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sherrylynne · 10-07-2016, 07:48 PM

My son always said we need to buy a Honda generator "just in case." Well, right now is "just in case time." I am in Vero Beach with no power due to Hurricane Matthew. While I feel fortunate to have the AS to sleep in, it is plenty hot and humid. What size Honda generator would run the AC? And where is the best place to buy one? Thanks for your help.

AWCHIEF · 10-07-2016, 07:59 PM

2 2000s or 3000 or over. I know nothing about the current conditions in your area so no help on where to shop.

CRH · 10-07-2016, 08:05 PM

A "just in case" generator doesn't have to be a Honda. I have a Champion 3500/4000 watt that I keep at my house for just in case and have had to use it more than once. It will run my refrigerator, freezer, portable AC unit, TV, sump pump, and a few lights in my house. Needless to say, it will run my Airstream AC....Sure, it isn't as quiet as a Honda. However, it set me back 240 bucks at Lowes during a storm preparation weekend.

rmkrum · 10-07-2016, 10:34 PM

If you are in Vero beach without a generator already, you may have a rough time finding one now. But am flat to hear you are ok. My mom lived in West Palm Beach, and they did not get hit real hard. We sat through Donna....same house built like a bunker..

Sent from my pocket Internet using Airstream Forums

J. Morgan · 10-07-2016, 11:40 PM

On Christmas Eve a few years ago we ended up getting a surprise ice/snow storm.....

I thought I was prepared with one generator for my house and another for my parents house.

(We lost power for 3 1/2 days).

Within two minutes of starting my parents gen set, the armature melted down....

Figures right?

So, I ended up trying to buy a generator when everyone else was doing the same. I ended up buying a gas powered welder to serve my house, it worked fine at powering everything, but it would only run about 3hrs on a tank of gas..... (and I paid big bucks for that sucker)

Better than nothing though.

Now days I have three generators, just in case..... (I still have the welder too)

In winter I stockpile gasoline too.

Gradiens super tenui glacie.

Shiny16 · 10-08-2016, 04:28 AM

The Hondas in addition to being quiet are also extremely efficient. I made it though sandy on just a few gallons of gas with my eu2000. We were able to power the fridge, furnace blower, and other basics. My neighbors with the big generators were out of gas by the second day.

CRH · 10-08-2016, 06:42 AM

But....will a single EU2000 power the OP's AC?

Shiny16 · 10-08-2016, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRH

But....will a single EU2000 power the OP's AC?

No, but you can buy two. That gives you even more choices to conserve fuel. I use two for ac and run just one for almost all other things. The only downsize is the price.

rodsterinfl · 10-08-2016, 07:13 AM

I agree that you are at a disadvantage right now after a storm looking for a generator. As far as what you need, with a single AC, guessing 13.5, generally speaking, you will need a 3000 watt; though there are a few other options. You may not be able to pick a brand but if you can, you want inverter type. When we bought a generator for our home in the last storm we just got a 7000 watt noisy model at Home Depot. It works well for emergency. Just be aware that once in a while items like that have to have fuel maintenance or they will get gummed up and not work the next time you need them.

In the smaller sizes (under 3000) I highly recommend Yamaha. You could go with a 2400isHC model. That is what I have. That particular model uses a built-in capacitor to specifically work with motors and start surge- like a 8-10 second 3000 watt capability. It is belt-less and has metal parts which is a plus and automatic load adjustment, etc. If you go with LP you will not have to be concerned over gummed up carburetor from occasional use though Yamahas do have a petcock to drain all fuel from the carb. The smaller Hondas are good too, I just find that the design of the under 3000 watt Yamahas better executed for longevity. I would consider that one or a 3000 of another brand. I know that many buy the two companion Hondas or Yamahas (2000 each) but then you have two to fuel, maintain, cord, and, when running two, they are not as efficient. It is your call and obviously not everyone has the same solution.

urnmor · 10-08-2016, 07:18 AM

I have not been down there for awhile however if my memory serves me right there is a Home Depot, Walmart and a Lowes on route 60. Also look on the internet for locations. Don't just limit yourself to Honda, others swear by the Yamaha. However you might be closing the barn door after the horses escaped because in most situations like this they are already gone.

If you cannot buy one now wait a month and purchase over the internet as they might be cheaper.

rodsterinfl · 10-08-2016, 07:22 AM

I agree that you are at a disadvantage right now after a storm looking for a generator. As far as what you need, with a single AC, guessing 13.5, you will need a 3000 watt. a generator should only be continuously run at about 75% of its capacity. The issue is that anything with a motor, like your AC compressor, has a startup wattage higher than its running wattage. The generator you purchase has to meet that starting need as well. You may not have a brand choice at this point but if possible you want inverter-type. During the last storm we bought a 7000 watt model at Home Depot. It works. It is noisy and requires fuel maintenance for its once in a great while usage- not for camping.

In the smaller sizes I highly recommend Yamaha. You could go with a 2400isHC model. That is what I have. That particular model uses a built-in capacitor to specifically work with motors and start surge- like a 8-10 second 3000 watt capability. It is belt-less and has metal parts which is a plus and automatic load adjustment, etc. If you go with LP you will not have to be concerned over gummed up carburetor from occasional use though Yamahas do have a petcock to drain all fuel from the carb. The smaller Hondas are good too, I just find that the design of the under 3000 watt Yamahas better executed for longevity.

Bill M. · 10-08-2016, 07:25 AM

Two 2000's or one 3000 or above. Honda or Yamaha. If you have a pickup to carry it in the 3500 is a very useful generator that will run everything. Camping world carries them. We have one 2000 and have not added the second for air conditioning in the 6 years we have been using it But we do not live in the deep south.

AWCHIEF · 10-08-2016, 08:38 AM

Spoted several large trucks on I-10 heading east yesterday. They were loaded with stacks of generators. By now they are in the storm area being sold on the side of the road for three times their actual cost. Happens after every storm or disaster. Lesson learned here is to be prepared before disaster strikes.

tjdonahoe · 10-08-2016, 09:57 AM

I got a Chinese 4000 watt from Amazon for $269 , same one as harbor freight, it works good...

brokeboater · 10-08-2016, 11:51 AM

I'd have to ditto the Yamaha 2400. I had a Honda EU2000i and was very satisfied. I'd actually been watching Craigslist for a long time for a reasonable price on a used one a reasonable distance away. The Honda 2000 will, most likely, run your air if nothing else is drawing power. I decided to scan around for a Yamaha and was lucky enough to run into a new in box 2400 ishc for $800 so I snapped it up. I am quite impressed with it's build and capabilities. Although I'm ok with choosing air, or charging the batteries and running the microwave, it is very nice not to have to decide. I'd think at this point you're going to have to tough it out and pick up that "just in case" generator later, for the next unexpected need.

1973Argosy · 10-08-2016, 07:36 PM

Ditto on the Yamaha. Starts and runs a single rooftop ac without lugging around two generators.

AWCHIEF · 10-09-2016, 05:46 AM

I looked at the 2400 before deciding on the 2000 with propane conversion. I could not safely lift the 2400 and do not have a pick up truck to store it in. Hope to eventually get a second 2000 so that I can run the AC without burning it out.

slowmover · 10-10-2016, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

I looked at the 2400 before deciding on the 2000 with propane conversion. I could not safely lift the 2400 and do not have a pick up truck to store it in. Hope to eventually get a second 2000 so that I can run the AC without burning it out.

Might look at posts by Lewster on combining solar + inverter generator to power trailer.

There just is no easy, safe or "affordable" way to fully power one of these trailers it seems.

I've looked at ONAN Diesel gensets. $10k plus 700-lbs. Plus mods and fab to Diesel truck. Etc. I figure Id have at least five into a used one plus mods, even for something lighter in weight (as don't really need 7k W).

Then, lower rpm with better duty cycle. That last bit is what really counts in extended power outages.

1990 35' Silver Streak
2004 555 Cummins

gypsydad · 10-10-2016, 01:36 PM

I purchased a Champion 1800-2400 earlier this year and it works very well. Starts every time and is rated same noise/weight as Honda. You can also stack 2 and connect your 30A A/C, like Honda or Yamaha, but total cost is 1/2 ($450-$470 ea) of the Honda or Yamaha units...less than $1000 for 2 including adaptor for 30A plug. Your likely going to need 2 of these or purchase a larger 3000+ size unit to run the A/C and other electrical devices. Next size up is the Champion 2800-3400(my neighbor has) this will run 1500WA/C unit and other stuff also...it is rated quite as Honda 3000 and less than 1/2 price of Honda. Neighbor got his at Costco for $699.
The one I am looking at now that I'm back in TX, is the Champion dual fuel model 3400 (propane or gas), (3rd item below). It is fairly light weight, quiet, dual fuel, and priced less than half of Honda or Yamaha similar size models. I love Honda and Yamaha, but these work well for half the money and Champion is a good solid brand in this market, IMHO. They also have industrial generators, if noise is not an issue for you, for a lot less also.
Good luck and hope you and neighbors are ok...

https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Powe...ZT2CFDSF550CQ5

https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Powe...F4WHASP5W91AY4

https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Powe...F4WHASP5W91AY4

Echelon73 · 10-10-2016, 07:03 PM

I highly recommend the Champion dual fuel 3100/3400 watt (model 100263). I bought mine a few weeks ago. I finished breaking it in this weekend by running the recommended 5hrs at light load. I changed the oil today and finally turned on the 15k AC. It powered right on with no problems (with the fridge on electric and some lights on). The volts dropped from 119 to 117 and held steady. The Champion did not appear to be struggling. It is louder at idle than my 2000 watt Powerhorse, but sounds quieter under load. I have only run it on propane and do not intend to use gas. It feels well built and is not too heavy for me to pick up.