Which generator for newbie?

[Jwestman]

Is there a simple digital battery monitor out there that will indicate the state of charge and fit in the battery box so wiring doesn't need to be run to the trailer interior?

[Shaggy1970]

FYI,
Champion has just introduced the new 3100W inverter generator with remote start, the question about remote start came up earlier thought I would update those looking.

3100W Inverter w/ Wireless Remote | SuperGen Products

[mefly2]

Originally Posted by mommythrice

Bringing home my '66 Airstream next week, so this is probably on the first of a gazillion questions I will have! We're finally ditching the big, ugly class C RV.

We love to boondock, so I know I'll want a generator at some point. What do I need? I've been looking at the Honda 1000 & 2000 (used, on Craigslist). I want to be able to recharge battery, run fans, water pump & heat, watch a movie on the laptop, coffee pot & hair dryer. It seems like the real issue is A/C. I have no intention of running a generator & A/C 24-7, but it would be nice to turn it on to cool off for a few minutes before bed. If we are driving from Texas to Colorado, we occasionally spend one night in a parking lot on the road and need A/C.

Will the EU1000 do everything I need except A/C?


Could I bring an extra 1000 to run in tandem for A/C when we're camping in the heat? Or will that still not be enough power?

Thanks!
Tracie

Back to the OP questions ...Yes and yes. Be advised that to pair two EU2000i gens you will need the proprietary Honda parallel hook up. However, if one of your gens is the EU2000i COMPANION, you will only need cables to interconnect them (Honda or aftermarket work fine).

[Bill M.]

I bought a 2000. I have both the payload and room to carry it. If I was very short on space or payload or lifting power I would try the 1000. The 2000s seem to me a better buy and a little more useful than the 1000's. The Honda and Yamaha 2000's are a nice total package. Easy to handle, quite, do not seem to leak fuel, fairly low noise, nice self contained package.

[rodsterinfl]

Pharmgeek said: this was discussed in another thread, but can a 3000 run the 15K at 75% power? Mine is a dometic 15k....I recall another thread it was said that it would not but im not sure.

I am not sure what model your Dometic is but according to the specs on the current Dometic HD, Commercial and Brisk, the compressors all require 13.3 amps and the fan 2.0 or 2.8 amps depending on the model line. So. It sounds like your looking at 16.1 amps at most to run it with fan on high. Dometic calculates at 115V so 1852 watts is the requirement. The next bit is the motor spike or, in this case, the compressor. A 3000 watt has 3000 watts ceiling cap in the case of a spike before shutting down to protect itself. If a load beyond 3000 watts is added gradually it can actually go beyond 3000 watts but it is not good to run any generator at 100%. The Yamaha 3000 SEB model allows for a boost for at least 10 seconds beyond its capacity. In my case, the 2400isHC is similar. The circuit has a capacitive boost (HC- high current) although for a lower wattage requirement than the 3000. You would be fine with a 3000, at least the SEB.

[PharmGeek]

That's the model the long long honeymoon folks use - I may check in with them and see how it's still going for them as well

[Tadashi]

Mommythrice, what did you go with?

I was considering two propane/gas/LNG EF2000iS versions from US Carburation hooked in parallel. If I did the calculations right a 20# tank will run one for 17 hrs under full load. So two of these with 2 20# propane tanks will last 17 hrs and provide 36A and 4000W. Also 45 lbs seems easier to move around than some of the 2400+ sizes. The only con I see if cold weather usage may be an issue.

[TinTin]

One factor worth noting if you're trying to decide between a Honda eu2000i and eu3000is - if your TV is a truck with a tonneau cover, you may find that the eu3000is is a little too tall (at 22.4") to fit in the bed of your truck.

This helped me make my decision!

[PharmGeek]

Originally Posted by TinTin

One factor worth noting if you're trying to decide between a Honda eu2000i and eu3000is - if your TV is a truck with a tonneau cover, you may find that the eu3000is is a little too tall (at 22.4") to fit in the bed of your truck.

This helped me make my decision!

Had not thought of that - need to measure - thanks

[Tadashi]

The weight (134 lbs) and the heights (23") of the EU3000 made the decision for me as well. I have a F350 with roll-n-lock and the 3000 would not fit in the bed with the cover closed. I finally went with the EU2000i and Companion. I then ordered the propane, gas, LNG conversion for both. I will let you guys know how this turns out. The reason against the Yamahas despite the lighter weight and more quiet operations was the comments seemed to indicate consistent subquality issues over the Honda.

[TinTin]

Something I learned the other day, the EU2000 companion model has never received CSA approval in Canada (not sure why). As a result, it is not available here. As well the Canadian EU2000 is not compatible with the US companion model (the connector ports are absent).