Generator Brand and Size

[vffdoug]

I am thinking about purchasing a generator for camping. I have a 2014 jayco 24rbs. I would like to be able to run the ac if necessary with a few lights. How many watts would i need?

What brands are quiet enough to run in the campsites? Good place to purchase with best prices?

Thanks

[s1njin]

For brands you'll find folks either chime in about the Hondas or the Yamahas.

Make sure you get a inverter type; they are the quietest and have the cleanest power. They are also among the most expensive however.

To spin up your A/C you'll probably want 2400 wants minimum. That's either two Honda EU2000is in parallel or one Yamaha 2400 (and bunch of letters than I can't remember). Benefit of the Hondas over the Yamaha is for those times you don't need the AC you have the option of only bringing one of the Hondas. I did this over last weekend, where I only brought the Honda EU2000i Companion with me to run the trailer and keep the battery topped off since we didn't need the A/C. The Yamaha is more convenient for summer A/C usage but is significantly heavier than a single Honda EU2000i.

I have always found Wise Sales to be decent. Check them out online.

[Doug]

X2

If I could afford it, I'd buy 2 honda 2000i and the parallel cord.
My BIL has this setup and it's very nice. About 50 lbs each and quiet.

The complete package is about $2,000

JMHO,
Doug

[Pitch1]

I have two Hondas. I bought them not only for the brand reputation, but also the weight. Generators in the 2500 to 3000 size come in at or above a hundred pounds, more than I want to lift. Very fuel efficient. I found Mayberrys was cheaper than wise. I also bought an extended run tank.

[tnchuck100]

I also have the 2 Honda EU2000i units with a 6 gallon extended run tank that feeds both generators. I have used this set up in the pits at Bristol Dragway in August. No shade in the pits. 56 hours on 11 gallons of gas. LOTS of air conditioner use.

As others have stated when you don't need to run the air conditioner 1 generator works fine.

Best, quietest, most versatile and reliable set up all around.

[mraplx]

I have the Champion 3100w unit. It is half the price of the Honda 3000w unit, but runs at 62db while powering my 13.5 ac unit. If you want the quietest unit buy the Honda. If you want relatively quiet and cheap, get the Champion.

[dmax_83]

I have a Honda EU3000is that runs my 13.5k btu A/C just fine. The genny sips fuel and is very quiet, as others have mentioned though it is heavy. If I am feeling lazy I run it from the bed of my truck, if I will be running it often I put it somewhere where the exhaust is not facing any of my neighbors to keep the noise down. I bought mine from Mayberrys.

[Nighthawk 96]

I have two Yamaha EF2000is generators. They will run everything in the trailer, but not everything at the same time. They are 30 amps combined, which is the service rating for the trailer, and are #44 each. The 2400 watt Yamaha may or may not run your a/c based on other posts I have seen.

[frieed]

I'm running a Yamaha EF3000iSEB. 2800W continuous, 3000W for 20 min, 3500W for 10 seconds.
Electric start and you can get a remote start option.
Keep in mind that the generator will lose 3% of it's power for every 1000' of elevation.

[glsimms]

I'm not running any generators.......

This hobby keeps me too broke to buy one!!!!!

[Bassdogs]

Above posts pretty much cover the ??. If you're still needing something to push you in one direction or another, go to a couple campgrounds [w/o hookups] and talk to fellow campers. I think you will quickly see a conscience.

All I will add is that these things [the good ones anyway] are pricey. Don't buy cheap and expect premium performance.

[Ed Brodt]

We bought the Honda EU2000I and the Honda EU2000I companion. This set is designed to run a 30 amp system including a 13,500 BTU air conditioner. it includes a 30 amp receptacle and adapter and comes with the parallel cables. I found ours at http://www.wisesales.com/eu2000i-com...generator.html Free shipping and no sales tax. You might also take a look at the Berg dual feed extended run system for this set-up.

[Codiac]

I have the Champion 3100W inverter. Chinese version of the Honda Handi. Used and abused this year and it has performed flawlessly. Have had Champion before and never had an issue. Their customer service is second to none. That being said.....Honda and Yami are the reigning kings but they are spendy.

[dan222]

Will the Honda + Companion be able to handle an AC 15,000 BTU? The more people I talk to about generators the more they lean to the Hondas.

[Ed Brodt]

Here is the language straight from the Honda web-site. You can go here and do some math and figure it out for certain. http://powerequipment.honda.com/gene...r#Recreational

"Recreational applications: RVers:
The primary factor you need to consider is the size of your AC unit(s).

The EU3000 Handi and EU3000is will power most 13,500 BTU AC units
Larger AC units may need two EU2000i’s paralleled together.
The EU6500is works well for fifth wheels and RVs with dual AC units.
The AC’s needs may vary based on many factors, including the ambient temperature and the efficiency of your model. Your dealer can help you to select the best generator for your individual situation.

[dmax_83]

My EU3000is ran a 15k this summer no problem so I'm sure the 2k and companion would too.

[dan222]

Thanks for the replies, I will most likely go with the Hondas.

[Jmooney]

Perhaps a little late - starting up the A/C unit ( compressor start) will cause a peak draw of current/ amps from the gen, then fall back down to a running rate. You may find a 15k compressor drawing close to 15 amps for a second or two when the compressor first starts. You can add a " hard start capacitor" to the existing set up on the roof, and reduce that down closer to 9 amps, much more tolerable on some smaller gen sets. Inexpensive way to manager power draw. Search internet for DYI parts

[fjrdarksider]

I picked up a Hyundai 3000sei. (Portable with electric start, pure sine wave, 2800 peak/2600 operational, 70lbs) <$850 in Canada and it works very well. Runs the A/C while on eco mode after startup and I can run all my lights (LED) and water pump. I do turn it off if I want to run the Microwave, and only run it long enough to cool of the trailer (approx 15 min per hour). Certainly opens up the options when you can't find a site with power.

No it's not as quiet (60-65db) as the Honda or Yamaha, so I am going to build a small insulated portable cabinet to reduce the noise.

X19H
2000 Dakota 4.7L (tired)

[s1njin]

FWIW I switched out my 2 EU2000i's for a single EU3000is. Gotta love Craigslist. Reason for doing so? I simply wanted the quietest generator I could find and I only wanted 1 engine to maintain.