Thanks for taking the time to make that Video. This was super helpful. Have you tried using the heater with the Generator? Also, what specific cables did you buy to hook up the Gas? That's a great workaround!
Hello! We appreciate your comments and feedback! As far as using the heater with the generator, the standard heater on this van model is propane-powered and runs off the 12v coach batteries. I don't think the heater consumes very much electrical power. If the generator was running at the same time, it would simply be re-charging the coach batteries so really would have no effect on the heater. I think this model of air conditioner does have an optional electrical heater element that can be installed onto it, so maybe that is what you were thinking of. I am pretty certain this is not installed from the factory. If that was added, it would need the 120v to run and thus would need shore power or the generator to function. Hope that helps. As far as the products we used, we always include info/links in the video description so you can look there for more information. Thanks and take care!
I'm surprised that the generator would energize the transfer switch on the Solis since it is a floating neutral. Using a floating neutral generator on my Trevato triggers a fault and will not energize the transfer switch. It requires the use of a neutral bonding plug on the gennie. You might also find that a 4000 watt unit like the Champion Dual Fuel would use considerably less fuel since it would be operating at less than 50% vs the 80-90% for the Westinghouse. It weighs about 8 lbs more but is the same physical size.
Thanks for watching and for your comments. I am not sure the Pocket 36A has a transfer switch as there is no inverter. You only have 120v when the van is plugged into shore power or a generator. As far as the generator, yes it seems very possible a larger unit could be more efficient running at a steady 50%. Thank you
Thank you for the video. I am looking at the Pocket 36B, I know you don't have that model. However, is there enough room under your rig to add the Onan Generator. Thanks in advance
Hello! Thanks for watching. Best to discuss with a dealer. I cannot say for certain on my vehicle but have seen them advertised with the Onan generator installed like here van.life/product/2023-winnebago-solis-pocket-99919-00/ good luck!
Yes, that's the main use case. We have been at some primitive "campgrounds" which are just gravel parking lots or fields and people use generators, but that is kind of boondocking anyway. Thanks for watching.
Wow, I didn't know that. Thanks for letting me know, I assume it is different for a reason. I will switch that over. Take care and thanks for watching.
@@Outapkt Very VERY important. I used the white stuff, had a leak, got sick, and didn't recover for nearly two weeks. My propane detector didn't alarm. When they say "two is one, one is none", they aren't kidding. I now have a backup detector to my detector.
I thought that was pretty loud! I wouldn't be happy if that parked next to us. If you stuff it full of lithium batteries, you can run the A/C noiselessly. Not sure how much lithium you can put in there nor how long you can run the A/C, but there are people on the Pocket FB group who have done the conversion. We had a Travato and the thing that I was happiest to lose when we switched to the Pocket was the generator (the TV was a close second). Hated the upkeep on that thing, especially since in three years, we used it only once to run the AC for the afternoon - yet we had to run it every month and change the oil. But that's just me...
Great, thanks for sharing your feedback. In practice, I don't think we will need it that much. If the A/C was running on full and we were right next to someone, yes I think it would be both loud and rude. I'll have to checkout those Lithium conversions, sounds like an interesting option if we ever have more of a need to use it.
How long can you run the AC with that setup? You should also consider rigging up some curtain rods to hang your winter comforter to use as a thermal barrier to the rest of the van. Cooling a smaller space will be more efficient. Also you may consider looking into a more efficient air conditioner… twice as efficient will run twice as long. Thx for the vids! Cheers
Thanks for your question and suggestions! We haven't used it enough to know the run-time yet, so will have to cover that in the future. Or maybe someone will comment. You are correct we would normally put up all the window shades, hang our curtain, etc. We just skipped that for this test. Thanks for watching and take care!
Hi! Thanks for your question. In our test, 1 hour. I think we mention something about that towards the end. We did a follow-up video to this as well, to answer a lot of questions we received. You may want to check it out. Thanks for watching and take care!
@@Outapkt The video is fantastic BTW. Some vans have a built in generator that will take fuel from the dodge fuel tank which allows you to run the generator for many hours but, I don't know what that number is either. :/ I'll find out. Thank you
Predator had limited duel fuel options so I ruled them out. The smallest duel fuel I found was over 100 pounds which was much more than we wanted. Thanks for watching.
That seems pretty good, though 75 is maybe a little on the warm side. I'm curious if you are you able to fully recharge on the following day, to be full for the next night? Thanks for sharing.
If we are driving the next day, yes, I have 3 DC to DC 30 amps Victron and one 20 amp DC to DC, three hundred watts solar all together getting more than 100 amps; if not driving, I have a HONDA generator 2200 to recharge the battery if I need.
That seems like a nice generator. We wanted something smaller and lighter as we really won't use it too frequently - only for AC on occasional trips to warm climates. Thanks for your comment.
I don't know yet. Based on our experience so far, I think the propane tank should last a few nights of run time. But I will need to use it more to confirm. Thanks for your feedback and question!
Thanks for the video, I've been looking at this one Pulsar GD400BN for our Pocket. I'm wondering if you checked out Pulsar and if so why you chose Westinghouse.
Thanks for your comment. I was actually very close to buying that generator. It seems to have more power in the same size/weight package and has all the features I was looking for. In the end it was a brand I was less familiar with and decided maybe that much power was overkill for what I needed. I would be very curious to compare the two in the real world. Maybe it would run the same load quieter than the Westinghouse. I also wonder how fuel consumption would compare. I think it is a good choice for the Pocket. If you get it, post your experience back!
@@Outapkt I did get one and it seems to work well. It's not to loud, seems to be about the same as others I've heard. When using it I do turn the disconnect House/Coach battery switch off and I don't use the low idle feature on the generator. I was concerned about the power spike form the A/C. I've been thinking about getting a soft start installed just to be on the safe side. I live in the Panhandle of FL so it's hot most of the year. I also get about 18 hours on one tank of propane. What's your thoughts on the soft start?
hi . i do not know where you camp but my experience is that you might very well be prohibited from using your generator in a lot of places . it seems that under load it is quite noisy . your neiborghs might no be tolerant to that , and i would lock that thing with chain to your truck . happy trails .
Hi! Thanks for your comments. We don't usually use established campgrounds and prefer to boondock when possible. I agree with you there will be many places we can't use it - it's really for occasional A/C use only. We have a Goal Zero Yeti for 120V when we don't need the A/C. Take care.
The van is insulated so it is not as loud inside. We could sleep. Especially once the van cools down and generator does not have to work so hard. Thanks for watching and for your question.
I commend you for inventiveness, however, would it not be advisable to spend another $60k or so and get a van that has all the power you need without that beautiful generator noise?
Hi, thanks for watching. We don't expect to need the generator very often and definitely did not want to spend that much for a van. This was the right balance of features/value for us. Take care.
@@Outapkt Very nice, thank you for responding, and wish you the best of travels. I am actually picking up my first RV in about two weeks, and am so thrilled.
And you’re also gonna be limited on where you can use the generator because the noise issues most campgrounds are getting where they don’t want generators being used.
Yes, you are correct. If we were in a hot climate and needed to stay in a campground, we would seek a shore power connection. Otherwise if we are boondocking we may be OK with the generator. Thanks for your comment.
Some people have suggested that. The 2200 which is about the same size/weight and a little less power does not run on propane with being converted. Which will reduce power even further. It also does not have the 30A RV plug and costs over 2x more before conversion. It might be a bit quieter but I suspect not enough to allow me to stay somewhere with the Honda but not this one. I'm going to measure the decibels of my unit and share. Thanks for watching.
No built-in lithium on this van. We have a Yeti solar generator/battery for 120V power without the generator, which we cover in our upgrade videos. But that won't power the AC. Thanks for watching!
Honda is obviously an excellent machine. My understanding is the smaller units are not duel fuel and need to be converted. The 2200 series, which was in our target size/weight range, does not have the 30A RV plug. And the cost was more than double, so we did not go that route. Thanks for sharing.
Yes I bet it is. It also looks like it weighs twice as much and is quite a bit larger in dimensions. We knew we could go with a larger size unit to reduce the running noise but we really did not want to haul around a 100lb unit in the van, which is small compared to a camper or RV. The 3000 also costs 4x not including conversion to propane. So for us, it was just not a good tradeoff for our occasional use. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for taking the time to make that Video. This was super helpful. Have you tried using the heater with the Generator? Also, what specific cables did you buy to hook up the Gas? That's a great workaround!
Hello! We appreciate your comments and feedback! As far as using the heater with the generator, the standard heater on this van model is propane-powered and runs off the 12v coach batteries. I don't think the heater consumes very much electrical power. If the generator was running at the same time, it would simply be re-charging the coach batteries so really would have no effect on the heater. I think this model of air conditioner does have an optional electrical heater element that can be installed onto it, so maybe that is what you were thinking of. I am pretty certain this is not installed from the factory. If that was added, it would need the 120v to run and thus would need shore power or the generator to function. Hope that helps. As far as the products we used, we always include info/links in the video description so you can look there for more information. Thanks and take care!
I'm surprised that the generator would energize the transfer switch on the Solis since it is a floating neutral. Using a floating neutral generator on my Trevato triggers a fault and will not energize the transfer switch. It requires the use of a neutral bonding plug on the gennie. You might also find that a 4000 watt unit like the Champion Dual Fuel would use considerably less fuel since it would be operating at less than 50% vs the 80-90% for the Westinghouse. It weighs about 8 lbs more but is the same physical size.
Thanks for watching and for your comments. I am not sure the Pocket 36A has a transfer switch as there is no inverter. You only have 120v when the van is plugged into shore power or a generator. As far as the generator, yes it seems very possible a larger unit could be more efficient running at a steady 50%. Thank you
Good solution for your setup. It's always nice to have options and backups! And your vocal audio is on point! :)
Wonderful! We really appreciate that feedback, thank you.
Good thing we have the 59px .
The built-in generator is definitely nice. Thanks for watching.
Very nice! 😊
Thank you!
Jeez, you say it's not noisy, but it sure is loud on the video. Glad we have a PX with a onboard generator.
With the AC at full, it did get noisier. You have a good setup though.
Thank you for the video. I am looking at the Pocket 36B, I know you don't have that model. However, is there enough room under your rig to add the Onan Generator. Thanks in advance
Hello! Thanks for watching. Best to discuss with a dealer. I cannot say for certain on my vehicle but have seen them advertised with the Onan generator installed like here van.life/product/2023-winnebago-solis-pocket-99919-00/ good luck!
Only useful when boondocking due to fumes and noise right?
Yes, that's the main use case. We have been at some primitive "campgrounds" which are just gravel parking lots or fields and people use generators, but that is kind of boondocking anyway. Thanks for watching.
I would still install the soft start, the generator will last longer! 30 years HVAC experience!
Ok! Thanks for letting us know that, based on your experience!
It looks like you used white plumbers tape on the fittings. They make a special yellow tape for propane fittings.
Wow, I didn't know that. Thanks for letting me know, I assume it is different for a reason. I will switch that over. Take care and thanks for watching.
@@Outapkt Very VERY important. I used the white stuff, had a leak, got sick, and didn't recover for nearly two weeks. My propane detector didn't alarm. When they say "two is one, one is none", they aren't kidding. I now have a backup detector to my detector.
I thought that was pretty loud! I wouldn't be happy if that parked next to us.
If you stuff it full of lithium batteries, you can run the A/C noiselessly. Not sure how much lithium you can put in there nor how long you can run the A/C, but there are people on the Pocket FB group who have done the conversion. We had a Travato and the thing that I was happiest to lose when we switched to the Pocket was the generator (the TV was a close second). Hated the upkeep on that thing, especially since in three years, we used it only once to run the AC for the afternoon - yet we had to run it every month and change the oil. But that's just me...
Great, thanks for sharing your feedback. In practice, I don't think we will need it that much. If the A/C was running on full and we were right next to someone, yes I think it would be both loud and rude. I'll have to checkout those Lithium conversions, sounds like an interesting option if we ever have more of a need to use it.
How long can you run the AC with that setup? You should also consider rigging up some curtain rods to hang your winter comforter to use as a thermal barrier to the rest of the van. Cooling a smaller space will be more efficient. Also you may consider looking into a more efficient air conditioner… twice as efficient will run twice as long. Thx for the vids! Cheers
Thanks for your question and suggestions! We haven't used it enough to know the run-time yet, so will have to cover that in the future. Or maybe someone will comment. You are correct we would normally put up all the window shades, hang our curtain, etc. We just skipped that for this test. Thanks for watching and take care!
And how long will it run on that little propane tank?
Hi! Thanks for your question. In our test, 1 hour. I think we mention something about that towards the end. We did a follow-up video to this as well, to answer a lot of questions we received. You may want to check it out. Thanks for watching and take care!
@@Outapkt The video is fantastic BTW. Some vans have a built in generator that will take fuel from the dodge fuel tank which allows you to run the generator for many hours but, I don't know what that number is either. :/ I'll find out. Thank you
That is one loud generator for an enclosed one, did you check the specs on a preditor generator?
Their small inverter generators you barely hear.
Predator had limited duel fuel options so I ruled them out. The smallest duel fuel I found was over 100 pounds which was much more than we wanted. Thanks for watching.
I think dual fuel is smart. A lot of the gas only small generators don't have the fuel capacity to run the A/C all night. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the feedback and for watching.
I have 600 amps of lithium and 9500 Houghton air conditioning sleep from 8:00 pm to 7:00 and remain about 35/40%. Thermostat setting 75.
That seems pretty good, though 75 is maybe a little on the warm side. I'm curious if you are you able to fully recharge on the following day, to be full for the next night? Thanks for sharing.
If we are driving the next day, yes, I have 3 DC to DC 30 amps Victron and one 20 amp DC to DC, three hundred watts solar all together getting more than 100 amps; if not driving, I have a HONDA generator 2200 to recharge the battery if I need.
Thank you for sharing your solution. Definitely interesting.
A 4500 watt gennie would run it on eco mode.Much quieter I have the Champion duel fuel
That seems like a nice generator. We wanted something smaller and lighter as we really won't use it too frequently - only for AC on occasional trips to warm climates. Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for the informative video. How long will it run on a full tank of propane?
I don't know yet. Based on our experience so far, I think the propane tank should last a few nights of run time. But I will need to use it more to confirm. Thanks for your feedback and question!
Thanks for the video, I've been looking at this one Pulsar GD400BN for our Pocket. I'm wondering if you checked out Pulsar and if so why you chose Westinghouse.
Thanks for your comment. I was actually very close to buying that generator. It seems to have more power in the same size/weight package and has all the features I was looking for. In the end it was a brand I was less familiar with and decided maybe that much power was overkill for what I needed. I would be very curious to compare the two in the real world. Maybe it would run the same load quieter than the Westinghouse. I also wonder how fuel consumption would compare. I think it is a good choice for the Pocket. If you get it, post your experience back!
Did you end up getting the Pulsar and how has that worked out? How is the noise level with that generator when the A/C is running?
@@Outapkt I did get one and it seems to work well. It's not to loud, seems to be about the same as others I've heard. When using it I do turn the disconnect House/Coach battery switch off and I don't use the low idle feature on the generator. I was concerned about the power spike form the A/C. I've been thinking about getting a soft start installed just to be on the safe side. I live in the Panhandle of FL so it's hot most of the year. I also get about 18 hours on one tank of propane. What's your thoughts on the soft start?
hi . i do not know where you camp but my experience is that you might very well be prohibited from using your generator in a lot of places . it seems that under load it is quite noisy . your neiborghs might no be tolerant to that , and i would lock that thing with chain to your truck . happy trails .
Hi! Thanks for your comments. We don't usually use established campgrounds and prefer to boondock when possible. I agree with you there will be many places we can't use it - it's really for occasional A/C use only. We have a Goal Zero Yeti for 120V when we don't need the A/C. Take care.
Would you be able sleep with the generator running, or would it be too loud?
The van is insulated so it is not as loud inside. We could sleep. Especially once the van cools down and generator does not have to work so hard. Thanks for watching and for your question.
I commend you for inventiveness, however, would it not be advisable to spend another $60k or so and get a van that has all the power you need without that beautiful generator noise?
Hi, thanks for watching. We don't expect to need the generator very often and definitely did not want to spend that much for a van. This was the right balance of features/value for us. Take care.
@@Outapkt Very nice, thank you for responding, and wish you the best of travels. I am actually picking up my first RV in about two weeks, and am so thrilled.
And you’re also gonna be limited on where you can use the generator because the noise issues most campgrounds are getting where they don’t want generators being used.
Yes, you are correct. If we were in a hot climate and needed to stay in a campground, we would seek a shore power connection. Otherwise if we are boondocking we may be OK with the generator. Thanks for your comment.
Why not a Honda generator they’re known to be the quietest of all generators?
Some people have suggested that. The 2200 which is about the same size/weight and a little less power does not run on propane with being converted. Which will reduce power even further. It also does not have the 30A RV plug and costs over 2x more before conversion. It might be a bit quieter but I suspect not enough to allow me to stay somewhere with the Honda but not this one. I'm going to measure the decibels of my unit and share. Thanks for watching.
No lithium batteries on board?
No built-in lithium on this van. We have a Yeti solar generator/battery for 120V power without the generator, which we cover in our upgrade videos. But that won't power the AC. Thanks for watching!
Honda is the long term generator to have it always runs..the rest will fail soon no bueno ..
Honda is obviously an excellent machine. My understanding is the smaller units are not duel fuel and need to be converted. The 2200 series, which was in our target size/weight range, does not have the 30A RV plug. And the cost was more than double, so we did not go that route. Thanks for sharing.
My Honda eu 3000 is ,is much quieter.
Yes I bet it is. It also looks like it weighs twice as much and is quite a bit larger in dimensions. We knew we could go with a larger size unit to reduce the running noise but we really did not want to haul around a 100lb unit in the van, which is small compared to a camper or RV. The 3000 also costs 4x not including conversion to propane. So for us, it was just not a good tradeoff for our occasional use. Thanks for watching.
What? WHAT?
Not sure where to go with your comment but thanks for watching.
That’s pretty loud.
When the AC kicked in on full, it started running quite a bit louder. But that won't be the case once the van cools down.
Someone is definitely getting a new generator while y sleeping 😂😂
I hope not!