Looking for a generator -

[dufferin]

we want to purchase a generator to run small things in the AS, like TV, receiver, laptop, and load the battery.
So I'm looking for a 3000W, just to be comfy, and may be run it home in case of outage,
any advices....
thank you

[rickandsandi]

Good morning Dufferin- We ended up by just a 1000W because we just wanted enough for TV if needed and batteries. Something light and very portable since we have a Tahoe it needed to be in the back. We ended up with a Kipor which was a little less than the other two biggies, Honda & Yamaha. Use the search functiopn because I know there has been some extensive discussion on generators.

[ticki2]

Dufferin
Just hit the search tab and type in generator , then get a second cup of coffee , lots of good pros and cons . I opted for the Honda 2000 , jumping to the 3000 , tripled the weight if that is a factor . One of the big concerns is if you want to run the AC with it . On my '76 with an 11000 BTU it seems to do just fine without much else on . Others have reported that it will not run the AC . Happy reading and good luck

[empresley]

We may be able to save you some time.
After much wringing of the hands and reading every thread and post on this forum concerning generators; we ordered a Honda 2000 from Mayberry's in NJ.
Why? Primary reasons were 1. wattage vs. physical weight. 2. Honda reputation. 3. If we need more power for the home during ice storms we will add a 2nd unit and run in tandem. 4. I did not want to struggle with the 3000 weight. 5. The 2000 takes care of our non-summer boondocking.

We used ours during Thanksgiving's cooler weather. While running in the economy mode we could not hear the engine noise with the AS's windows closed. Only problem it had was with our old 1,200 watt microwave. It would jump up in high speed and tripped the breaker when trying to make coffee and microwave. I am watching the sales for a 400 to 600 watt microwave.

Hope this helps.
em.

[dwightdi]

Meijers has a 1000 watt Shop Force generator on sale for $99 that will run the TV and computer but an inverter will also do that for a short period of time with no noise. 1000 watts would run your furnace and refrigerator at home in case of power outage. It is powered by an integrated 2 hp two cycle engine and is pretty light.

[OpenHigher]

Dufferin: I am going to go with Empresley. We have the Honda 2000 and it is a gem, solid, powerful, quiet, does everything it should, except run the AC. We will be out 6 days with no power, running the heater, TV, laptop, etc., and I expect to run the gen two hours a day and keep power nearly charged for those six days. I have been out for five days already, albiet during the summer, and had no power problems on that trip.

Best, Robert

[thecatsandi]

Honda nothing but Honda.
I own two of them and wish I had another.
I have a 5000 Watt 120/240V for the house. Currently in Storage.
I have a 2000 Watt for the trailer. This one was ejected from the truck during the accident and still work. The case is scratched. I want another one.
You can parallel the EU2000i's.
THe EU3000i is too heavy to lift in and out of the Truck bed. You can lift the EU2000i.

[Silvertwinkie]

I tend to agree with most of what's been said here. I too think the Honda's are great, but I would also suggest looking at the Yamaha brand as well. They are equal to Honda in every category.

I wound up going the 1000 watt Yamaha propane powered unit for a number of reasons.

I don't watch much TV when boondocking

I only really need it to top off the batteries after a week or so of heavy DC usage.

It would take me 2 2000s or maybe even more than a 3000 to power my 15k btu a/c unit

Space and size considerations having to have 2 units to run the big stuff like an a/c unit.

Finally, the fact that since I only have enclosed spaces to transport the generator, the Yamaha came pre-installed to run on propane only with the 1000 and if the Yamaha 2000 was desired, it would run on gas or LP if purchased. So far the Honda is a do it yourself type thing if you want it to run on propane.

[Chuck]

how do you guys know how long you need to run your generator to re-charge the battery(s)?

[Phil Gobie]

You may want to check out the new Yamaha 2400is It claims to be able to run an ac unit up to 13,500 btus and you can link two together like the Honda's! This is my pick. I have not tried it yet but I have another 6500w Yamaha that I have had for 14 years and it has been rock solid. I think they have nailed it with this one size weight and performance. I see prices around 1200.00

[CanoeStream]

Good points 'twink.

We have a 40# Honda eu2000i and frequently am without hookups at Nat'l Forest campgrounds. There often is nobody at our campsite when we're out fishing or hiking. I don't want to leave a thousand dollar bill just sitting out, so I do lift the Honda up and down from the truck bed usually once a day. Sure wouldn't want anything heavier!

Northern climates and more shaded campsites offer some options to avoid air conditioner use. The only time I used my air conditioner last summer was when we were headed out bicycling (plug-in at campsite). The noise and closed windows allowed us to leave our two dogs quietly inside the Airstream while we were away.

See this thread and my post 9 to understand that these gensets aren't always quiet: http://www.airforums.com/forum...ems-27060.html

[5cats]

Originally Posted by Phil Gobie

You may want to check out the new Yamaha 2400is It claims to be able to run an ac unit up to 13,500 btus [...]

I can confirm that my 2006 Yamaha 2400iS, tri-fuel adapted and running on propane, barely hiccupped when I crank on my 13,500 AC unit. Perhaps the current line of AC units have a built-in soft start capacitor?

Portable, starts easy, runs quiet, essentially maintenance free. I'm very happy with this unit.

[grizzy]

I have two of the Honda EU2000 generators and wouldn't trade them for anything to use with the Airstream. They are lite and quiet. However, if you are wanting to get something to also run your house, you need to make sure it can provide 240v -- the Honda EU2000 does not.

[crazylev]

Hi Chuck,

To answer your question about how long to charge, I am not exactly sure, but I can tell you my procedure:

If I'm someplace where I can run a gen I ussually try to do it while inside watching a DVD or eating dinner. This means that I start up the gen around 7 or eight at night and will run it the lenghth of the movie, around 1 1/2 hours.

I know there are folks here that will go for days without charging, but I prefer to charge the batteries daily if I am able. However, we have gone a day or two with out much draw on the batteries without charging. We had a problem at two state parks in Wisconson (Door County). The web site said that they allow generator during non-quiet hours but when we got there and fired up the Honda, within seconds a ranger came around and told us No. No. No.

It is also my understanding that it is not good to let the batteries get below a certain point in power.

Bottom line for me is to feed the batteries each day for a couple of hours if we can. Along with people admiring the AS, they are amazed at how quiet the Honda is. We have the 2000.

Jonathan

[Wabbiteer]

I ended up buying a Kipor 'silent' inverter pure-sine generator off ebay; 2500 watt (2.3 KVa rated, 2.6 surge) suitcase style for $740 shipped. The Kipor is a Honda clone made under license; it has simpler design from piston rings or bushings substituted for bearings but is still a Honda design. I have not tried to start an RV AC unit with it, my AS isn't so equipped.

The eu2000 is a 1600watt and 2000w surge unit and weighs twelve pounds less than the Kipor unit. As noted above the Honda simply has too many "STEAL ME" flags built into it and I'd never feel comfortable leaving it unattended, also when I got mine I also purchased the Kipor 3500 (eu3000 clone) for my parents as rural home backup and got both units for less than the eu3000 alone. ($1600 delivered cost)

Kipor is just now getting a true North American brand presence so look for model numbers that reflect the true output if you don't want the slightly 'grey market' versions; mine is the KGE 3000ti. They are on eBay now for a $60 premium over which I made my 'best offer' buy.

If you have the money go with Honda, I know an eu3000i that went 12,000+ hours before needing replacement, and same ranch has run an eu2000 for over 6000 hours, both without major breakdowns - but for budget purchasers do consider the Kipor units!

[Boondocker]

Originally Posted by Wabbiteer

I ended up buying a Kipor 'silent' inverter pure-sine generator off ebay; 2500 watt (2.3 KVa rated, 2.6 surge) suitcase style for $740 shipped. The Kipor is a Honda clone made under license; it has simpler design from piston rings or bushings substituted for bearings but is still a Honda design. I have not tried to start an RV AC unit with it, my AS isn't so equipped.

How many hours do you have on yours? I am waiting to see how they hold up.

[Wabbiteer]

Honestly? I ran unit for 12 hours with resistance heater load and changed oil to Mobil1, since then I only used unit to power electric chainsaw (another boondock wish-list puchase) to clean up along an alley right-of-way for three neighbors and made back a third of the purchase price; used a tank+ of fuel for that so about 18 hours.

Only problem so far was fit-and-finish on the air cleaner housing, it looks like a cheap 1960's japanese plastic toy mold forming but is hidden under sexy outer housing. Some razor blade action was required for positive detent on its latch (two latches versus Hondas' four?)

While standing next to it, a silent inverter suitcase generator sure has got the oddest sound-vibration when under load - like standing next to an accelerating slow-speed freight train locomotive. The sound dampening housing & design attenuates the 1000-12000Hz sounds we hear best into lower frequencies, the Honda does it too...