I'm going to get a portable generator, but I don't know which one yet.

[Seann45]

Here is an alternate to a noisy stinky generator.. (even the hondas are noisy to many of us) GO SOLAR.. you can start with a small system and expand as you need it... just get a large charge controller so you dont have to keep replacing that... start with one or two 135 watt panels and then expand as you need more... I have been on solar for 5 years now ... I only fire up the gen I have to "exercise" it... I may stop carrying it altogether next summer.

[CJames]

What with the run time rugulations and the expense involved.
Wouldnt it be just the same to run the motor for an hour and charge the batteries that way?
Or is that not enough time to get a good charge?

[clubhouse]

An hour from the TV 7pin would do very little to charge the TT batteries.

[CJames]

I have an MH the battery is charge by the motor while driving.

[Jagiven]

Cekkk, you do not state what you want to run/operate on the new generator. If all you want is to charge your batteries, I am in agreement with CJames. Using your 7 pin connector in about an hour and half I can get about another 24 hours of use, but you will not get the battery(s) up to 90%, if you had them drained way down. If you want to watch tv and run the AC, then that is a different story.

If you are going to use the TV to charge the battery(s), it is best to use a GOOD jumper cable, with heavy gauge wire (00). A light weight jumper cable is not much better than using your 7 pin connector.

[dmax_83]

I love my Honda, it gets used camping at race tracks a couple times a year so it runs for hours straight for days on end. It powers everything that I need it to and does it quietly while sipping gas. Yes it is heavy, but I can manage to move it myself if needed but more often than not I have someone to help me (that is if I take it out of my bed to run it).

[Chakara]

Originally Posted by rog4kneer

Only for information, not recommend since it is new. Ryobi just introduced a new 2K generator inverter with wheels for 599.00 dollars. It weighs in I believe at around 55 lbs. I have had great results with all of mr Ryobi tools and am bidding my time to see more reviews on this product. Think the noise level is near 7 decibels higher than Honda. But looking at a price tag of 1 grand for Honda or Yamaha I sure can use other places to spend the extra 400 dollars.check out you tube they have a side by side evaluation of both units. Good luck with your decision making and most of all HAPPY TRAILERING.

7db is considerable. 10db difference is nearly double in perceived loudness... Not saying it's a bad unit, but just saying....

Scroll down to "Perceptions of Increases in Decibel Level" for reference:
http://www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/loudness.html

-Chak

[rog4kneer]

Am in same situation you are. Like the honda or yamaha because everyone seems to rate these as the best. Recently I notice that Ryobi has a 2.2K generator/inverter that weighs in at about 55lbs and has wheels. Ratings are coming back as very good. About half the cost of the Honda and Yamaha. Personally I will take a look at that one also. Only making you aware.

[Clayton4971]

For me the number one thing in a generator for camping is how quiet it is and weight. We have one that we use at the hunting shack from Pep Boys that has been great over the years . The only thing is its a little loud if you were to camp with other campers I wouldn't want to disturb their piece and quiet. I have a Yamaha 2400 that I have had for five years now but rarely use it quiet !! The key is what do you want and what do you want to spend ? Everyone's needs are different.

[Pitch1]

I have 2 Honda 2000i. Hondas are very quiet; as long as there is ambient noise. Boondocking with no other manmade noises; they are loud!

[EnricoG]

I bought the Ryobi RYI2200 a few weeks ago. Haven't used it in earnest so I can't I give it a thumbs up or down but did take it for a short test ride and it seems to work well. Came in at about 50% the cost of the Honda eu2000. We're mainly full hookup folks we plan on using it for emergencies mostly.

[Bassdogs]

This issue has been sliced and diced a thousand times. Think it comes down to what you're willing to spend for reliable quiet power that is easy to transport, easy to use and easy to store. A lower cost alternative to the honda or Yam may get it done for you if all you're doing is charging up your batteries each day and you mostly camp by yourself. I resisted for years but finally gave in and spent the $$. Now have 2 hondas which is more than I need 95% of the time but gives me the flexibility and function that if I need it, I have it.

In the end, there is no right answer for everyone. For that reason I won't try to push my opinion on everyone on here. Its been said before [by me and others] there are situations where you get what you pay for. This is one of them.

[Seann45]

Costco now has Champion QUIET 2000 watt gens (similar to honda) for under $500.00 ea and they too can be paralleled together.

[troutslayer]

Originally Posted by OnTheGo

It will probably be a 2000W with a second one to be paralled in later. 3000W would be nice if I can afford it and lift it. I would appreciate any comments from generator owners/users in this forum regarding brands, pros and cons, and any other information a first time buyer should know.

One area of concern after looking at some online was the optional wheel kits for pulling the generator into place with a handle. The wheels looked small to the extent they might not roll well through gravel or loose dirt. I would consider another (possibly homemade dolly) arrangement with larger wheels.

Say, "OnTheGo", did you ever purchase that generator? Just wondering cuz your post has been going on now for almost a full year