generator question

[BCx213]

I have both the Champion 2000 and Champion's newest 3100 watt invertor generator. It runs at 58 dbs under load and runs my AC unit with no problems. I paid $800.00 for it. My 2000 runs at 53 dbs. Way cheaper than the Honda

[12VOLTMAN]

I am about to pick up a new X23B hybrid. I had an extra battery installed (two 12V in parallel) because I expect to be using it without shore power quite a bit. Assuming I don't run the AC and only use the fridge on LP, some lights and possibly the furnace, do you think I'll be able to get through a weekend trip without a generator? And if I do bring along a generator, would simply plugging the trailer into it for a few hours each day be enough to top off the batteries with this type of load?

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by 12voltman

i am about to pick up a new x23b hybrid. I had an extra battery installed (two 12v in parallel) because i expect to be using it without shore power quite a bit. Assuming i don't run the ac and only use the fridge on lp, some lights and possibly the furnace, do you think i'll be able to get through a weekend trip without a generator? And if i do bring along a generator, would simply plugging the trailer into it for a few hours each day be enough to top off the batteries with this type of load?

yes!

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by 12VOLTMAN

I am about to pick up a new X23B hybrid. I had an extra battery installed (two 12V in parallel) because I expect to be using it without shore power quite a bit. Assuming I don't run the AC and only use the fridge on LP, some lights and possibly the furnace, do you think I'll be able to get through a weekend trip without a generator? And if I do bring along a generator, would simply plugging the trailer into it for a few hours each day be enough to top off the batteries with this type of load?

Yes, if you change out the light bulbs with leds, you will have no issues at all. Unless you like to leave the lights on all the time.

We have leds throughout and a single battery on board and carry a spare in the TV, when we think we might need it. I think we have gone about 4 days on the cheap group 24 battery that came with the htt.

[clubhouse]

As has been mentioned, with LEDs I think dual Grp 24 will get you through a couple nights with no issues -- until you turn on the furnace. Furnace is a battery hog.

[12VOLTMAN]

Thanks guys. LEDs are on my wish list as well as a new generator (someday). I have a 5000 watt generator that I used when I built my house, but its not exactly 'campground friendly'.
The thing sounds like a freight train and weighs only slightly less than one! Until I can swing a new, quiet one I'll have to just watch my electric load.

[jcarlilesiu]

I purchased a cheap eastern tools etq 1800I inverter before we got our camper fur another purpose. This particular model was offered at Menards for just under $400 in a pinch. This is the very mobile hand held 50 pound inverter type, only a Chinese knock off.

It's been working great for the last three years, but is finicky about the oil level. I run it every month for 20 minutes to exercise it.

It has continuous 1600 watts, and features similar functions to the Honda, including eco mode, and is just slightly louder at 58 db at 20 feet.

It won't run our 13,500 btu A/C, but had no issue with everything else.

Unfortunately, the company went bust, and they are hard to find, but if you can, very inexpensive.

[Jeff61]

Honda 3000i Handi. Worth the price. Runs TT + 13,500 Btu Ac. Have 30A Gen-Tran xfer switch on breaker panel at house with 6 critical circuits operational. That in itself has made it worth the price of admission so many times... it runs about 8 hrs at varying loads on a gallon and a half of gas. You can stand next to it and carry on a conversation in normal voice. It weighs 77 lbs. Honda has had one of the best reputations in the generator business for many years. You get what you pay for!... and they're still in business

[Adk Camper]

..

[Seann45]

My solar is quieter than your gen.

[SmokerBill]

Originally Posted by Seann45

My solar is quieter than your gen.

My shore power is quiet, and it works 24/7!

[jcarlilesiu]

Originally Posted by Seann45

My solar is quieter than your gen.

And a whole lot more expensive!

I'm all about solar, when the process come down a bit further.

[Seann45]

Originally Posted by jcarlilesiu

And a whole lot more expensive!

I'm all about solar, when the process come down a bit further.

My solar system has paid for itself.. 6 years of not staying in campgrounds.. not having to run out to find fuel.. no having to listen to the hum of a gen. or smell the exhaust. The group I camp with here in SoCal all run solar all winter..

[jcarlilesiu]

Originally Posted by Seann45

My solar system has paid for itself.. 6 years of not staying in campgrounds.. not having to run out to find fuel.. no having to listen to the hum of a gen. or smell the exhaust. The group I camp with here in SoCal all run solar all winter..

For a full-time that might make sense.

To get to a realistic payback period that justifies the cost, one would have to dry camp a significant amount of time.

Plus, I have never figured out, we like to cap on the shade, clearly you all must camp in the sun?

[dewey02]

(Sigh) Yet another generator discussion invaded by solar folks.
There are plenty of threads to discuss solar on this forum, and also plenty of generator vs solar. The OP asked specifically about generators.

[F14man]

Just got the Powerhouse PH4000ri-i. It's fuel injected, so at higher altitudes it doesn't have a problem. Runs 15K a/c and micro-wave same time. Not as quite as the Honda but meets the NP requirements.

[frieed]

Fuel injection buys nothing at elevation. You need forced induction (turbo or blower).
What you do have is enough reserve capacity that after the 3% loss of HP per 1000 ft of elevation you still have enough left to power the A/C

[F14man]

Originally Posted by frieed

Fuel injection buys nothing at elevation. You need forced induction (turbo or blower).
What you do have is enough reserve capacity that after the 3% loss of HP per 1000 ft of elevation you still have enough left to power the A/C

You don't need to change carb jets for alt and you don't have a carb to gum up, worth it to me.

[frieed]

Sorry, I was only thinking about power output..

[Calgary5er]

Go with the Champion 3100 generator / inverter, you wont be sorry. Lots of power for a 15000btu a/c unit & very quiet..