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Old 03-05-2011, 04:56 PM   #1
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Generator advice

Planning to take our annual trek to the beach (CA state parks in San Elijo and South Carlsbad) where there are no hookups of any kind in the sites. The past 30 years we've tent trailer camped with one battery and one propane tank. This being our first time there with a travel trailer (24RKS), I'm considering getting a generator, and am looking for suggestions. I did some research, but I'm resisting getting a generator that weighs over 100 pounds, since it will be me doing all the lifting. Any suggestions?
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Old 03-05-2011, 05:39 PM   #2
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I bought a Honda EU2000i a couple months ago. It's rated at 2000 watts maximum, 1600 watts continuous output and weighs about 50 pounds. If you need more output, it can be connected to another EU2000i for double the wattage. They seem to get very good reviews, but are kind of pricey.

Yamaha makes a similar inverter generator that's also considered to be high quality. Same price range, I believe.
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Old 03-05-2011, 06:19 PM   #3
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Ditto on the Honda 2000i. I've had one since 2003; it had been quite reliable, starts easily, is fairly quiet, and has needed only routine maintenance. The 2000i does a good job running our RV converter which fairly speedily recharges our two group 27 batteries. It will not run an air conditioner.
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Old 03-05-2011, 06:44 PM   #4
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I haven't bought one yet but planning on doing so this year and after 2 years of research I am going with the Honda 2000i.
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Old 03-05-2011, 08:08 PM   #5
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To my knowledge I dont believe the Eu20001 has enough power to turn over A/C. I have the Eu3000is and love it. I do all the lifting its about 150lbs but not bad to lift in and out of truck. Ebay sells a heavy duty wheel kit. I love this generator. That being said, you will need a hard start kit for you A/C if you plan to use with your generator. Jayco does not install on A/C unless you have the generator package, which to my knowledge most TT do not. Good luck. Also if your buying (2) 2000. may be cheaper just to buy the 3000is. But heavier, but lighter then (2) 2000 combined...lol:hihi:
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Old 03-05-2011, 08:12 PM   #6
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http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/p...&category=play

This is hondas website. It does not state that you can run a 13,500 BTU A/C off of it. If you want A/C, you should look into 3000is.
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Old 03-05-2011, 09:43 PM   #7
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Thanks for the info; I'd heard good things about Hondas. I don't plan to run the A/C off of it, so the 2000 should cover our needs easily. Thanks again!
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Old 03-06-2011, 09:50 AM   #8
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Planning to take our annual trek to the beach (CA state parks in San Elijo and South Carlsbad) where there are no hookups of any kind in the sites. The past 30 years we've tent trailer camped with one battery and one propane tank. This being our first time there with a travel trailer (24RKS), I'm considering getting a generator, and am looking for suggestions. I did some research, but I'm resisting getting a generator that weighs over 100 pounds, since it will be me doing all the lifting. Any suggestions?
I have had a Honda EU2000 for several years. It has never failed me. At 45 pounds, it is easier to manhandle, even if you need to buy two and hook them together to run AC, than a 3000.

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Old 03-06-2011, 11:07 AM   #9
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For what you pay for a gen you can get a good starter solar system and not have to deal with lifting or looking for fuel stations to fill it up and best of all for us boondockers... QUIET....
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Old 03-06-2011, 12:54 PM   #10
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For what you pay for a gen you can get a good starter solar system and not have to deal with lifting or looking for fuel stations to fill it up and best of all for us boondockers... QUIET....
I doubt that you can get a 2000 watt solar system for $900, the cost of a Honda. Besides, a Honda works in the dark and when cloudy.

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Old 03-06-2011, 01:18 PM   #11
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Generator

We bought a Yamaha EF2400is when we bought our 23B. I have used it during those occasions where we are dry camping. It weighs in at about 70 pounds, and it fits easily in the bed of my truck. It will run our 13.5 air conditioner, at least at sea level. I haven't tried in the Sierra's yet. I know some people rejet theirs when heading to higher elevations. It is very quiet. I included a shot of our 23B at Emma Wood SB, you can't camp much closer to the water without getting wet.
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Old 03-06-2011, 04:44 PM   #12
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We recently purchased a Yamaha 2000 watt (1600 cont.) generator and were surprised
when the air conditioner on our 19 Ft TT started up...no problems.
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Old 03-06-2011, 07:19 PM   #13
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I doubt that you can get a 2000 watt solar system for $900, the cost of a Honda. Besides, a Honda works in the dark and when cloudy.

Tom
:hihi: This is very true. Plus the solar most likely will not have the power to turn over the compressor for your A/C if you plan to use it. Love my generator super quiet. Thought about parallelling the (2) 2000 but found a guy who sold his Eu3000is for $1200 and it was like brand new in box. Good luck
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Old 03-06-2011, 07:20 PM   #14
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We recently purchased a Yamaha 2000 watt (1600 cont.) generator and were surprised
when the air conditioner on our 19 Ft TT started up...no problems.
Is it a 13,500 BTU or smaller?
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Old 03-06-2011, 09:07 PM   #15
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We were going to get an EF2400, but ended up buying a used Honda EU3000 for a good price.If it is too heavy I will sell it and get an EF2400.
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Old 03-07-2011, 08:23 AM   #16
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:hihi: This is very true. Plus the solar most likely will not have the power to turn over the compressor for your A/C if you plan to use it. Love my generator super quiet. Thought about parallelling the (2) 2000 but found a guy who sold his Eu3000is for $1200 and it was like brand new in box. Good luck
I have 515 watts on the roof and 660 amp hours of batteries... and YES I can run my A/C
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Old 03-07-2011, 10:45 AM   #17
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I have 515 watts on the roof and 660 amp hours of batteries... and YES I can run my A/C
I never would have guessed you could run an AC unit with solar power, that is very impressive. I had no idea it could be done, how long does it last?
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Old 03-07-2011, 12:53 PM   #18
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I have 515 watts on the roof and 660 amp hours of batteries... and YES I can run my A/C
How much did it cost to get that 515 watts of solar?

Tom
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Old 03-07-2011, 01:15 PM   #19
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Yes - 13500 BTU
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Old 03-07-2011, 04:17 PM   #20
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I have a 22FB with the 15K BTU AC. One 2000W Gen will not run it. I parallel 2 i2000 Hondas. They only weigh 47 lbs each and are very quiet, but cost $1000 each.

Running an AC off battery power is impracticle. You can run the AC off a big set of batteries and a huge inverter for a little while, but then it will take a LONG time to re-charge using solar. By the time you invest in the batteries, solar panels, control, cables and inverter, you will be way over the price of the two Hondas.
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