LP Generator

[Argosy 7728]

Has anyone used this LP generator, thoughts?
Amazon.com : Generac 6001 LP5500 5, 500 Watt 389cc OHV Portable Liquid Propane Powered Generator with Tank Holder (CARB Compliant) : Patio, Lawn & Garden

[AnnArborBob]

I am not familiar with this specific model but it's going to be a noisy one. Do yourself and your neighbors a favor and stick with Honda or Yamaha inverter style generators.

[Protagonist]

I haven't used that particular model, but I do have some experience with Generac generators through my former work. They're reliable, but they're LOUD compared to other generators of comparable output. Generac's primary market is the construction industry, where workers are likely to be wearing OSHA-compliant hearing protection anyway and therefore don't particularly care how many decibels the generator puts out.

[Argosy 7728]

Yea I know it's louder 65db vs Honda 2000 - 59db. I am looking at it as a home backup and occasional boondocking.

[Argosy 7728]

Thanks Protagonist

I was mainly intrigued because of the mounted LP tank.

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by Argosy 7728

Thanks Protagonist

I was mainly intrigued because of the mounted LP tank.

We have a Yamaha ei2000 that has been modified to run on LP, Nat Gas or gasoline and we hook it up to the auxiliary LP port on the Airstream at the front of the trailer. We never run out of propane!

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Argosy 7728

Yea I know it's louder 65db vs Honda 2000 - 59db.

that's a difference of 6dB, which means the Generac is FOUR times as loud.

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

that's a difference of 6dB, which means the Generac is FOUR times as loud.

And I suspect that the 65dB claim is a stretch. Contractor generators are a real scourge in campgrounds and should be against the rules.

[n2916s]

65dB will draw a mob of villagers with torches and pitchforks in most western parks.

Mike

[Argosy 7728]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

that's a difference of 6dB, which means the Generac is FOUR times as loud.

AH HA. I was wondering how much louder that would be. So if 2 Honda 2000 hooked together at 59db, how much doe's the noise level rise or doe's it?

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by Argosy 7728

AH HA. I was wondering how much louder that would be. So if 2 Honda 2000 hooked together at 59db, how much doe's the noise level rise or doe's it?

I don't know the measurement, but it's not 2x as loud as one 2k Honda running by itself. An interesting difference is that the full-sized 3k Honda seems distinctly QUIETER than one 2k, much less 2. My 3k Yamaha also seems quieter than the 2k.

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by Argosy 7728

AH HA. I was wondering how much louder that would be. So if 2 Honda 2000 hooked together at 59db, how much doe's the noise level rise or doe's it?

Yes, running two H2000's together is noisier than running one (based on personal observations.) I don't know the actual impact on dB.

Understand that the manufacturers usually quote their dB's based on no or very light load, if you put a load on your generator (duh!) the noise will be higher than the rating. For this reason, the difference between the inverter and contractor type of generator is actually greater than the ratings would suggest when they are run under load.

If you use one of the contractor type of generators, be assured that your neighbors are wishing all kind of pestilence on you, your ancestors and your descendants.

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

I don't know the measurement, but it's not 2x as loud as one 2k Honda running by itself. An interesting difference is that the full-sized 3k Honda seems distinctly QUIETER than one 2k, much less 2. My 3k Yamaha also seems quieter than the 2k.

I had the unusual opportunity to hear a Honda 3000 today followed by a Honda 2000 a few sites down the way (for my first real life "side by side" comparison) and the 3000 was definitely noisier than the single 2000. But nowhere near as obnoxious as a contractor generator.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by AnnArborBob

~~
Understand that the manufacturers usually quote their dB's based on no or very light load, if you put a load on your generator (duh!) the noise will be higher than the rating. For this reason, the difference between the inverter and contractor type of generator is actually greater than the ratings would suggest when they are run under load.

~~

To add a bit of detail to that, Yamaha (and I believe Honda) rate their generators at 1/4 load for both noise level and run time on a tank. For anything above a 1k unit, charging up your batteries and running lights/fans/radio is 1/4 load or less, but if you leave the fridge on auto or hit the microwave you'll hear it spool up to carry the load.

[xrvr]

There are two models of Honda 3000 gens. One is much quieter than a 2000 , the other louder.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by AnnArborBob

Yes, running two H2000's together is noisier than running one (based on personal observations.) I don't know the actual impact on dB.

Twice as loud, which means 3dB higher.

[Argosy 7728]

Yes the Honda is 59 at full load and 53 at 1/4 load

[Argosy 7728]

Originally Posted by Argosy 7728

Yea I know it's louder 65db vs Honda 2000 - 59db. I am looking at it as a home backup and occasional boondocking.

Nowhere in this statement did I suggest using it in a campgound

[Argosy 7728]

Thanks to everyone that gave me constructive input.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by AnnArborBob

I had the unusual opportunity to hear a Honda 3000 today followed by a Honda 2000 a few sites down the way (for my first real life "side by side" comparison) and the 3000 was definitely noisier than the single 2000. But nowhere near as obnoxious as a contractor generator.

As others noted, there are 2 Honda 3000s. The lighter, more expensive "Handi" is louder than the full-sized EU3000iS, which is why I said the full-sized one is quieter than a 2k.