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03-01-2018, 09:16 AM
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#2
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: NH
Posts: 51
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Somes like you've done some research and probably already know the pros and cons. I've had both. In my opinion, an equally rated inverter generator at full load is just as noisy as a non-inverter generator. But the inverter type will be much quieter at partial load. So maybe it comes down to how much you expect to load it down. If just TV, keeping battery charged and occasional microwave then I'd go with inverter type. If planning to run AC a lot, then non-inverter.
If you do go with a non-inverter, you definitely want electronic regulation to keep an exact 3600 rpm or 1800 for some. I had a mechanical regulated one that blew out my AC.
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03-01-2018, 09:33 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: SW
Posts: 513
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Are you going to have neighbors when you run your generator? What are the odds they may or may not complain about a louder, open-frame generator? IMO, that'll determine whether it's worth the cost savings or not.
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03-01-2018, 10:14 AM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Connellsville
Posts: 22,707
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I've had the same non-inverter generator for the last 25 years. I am in the market for a new generator this spring. It will be an inverter generator this time. Two reasons. First, we don't use it much, but I can't stand the noise anymore when we do. Second, the electronic controls on everything anymore are much safer on an inverter unit. Even if you are not powering items such as computers or other sensitive electronics, things like your fridge, tv, radio, etc. all will be better off with an inverter.
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Moderator
2017 Jay Feather 7 22BHM Baja/Andersen WD
2018 F150 4x4 3.5L Ecoboost Max Tow
2015 MB Sprinter 2500 Passenger 2.1L Diesel
2007 Ram 2500 4x4 Cummins 5.9L G56
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03-01-2018, 10:51 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 499
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I just purchased the Champion Dual fuel generator 76533.
I chose this because it has the LP option and electric start. Also because the running watts (gasoline) is 3800 watts which should run everything in my trailer.
I only paid $500 thru Tractor Supply as this item is “online only”
However I am not a mechanic nor electrician and the response from NH_camper seems important!
Not sure how loud it will be at the campground though? I walked down the street after starting it and sadly I could hear it for about 3 houses down my street. That’s quite the distance in a campground. It was quieter than I anticipated but after a couple hours I got tired of hearing the noise
It weighs 119 lbs without fuel so now I have to make a ramp to get it into my truck bed. I haven’t done any dry camping yet and now I’m wondering if the Nat’l Parks will allow it during day hours? I think it’s rated at 68 dbls. If nothing else at least I have a backup if my power ever goes out at my home which is also a big relief. If I could afford the upgraded generators I certainly would have gone that route but my budget doesn’t allow it at this time!
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2016 Jayflight 27BHS
2015 Ford F-250 Super cab LB, 4x4 6.2 L gas
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03-01-2018, 10:54 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Salem
Posts: 820
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Please don't buy a non inverter contractor style unless you camp alone. No one wants to hear that thing up close.
There's a reason most have the inverter style gens. They're safer on your RV's electrics and easy on your neighbors ears.
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03-01-2018, 11:11 AM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: NH
Posts: 51
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To clarify what I said above - like most campers, the last thing I want to hear in a campground is a generator. That being said, I have no problem with one being used in a roadside rest stop, store parking lots, fair grounds, etc. A lot of people use them at race tracks, but maybe a few cold ones help dampen the sound.
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03-01-2018, 11:39 AM
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#8
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Chico
Posts: 91
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Running a non-inverter generator in a campground is a menace. Fellow campers will not like it, you will hear a lot of noise even inside of your RV and you may even be told to not use it or be made to leave by staff or hosts. Inverter generators are worth the extra $$. There are some good ones 3000W + starting at well under a grand and some tried and true Honda-Yamaha for about 2x more. I own a Champion 3100W w/carburator. One season so far. Runs the 15k AC, without issue. It is quiet enough, but maybe not as quiet as the Honda and Yamaha brands and it may not last as long. Speaking of longevity, I have a Honda walk behind lawnmower with drive assist that I bought new in 86; almost 32 years and it runs like swiss watch.
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2017 Jayflight 28 RLS
2011 Ford F250 6.7 PSD
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03-01-2018, 12:00 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: In the gnat capital of the world, Tifton, GA
Posts: 555
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kayakterp
I haven’t done any dry camping yet and now I’m wondering if the Nat’l Parks will allow it during day hours? I think it’s rated at 68 dbls. If nothing else at least I have a backup if my power ever goes out at my home which is also a big relief. If I could afford the upgraded generators I certainly would have gone that route but my budget doesn’t allow it at this time!
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National Parks, National Monuments and National Forest campgrounds have restricted use hours. If memory serves it's a 2 hour window starting at 8am and 8pm. They cannot be used outside of the window. Using it would probably result in 1 warning if you shut it down. Second time ticketed and may be told to leave.
One word of advice to anyone getting a ticket from a Park or Forest Service (federal) officer. Pay it since nonpayment can result in a federal arrest warrant (which can put you on the no fly list).
Used to volunteer with the NPS and retired supervisor for the Gestapo (TSA).
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03-01-2018, 12:35 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Dale Hollow Lake Tn/Ky
Posts: 2,525
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CGNG2015
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Take the muffler off your tow vehicle, then start it up and run it at maybe 3000rpms and let it sit in front of your house. If you live in a community with neighbors your phone and or front yard will be full of complaints in a few minutes.
On a tech note, inverter generators produce clean power and most contractor type do not. If its on your property or there will not be any neighbors for at least 150 yards, by all means go with the cheap one. You will probably p*ss your self off eventually,
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03-01-2018, 02:01 PM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Yakima
Posts: 10
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Anyone have any luck or seen the boxes you can build to subdue the noise?
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03-01-2018, 02:16 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Muskegon
Posts: 804
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I have a noise reduction box...it's a Leer cap on a Ford F-150.
One thing I don't want to do with a generator is have to lug it around. And if I do, it should be lightweight, like around 50 pounds. So, I have mine secured in the truck box, toward the rear. Pull into a truck stop for lunch, plug in the trailer's power cord, and pull. Microwave lunch, comin' up.
That's our solution for a 2000w inverter generator, anyway. If I had a 100 pound generator, I would definitely want it mounted in the truck. Would not want to be lugging that around and covering it with a shed. Whatta buncha hassle.
Of course, our solution won't work for everyone. The only thing I can say that applies to everyone is, PLEASE buy the quietest generator you can.
People have different ways to tell you they're jerks. One way is to use your campsite for a highway. Another way is to get drunk, and be noisy after bedtime. Another way is to have a dog that barks. Another way is to show up and start running a noisy generator. If somebody tells me they're a jerk, I believe them. And, if possible, I leave. It's been my experience that it's seldom productive to ask them to quit doing what they're doing. They're jerks....it's what they do.
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03-01-2018, 03:58 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Denver
Posts: 4,242
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CGNG2015
I've heard mixed reviews on the noise of the regular generators.
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I have never heard mixed reviews on the noise.
You are absolutely entitled to buy what you wish to buy and believe what you wish to believe. But I think your mind is made up and you're looking for justification.
That's fine.
I will toss out one thing to consider, if you drop $400 on an open-frame generator - and then decide it's too noisy, you end up spending *more* money.
There's a phrase I learned when it comes to buying tools: "Cry once..." Thinking about spending the $499 or $650 for the quiet Predators and just be done with it.
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2016 Greyhawk 31FK
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03-01-2018, 04:10 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NW AR (God's Country)
Posts: 2,051
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bassdogs
You will probably p*ss your self off eventually,
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Actually, that's exactly what happened to me and I had an inverter gennie. I ended up installing solar but now, with all the new "campers" out there, it's difficult to find a quiet place to stay. I may give up this camping gig.
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03-01-2018, 05:15 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Forest
Posts: 178
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With all the electrics in campers now a days... I wouldn't use a non inverter type generator... the dirty power those open frame generators create will wear out your a.c., fridge, heater, the, and etc very fast. The 200 you saved will cost you much more in the long run. A lot of people think of noise issue which is another benefit of the inverter BUT MOST important is clean and regulated power.
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2013 Ford F-350 Lariat 6.7 Diesel SW Crew Cab
2017 Jayco 325BHQS
PullRite SuperGlide 3300
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03-01-2018, 07:32 PM
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#16
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Yakima
Posts: 10
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I appreciate all of the responses. With our brand new trailer, it sounds like I should pay the extra dough. I definitely don't wanna be "THAT" guy camping. Our camper really only has a few necessities. The fridge is propane, all of the lights are LED so I doubt I will need much power. I think the Predator brand new or something used around the same price will work for us.
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03-02-2018, 03:28 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Las Cruces
Posts: 1,148
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If you have not heard one of those beasts you owe it to yourself to do so. They are VERY noisy, even if the owner has fabricated a noise box and extra muffler. Am glad you are dropping it from your 'list'.
Yes, inverter generators are not as quiet as some would lead you to believe. When not under load they are merely irritating. When under load it is like being in a noisy restaurant. When standing next to it you have to raise your voice to be understood. And, yes, you can hear it inside your RV. The 'good' part is the air conditioner makes more noise than that
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2017 Eagle HT 29.5BHOK (sold)
2017 Ford Powerstroke 6.7, Crew, 4x4 (sold)
2018 Toyota Highlander
Maggie, Old English Sheepdog
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03-02-2018, 11:21 PM
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#18
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Whittier
Posts: 46
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I purchased the Champion 3100 Dual Fuel Inverter. I really like it and it is fairly quiet. It seems quieter running on Propane. I chose this one because it fits under my roll top cover. I leave in the bed and run it with the top open. I got it from Costco because of their return policy. I also camped near a HF Predator 3500.inverter. It may be quieter than the Champion hard to tell in Glamis with all the background noise.
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2018 Jay Flight SLX 212qbw
2007 Tundra Crewmax 4x4
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03-03-2018, 11:24 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: SW
Posts: 513
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We have an OEM propane port on the outside, rear of our Jayco Eagle. Is a regulator necessary if you use this port with one of these Champion propane generators? Thanks!
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03-03-2018, 01:03 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: King George
Posts: 2,761
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Too me there is two main reason for having an INVERTER type Power Generator.
One reason is the noise factor and the other reason is the excellent AC Voltage regulation...
The INVERTER type generators do both of these very well...
My mode of public camping OFF-GRID is usually running everything off my upgraded Battery Bank and I only use my 2KW Generator after 8AM each morning usually for three hours run time when allowed to power up my on-board Smart Mode Converter/Charger unit to bring my battery bank from their depleted 50% charge state to a good working 90% charge state.. At 90% charge state I can run all my things again for the next day/night run off my batteries.
Roy Ken
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Roy and Carolyn
I claim Horse Creek Country in Southern Ill - Momabear is from North Texas
We live in King George VA
RETIRED DOD DOAF DON CONTRACTOR Electronics Tech 42YRS
"We're burning daylight" - John Wayne
2008 STARCRAFT 14RT OFF-ROAD POPUP with PD9260C and three 85AH 12VDC batteries
2010 F150 FX4 5.4 GAS with 3.73 gears - Super Cab - Towing Package - 2KW Honda EU2000i Gen
K9PHT (since 1957) 146.52Mhz
"We always have a PLAN B"
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