Quiet light weight Generator....

[Scooney8]

for Vintage 1974 Sovereign 31 footer. It has two ACs....would like both to run, but would be satisfied running one. What is the best...recommended generator. I am a newbie...wet behind the ears...just purchased it and towed it for the first time last week. Need something dependable....Thanks in advance.

Tony in Ohio

[GMFL]

Honda 2200 will run one A/C with the Companion you can run both. The 3000 should Run both and is quite, but is heavy.
https://powerequipment.honda.com/gen...ll-new-eu2200i

[Kanusport]

Check out the champion dual fuel 3400 watt generator available online at Costco for @850

[gypsydad]

You have a couple AC's; are they 1350 or 1500 models? If 1350's, you may get by with just the Honda 2200; one for each. Any larger generator that you can easily move around below a 3500W model, will also run (1) at a time; likely not both. Problem is these larger generators typically weigh around 95-100lbs. 2 of the Honda's or Yamaha 2000/2200W model's weigh 45lbs each; they may run 1 AC without modifying your AC with new capacitor from Microair.

If you add an Easystart capacitor from Microair, at about $250-300 for each AC, you could run both ACs with this set up running either 2 Honda or Yamaha 2000W model generators. Many on the Forum have added these Easystarts to their ACs and are using the Honda or Yamaha 2000W models with these installed.

Now, you need to ask yourself if you are going to be using 2 AC's at the same time "a lot" of the time or just occasionally...we for instance, don't need to use both the AC's much where we camp in summer, in NorthWest Rockies...but in Texas or southern states, 2 AC's in summer is pretty much needed. We can get by with one AC in Texas in fall months when we return, but could not run two A/C's. When we use one AC, we have the DualFuel Champion 3400, but 2 Honda or Yamaha's connected together could work fine for driving one AC without the Easystart needed. If we need 2 ACs we would look for shore power where we stay.

The Honda 2200 models may work if you gang 2 together without the Easystart...seems I read that somewhere recently. I did run my 1350 AC earlier this summer with my friends 2200 without an Easystart, but just for a test...no long term actual usage. If it were me, I would get the 2 Honda2200's try them without Easystart, and go from there...I know the 2 of them will run one AC; that may be enough when you are running on an AC...sorry this is so long and welcome!

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by Scooney8

for Vintage 1974 Sovereign 31 footer. It has two ACs....would like both to run, but would be satisfied running one. What is the best...recommended generator. I am a newbie...wet behind the ears...just purchased it and towed it for the first time last week. Need something dependable....Thanks in advance.

Tony in Ohio

1. Make a list of all of the stuff would like to run at the same time, on 120v.
. Refrigerator on 120v?
. Converter (charging battery)
. AC #1
. AC #2
. water heater on electric ?
. hair dryer?
. television
. etc?
2. Find the running watts for each item then add them, for total watts need. That's the size running watts rating for the generator you need. A 2000 watt generator will have a continuous rating of about 1800 watts, 2000 watts is only the max rating for short duration (equipment startup).

Read specs carefully.

You will find that the cheap contractor generator that might fit the bill for less money. But, you will not be happy, your neighbors will be mad, and some campground will not allow those noisy generators. Look for a low decibel rating. (near 55-60 Db, as you can afford, lower is better)

Look for a generator that has a good sine wave pattern, so as not to damage equipment in your trailer. If the advertising for the unit does not mention it, then it is most likely not good.

ps:
I own a Honda 2000i and a Harbor Freight Predator 3500. I've had the Honda several years, it will NOT support one 13,500 btu air conditioner while running the converter at the same time. I have had no mechanical problems with the Honda, it's been flawless. The 3500 does a good job, but I have only had it for a few months. Can't report on reliability. It will run the whole trailer without issue (no electric hot water).
ps2: What size electrical service does your trailer have? Originally it was 30 amp. Has it been converted to 50 amp, or is the rear AC on a separate power cord?

[Daquenzer]

2 Hondas in parallel.

[Shermy1987]

A message from somebody who didn't.buy a Honda. Buy a Honda. For a start they didn't measure their db rating at 30 feet further away than what they should have.

[quietguy]

Find the “Long Long Honeymoon” YouTube channel and watch their numerous videos on generators for your type of usage. You’ll find them and many of their other videos very very useful.

BTW, I have the Honda 2000 companion and the Harbor Freight 3500 Predator. Have had the Honda for years and the Predator for two seasons. Both quiet and reliable for me.

[Glenn T]

My advice would be to install an Easy Start on at least one of your AC units, and get a Honda 2000 or 2200 to run it.

The Easy Start helps get the AC going by storing up electricity in a capacitor and releasing it exactly when the AC needs it most to get going. It takes a lot of momentary stress off of the generator, and it also helps prevent damage to the AC if there's not enough power to get it going.

If one AC alone doesn't get the job done, you can always add the companion generator in parallel and run both ACs.

There's another benefit - if you're staying somewhere without a 30 or more amp power supply, (like on a friend's driveway), the Easy Start will allow the one AC to run from a standard household outlet. Just make sure nothing else is drawing power from that same circuit, and don't run more than the AC in the camper.

In my case, I can run the AC, converter, and TV without any problems, but I can't speak for others' rigs. Make sure your refrigerator is running on propane mode when using the AC on generator or household power.

Glenn

[switz]

The new Honda 2,200 watt generator is capable of 2,200 watts for short bursts and 1,800 watts continuous. If one acquires the pair (a standard with one duplex outlet and the Companion with a single 20 amp 120Vac outlet [supports a single standard 15 amp plug] and one 30 amp 120Vac twist lock plug like ibn the power cords) along with the Honda pairing cable, the two will generate continuous 3,600 watts which is the 30 amp load associated with a single A/C trailer.

The pair would easily run any size Airstream installed A/C. If all other 120Vac equipment was definitely turned off and the two thermostats are staggered so they do not come on together, one might get both to run.

There is a capacitor upgrade kit (Easy Start) that will reduce the in-rush startup current that might make this dual A/C a reality. Note that these Honda generators will support the Genconnex propane only conversion that fits entirely inside the stock case.

We have been pleased with these conversions on our pair of Honda 2,000 watt generators.

https://genconnexdirect.net/honda_pr...generators.htm

[sheriff1]

Originally Posted by switz

The new Honda 2,200 watt generator is capable of 2,200 watts for short bursts and 1,800 watts continuous. If one acquires the pair (a standard with one duplex outlet and the Companion with a single 20 amp 120Vac outlet [supports a single standard 15 amp plug] and one 30 amp 120Vac twist lock plug like ibn the power cords) along with the Honda pairing cable, the two will generate continuous 3,600 watts which is the 30 amp load associated with a single A/C trailer.

The pair would easily run any size Airstream installed A/C. If all other 120Vac equipment was definitely turned off and the two thermostats are staggered so they do not come on together, one might get both to run.

There is a capacitor upgrade kit (Easy Start) that will reduce the in-rush startup current that might make this dual A/C a reality. Note that these Honda generators will support the Genconnex propane only conversion that fits entirely inside the stock case.

We have been pleased with these conversions on our pair of Honda 2,000 watt generators.

https://genconnexdirect.net/honda_pr...generators.htm

I like the Hutch Mountain conversion better. Retains LP and gasoline options.

[75Bob]

I use a 3000 Honda generator. It weights 134#s, has a 6 gallon gas tank with automatic start (so therefore it has a battery inside). It's quiet and can run air conditioners all night long no problem. One time we were running the AC, the toaster, the coffee maker, lights and when wifey turned on the hair dryer everything shut off. It has a green light on it that shines when you overload it and it automatically shuts it down. Turn off a few things, and start it back up no problem. if you think it's to heavy, you can build a small personalized piano dolly for under it. that way you can roll it around in the back of your truck. This generator is awesome, you should buy this one and just have someone give you a hand putting it in the back of the truck. It is by far the size an Airstream needs to handle everything efficiently.

[TomatoeBay]

I also am looking for a generator. A friend suggested a propane generator rather than a gas one. Any one had any experience using such.

[AirMiles]

Originally Posted by TomatoeBay

I also am looking for a generator. A friend suggested a propane generator rather than a gas one. Any one had any experience using such.

I use a propane generator connected to the Airstream Low-Pressure Quick Disconnect Port. Its nice to not carry any gasoline. Mine is an $850 (when on sale) Champion Dual Fuel Inverter model#100263 rated at 59db. https://www.championpowerequipment.c...fuel-inverter/ My generator is a little louder than the $2850 Honda EU3000is with a Genconnex conversion rated at 52db. If quiet is your number one priority, buy the Honda. https://genconnexdirect.net/honda_pr...tm#xl_EU3000is Either of these generators will run an Airstream like its plugged into 30A shore power. Another alternative is the $1599 Honda EU2200is Companion with the Genconnex conversion. This generator is lighter and quieter at 48db, but has less power and may require a $300 soft-starter from Micro-Air to run an Air Conditioner.

[TomatoeBay]

Thanks for the reply. Not having to fool with gas would be a great benefit.

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by TomatoeBay

Thanks for the reply. Not having to fool with gas would be a great benefit.

That depends what else you use it for. I have a 6 gallon tank I hook up to 2 generators. Nice thing is I don’t have to lug a heavy LP tank around if I just want to use around house, which I do to run power washer etc

[gypsydad]

I have same set up as Airmiles, and I agree with his post above. The DualFuel Champion 3400 is very nice and inexpensive compared to the alternative Honda or Yamahas of same size. Only issue is the weight of 95lbs which is not too bad if you only move it occasionally in/out of your truck bed. I try to run in the bed of the truck when I am only going to be staying a day or 2. Propane is great!

If money is no issue, I would suggest 2 of the new Honda 2200's converted to propane by Genconnex. You don't need the Easystart if you get 2 of these and connect together, unless you plan on running 2 AC's at the same time. Advantage of these is the weight of 45lbs each, so easier to move around then the 95lb 3400W class generators.

[switz]

If we are expecting cloudy/overcast conditions on a trip boondocking when taking our 23D towed by my Mercedes diesel, I can put one Honda 2000 generator in the back of the car and run the generator off the grill gas outlet on the front of the trailer to recharge the battery if needed.

We do not have a gasoline can in the car nor gasoline vapors leaking out of the generator fuel tank. A twenty pound propane tank will run the Honda 2000 or several days of battery charging if the weather is cloudy.

I can handle the under 50 pounds of the Honda 2000, but that is becoming a load as I get older.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by TomatoeBay

Not having to fool with gas would be a great benefit.

I agree...until you need fuel, then gas is much easer to find than propane dealers.
I carry an extra gas can, a "JustRite" 2.5 gallon. Both the 2 1/2 gallon or the 5 gallon fit perfectly in a normal milk crate. I keep mine tethered to the tie down in the truck bed and it never moves. They don't seem to belch fumes like a plastic can either although in an SUV you might notice it.
In case I pass up the last gas stop, I can also dump the contents of the generator supply in the tank.
The Honda 3000 will run for 10-12 hours on a tank, so refilling doesn't take place as often.
Since I rarely use the generator, I stopped carrying the 5 gallon.
I told myself that my next generator would be the Dual Fuel Champion 3500, but when the opportunity arrived, an almost new Honda won out again.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I agree...until you need fuel, then gas is much easer to find than propane dealers.
I carry an extra gas can, a "JustRite" 2.5 gallon. Both the 2 1/2 gallon or the 5 gallon fit perfectly in a normal milk crate. I keep mine tethered to the tie down in the truck bed and it never moves. They don't seem to belch fumes like a plastic can either although in an SUV you might notice it.
In case I pass up the last gas stop, I can also dump the contents of the generator supply in the tank.
The Honda 3000 will run for 10-12 hours on a tank, so refilling doesn't take place as often.
Since I rarely use the generator, I stopped carrying the 5 gallon.
I told myself that my next generator would be the Dual Fuel Champion 3500, but when the opportunity arrived, an almost new Honda won out again.

My Champion 2000W is gas. 2 years ago, my gas container expanded in 100+ degree temps while riding in my covered bed while on a trip thru SoCa, and started leaking in the bed. due to the I stopped carrying gas once I got the Dual Fuel 3400 Champion, but I could still get gas for the DualFuel if I absolutely had to use gas. Carrying an empty 1 gal gas can is no big deal. So far, never had an issue with finding propane. I can run propane from the 20lb portable bottle I typically use, or connect to the LP port on the front of the AS. In a pinch, I could also connect directly to my AS 30lb bottles. Lots of options without carrying gas in the back. I hate the idea of carrying gas after that leak. That's just me of course...