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Lifeisgood · 02-17-2010, 07:11 AM

I have a 27ft 1972 Overlander Landyatch with nothing extra ordenary as far as electical. I believe the airconditionng is orginal and we run a TV. So how much generator should I get? I was thinking 4000 watt should be enough. Any advise is greatly appreciated.

HowieE · 02-17-2010, 07:25 AM

3,000 should be more than enough unless you plan to run the AC, coffee pot and toaster at the same time.

The AC requires 2,000 to start but drops down once it is running to about 1,500. The converter and refrigerator are your next biggest loads running in background.

overlander63 · 02-17-2010, 07:37 AM

Honda makes a 3000 watt generator that should be more than sufficient for your trailer, a long as you use sense about what you have on electrically. Their latest offering is a 3000i that is significantly lighter in weight than their previous model.

68 TWind · 02-17-2010, 07:47 AM

I checked on the new Honda yesterday , EU3000iHAN. Give Mayberrys.com a look. They have really good prices on Honda gens.

overlander63 · 02-17-2010, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68 TWind

I checked on the new Honda yesterday , EU3000iHAN. Give Mayberrys.com a look. They have really good prices on Honda gens.

Yes, that's the one:
Honda EU3000i Handi Portable Generator - Item - Camping World

pmclemore · 02-17-2010, 08:05 AM

Lifeisgood - It would also be a kindness to your neighbors if you limited your search to the generators that are designed for camping (that is, not the contractor kind) as noise suppression is a large part of the added expense.

Pat

Don McKelvay · 02-17-2010, 09:02 AM

I have been considering a generator for several years and IMHO if you are not going to use your air conditioner except once in awhile the best way to go is two Honda EU2000i (one being the Companion version) and a parallel cord - Wisesales sell the package for $1919. That way if you only need 2,000 watts simply fire up the one generator (which is very light and easy to move around) - if you need more then use both generators. Their website is wisesales.com. Most companies do not post their prices on the net -I think due to restrictions by Honda, but ask you to phone them for a quote. If anyone knows of a cheaper source please share that with the rest of us.

Good luck and the Honda is one of, if not the quietest generators around which as was pointed out earlier important when camping with others. The contractor generators are much cheaper but very, very noisy.

SilverRanger · 02-17-2010, 09:12 AM

That's a good price for the package, Don. Mayberry's is selling the EU200i for $899, and the Companion for $999 - shipping and insurance included. The cables are $49.

I've really been pleased with the EU2000i, especially after 3 days without power last week. I ran it on the porch, just outside the door, and could hardly hear it.

Boondocker · 02-17-2010, 10:04 AM

If I were buying again I would take a route not used by anyone as far as I can tell. The following is based on my energy use patterns so it might not work for you. I don't use my AC or any big energy users all that much. Mainly I top off batteries.

So what I would do is get a 1000 watt to use most days. They are handy, easy to move, and quiet. Then I would get a (one) BIG unit of 3000 watts or more that would live in the back of the truck. Yeah, they are a pain to move around but no more than I use the AC it would work out.

Actually, I probably would skip getting one that can run the AC at this point as I just don't run it all that much on generator. But I would go with a smaller one for sure. Now what would be REALLY NICE would be a small unit built into the trailer. Ah sweet dreams.

tkasten · 02-17-2010, 01:01 PM

I have the Honda 3000EU in the back of my pick up (chained in). It powers everything I need and then some. I just don't run to many items while the air is running. A big advantage is that in the bed of the truck I don't have to move it around. It is electric start and is really quite. It will run my air on the echo mode (less rpms and really soft).

**moosetags** · 02-17-2010, 01:07 PM

We use the Honda 2000 pair. We like the flexibility of using either one or both depending on our needs. I can also handle the weight of these individually. We have been using these for several years now, and they work well for us.

Brian

rideair · 02-17-2010, 02:25 PM

Two Honda 2000watt setup generators setup for both Gas/LPG. That along with the two 30 or 40lbs propane tanks already on the trailer should get you through the longest weekend no problem with the AC on full or for a couple of weeks with out AC.

ROBERT CROSS · 02-17-2010, 05:03 PM

We have been using one Honda 2000i for 4 Seasons,(last 2 on LPG/GAS). Parallel two for 4000w..

Couldn't be more pleased...

overlander63 · 02-17-2010, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

Now what would be REALLY NICE would be a small unit built into the trailer. Ah sweet dreams.

Our '74 was available with an onboard LP generator. It put out about 300 watts, from what I remember they were a little pricey, and a little finicky. Modern technology could address both those issues.

DreamStreamr · 02-17-2010, 10:27 PM

I'm with Rodney on the sufficiency of a 1,000 for 99 percent of our electrical needs. We just don't need the roof air or the microwave ever. They are nice to have if we're connected to shore power. Otherwise our solar panels almost always keep our two golf cart batteries charged up. And if the sun doesn't shine enough then we can dig the 27 pound generator out of the truck and put it wherever needed.

I like Paul's idea of a dual-fuel generator. Would love to have the safety of a propane-fired genset, but we like to spend time every year at or above 3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level (Canadian Rockies, Selkirks, and spots in Idaho). Smal generators fired with propane aren't equipped for starting in these altitudes. So a dual-fuel would be great for this -- start it on gasoline and switch it, if you can, to propane. Or just run it on gasoline when in the higher altitudes.

We like the size and heft of the 1000 watt generators. Ours is a Yamaha, bought it as "scratch and dent" from an outfit online four years ago. It is rated approx same noise as the Honda 1000is (52 at 1/4 load), same weight, same dimensions. We try to run it at least 30 min monthly with more than 400 watts and keep Sta-bil in the fuel. Always starts easy, and runs the trailer's power great even with the trailer's more current demanding PDI Intellipower 9260. Has higher current draw than the Parallax did, and stretches the 1,000 watt generator a little at first but genset settles in and quiets down soon.

Jim

Lifeisgood · 02-18-2010, 05:04 AM

Thanks for the advise. wow 2700 for a new generator. well Craig's list here i come

ROBERT CROSS · 02-18-2010, 06:05 AM

Should be able to get two 2000i Honda's for considerably less than $2700.

Paid $899 four years ago for ours.

The LPG conversion does have an adjustable mixture feature so is fairly easy to compensate for altitude once you have a baseline. VERY SMALL adjustments are all that I've had to make. Very easy to switch over to gasoline when it's time to re-fill the LPG.

overlander63 · 02-18-2010, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lifeisgood

Thanks for the advise. wow 2700 for a new generator. well Craig's list here i come

Here's one in Hagerstown for $1200:
Honda EU3000IS Generator

pmclemore · 02-18-2010, 12:19 PM

I think I would fall into Rodney's camp too (now). I have a propane tri-fuel Yamaha 2400is. As we don't usually boondock in areas that require AC, a genny that would maintain my battery charge would be sufficient.

Pat

Don McKelvay · 02-18-2010, 03:05 PM

I have not been able to find any better prices for new Honda generators than from Wisesales.com (you have to phone them, as well as most other companies such as Mayberry's or Speedway):

EU2000is-$869.99
EU2000is & EU2000is Companion & Parallel cord-$1919.97
EU3000is-$1699.99
EU3000is Handi-$1789.99

And that includes shipping and no tax to most states.

Everyone has their own view on which is best and we can all learn from each other then make our own decision. I am rethinking the two EU2000i's and although the EU3000is is much heavier it probably would last forever and is still the cheapest way to go. It would have to remain in the truck unless I could get someone else to help me move it.

Anyone have any other ideas/suggestions?