Generators

[Swampy]

Originally Posted by kayakterp

Can anyone guide me into a purchase of a new/used generator
Finally thinking of trying to boon-dock - I don't need the top of the line just need to know what I can get by with at a low budget. Hoping to stay under $500 (if possible?)
Only have 1 AC (13,500) and microwave that I'm guess I got are the big draws on my 30amp TT
I don't have any experience with generators so I'm not sure of the ratings, classifications, etc of what is needed?
Are the ones with 'inverter' mean they are the quiet ones? Is that the only advantage to them? I know I don't want the loudest ones out there but don't think my budget will allow all the amemnaties.
Been doing some looking on Craigslist but don't know what the numbers reflect for power, etc?
I think I just need something that will keep my battery charged and run A/C. My fridge and heat can run on LP gas if needed but it would be nice to know what generators can handle fridge, small electric heaters, microwave, during Spring & Fall when A/C is off? Hoping to do short 2-day weekends
Thanks in advance for any help

I have a new Predator 3500 Inverter generator from Harbor Freight. It will run the A/C and Microwave simultaneously in non eco mode. The specs say it is 57db in eco mode, I have not measured it, but it is really quiet. It has electric start and built in wheels and dual handles. It can be paralleled if needed with an optional paralleling kit. It weighs in at 99# and is easily loaded and unloaded from the truck bed by this 66 y.o.(although help is appreciated!) The engine starts every time and is a Chinese knockoff of the same Honda engine. Best part is price... they are currently on sale at $659 with the HF coupon. I have had no problem with Chinese generators. I have one that is a 10 year old 10,000W contractor style that has worked just fine as a back up generator at my home during long storm outages. Also very reliable, but not quiet! Check out Youtube before you make a purchase.

Good Camping ............. Swampy

[Big1]

Originally Posted by Swampy

I have a new Predator 3500 Inverter generator from Harbor Freight. It will run the A/C and Microwave simultaneously in non eco mode. The specs say it is 57db in eco mode, I have not measured it, but it is really quiet. It has electric start and built in wheels and dual handles. It can be paralleled if needed with an optional paralleling kit. It weighs in at 99# and is easily loaded and unloaded from the truck bed by this 66 y.o.(although help is appreciated!) The engine starts every time and is a Chinese knockoff of the same Honda engine. Best part is price... they are currently on sale at $659 with the HF coupon. I have had no problem with Chinese generators. I have one that is a 10 year old 10,000W contractor style that has worked just fine as a back up generator at my home during long storm outages. Also very reliable, but not quiet! Check out Youtube before you make a purchase.

Good Camping ............. Swampy

I think that I will check it out then, Predator.

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[bdreinv]

We also looked at the Predator on sale in Phoenix $659.00.Ended up going with the Champion 3500 model #100262.350.00 more but remote electric start sounded really nice.Seems like most on the forum were satisfied.Champion website was very easy so work through.Bad thing takes 7 business days to get to Cabela's.If you call the number on the website they will waive all shipping charges! Thanks

[ALJO]

Yeah remote start is nice.............but any generator/inverter can't start with load connection or shutdown with a load connection. So go figure..

[bdreinv]

Curious does that mean your shore cord cannot or should not be connected, when starting?With my Honda 2000 always started when plugged in very little load! Thanks

[ALJO]

The coils of the generator wouldn't fail under load it is the "Inverter Electronics" that will fail under load. Had a son in-law he paid the price three times. The A/C is a big amp draw and when you run out of fuel while you're away from your campsite it will blow the electronic circuits. With the construction type generator this is no problem except for the tool that is attached to that type of generator.

[bdreinv]

In are other camper had a 5500 onan no issues AC. This fiver no generator. So with this Champion 3500. We would always shut off when leaving camper. When running AC don't let her run out of gas?All new to me we never had a generator large enough to run 15000 BTU AC.Hope it has a good instruction manual! Thanks

[Big1]

Hey guys I have another question, what size inverter do I need to run my 15,000 btu AC?

[ifallsguy]

You need to purchase a generator/inverter. A plug in inverter won't work. Minimum you need will be over 3KW.

[Big1]

Originally Posted by ifallsguy

You need to purchase a generator/inverter. A plug in inverter won't work. Minimum you need will be over 3KW.

Okay, something like the Champion Dual Fuel Inverter Generator 3500/3150. I find one on Craigslist for $875.

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[Big1]

Or the EU3000i Handi will it work?

[ifallsguy]

Saw this Champion generator (not inverter) at the Sam's Club in Columbus, GA.

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/4375w-...p:product:1:11

3500W (LP) / 4375W (Gas) Dual Fuel Generator for $300. Heck of a deal.

[Pacwind3]

You’re gonna need a big one to run the a/c. And I honestly feel it’s overkill. I had a used 2000 watt champion. It was at least 50 pounds and wouldn’t run my a/c. You’d need, I believe about a 3500. I sold the champion, for $15 more then I paid, yay me. And downsized to a 700 watt, Ryobi that runs off propane. Why? Propane, hello? I know where to get propane, it’s on the front of my RV. No extra gas can, BIG plus to me. I admit, it would be cool if it were about a 1000 watt to run the microwave, but no dice. Honestly, all I will be using it for it to recharge the battery, so I can boondock right up until I run outta propane. I have three cylinders and depending on how cold it is, I am pretty sure I could go for a week. I’d run out of fresh water before anything else.


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[Big1]

Originally Posted by ifallsguy

Saw this Champion generator (not inverter) at the Sam's Club in Columbus, GA.

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/4375w-...p:product:1:11

3500W (LP) / 4375W (Gas) Dual Fuel Generator for $300. Heck of a deal.

It's too bad that all of the Sam's Club here close but we do have Costco still, I just don't want a too heavy unit because I want to put it in my bed but those that I listed are doable.

Originally Posted by Pacwind3

You’re gonna need a big one to run the a/c. And I honestly feel it’s overkill. I had a used 2000 watt champion. It was at least 50 pounds and wouldn’t run my a/c. You’d need, I believe about a 3500. I sold the champion, for $15 more then I paid, yay me. And downsized to a 700 watt, Ryobi that runs off propane. Why? Propane, hello? I know where to get propane, it’s on the front of my RV. No extra gas can, BIG plus to me. I admit, it would be cool if it were about a 1000 watt to run the microwave, but no dice. Honestly, all I will be using it for it to recharge the battery, so I can boondock right up until I run outta propane. I have three cylinders and depending on how cold it is, I am pretty sure I could go for a week. I’d run out of fresh water before anything else.


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Yes that is what I'm starting to lean to now, just don't want too heavy.

[Big1]

The Harbor Freight Predator 3500W Inverter Generator is looking good to.

[Vasquez Kid]

Originally Posted by ALJO

Yeah remote start is nice.............but any generator/inverter can't start with load connection or shutdown with a load connection. So go figure..

With my champion you can keep your load connected during remote starts and shut downs. The instructions mention that power won't be applied to the 30 amp connector until power is safely available. This is specifically for remote starting and stopping.

Very spoiled with this feature.

[vcbice]

I wish that I could easily load a 100lb generator into the back of my truck. I struggle with the 75lb Yamaha 2400.

Yes I can deadlift 100lb, but, getting it up the 3ft to the bed of the truck is not going to happen without help.

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by vcbice

I wish that I could easily load a 100lb generator into the back of my truck. I struggle with the 75lb Yamaha 2400.

Yes I can deadlift 100lb, but, getting it up the 3ft to the bed of the truck is not going to happen without help.

I keep going back to this exact idea. I hate lifting our current heavy generator right now. How am I going to feel about another heavy one in 10 years if I'm lucky enough to still be using it?

[bdreinv]

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

I keep going back to this exact idea. I hate lifting our current heavy generator right now. How am I going to feel about another heavy one in 10 years if I'm lucky enough to still be using it?

I wish we had not opted out for the Onan generator.Seems like most 3000s and 3500 weigh 100lbs plus. Just bought a Champion 3500, buying a so called shelf/ rack that will plug into my receiver hitch on back of camper.Unfortunately if you want ac from those 15000 BTU units that's what I needed!Thanks

[bdreinv]

Thanks just order one Friday, wondered how that would work!