Need help on Generator Purchase

[leadhead358]

I purchased a new Puma 5th wheel toyhauler and did not get the generator package like I did in my previous toyhauler. We did not dry camp enough to justify the $4000 cost. So now I am looking for a generator for the new toyhauler for those few times we do dry camp. My question is ( I am NO ELECTRICIAN ) what is the difference between an inverter generator and a regular generator. I assume the inverter is for fragile electronics ?? Will running a regular generator hurt the rv fridg or a/c ?? I had the rv wired for 50 amp and up graded to 15,000 btu a/c (1) and have 3 fans. I know you must meet your wattage for what you want to use and volts X amps = wattage. I am back to the 2 Honda inverters @ $1800 or I have been looking at this inverter Champion model IK 525566 @ $900 2800/3100 and just the Champion generator IK 524487 @ $600 5500/6800. Very seldom would I use it around the house.

[boondocking]

Certain electronic devices prefer the output of an inverter generator and will malfunction using an open frame genny. The big difference between the two is the noise they generate.
For example an 1800 watt open frame Champion is rated at 65db and a Champion 2000 watt inverter is rated at 53db. The Champion IK 524487 is rated 74db (real loud).
The Champ 525566 should run your 15k AC or go with (2) Champion 2000's (inverter) with a parellel kit.

[Skyliner]

Traditional generators (non-inverters) run constantly at 3600 rpm in order to get the desired 60hz AC frequency. This is one reason that they are so loud. The output of this type of generator is fairly clean because it is a pure sine wave. Changes in load may cause engine to slow down and possibly overshoot desired rpm of 3600 rpm which can cause minor fluctuations in voltage and frequency. You won't harm electronics using a conventional generator. After all, the generators that power our home are similar but much larger!

Inverter generators generate DC current which is then inverted into 120 V AC-pure sine wave AC. At low loads the engine runs at slow speeds and as load picks up so does engine speed. This feature is why they run quieter and burn less gasoline than a conventional generator.

I strongly recommend the same Boliy generator that I've been using for 4 years. I purchased mine from bottonline trading and have been 100% satisfied with my purchase.

Inverter generators are more complex and have more things that can go wrong with them. However, you can't beat them for their efficiency and low level of noise.

[boondocking]

"You won't harm electronics using a conventional generator."

WRONG !

Mis-information abounds. Here is a quote from the Champion open frame generator web site.

"Electronic devices, including computers and many programmable appliances use components that are designed to operate within a narrow voltage range and may be affected by momentary voltage fluctuations.
While there is no way to prevent voltage fluctuations, you can take steps to protect sensitive electronic equipment.
1. Install UL1449, CSA-listed, plug-in surge suppressors on the outlets feeding your sensitive equipment. Surge suppressors come in single- or multi-outlet styles. They’re designed to protect against virtually all short-duration voltage fluctuations."

[Goat Man]

If you like camping in the mountains, make sure your generator will work there. We have an inverter generator that the manual says has to be taken in to a service center to be modified for use above 5,000 feet, and then taken back to be changed to below 5.000 feet. So we have a generator that has never been used.

[asquared]

My recent questions about generators may help you too. See Thread here

[DKRITTER]

We bought the Champion 2800/3100 Inverter primarily due to price and the amount of time we were going to use it. We only use it for a few days a year. If we used it often we would have bought Honda or Yamaha.

In hindsight I wish I would have bought 2 2000's and paired them together, it would have been more versatile.

[emm-dee]

What is the best way to lock these devices to prevent theft? I've seen a lot of them secured with chains or cables but don't know which is the best method.

[Skyliner]

Originally Posted by Goat Man

If you like camping in the mountains, make sure your generator will work there. We have an inverter generator that the manual says has to be taken in to a service center to be modified for use above 5,000 feet, and then taken back to be changed to below 5.000 feet. So we have a generator that has never been used.

Bummer, all that is "modified" is the installation of a high altitude main jet on the carburetor. It is very easy to do and I bet you could do it yourself in 30 minutes the first time and much quicker.

The generator will run at high altitude, it will run rich meaning you may foul plugs and you will clog your spark arrester..however, it will run. I ran mine for a couple of years until I soldered the main jet and drilled a smaller hole in it. A little more difficult but I'm cheap and didn't want to pay 20 bucks for a smaller size jet.

[Skyliner]

Originally Posted by boondocking

"You won't harm electronics using a conventional generator."

WRONG !

Mis-information abounds. Here is a quote from the Champion open frame generator web site.

"Electronic devices, including computers and many programmable appliances use components that are designed to operate within a narrow voltage range and may be affected by momentary voltage fluctuations.
While there is no way to prevent voltage fluctuations, you can take steps to protect sensitive electronic equipment.
1. Install UL1449, CSA-listed, plug-in surge suppressors on the outlets feeding your sensitive equipment. Surge suppressors come in single- or multi-outlet styles. They’re designed to protect against virtually all short-duration voltage fluctuations."

That's just Manufacturer BS to protect themselves from claims when a knucklehead puts too much of a sudden load on the generator while sensitive electronics are hooked up. I have the cheapest generator as a backup, a $79 (with coupon) 2 stroke harbor freight generator and it is used by me and countless other Ham Radio operators in the field on field day with no problems with a surge surpresser. Voltage fluctuates 3-4 volts under load but it works just fine. I have about $1,300 in Ham Radio equipment that I have hooked up (I'm a Yaesu man) and never had a problem. Just check your voltage and ensure you are getting 60hz and you should be fine with a standard 3600 rpm generator.

Most 3600 rpm (non-inverter) generators need tweaking on the throttle adjustment anyway to get a good voltage initially and then again once engine is loosened up on break in and developing full power.

A surge suppressor is a good idea for all generators even inverter ones. Some of the better inverter generators use 12V DC from the starter battery for sudden increases in load until the engine and throttle stepper motor have time to catch up. That is how they can get an additional 500-1000 watts of "starting power" that is important for a/c compressor loads.

With that said, using a 3600 rpm generator is not neighbor friendly and even when I boondock camp in the back country (we have a 4 inch lift on our camper), I wouldn't run one just for peace and quiet. I will admit I'm a hypocrite and have no problem destroying that peace and quiet in the back country when I snowmobile.....aftermarket pipe/can and throttle pegged to 8200 rpm is music to my ears while crushing that powder off trail.

[Skyliner]

Originally Posted by emm-dee

What is the best way to lock these devices to prevent theft? I've seen a lot of them secured with chains or cables but don't know which is the best method.

You won't stop a dedicated thief from stealing one. However, I used a cable that I secure around my generator handles to a tree. I mainly boondock camp in the wilderness away from other folks and haven't had any problems with theft. When I do run into neighbors or find ATVers in my camping spot, I will put my generator in my camper when I'm not around. This is why a wheeled one with handles is so IMPORTANT.

[emm-dee]

Originally Posted by Skyliner

You won't stop a dedicated thief from stealing one. However, I used a cable that I secure around my generator handles to a tree. I mainly boondock camp in the wilderness away from other folks and haven't had any problems with theft. When I do run into neighbors or find ATVers in my camping spot, I will put my generator in my camper when I'm not around. This is why a wheeled one with handles is so IMPORTANT.

Thanks. I guess locks, cables and chains are only made to keep honest people from taking your stuff.

I've thought about fabricating a system where the generator would be bolted down to the shelf on the front of the trailer (next to the battery). If I take on that project will post pix, etc., later. But...that brings up the question of exhaust gas. How much of a problem is this, or how far (or close) is recommended to prevent exhaust gasses from entering the trailer.

[boondocking]

"That's just Manufacturer BS to protect themselves from claims when a knucklehead puts too much of a sudden load on the generator while sensitive electronics are hooked up."

So, you are saying it can happen.

From all the various warnings on the net I wouldn't be taking a chance with sensitive electronics and no surge suppressor.

[MOODMAN]

I suggest a Champion Inverter 3100. Price point and quality is great. You can get it with free shipping on Amazon Prime for about $1000

[Shady camper]

I can recommend Champion. Recently purchased dual 2ks and one went immediately wonky. Champion had me up and running within days and added a few extras. Awesome customer service.

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Tom48]

Originally Posted by DKRITTER

We bought the Champion 2800/3100 Inverter primarily due to price and the amount of time we were going to use it. We only use it for a few days a year. If we used it often we would have bought Honda or Yamaha.

In hindsight I wish I would have bought 2 2000's and paired them together, it would have been more versatile.

And there are many where we camp who would thank you BECAUSE THOSE 2000's are so easy to carry AND they LOVE STEALING THEM.

[MOODMAN]

One other thing...You should consider a dual fuel option so you can use Propane. Gasoline is known to go bad after a few months in storage and it will ruin your generator's engine.
Champion is known for their great customer service, and I found out that Champion does sell a converter kit to also run on propane for the normally gasoline version of the 3100 inverter. Propane will not go bad.
Just know that when running on propane, due to the smaller amount of latent energy in propane as compared to gas that you won't get as many watts out of propane. Typically, you would get, for example, 5800 watts on propane for a 6200 watt rated gas generator. There are some generators on the market that are tri-fuel (also run on natural gas) and you get even less wattage from natural gas. Also, even with gas, when you go up in altitude you lose wattage with all three fuels.

[Harkerr]

Two 2000 Hondas will last forever and are a versatile option. Hard to beat.

[rsdata]

gas goes bad... yes it does, but most all inverter gens have less than a 1.5 gal fuel tank, so it only takes 4-8 hours to run the gas out of the gen before storing for the next trip... never store gas in your genny... always run it dry... propane is a good 2nd fuel option but certainly not a deal breaker if you cannot get your gen to accept it...

I do not have one but I know Costco sells the Generac iX2000 for somewhere around $550
according to reviews they are more fuel efficient and slightly quieter then comparable Hondas at about 1/2 the price, and can also be paralleled for double the output... downside is that model Generac has yet to have much of a track record as it was introduced only months ago...

I bought a 2500 watt Harbor Freight Predator inverter/gen about two months ago... have yet to do much with it besides running two tanks of gas through it... louder than a Honda, but on coupon sale it was $400...

AND... after running computers, DVD players and LED TV's on a 1000 watt $99 Harbor Freight two stroke engine genny for many summers boondocking in the middle of nowhere in Canada, I have yet to have any sensitive electronics give me any problems whatsoever...

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by Skyliner

Traditional generators (non-inverters) run constantly at 3600 rpm in order to get the desired 60hz AC frequency. This is one reason that they are so loud. The output of this type of generator is fairly clean because it is a pure sine wave. Changes in load may cause engine to slow down and possibly overshoot desired rpm of 3600 rpm which can cause minor fluctuations in voltage and frequency. You won't harm electronics using a conventional generator. After all, the generators that power our home are similar but much larger!

Inverter generators generate DC current which is then inverted into 120 V AC-pure sine wave AC. At low loads the engine runs at slow speeds and as load picks up so does engine speed. This feature is why they run quieter and burn less gasoline than a conventional generator.

I strongly recommend the same Boliy generator that I've been using for 4 years. I purchased mine from bottonline trading and have been 100% satisfied with my purchase.

Inverter generators are more complex and have more things that can go wrong with them. However, you can't beat them for their efficiency and low level of noise.

X 2 on the Boliy and I also purchased from Bottom line trading. Great service and free shipping. Mine is also rigged for an additional 6 gal furel tank. Later RJD