generator question

Tom333 · 12-19-2017, 11:41 AM

The wife and I recently purchased some land and are wanting to take the camper down for some weekends. We have a jay flight 174bh slx with the little 8000 btu wall mount air. Any recommendations on a size and brand generator we would need? Thank you for any advice?

Sundancer330 · 12-19-2017, 11:58 AM

A 2000w generator will power that size a/c just fine but it won't power much of anything else at the same time. Most go toward the quieter inverter generators made by Honda, Yamaha, and Champion. Some places have noise db restrictions so the lower the db the better, and how much you want to spend. I always stick with Honda products since they seem to last forever if taken care of.

**norty1** · 12-19-2017, 06:16 PM

Agree on a 2k unit. No smaller.. You may not need the ac all the time except in summer.

bluegill1 · 12-20-2017, 01:01 AM

keep in mind that in addition to the AC, the microwave soaks up a lot of juice when you use it. Probably can't do both at same time, but I'm not familiar w the small AC unit.

John from Central Florida · 12-20-2017, 05:19 AM

Tom, you might also keep in mind the expense of buying your first generator (to provide for your present needs) against a possible future need for more power. Unless you later plan to link two 'linkable' generators together to increase your power, you might think about buying something now that will give you more power than you currently need.

rodro123 · 12-20-2017, 06:55 AM

Honda is the leader. But is also costly I still bought the Honda and link them together both running in the summer I use less then 3 gals of gas in 24 hours. That's running the air, lights, 2 TV's , radio, charging phones, laptop, Ice maker, coffee maker, blow dryer, maintaining the house battery. I can't stay in a camp ground for the price of 3 gals of gas a day. When I run just one of the two generators I use 1- 1/2 gals per day. The generators are so quite you can't hear them at 30 feet away.

Riverman · 12-20-2017, 07:53 AM

Honda is the leader... if you have plenty of $$$ to spend.

I went with a Champion 2000 watt inverter gen myself, at half the cost.

Harbor Freight Tools has a fine 2000 watt inverter gen, sometimes on sale for $399.

All three are good generators... just depends on how much you want to spend.

bluegill1 · 12-20-2017, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riverman

Honda is the leader... if you have plenty of $$$ to spend.

I went with a Champion 2000 watt inverter gen myself, at half the cost.

Harbor Freight Tools has a fine 2000 watt inverter gen, sometimes on sale for $399.

All three are good generators... just depends on how much you want to spend.

As mentioned, seriously consider a 2,000 twin, meaning you can get one now, and if need arises you can pick up another twin and join them together to have full 30amp service. Ain't nothing better than that.
Honda, Yamaha are the expensive ones, Harbor Freights Predator series is growing in popularity, jury is still out on its long term reliability. Do your research,remember to consider weight when looking into generators. That's where the 2,000 ones shine. Good luck.

**Midnightmoon** · 12-20-2017, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluegill1

Do your research,remember to consider weight when looking into generators. That's where the 2,000 ones shine. Good luck.

Really good advice here. When my wife and I were in our 20's, throwing around 150# generator was not even a thought. Fast forward a few years and the idea of 2 small ones to generate the same amout of power is suddenly a very attractive concept. As mentioned above, don't just look at your needs today, but what they could be during the lifespan of whatever you buy.

12ptdroptine · 12-20-2017, 10:25 AM

Not bashing any brand. When we are in Alaska .The most common generator we see is the Honda. The folks there say its because they run almost forever with proper care. We went with the 2 2000 Hondas and a link kit...I am thinking Buy once cry once. Plus I have.2 fur banies who will be left in the camper at times. And I have.to trust their lives to the generators.

TCNashville · 12-20-2017, 10:28 AM

This one https://www.homedepot.com/p/Champion...536i/203791700 has held up well for me for the 4 years I've had it. It won't run my AC but everything else. Can be used in parallel as well for 30 amp service. As with any generator, keep the spark arrestor clean for maximum power.

Steve-O Man · 01-12-2018, 06:29 PM

Hey Tom, saw the Yamaha 2000 watt inverter SC2000i @ $499.99 at Costco. I believe it's the same one I paid $975.00 for 2 years ago.

**Crabman** · 01-12-2018, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve-O Man

Hey Tom, saw the Yamaha 2000 watt inverter SC2000i @ $499.99 at Costco. I believe it's the same one I paid $975.00 for 2 years ago.

Thats not a true Yamaha generator, although it looks like one and says "powered by Yamaha". The brand is A 1 power. Not sure what the differences are in design if any.

https://m.costco.com/A-IPower-1600W-...100343958.html

LuckyDuck · 01-12-2018, 09:15 PM

Just bought a 2018 SLX212 QBW and urgently waiting for spring to take our first trip! Expect to spend at least some time at national parks etc with no hookups so figure a generator is in our future. Our AC is 15k btu and would like a genny big enough to start/run that at least by itself occasionally. Have heard good things about the Champion 3100; any recommendations? Is the 94 lbs too onerous for a couple in their mid-60s to schlep into the pickup? Thanks from a real newbie!

Riverman · 01-12-2018, 10:03 PM

I have a Champion 3100 inverter which is a fantastic generator. I'm 65 and I load it in the back of my 3/4 ton all by myself. It's whisper quiet and the remote start is the best part.

bluegill1 · 01-12-2018, 10:11 PM

Probably the easiest way to determine what you need/like/want would be to go to a local Honda or Yamaha dealer. dealers by me (I have both) generally have every size on the showroom floor. Go ahead and pick them up, lift them, pick um up as if your lifting to the bed of your truck. This should give you an idea on what you can reasonably handle without throwing your back out. Get as much power as you can afford and still handle. After you determine what is best, then you can decide what brand you'd like. It doesn't have to be a Honda or Yamaha but there is a reason why they are well known leaders for dependability. Other brands should match up well in both power and weight. Theres a lot of choices out there.
Good luck with your search.

LuckyDuck · 01-12-2018, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riverman

I have a Champion 3100 inverter which is a fantastic generator. I'm 65 and I load it in the back of my 3/4 ton all by myself. It's whisper quiet and the remote start is the best part.

Thanks! Does your 3100 handle your AC OK?

Riverman · 01-13-2018, 04:25 AM

My A/C is 13500 and it starts it easily every time.

Riverman · 01-13-2018, 10:02 AM

I bought my Champion 3100 inverter from SuperGen Products, an authorized Champion dealer in NY. They sell both new and refurbished inverters.

rickrockport · 01-13-2018, 12:44 PM

I bought this one because of the price and because it is dual fuel and large enough to run the 15,000 BTU A/C. I carry extra propane anyway for a fire ring so no need for gasoline. I had my neighbor help me load it into the pickup and I locked it to the bed. When we get back I'll have him help me get it down. 112 lbs is easier to get down than up but I prefer a soft landing.
https://www.samsclub.com/sams/3500w-...lp:product:1:1

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