Generator advice needed????

MisterUg · 08-31-2011, 04:00 AM

Ok, we've spent 25 nights in our TT this year. The last 8 nights we boondocked. My Wife now see's why we need a Generator :-)
I've been looking for awhile, but not 100% sure what we'd be the happiest with.

Here's the 3 I'm looking at-

Champion 3000/4000 watt, price between $300-360 (68db)

Champion inverter 2000w, $500 (54db)

Honda 3000w (not the inverter one) $899. (db not listed, but guessing somewhere beteen the first two)

Now, I know I need the 3000w to run the a/c, but we found we aren't in the trailer during the day. And the parks we dry camp at, you can only run generator from 10am-7pm.

I could use some advice on this

Tyreguy · 08-31-2011, 11:27 AM

My .02...

I don't use a genny when camping, but do own one at home for power outtages (6500w). The biggest recommendation I can make- regardless of brand/model or where you buy from- find a model that runs on LPG (propane). Here's why...

Propane tanks are easily stored/transported and doesn't need to be treated for extended 'stored' time like gasoline. You won't spill propane or have to worry about filling a tank over a hot engine.

And added benefit of propane is the power that it provides. A 5000w gas genny will run approximately 8 hours at 50% load on 5 gallons of fuel. A propane genny, same wattage, same load, will run 10-12 hours on a 20lb tank (about 17lbs now).

A 20lb prefilled tank (only filled to 17lb now) is $18-20. Five gallons of gas at $3.50/gal.
is $17.50.
You can't put any more gasoline in the tank than it holds 5/6 maybe 7 gallons necessitating a refill at some point.
You can connect a 50/100 lb propane tank to a genny letting it run for an extended amount of time before a 'refill'.

The biggest drawback to a propane genny- they don't make small (3000w or less) ones.
You already have propane cylinders on your camper, so the fuel is already there. Having to carry a gas can(s) in your camper or TV can be scary!
But having to cart along a (150+ lb) genny can be a slight inconvience as well.

I hope I've provided some somewhat useful information!

clutch · 08-31-2011, 04:00 PM

I am only familiar with small Honda generators, 650 watts. We bought ours in 1993 and used it every weekend until 2004 when we retired. Now it gets only occasional use. It still has the original spark plug and it always starts on the 2nd or 3rd pull.

We are now thinking about getting a new Honda 1000 inverter type. We never take the trailer anywhere without the generator.

Seann45 · 08-31-2011, 04:25 PM

I have a 3000 watt champion (never use it now that I have solar) it always started first pull.. I added the champion optional spark arrester to the stock muffler and then welded on some flex hose and a car muffler.. makes it much quieter.

hammerdown · 08-31-2011, 04:52 PM

I have a 3500 ETQ (Eastern Tool & Equipment Co.) propane generator. I keep it in the pickup near the tailgate. When I need it I connect it to one of my TT propane tanks and plug in the power cord and it will run the AC and everything else. No gas cans to full with.

Rustic Eagle · 09-06-2011, 07:40 PM

The Honda EB3000C generator is rated @ 68db at rated load. Between the three....; the Champion 2000W @ 54db since you don't want one for A/C.

Don't know what would make you happy in the long term, but in my case it would be low noise and ability to run RV A/C should I need to. The one I'm looking strongly into is the Yamaha EF2400isHC (50 state legal) for both camping and home back-up (about $1,250-$1300): http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/...75/0/home.aspx It's a little pricey, but I'm looking at it as a long term investment.

Bob

3'senough · 09-08-2011, 12:48 PM

We do a fair amount of boondocking, dry camping a season and I own a 3000Wseib Yamaha to do so. This unit will run my 15K A/C since it has the boost option to start it. Running a micro and the A/C same time, no. There is a tri fuel conversion that you can buy to convert it to propane and also run on gas if you need or want that option. Honda has the same capability. Not sure on the off brands.

The other aspect of your descision should be weight. Consider this, as moving some of the 3+K genny's can be difficult.

RustyFairmount · 09-08-2011, 07:29 PM

Get one that'll run the microwave. That's it. Nothing on your TT is likely to draw more than the microwave. That includes hair dryers, toasters, coffee pots, etc. You can get a 1500w set for $150 if you're a good shopper.

You'll just need to make sure you don't use the microwave when you're running ANY other appliance. And, AC is off limits. You can use the blower, but don't you dare try to turn on the compressor with that weak of a gen set.

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