Generator

[LKicklight]

As we prepare for out 2014 adventure to Alaska, we have been kicking the idea around for a light weight generator to use in case we have to boon dock..Probably don't need anything heavy enough to run the AC, just lights, etc; we would like some ideas from others who have also faced this issue.
We have 2011 Crusader 270 with 30AMP service..
LKicklight
Dallas, GA.

[bikendan]

well, this subject is discussed ad nauseum and with lots of passion and opinions! probably the most hotly discussed subject on RV forums.

a search will bring up thousands of similar discussions.

there's the Red(Honda) and Blue(Yamaha) crowd, which i'm a member of and then there's everyone else, including the Yellow crowd(Champion).

you can run everything with a 2000w inverter generator, except the a/c.
it'll weigh around 50lbs.

the inverter gennies allow the motor run quieter, based on demands, therefore run much quieter.
non-inverter gennies run at one speed, full on and are open-framed and much louder.

along with the more expensive H & Y 2000w units, are Champion and Kipor inverter units, which have a good track record but are made in China. Champions can be much cheaper but Kipor is now up close to the H & Y prices.
there are other Chinese-made inverter generators, such as Boliy, Dometic, Powerhouse, Magna and many others. they have less of a proven track record and are hard to find service. but they are much cheaper.

since you're going to Alaska, i suggest the Honda 2000i. you'll be able to find service, if you need it and you can always add a second one and parallel them to get 4000w of power.

[acadianbob]

For the sake of your fellow campers, get a Honda or Yamaha; they're quiet.

[Cajun Po-Boy]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

For the sake of your fellow campers, get a Honda or Yamaha; they're quiet.

X2!

[Great Horned Owl]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

For the sake of your fellow campers, get a Honda or Yamaha; they're quiet.

Yes, they are very quiet. However, the Champion, Kipor, Boily, or almost any of the other inverter generators have precisely the same noise level. The big difference is that they sell for about half of the very inflated price that you will pay for Honda or Yamaha.

Joel

[wmcclay]

You bought the best camper (prime time), why not buy the best generator? Yes there are many brands, but try to find service or parts for them away from a large city. Honda or Yahama, you cannot go wrong. I will catch some flack for this, but it is what I think.

Wayne

[chiro]

I have had both Honda 3000 and Yamaha 2000. Both are very nice. I just sold my Honda 3000 for a lighter 2000. I didn't go with the Honda 2000 because it didn't have a fuel cut off switch. The Yamaha had one and it also had a fuel gauge. With the gas having ethanol in it now the fuel switch was important to me. I know there are more Honda dealers out there but my Honda never broke in 5 years and I expect the Yamaha to be the same way!

[Bodean614]

Not on topic but I have a small generator from Walmart and it has 2 15 amp plugs. On a trip to Florida and a couple day stay at inlaws with out enough electric to run a/c. I wired 2 plugs into 1 box with 30 amp plug and used it for 2 days running a/c. Not ideal but did work Only paid 250 for generator. Have others done anything like this. ???

[kozzy]

I have a Honda 2000 I use both on my boat and for my camper when needed. Runs everything except the AC. I haven't yet, but I have thought about getting one of those champion 3000w for when I need the AC. Over last summer a guy next to me had one, and it really was not loud at all...at 300 bucks you really can't beat the price...and if u do think it is a little loud for you or fellow campers, move it away from the camper a little bit, secure it to a tree...just a though.