What type generator to buy

[tonyz]

I researched generators for over a year before deciding to go propane over gas. It was a simple idea... I didn't want to fuss with stinky gas. I only use my generator to charge the batteries or for a couple of hours to cool down with the ac. I chose a company that makes them propane from the ground up, rather than a conversion like found with a yamaha or honda. The downside to the model I bought is it was a tad noisy, so I took it to a local guy who builds custom mufflers for snow sleds and dirkbikes and got a new one fabbed up,now it purs so pretty. I hook up the generator to my second 15# tank on the TT and can get many many hrs off it on low load. I am in the works on a custom bumper to hold the generator this year, its tiresome loading it in the truck then in the garage back to the truck, etc. Heres a link to the company I went for:

DuroPower® - DP3500LPG 3500w Propane Generator w Free Shipping!

[Titleguy]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

Have you tried the AC at those altitudes ?? Mine works fine at 3500', but have never used it above that. As a precaution, I make sure the fridge is on gas only, and turn the AC fan on low beforehand to lessen the load.

I got my Yamaha 2400ISHC a couple of weeks ago. Over the weekend I tried running my 13.5 BTU A/C on my TT. I live on the high plains of Wyoming at 7200 ft and I am happy to report it worked like a champ at altutude!!

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by Titleguy

I got my Yamaha 2400ISHC a couple of weeks ago. Over the weekend I tried running my 13.5 BTU A/C on my TT. I live on the high plains of Wyoming at 7200 ft and I am happy to report it worked like a champ at altutude!!

That is great to know, and it will be good for future generator/AC questions here.

[toshu]

Originally Posted by Titleguy

I got my Yamaha 2400ISHC a couple of weeks ago. Over the weekend I tried running my 13.5 BTU A/C on my TT. I live on the high plains of Wyoming at 7200 ft and I am happy to report it worked like a champ at altutude!!

what else did you have on at the same time??? Fridge, TV, stereo???? lights

Tnx

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by toshu

what else did you have on at the same time??? Fridge, TV, stereo???? lights

Tnx

When I start the AC on generator power (EF2400is), I make sure everything else is off, including the fridge on propane only.

I also have the AC fan only up to speed, so that does not contribute to the load when the compressor starts.

[toshu]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

When I start the AC on generator power (EF2400is), I make sure everything else is off, including the fridge on propane only.

I also have the AC fan only up to speed, so that does not contribute to the load when the compressor starts.

Ok,
Once you have it started then what else do you run with it.???
I ask since for us it will be important to run the AC system as well as a laptop, cellphone, some lights, fridge on propane all at the same time.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by toshu

Ok,
Once you have it started then what else do you run with it.???
I ask since for us it will be important to run the AC system as well as a laptop, cellphone, some lights, fridge on propane all at the same time.

Hmmmm, other than a couple of lights and the water pump, I haven't tried anything else. I you want to run everything that you listed, you will need a bigger generator.

Other than a very small amperage amount for the control panel, the fridge on propane doesn't need much draw on propane. I always cut that to propane only before I plug in the generator. If you leave it on automatic, when you plug in the generator it is going to automatically switch to 120 volts, meaning the heating element is then on 120 volts instead of propane.

[jeffro1962]

Anyone have any input on the Powerhouse 2700?

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by jeffro1962

Anyone have any input on the Powerhouse 2700?

With a listed 58-67 dB noise level, that makes it quite a bit noisier than these:

Honda EU200iA: 53-59 dB
Honda EU3000iSA: 49-58 dB
Yamaha EF2400iSHC: 53-59 dB

The Honda and Yamaha dB ratings are 1/4 to full load. The Powerhouse ratings are from no load to full load.

[acadianbob]

And remember that DB ratings are logrithmic not linear. Therefore 67 DB is LOTS noiser than 56 DB. It's NOT a smal difference.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

With a listed 58-67 dB noise level, that makes it quite a bit noisier than these:

Honda EU200iA: 53-59 dB
Honda EU3000iSA: 49-58 dB
Yamaha EF2400iSHC: 53-59 dB

The Honda and Yamaha dB ratings are 1/4 to full load. The Powerhouse ratings are from no load to full load.

with a db of 67, that puts it in the open-framed Champion 3500's noise level range.

[Rysetter]

As the OP, I'm surprised to see this thread still going, so, an update. I bought the Yamaha 2400iSHC about 2- 3 months ago, and finally tried it to see if it'd run our Dometic 13.5 AC. With everything off, it started the AC fine. I then tried a bunch of lights and a fantastic fan while AC was still on with no problems. No big items. It was a hot day, 90's, near sea level. So, we're happy. Nice little generator.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and input.

[toshu]

Scott,
based on this thread, I also bought a yamaha 2400 recently. I tested it with my AC, with the fan on first and it worked. I did that at home. I then went out and dry camped for a few days.......ran the battery down for 2 days then started the generator and tried t fire up the AC....no go ((

I am going to try again. I assume tht the charger was drawing too much power to the batteries and hence the problem. I specifically went out and bout a B&D charger so I can chareg the bterries first thing in the orning, then use the generator to run the AC mid day.....i need it since y wife works form he trailer when we are out.....

I will update you of progress.

[revrnd]

I've got a Honda EU3000Handi & am quite satisfied w/ it. We used it 2 weeks ago during a 24 hour power outage.

This past weekend we were surrounded by other generators. The 5500W Troy Bilt next to us was probably as loud as 1 of their roto tillers.

[fonzie]

LOU, I will be buying a Yamaha EF3000iSEB with remote wireless control. Have you had any trouble with the remote control assembly or operation? Thanks for info.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by fonzie

LOU, I will be buying a Yamaha EF3000iSEB with remote wireless control. Have you had any trouble with the remote control assembly or operation? Thanks for info.

None at all. I LOVE my remote start. Worth every penny not having to get dressed at 7 AM to start the generator when quiet hours end to make coffee. Just press the start button and watch the volt meter for 120 VAC. You have to watch the voltmeter since you can't hear the generator running from inside the camper.

[Fire Instructor]

I'll look around... somewhere I have the instructions for wiring in a fan delay into the AC, so that it starts about 5 seconds after the compressor, giving the AC a "softer" start. I may have gotten it from that "other" forum, but I'll look around.

I did it to mine, it took about 30 minutes (or less), and the parts cost less than $25, as I recall.

Makes the AC much easier to start when on generator.

[friz]

I got a Honeywell HW2000I. It ran the AC and electric hot water in our 235rks all day long. Need to turn the AC off to use the microwave. Havent been able to find a LP kit for it yet.


Honeywell HW2000I Portable Inverter Generator

[Fire Instructor]

Originally Posted by Fire Instructor

I'll look around... somewhere I have the instructions for wiring in a fan delay into the AC, so that it starts about 5 seconds after the compressor, giving the AC a "softer" start. I may have gotten it from that "other" forum, but I'll look around.

I did it to mine, it took about 30 minutes (or less), and the parts cost less than $25, as I recall.

Makes the AC much easier to start when on generator.

I found it! I hope that it doesn't offend anyone that it's on the "other" forum, but here's the link:

RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Timing Module Helps Kipor Start A/C

[Glenn5995]

Originally Posted by Fire Instructor

I found it! I hope that it doesn't offend anyone that it's on the "other" forum, but here's the link:

RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Timing Module Helps Kipor Start A/C

Excellent!

It is all perspective...some might consider FRF "the other forum".