Generator Options?

[tawakoni1]

Hi there - We purchased a 25' Safari a few weeks ago. We are wondering - what are good options for a generator(s) and how can they be transported? We have a Lincoln Navigator as a tow vehicle (not a truck). We would like to be able to use the A/C in extreme weather boondocking but could perhaps just settle for something to recharge the batteries.

Thanks,
Karen.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I have a Navigator and a 25" Safari; I bought a Yamaha 2400 generator for this purpose. Reasons that I picked the Yamaha 2400 are:

(1.) One generator that will run my A/C. [instead of two]

(2.) Light enough that one person can pick it up, but has two handles so two people can more easily move it.

(3.) Quiet and very dependable. Top choices are Honda & Yamaha.

I carry it in my trailer and it dosen't leak or stink.

[Jammer]

Everyone likes the Honda and Yamaha inverter generators (I don't have one though).

There are propane conversions available which addresses the problems involved in dealing with fuel, since you already have a safe way to carry propane, and since the nature of the conversion is that no propane stays in the generator when it is stored.

Some people figure out a way to mount the generator on the hitch. There are a number of problems inherent in this approach, structural concerns, security while parked, safe management of engine exhaust, and road spray chief among them.

I am currently contemplating on paper a design involving a 3 HP Honda engine converted to propane, driving via a belt a Delco 12si alternator, permanently mounted on the trailer tongue replacing the toolbox. This would serve to charge batteries without the complications, cabling, and expense of even a small inverter generator.

[barts]

Originally Posted by Jammer

I am currently contemplating on paper a design involving a 3 HP Honda engine converted to propane, driving via a belt a Delco 12si alternator, permanently mounted on the trailer tongue replacing the toolbox. This would serve to charge batteries without the complications, cabling, and expense of even a small inverter generator.

I have a car alternator on my Burning Man vehicle, which is powered by a small 6 hp engine... the problem w/ car alternators is that they optimize bringing the starting battery back to full charge as quickly as possible. As a result, if the battery is at all low, the alternator goes to absolute full power; I cannot even start the engine w/o a resistor in the line to reduce the load at startup. Now, I've got a 3:1 step up on the unit, which I wanted to make sure I could charge at less than full engine speed.

You'll also find car alternators to be inefficient, but that's not terribly important in this application.

Remember to run a separate #6 wire back to the batteries for charging, and fuse it @50A.

This unit will be quite noisy; the big selling point of the inverter units is the excellent sound control....

- Bart

[bobfowler]

We bought a single Honda EU2000i. It will run the AC in out Base Camp (a 5000 BTU unit), but not the AC on out Argosy. Our main reason for the genset is not the AC, but rather to charge batteries and, most important, provide power for the blender!

[tkasten]

We use a Honda 3000 that runs our air and everything else in the trailer at the same time (we don't use a mircowave). This gen. is one of the quietest on the market. It is electric start and very fuel efficient on eco mode (lower rpms). It is a bit on the heavy side so we have it chained in the back of our truck for the entire travel season. We just fold back the bed cover and fire it up. Without a truck we would use two Honda 2000's. You only need one for charging etc. and both for air. These are very light and can be moved with ease.

[Rawn77]

Originally Posted by tkasten

We use a Honda 3000 that runs our air and everything else in the trailer at the same time (we don't use a mircowave). This gen. is one of the quietest on the market. It is electric start and very fuel efficient on eco mode (lower rpms). It is a bit on the heavy side so we have it chained in the back of our truck for the entire travel season. We just fold back the bed cover and fire it up. Without a truck we would use two Honda 2000's. You only need one for charging etc. and both for air. These are very light and can be moved with ease.

Does that mean your 3000 is short enough so that you can keep your pickup truck cover (tonneau) closed while travelling?
I would have thought the Honda would have been too tall to keep the bed closed.
Just wondering

[fastrob]

I like the Honda 1, 2 or 3 KW portables.
2 2kw Hondas can be joined to power the a/c and maybe a bit more.
Have also heard good things about the 3KW.

[Jezibels]

I agree with Bob, we also have a Yamaha 2400, it is super quiet, it runs everything including the A/C and we will either bungee it down inside a big plastic tub in the trailer or in the back of the Navi or Trailblazer.

[tkasten]

Originally Posted by Rawn77

Does that mean your 3000 is short enough so that you can keep your pickup truck cover (tonneau) closed while travelling?
I would have thought the Honda would have been too tall to keep the bed closed.
Just wondering

Yes I keep the bed cover (tonneau) closed while traveling. The fill cap on the Honda 3000 just touches the cover. I did measure the Honda before purchasing a cover to make sure the installers new what my demands were. It's been in the back of the truck since early March....Tim