
Run Time on One Tankful 7.2 hrs. @ rated load
20 hrs. @ 1/4 load

Dimensions (L x W x H) 25.8" x 18.9" x 22.4"

Noise Level 58 dB @ rated load
49 dB @ 1/4 load

Dry Weight 134 lbs.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Yamaha

Inverter system with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control
• Can run products with built-in microcomputers or microcomputer-controlled electric tools

• “Economy Control” electrical governor
• Improves fuel economy
• Reduces noise
• Engine speed varies based on electrical load

• Multipole alternator
• Reduces weight
• Compact design
• Exceptional power output to weight ratio

• OHV engine (overhead valve)
• Improved efficiency
• Increased reliability
• Quieter operation

• Cast iron cylinder lining
• Provides consistent performance during continuous use

• Oil Watch oil warning system
• Prevents engine damage
• Avoid costly repairs
• Minimizes down time
• Provides added peace of mind
• Enhances long-term durability

• USFS-approved Spark Arrestor
• Reduces chance of fires caused by an errant spark
• Quiet operation

• Noise Suppressor
• Added convenience

• Specially designed muffler
• Reduces weight
• Reduces noise

• AC Non-fuse Thermal Breaker
• Peace of mind
• Added durability

• DC output
• Enables battery charging


S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
TYPE BRUSHLESS, INVERTER
MAXIMUM AC OUTPUT 2800 watts
RATED AC OUTPUT 2500 watts
RATED / MAXIMUM AC CURRENT 20.8 / 23.3 amps @ 120V
ENGINE OHV, AIR-COOLED, FOUR-STROKE, SINGLE CYLINDER
DISPLACEMENT / HP 171cc / 5.5 hp
G E N E R A L
OVERALL LENGTH 19.2"
OVERALL WIDTH 15.5"
OVERALL HEIGHT 16.7"
DRY WEIGHT 64 lbs.
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 3.0 gallons
CONTINUOUS OPERATION AT 1/2 RATED LOAD 12.9 hrs.
NOISE LEVEL 57.0* - 65.0 dBA
WARRANTY 1 YEARS Limited Warranty
* "Economy Control" function on

There is also a EF2800i that does not have the GFI, and has a 2 year warranty.


The Honda is roughly 10" bigger all the way around, weighs 70 more lbs, costs $700-$1000 more and is 10dB quieter under load. My money would go to the Yamaha.

Jeepskickass
09-06-2003, 08:31 AM
I have AC on my camper. Never used it, other than to try it out in the driveway, but I got it cheap and figured it would help with resale value.
I don't have a generator, but whatever you get, make sure it has the power for startup of your AC. My 16000 BTU unit needs 3500 watts.

tators
09-06-2003, 08:35 AM
10 decibels is alot of difference... Its a logarithmic scale not linear .. So 10 decibels is approximately TWICE as loud....

I was camping in Tellico last weekend.... The ranger came by and informed us of the quiet hours....
He made my buddy shut down the Generator in his RV,,, but he never even heard mine over the river noise....
Why buy a generator that you can't use after 10pm ?