Understanding electrical/generator

[Olive600]

I turned on my genni today to run the AC while I painted walls in Betsy. I've never run it before other than the quick test during the walk through, and I was surprised by how loud it is. Also, when I turned on the AC it took awhile for the AC to kick on and the genni sputtered for a half minute or so. Hold on, I'm going to go see what kind of generator I have. I know someone will ask.

OK. Its a Guardian Air-cooled Recreational Vehicle Generator Model 004700-0 Quietpact 40G. It's output is 3600 watts. From what I've read, that's enough to power the AC.

My questions are, how do I know if the genni is too loud to run in a campground or at Walmart? It would be too expensive to replace right now.

I also feel like I need to learn more about 30 amp, 12v, elec vs propane, etc. What is the best method for learning about these systems and requirements? I know absolutely zip.

I remember threads about drawing too much power...AC...microwave...something, something, hairdryer. How do I learn about all of this?

I am starting to look good in stupid.

Nikki

[BirdbyBird]

any generator makes noise and it does sound loud...some more so than others. That is why most campground have quiet hours. Some camp grounds have specific posted hours during which generators can be run. At Denali in Alaska (no electric) there were hours in the AM and again in the PM during which you could run a generator and recharge anything or run that microwave. The high temperatures encourage me to find a campground with electric so that I can run AC all night.

On another subject, I think AC units make a lot of noise, too... and would rather not use mine unless the dogs and I are melting.

At Walmarts if you were all by yourself no one would care. If it was so hot out that air conditioning was needed you wouldn't be the only one running it. Generally I can turn mine off before I head to bed and the fantastic fan keep us cool enough through the night.

The generators are generally made to handle the air conditioner and most of your common electrical needs all at once. I would never try EVERYTHING on at the same time...but I can't think of anyone who tries that.

[ialwaysneedaroadtrip]

I love this gal...I watched all her videos;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgHuXrQA0_4

You can find the rest on the right hand column...she covers all the systems.

I watched some of them over and over. If there was some detail she didn't cover well enough...at least she opened the door for me to know what to look for when I went to research the detail.

[retiredhappy]

Nikki, most generators are loud. As for what you can use on your generator remember the voltage meter I showed you? I use it to check the park's electric at the post when I check in then plug it inside to monitor the voltage I'm receiving. Check it out at amazon.com ,

Prime Products 12-4058 AC Power Line Monitor
by Prime-Line

Sorry the picture didn't copy. Its about $25.00. I use it even when plugged in at a park cause there are times when even a park's electric drops low especially when everyone is using their AC at the same time.

[mitch5252]

..
Is this it, Karen?


..

[Redwahine]

I spent so many hours yesterday trying to figure out the electricity. Generators, inverter, converters, polarity, I'm very frustrated. My generator is not very loud, but it is diesel and well insulated. Our trip over to AL will really test the generator and A/C

[Olive600]

Nikki, most generators are loud. As for what you can use on your generator remember the voltage meter I showed you? I use it to check the park's electric at the post when I check in then plug it inside to monitor the voltage I'm receiving. Check it out at amazon.com ,

Prime Products 12-4058 AC Power Line Monitor
by Prime-Line

Sorry the picture didn't copy. Its about $25.00. I use it even when plugged in at a park cause there are times when even a park's electric drops low especially when everyone is using their AC at the same time.

Karen, thanks for responding. I bought the voltage meter you recommended. So I plug it into an outlet in the rig when I'm running my generator and it tells me what? Or what am I looking for? Sorry. I don't understand.

Nikki

[Olive600]

I spent so many hours yesterday trying to figure out the electricity. Generators, inverter, converters, polarity, I'm very frustrated. My generator is not very loud, but it is diesel and well insulated. Our trip over to AL will really test the generator and A/C

Yep, it's very frustrating. Hope you have a wonderful trip.

[Olive600]

..
Is this it, Karen?


..

Yep, that's it.

[Olive600]

I love this gal...I watched all her videos;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgHuXrQA0_4

You can find the rest on the right hand column...she covers all the systems.

I watched some of them over and over. If there was some detail she didn't cover well enough...at least she opened the door for me to know what to look for when I went to research the detail.

Thanks! I'll watch them all.

[Olive600]

any generator makes noise and it does sound loud...some more so than others. That is why most campground have quiet hours. Some camp grounds have specific posted hours during which generators can be run. At Denali in Alaska (no electric) there were hours in the AM and again in the PM during which you could run a generator and recharge anything or run that microwave. The high temperatures encourage me to find a campground with electric so that I can run AC all night.

On another subject, I think AC units make a lot of noise, too... and would rather not use mine unless the dogs and I are melting.

At Walmarts if you were all by yourself no one would care. If it was so hot out that air conditioning was needed you wouldn't be the only one running it. Generally I can turn mine off before I head to bed and the fantastic fan keep us cool enough through the night.

The generators are generally made to handle the air conditioner and most of your common electrical needs all at once. I would never try EVERYTHING on at the same time...but I can't think of anyone who tries that.

Ok. No more worrying about the noise. I've never turned on the Fantastic Fan. I think it's the fan in the bathroom. I'll give it a try. Thanks, as always, Tina.

Nikki

[BirdbyBird]

Nikki, there is usually a small fan in the bathroom nut many of us have more powerful fan out in the house so to speak. They are great for pulling in the cooler air or moving the air through the rig in those in between times when it isn't quite hot enough for the ac. When you add a hood over the fan you can keep them on even in the rain when the windows often need to be closed.

[Olive600]

Nikki, there is usually a small fan in the bathroom nut many of us have more powerful fan out in the house so to speak. They are great for pulling in the cooler air or moving the air through the rig in those in between times when it isn't quite hot enough for the ac. When you add a hood over the fan you can keep them on even in the rain when the windows often need to be closed.

Tina, is it the green fan on the floor in your pics of the new cot in the Short Bus?

Nikki

[BirdbyBird]

Others will have to jump in because I paid an rv place to install......hey if you find the handy person to complete the renovation maybe they can read instructions for fan installations They guys over on rv.net will tell you how easy it is.

[Olive600]

Others will have to jump in because I paid an rv place to install......hey if you find the handy person to complete the renovation maybe they can read instructions for fan installations They guys over on rv.net will tell you how easy it is.

So it isn't the green fan on the floor in the pics. Was it installed where the vent is now? That's the only space I have. I might try a freestanding one that plugs in to the cigarette lighter. Does anyone know anything about those?

Yes, I've read some of the "installation" posts on RV.net. Oh...puhlease.

Thanks,
Nikki