Power Inverter and other ?

[19julien59]

Hello all,

I am a new owner (soon to join the club) and have a couple of questions:

Is there a power inverter installed as standard equipment?  If so,what size? 

Are there any wiring diagrams available (factory or otherwise)?

If I get a small (Yamaha 2000 watt) generator, do I just have to keep it outside when running or is there a way to route the exahust out of the generator compartment?

To the right and above my fridge is a vent grill with a toggle on/off switch below it...what is this for? 

The roof is in pretty good shape, but has years of penetrations from previous owners attaching stuff.  Has anyone done a fiberglass overlay (shot or handlaid) to get the roof back to un-holy shape?  Seems like something a boat shop could do.

Thanks

[jon]

  First of all what year and model do you have? Rear kitchen side kitchen? It seemes everyones is differant.Theres is a power inverter in mine. Yes there is a way to vent the exaust out of the compartment. Mine has an ole onan generator. the exaust pipe is routed down under the coach and a muffler attached. Lots of people ask me if that tiny little muffler is enough for such a big engine.(they think its for the400) Dont know what the vent and on off switch is for. Maybe the furnace? Flip it and see what happens.

[19julien59]

Thanks Jon (I am a Jon too!).  It is a 1976 rear kitchen, dinette with couch opposite , 440 Dodge.  I don't think a generator was factory installed since there is no venting in the hatch door. 

[19julien59]

Difference between a converter and inverter?  I am thinking the AC's have a converter...and that an inverter works differently?  Or are they they same thing?  Thanks

[Horst]

There are a few members here who are electrical experts - read some back posts and you'll find them immediately. I'm an electrical dunce - but I'll give you my 2 cents.
The simple answer:
A converter takes a/c and converts it to dc.
An inverter takes dc and turns it into a/c.

Clippers came with a converter - it "converts" you shore power (when you plug into power at home or a campground) into 12 volt direct current (DC) that most of your interior lights run off of in the Clipper - as well as your fridge (if yours has the capability to tun off 12 volt)  - and your exhaust fans (bathroom/kitchen), etc. That way - when you are plugged in - all your interior lights will get their "juice" from the shore power - and not your deep cell battery. If you're not plugged in - your lights/fans will run off your deep cell battery (coach battery.)

An inverter does the opposite - it takes DC from batteries, or your existing 12 volt wiring (for real small inverters - as in 150 watt or less) and makes it into alternating current (AC) - the kind we have in our homes. To run big inverters (500 to 2000+ watts) you need powerful battery packs - often coupled to solar power systems (panels). But even small/simple inverters (like my 150watt radio shack model) are very handy in a Clipper. Someone here wrote that any inverter over 150 watts should be wired directly to your shore battery(s) and not hooked into your existing 12 volt wiring system

[19julien59]

Thanks Horst!  That was exactly what I needed to know.  I am looking at a 130W solar system and an inverter is an option...sounds like a good idea.  My camping lot has no "shore" power and I would like to avoid a generator if possible.

[Horst]

If your power requirements aren't too heavy - you can set-up a fairly low-tech system that would probably be enough. But if you're gonna use your coach AC, and maybe watch a big screen tv, or run your gas heater at night, or some sort of electric heater - well - you better consider a beefed up solar/inverter/battery system - or a generator.
The Honda 2000i is very dependable, quiet, and will handle virtually all your needs except the coach AC.
If I wasn't so poor at the moment - I'd get one.

[jon]

well jon we have something else in common Mine is a 76 rear kitchen Also. Had a 440 but the guy who had it before let his kid use it and blew it up. SO its got a 400 now.

[19julien59]

Horst..bought a Honeywell 2000i at Camping World...we'll see how it works out...wanted the Honda, but this was $400 cheaper.  Started OK, fairly quiet.  They said they haven't had any returns in 6 months that they have been carrying them. 

[Horst]

I don't know man......I've seen and heard one of those Honeywells at a Giants game - and they are MUCH louder than the Honda - I mean MUCH louder - and this was in a tailgating parking lot.
In a quiet campground?? - that would be tough to be around.

If you're not going to use it much, or you're going to be "alone" so to speak - probably just fine.
Still......
If I was you - I'd save a few more nickels and get the Honda - you'll thank me later - I promise you.
They are more reliable, more efficient, more durable, lighter, start easier, and they're  MUCH quieter.
(Camping World might take back your Honeywell??)

just my 2 cents.........

[19julien59]

Yep...I know it is louder....but couldn't justify the cost difference right now.  We have 1.5 acres, with no immediate neighbors and an insulated (but vented) generator "box" on the site that was previously used for a really big and really loud generator.  We'll only run for a couple of hours a day...just enough to do some cooking with microwave, coffee maker, and get the batteries charged up. 

[19julien59]

Horst....could you also check out my other post regarding power steering/fan belt?  Thanks....

[Horst]

In that situation - the Honeywell will be fine.

[19julien59]

Horst....thought about it for a while and took your advice.  Camping World's policy is to not take return on generators that have been oiled and gassed, but when they heard I was ready to spend another $380 on the Honda....they went for it.  Thumbs up to them!  Very true on the noise...MUCH quieter.  Also, easier to start and 12V plug-in.  Thanks.

[Horst]

Good for you!
You'll recoup that $380 and then some.
And, should you ever be in a "normal" campground - you can use the Honda and not have the "green"  people freaking out.
A few years back I was in Big Sur (where we go several times/year) and I was talking to this guy who had a nice, 24ft or so vintage trailer - and I noticed his rather large TV was on, and lots of interior and exterior lighting, I heard a blender whirring from the kitchen (he and his wife were having margaritas!) I commented that his battery pack/inverter must be pretty stout. He said "no, I just use my Honda generator". I was literally less than 20 feet away from it and didn't hear it. Now granted - he built a very slick, insulated, yet vented box for his 2000i, and it made the unit even quieter! - he had it just under the trailer, behind his wheels. I wish I had taken notes on how he built that box. (There's probably examples on the internet I'm hoping)
Note also that the Honda delivers more "real world" power than the Honeywell - they often crap out under starting loads of well under 2000 or so, and sustained loads of even 1400-1500  - while the Honda is usually capable of exceding its specs on start-up and sustained loads.
I'm buying one as soon as I can afford it.