The main reason to consider the generator is if you must have Air Conditioning when you are parked and will not have a 110V park hookup.
However, for shorter periods of time you can run your A/C with the van's engine if you have a 2000W inverter and second auxiliary battery.
The generator will also keep your auxiliary battery / batteries charged. But you can also do this by just letting your van engine idle for a while or take a drive.
Not many Sportsmobile owners include the generator option. Most parks have 110V hookups. The generator is an expensive option that may seldom be used. Generators must be run a minimum of two hours a month to keep them in good running condition. Also, keep in mind that if you are not sure you need a generator, it can be retrofitted later if we make a notation on your production order.
We offer four generator models (listed below)
All are designed to install under the van.
Very quiet when running.
Includes automatic switch-over to switch from the 110V power cord to the generator.
Hour meter.
Automatic shut-down when oil is low.
Automatic shut-down when fuel tank is about one-quarter full. The propane generator will shut down when the propane tank is empty.
The gasoline and propane generators are not lower than the rear axle. The diesel generator is about 2.5" lower.
Gasoline and diesel generators draw fuel from the van's gas or diesel fuel tank.
Generators will supply 110V power to run and A/C and power for the power converter to keep your auxiliary batteries charged and certain other 110V items.
Gasoline 2.8K Onan generator for Ford and Chevy vans
Supplies 2,800 watts of power. Will power an A/C with power left over for the power converter to keep your auxiliary batteries charged. Draws gas from van's gasoline tank.
Gasoline 4.0K Onan generator for Ford vans
Supplies 4,000 watts of power.
Diesel 3.0K Powertech generators for Sprinter vans only
Will run A/C continuously for about 76 hours.
Propane 2.5K Onan Generator for all vans
Capacities (running an A/C):
Propane tank mounts under van.
Notes:
All generators must include a receiver hitch on van to help protect generator on steep grades. Skid wheels under hitch can provide more protection.
Keep in mind, the temperature usually drops at night. Most customers say they run their generator off around 8 to 10 pm. The Attic Fan (O) is also very effective and will pull a draft through the Sportsmobile.
For information on running your A/C without a generator, see the Heating and Cooling pages for Ford/Chevy or Sprinter.
Portable Generators
Portable generators
have become more popular the past several years for recreational vehicles.
All of these items have gone down: Cost Weight Noise Fuel Consumption.
With a properly equipped 12V and 110V system included with Sportsmobile's Standard Equipment Package plus a second auxiliary battery for a total of 200 amps and a 2000W inverter, a 2000W generator will run an A/C, microwave, portable heater, water heater and other household appliances and tools. Depending on the watt draw, some items can run only one at a time. For example, and A/C and microwave cannot run at the same time. The generator also will charge your auxiliary batteries and the van starting battery.
Honda EU2000iA Specifications
2000 watts (16.7 A) of Honda Inverter 120V AC Power.
Super quiet - 53 to 59 dB(A).
Lightweight (less than 47 lbs).
Eco-Throttle - runs up to 15 hr on 1 gal of fuel.
Advanced inverter technology provides reliable power to computers and other sensitive equipment.
12v - 8.0A DC output.
Parallel with another EU2000i for additional power.
Oil Alert® Automatic Oil Shut-Off.
Power for microwave, refrigerators, hair dryer, and small AC units.
USDA-qualifed spark arrestor/muffler.
3 year residential and commercial warranty.
Manufacturers of portable 2000W generators
include Yamaha, Onan and Honda.
The Honda EU2000iA model is the only one that has been tested by Sportsmobile for compatibility with Sportsmobile air conditioners.
Many Sportsmobile owners have used them successfully for years.
Cost
Portable 2000W generator, about $1,100. Sportsmobile cannot buy these portable generators any cheaper than you can. You can supply it, or we can with an additional $50 for handling.
Interior sealed and vented compartment, about $396.
Compartment Location
The sheet-metal compartment installs to the floor. It is sealed and vented through the vans floor and side wall.
The compartment can be installed in the bottom of a cabinet or seat base as shown.
Note — seat base shown is raised from 13" to 18" to accommodate the compartment. Seat bases cannot be raised for Ford/Chevy vans. Sportsmobile also has rear bumper compartments that will accommodate a portable generator. See 4x4 Bumpers & Options page.
Storage Compartment Size
Minimum inside dimensions for a portable generator and a 2.5 gallon gas container is 22"L x 20"W x 18"H. The compartment can be larger for more fuel and other items.
Generator Operation to supply 110V power to your Sportsmobile
Remove the generator from the compartment and locate it within 25' of van.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to start, run and stop.
After starting, plug the 15 to 30 amp adapter into the generator.
Then connect female end of the 25' long 30 amp cord (included with Sportsmobile Std. Equip. Pkg.) to adapter on generator.
Plug the 30 amp cord's male end into the 110V hookup in the side of your Sportsmobile.
You will now have 110V service, just like at home.
Running an A/C. Roof mount or Danhard
Continue from above Generator Operation instructions. Note — your generator is now running.
Turn on inverter.
Turn on A/C.
The inverter will start your A/C. The A/C will run off your battery for about 10 seconds.
Inverter will sense if the incoming amperage is sufficient to run the A/C. If amperage is sufficient, inverter will allow A/C to run off generator. This is all automatic.
As long as A/C is running, it will be running off the generator.
Note — when running A/C on generator keep inverter in On position.
Warning — Do not run generator inside the Sportsmobile or in compartment built into the Sportsmobile because the fumes could cause injury or death. It must be outside. Do not store gasoline in the Sportsmobile except in an approved container in a sealed compartment vented to the outside.
Running Time
Roof or Danhard A/C will run continually about 6.5 hours on 1 gallon of gas. Will also keep your auxiliary batteries charged.
Generator in "Eco-Throttle" will run up to 15 hours on 1 gallon of gas. On Eco-Throttle the generator will run low 1,000W items, not an A/C, and keep your auxiliary batteries charged.
For extended running periods, add an external fuel tank. These tanks are available in various sizes and capacities. If you go online and enter "honda generator extended run fuel tank" a number of different models are available. Cost around $170 to $230. If the tank stows inside the van a sealed, outside vented compartment will be required.
