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