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Old 02-17-2017, 12:01 AM   #1
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Downsizing from 28' Houseboat to Wolf Pup 16FQ

Just had my brand new Wolf Pup out for the first time, from SC to FL. When I finish the blog entry I'll post a link for those interested.

I've been on the move all my life - bicycles, motorcycles, sports cars, boats and travel trailers...cross country regularly (w/ all but the bicycles).

The Wolf Pup is a result of my wife's MS and my age (73). After honeymooning to 49 states in our '70 Ford Bronco and a year later each of us riding 175 Hondas coast to coast, we took to Alaska from SC w/ a 23' TT. The second trip to Alaska was using an 18' cuddy cabin boat as a camper. Since then we had been traveling in our floatable RV - 28' houseboat (including two trips from SC to Lake Powell) but we now require the simplest method of getting from one place to another, thus the Pup. Because we seldom stay at campgrounds the Pup was selected because while small and easy to manage (vs the 12,000lb houseboat), it has all the conveniences necessary for extended travel.

I mentioned my wife's MS. She uses a wheelchair for anything but a hundred feet or so with a walker. This we have under control, but our 2000i Honda generator won't reliably start the Pup's a/c and Suzy doesn't do well at all in the heat. I've added a 1000i to parallel with the 2000 (because we already had both). More on that later.

We hope to be heading cross country again in the Spring, after getting the Pup's wrinkles worked out - that'll be another blog entry.

Would love to correspond with any other Pup owners.
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Old 02-17-2017, 01:46 AM   #2
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This we have under control, but our 2000i Honda generator won't reliably start the Pup's a/c and Suzy doesn't do well at all in the heat. I've added a 1000i to parallel with the 2000 (because we already had both).
You might want to check out the Easy Start by MicroAir. Put it in your AC and your 2000i will reliably start the AC. I've seen posts about this on several different RV forums.

You sure did make a big change!
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Old 02-17-2017, 06:29 AM   #3
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Welcome to the forum,
Congratulations on your new Wolf Pup. Stay safe have fun and Happy RVing from Farmer NC
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Old 02-17-2017, 07:08 AM   #4
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Welcome to the forum. Congrats on your pup purchase and thanks for your interesting intro. Enjoy Later RJD
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Old 02-17-2017, 07:50 AM   #5
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Hi Jeff,

I read your post, and then it clicked. I know this guy! I've been reading your blog for about a year now.

It looks like you really had a lot of fun on that Land-N-Sea houseboat. I love looking through your posts with all the pictures of it on Lake Powell.

I'm looking forward to having you around here!
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Old 02-17-2017, 08:08 AM   #6
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Welcome from upstate NY. Enjoy your new way of travel, may you be blessed with many more adventures. Hook up and head out, we'll see you on the road.
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Old 02-17-2017, 09:26 AM   #7
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Welcome from SW Ohio ,enjoy your TT !
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Old 02-17-2017, 09:43 AM   #8
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Welcome from Wisconsin and congrats on your new Wolf Pup.
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Old 02-17-2017, 11:50 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SailorSam20500 View Post
You might want to check out the Easy Start by MicroAir. Put it in your AC and your 2000i will reliably start the AC. I've seen posts about this on several different RV forums.

You sure did make a big change!
Yes, big change - Us old folks on very limited income need to keep things simple. Now, instead of a boat/camper that sleeps 7, we have a guest proof trailer!
I looked at the Easy Start but there wasn't any confirmation that it would work, besides, I already had both generators.
Has anyone installed one of these in the 13.5 a/c used in the Pup?
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Old 02-17-2017, 12:00 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by lugoismad View Post
Hi Jeff,

I read your post, and then it clicked. I know this guy! I've been reading your blog for about a year now.

It looks like you really had a lot of fun on that Land-N-Sea houseboat. I love looking through your posts with all the pictures of it on Lake Powell.

I'm looking forward to having you around here!
We love the 1972 28' houseboat (Big Duck) and have often trailered it with no intention of splashing - she's a very comfortable camper but a little big for us to manage solo anymore. There will however, be more Big Duck adventures with the family.
One More Time Around: Big Duck Goes Back to Lake Powell 2015

How did you stumble on my blog?
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Old 02-17-2017, 12:35 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by jeffnick View Post
Yes, big change - Us old folks on very limited income need to keep things simple. Now, instead of a boat/camper that sleeps 7, we have a guest proof trailer!
I looked at the Easy Start but there wasn't any confirmation that it would work, besides, I already had both generators.
Has anyone installed one of these in the 13.5 a/c used in the Pup?
Did you watch their videos? Assuming no tricks, it really dropped the starting current; from something like 40 amps to 17 amps.
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Old 02-17-2017, 12:51 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffnick View Post
Yes, big change - Us old folks on very limited income need to keep things simple. Now, instead of a boat/camper that sleeps 7, we have a guest proof trailer!
I looked at the Easy Start but there wasn't any confirmation that it would work, besides, I already had both generators.
Has anyone installed one of these in the 13.5 a/c used in the Pup?
Well, there are only a couple of a/c models used on trailers in general. So a few threads that talk to this, though on different trailers:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f218/hard-start-capacitor-126011-new-post.html
https://id144248.webhosting.optonlin...&products_id=4
From the Airstream forum, these threads have a lot of good info:
Can Generators Run Both AC's While Boondocking? - Airstream Forums

In this thread, starting at post 31, there is a lot of information. Includes a discussion from the guy at Micro-Air. At least one person says he is running a 15k a/c on a single 2000i. Should I Keep My 2 X Honda 2000i Generators - Page 3 - Airstream Forums

Should allow you to simplify and maybe get rid of one of the generators - less weight to carry.
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I am starting to think, that I will never be old enough--------to know better.
Tolerance will reach such a level that intelligent people will be banned from thinking so as not to offend the imbeciles. Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, Russian Novelist
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Old 02-17-2017, 02:40 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SailorSam20500 View Post
Well, there are only a couple of a/c models used on trailers in general. So a few threads that talk to this, though on different trailers:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f218/hard-start-capacitor-126011-new-post.html
https://id144248.webhosting.optonlin...&products_id=4
From the Airstream forum, these threads have a lot of good info:
Can Generators Run Both AC's While Boondocking? - Airstream Forums

In this thread, starting at post 31, there is a lot of information. Includes a discussion from the guy at Micro-Air. At least one person says he is running a 15k a/c on a single 2000i. Should I Keep My 2 X Honda 2000i Generators - Page 3 - Airstream Forums

Should allow you to simplify and maybe get rid of one of the generators - less weight to carry.
Thanks - I am enlightened.
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Old 02-18-2017, 06:55 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffnick View Post
We love the 1972 28' houseboat (Big Duck) and have often trailered it with no intention of splashing - she's a very comfortable camper but a little big for us to manage solo anymore. There will however, be more Big Duck adventures with the family.
One More Time Around: Big Duck Goes Back to Lake Powell 2015

How did you stumble on my blog?
I believe I saw you post it on The hull truth, if I remember correctly.
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Old 02-18-2017, 12:27 PM   #15
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I do hang out on THT
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Old 03-01-2017, 12:43 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SailorSam20500 View Post
You might want to check out the Easy Start by MicroAir. Put it in your AC and your 2000i will reliably start the AC. I've seen posts about this on several different RV forums.

You sure did make a big change!
Thanks - I even found a $50 discount code on the airstream forum.

One More Time Around: Honda 2000i VS Dometic 13,500 Air Conditioner w/ Micro-Air EasyStart
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Old 03-02-2017, 11:13 PM   #17
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Welcome from Western Maryland

Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of interesting people on here. I think you win the prize to me. You really do seem to have done it all. What a change from a houseboat to a trailer. Sure the transition won't be a problem for you. I always wanted to spend a week or two on a houseboat. I thought it would be interesting. I have visited Lake Powell and it is beautiful there. If I was going to rent a houseboat that is where I would want to do it. The whole area around there is worth seeing. Good luck with your travels.
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Old 03-02-2017, 11:50 PM   #18
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Thanks for all the well wishes. Well get to test out the EasyStart, new water pump, cell phone charging station, tiny TV, second propane tank installation and the Hatchlift cylinders for easy access under the bed next week. Might even get a chance to install the holder springs to keep the up swinging cabinet doors open instead of resting them on my head. More on the modifications after they prove themselves.
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