Archive for May, 2009

Today’s tip comes from Allen Inks
I bought two 2000 watt portable Honda generators (model EU2000i) and cable to connect them in parallel, and feed with a 30 amp outlet.

This arrangement allows me to run just one generator if that’s all I need (not running microwave or AC). These generators have an “eco” setting which allows each to run really quietly, with minimal gas usage, until a large electrical load is applied. At that time it ramps up it’s output. Although louder when under a heavy load, each one is still much quieter than most generators I hear at campgrounds (but what about the ones I don’t hear???? lol).

My generators are small enough that I can easily pick them up and move them around … I run them at the far end of my shore power cable, and can’t hear them inside the trailer.

The two generators and a can of gas fit into the compartment that was built into my trailer to hold a permanently installed generator, if we ever decide to install one. I DO NOT RUN THE GENERATORS IN THAT COMPARTMENT!

A benefit of this arrangement is that I have a portable generator to power tools at remote locations (such as when using power tools along the back fence of my lot – several hundred feet from the nearest outlet). I can also use this system in case of a power outage at my house (indeed, I actually have a spare one to lend to one of my neighbors, if needed).

The down side of this arrangement is that I can’t remotely start the generators (a real downside when it’s raining!). I have to set them up each time I use them. I’ve only used them “for real” about 5 times in the 2 1/2 years I’ve owned them. Every year when dry camping for a week at the Oshkosh AirVenture air show, and a couple of times when long stretches of cloudy weather prevented my 2 solar panels from keeping the batteries charged when we were staying in national parks with no electric hook ups.

I’ve got to believe that they’d be very attractive to thieves. I use a good quality bicycle cable lock run through the handles and around a tree or the bumper but I know that would stop a determined thief for about 30 seconds. On the other hand, I’ve not had one stolen when I had them set out, chained up.

Thanks for another great tip Allen!

Todays RV tip is provided by Alex Sian from 3Gstore.com

Verizon’s recent changes to their Mobile Broadband plans include new lower overage charges, and a new tethering plan for non-PDA phones.

If you started a Mobile BroadBand (aka BroadBandAccess) plan that uses an aircard or USB modem AFTER March 2008, your plan is likely to bill overage charges of $0.25 per megabyte ($250/GB).

The new lower overage charge of $0.05/MB ($50/GB) will NOT be applied to your account unless you ASK for it. (go figure)

You’ll need to call verizon customer service at (800) 922-0204 and tell them you want the new/lower overage charges for your service.

IF YOU HAVE UNLIMITED SERVICE — obviously, you do NOT want to ask for the lower overage charges!

For those of you who have a Verizon cell phone and have been paying $59.99/mo for the “data feature” that allows you to tether your phone to a computer for internet access… the feature is now $49.99/mo but you must again contact VZW and stop the feature and restart it, in order to qualify for the new lower price.

Get full details about Verizon’s recent rate changes here
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