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Old 07-02-2015, 07:36 PM   #1
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Generator choice

Want to get a generator ample enough to charge my batteries, maybe run a few small appliances, etc. i don't want to have one that drives people crazy with noise so quieter is better. We have a 2012, Eagle Lite 31.5 RLTS. Recommendations?
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Old 07-02-2015, 08:03 PM   #2
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For me it's the Honda EU2000i Inverter Generator. Absolutely the best 2000 watt generator on the market, but not cheap. I also have the EU2000i companion which when connected together produces nearly 4000 watts. No other generator is quitter. Lot of others out there and its really a personal choice - $$'s, quality and longevity.

Good luck.
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Old 07-02-2015, 08:22 PM   #3
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We chose the Yamaha model simply because of construction differences with the Honda. Both are very quite and I believe you would be happy with either brand.
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Old 07-02-2015, 08:38 PM   #4
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I agree with Lolead. We looked at Hondas and Yamahas at a dealer that carried both. Salesman told me that both have been reliable. Like the Honda, the Yamaha can be paired with another to produce 4000 watts. 2000 is not enough to run an air conditioner.

The Yamaha is quiet and was $100 less expensive than the Honda.

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Old 07-02-2015, 09:05 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ourfiver View Post
Want to get a generator ample enough to charge my batteries, maybe run a few small appliances, etc. i don't want to have one that drives people crazy with noise so quieter is better. We have a 2012, Eagle Lite 31.5 RLTS. Recommendations?
Ourfiver
Just so you are aware... the inverter generators will charge your TT batteries through the TT converter (edit). If you are not plugging your TT into the generator, you will need a separate battery charger to charge batteries efficiently. The generator's 12v outlet doesn't supply enough amperage for efficient battery charging.
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Old 07-02-2015, 09:31 PM   #6
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Thanks for the feedback. With a generator would I not plug in and the batteries charge just as with shore power? I have not heard of the term inverter generator before.
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Old 07-02-2015, 10:30 PM   #7
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Thanks for the feedback. With a generator would I not plug in and the batteries charge just as with shore power? I have not heard of the term inverter generator before.
Yes. Just use the generator like shore power. That will charge your RV batteries. I just wasn't sure it was your RV you had in mind when you said 'charge my batteries and maybe run a few small appliances.'

Inverter generators are the quiet, portable kind you want - Yamaha, Honda, etc. The large, heavy, noisy construction generators are what you don't want.
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Old 07-02-2015, 10:34 PM   #8
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Inverter generators produce very clean and usually sine wave quality AC power ( perfect 120 volts at 60 cycles ). Very good for sensitive electronics ( TVs , computers ) and will self monitor the quality of the power and shut down the load if needed.
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Old 07-02-2015, 10:42 PM   #9
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I believe what oldmanAZ meant to say was "converter", not inverter. The converter in you unit converts 110V AC to 12V DC which runs all of the low voltage lights in and round our TT, fifth wheels, etc. Your converter also maintains your batteries from the 110V shore power source. Converters and inverters are often confused in RV forums. An inverter on the other hand produces 110V AC from a 12V source. Hope this helps.
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Old 07-02-2015, 10:45 PM   #10
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I have 2 Honda 2000's and absolutely love them. First pull starts and very quiet. I have never run the Yamaha but I don't doubt they are just as good, I've just been a Honda guy a long time. They are what we have on our trucks at work too and get put through the ringer and still run great.
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Old 07-03-2015, 02:15 AM   #11
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I agree,buy the Honda eu2000i,I have 2 of them one is the companion model which has a 30 amp twist lock plug. I need both to run a/c.I have the berg extended run kits for mine.The generators have a internal 1 gallon fuel tank.The berg system with a 6 gallon can makes your fuel tank 7 gallons.Mine can run between 28 to 76 hours without refueling. Generally constitution type none inverter generators will burn a gallon a hour. Over time the fuel savings will pay for the generator.Search the web it's not uncommon to see them run between 5000 to 10000 hours. With proper maintance they will run forever.Another thing that made me look into the Hondas was repair parts.Were in the heck do you find replacment parts for a champion while on a week vacation?The Yamahas are good gens too but what strayed me away from them were there surge load capacity.The Honda can run at 2000 watts for 30 minutes.Yamahas can run at 2000 watts for 30 seconds.Both are rated to run continues at 1600 watts.Also the Hondas have a internal vacuum fuel pump which makes using a extended run fuel setup easy.
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Old 07-03-2015, 05:25 AM   #12
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Want to get a generator ample enough to charge my batteries, maybe run a few small appliances, etc. i don't want to have one that drives people crazy with noise so quieter is better. We have a 2012, Eagle Lite 31.5 RLTS. Recommendations?
Ourfiver
We also have the 31.5RLTS. We carry a Honda 3000 on the rear carriage rack of our 5th wheel. A 2000 watt will run any one appliance at one time but not multiple items. if your batteries are down much, that is to be considered as an appliance. in the morning especially for us, it requires a good bit of power management. For example, my converter needs to be turned off when I use the microwave. The 60 amp converter draws enough power when recharging the batteries that any other major appliance will draw you very close to overload. We makes coffee with an electric pot. We also use a toaster oven too make toast. All of these work fine if you manage your power with a 2000 generator. a 3000 will give you the luxury of using multiple appliances at the same time. You also have the option too run your AC if needed. Our 3000 is locked onto our rear bumper at all times. We never move it while on the road. It weighed about 130 lbs., so you don't want to have to move it often. We also carry a 2000 watt champion generator as a back up. The one negative to the 3000 Honda on the rear carrier is that there is very light vibration carried thru the rig when in use. Its not really annoying but its there none the less. When using the 2000 watt genny, it sets on the ground and therefore no vibration in the trailer. Just giving you the pros and cons....
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Old 07-03-2015, 07:19 AM   #13
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You might want to check out these threads also:
http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f1...ale-25562.html
http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f1...tor-28275.html
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Old 07-03-2015, 07:30 AM   #14
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I second the Champion 3100.
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Old 07-03-2015, 07:48 AM   #15
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As stated, Honda or Yamaha are industry benchmarks for quiet, reliable, portable power. I chose the Yamaha EP2000iS and have been very pleased with it.

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Old 07-03-2015, 08:40 AM   #16
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Great feedback, thanks again
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Old 07-03-2015, 09:05 AM   #17
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The other thing that be of interest to you is that the 3000 honda is quieter then the 2000 when under load. The engine displacement on the 3000 is much larger then the 2000. Therefore it runs at lower RPM's when loaded. The 2000 requires higher RPM's and gives you a higher pitched sound when under load. Not to suggest that the 2000 is offensive but just letting you know that one is clearly different from the other if you are in an environment that is sound sensitive. Although the decibal readings are similar, the higher pitch under load makes it seem louder.
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Old 07-03-2015, 09:17 AM   #18
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I have two different generators which I use for different purposes. I purchased a Champion 2000 watt inverter generator from Cabelas. It is a little heavier and larger; still easily carried in my opinion, but is still rated at 53 dba, similar to the honda EU2000i rated at 53 - 59 dba. The Champion is half the price of the Honda. It works great for those campground trips where noise could be an issue. My other generator is a nice heavy construction generator (Makita 5500), which I use when out while boondocking for extended times while hunting. It handles all loads without blinking, including running the air conditioner and other appliances. It is noisier and I have even used it in small campgrounds during hot climate trips when I knew I would want to use the AC. Though it is loud, I have never had a noise complaint while running it during the day and making sure its shut down by 2100. Most of the campgrounds I enjoy have enough noise with ATV's and kids running around and people driving through that the ambient noise from life going on in general is noisier than the generator.
The advantage to the big Makita, is I have had my main circuit panel in my house wired in to allow me to plug the generator in during power outtages (though few and far between but its nice to keep freezers and referigerators running and lights and being able to use the stove).
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Old 07-03-2015, 09:48 AM   #19
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One more thing to consider. Two smaller Honda or Yamaha generators are much lighter to handle than one large heavy 4kw generator or larger. And, if you only need 2kw, you only have to get one out. I've seen some rigs with both mounted to a rear mounted carrier so they don't have to be moved.
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Old 07-03-2015, 10:45 AM   #20
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Check out the Champion 2000 watt unit. It costs about half what the Honda does and works 95% as well. I'm on my fifth season with mine and it has run perfectly.
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