Portable Generator Topic - Different Question

[tgduffy]

I've read through a large amount of generator discussions and I just want to make sure I'm understanding what I read. My "need" is a generator that is no more than about 50-60 lbs as I have a crappy back and I don't want my wife and I to be lifting a 100 lb generator into the back of the pickup and I don't want to have to use a ramp to wheel up some huge piece of equipment. What I'm seeing are generators around the 50 lb mark but the best they can produce is 1400 (running) - 1800 (starting) watts. I think the good news is we're not so concerned about the air conditioner. Can a generator between 1400 - 1800 watts run my LED lights, TV, a few small appliances like a box fan, and my refrigerator? Any idea what my 6 cu. ft. frig requires to run? My understanding of my 2-way frig is once I hock the AC power cord of the trailer to the generator, the frig will change over from gas to AC as it has an auto mode.

[dcheatwood]

Should be fine with all but a/c and water heater. May not run microwave for long. Depending on fridge type, you should be able to run it on propane even plugged in or generator.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by tgduffy

I've read through a large amount of generator discussions and I just want to make sure I'm understanding what I read. My "need" is a generator that is no more than about 50-60 lbs as I have a crappy back and I don't want my wife and I to be lifting a 100 lb generator into the back of the pickup and I don't want to have to use a ramp to wheel up some huge piece of equipment. What I'm seeing are generators around the 50 lb mark but the best they can produce is 1400 (running) - 1800 (starting) watts. I think the good news is we're not so concerned about the air conditioner. Can a generator between 1400 - 1800 watts run my LED lights, TV, a few small appliances like a box fan, and my refrigerator? Any idea what my 6 cu. ft. frig requires to run? My understanding of my 2-way frig is once I hock the AC power cord of the trailer to the generator, the frig will change over from gas to AC as it has an auto mode.

My Honda 2000i runs everything.
I can run my 13.5k a/c if I turn everything else off.
You're going to need one that provides 1600w running or more.

Not sure why you want to run the fridge on the generator when it is more efficient on propane. The only reason to run it on 110vAC, is if your campsite has electric hookups.

What small appliances are you talking about?
Coffee makers and blow dryers can challenge a 2000w generator, with nothing else on.

And if you install an inverter, you can run the tv off the batteries.

[tgduffy]

Dan,
Actually I'm still kinda new at all this. You're right, no reason to run the frig unless I am at a campground with hookups. So it's primarily the LED lights, heater fan, maybe the trailer's radio/DVD & TV, the other appliances might be a small box fan or charging up our iPads. So it sounds 1400w should be plenty? I just don't want to keep checking the battery levels while camping.

[bikendan]

We primarily dry camp, so we're setup for it.
Dual batteries, Honda 2000i, 400w inverter, 15 gallon blue tote tank and 6 gallon FW jug.

The Honda is for recharging the batteries once (for 2-3 hours), every 2-3 days. Also for running the microwave.

Some of the stuff, like lights are 12v, so they don't need a generator.
But it sounds like you want to run the generator for longer than 2-3 hours. This is not a good practice in a campground.
NO one wants to hear a generator, even an inverter generator, running all day.
Most campgrounds have generator hours, some for only 2-3 hours in the am and 2-3 hours in the pm.

[tgduffy]

So is it true that the LED lights in my trailer and along the awning outside run off of my batteries (DC) and not on AC when I am hooked up to shore power? So what's the point of a small generator if I don't plan on really using it for the TV? I can live without the microwave and air conditioner. Other than keeping my batteries charged? Is there a solar solution for that?

[tgduffy]

Dan, so I am rethinking all this. First, no, I wouldn't want to run the generator for more than 2-3 hours. Discovering that while dry camping we won't use the microwave or TV, then my real intent for a small generator is to, as you pointed out, charge up the batteries. Question, just how would I do that if I had, as an example, a small 1200w Champion inverter generator? Do I some how connect the generator to my batteries? How long would it take to fully charge my 2 batteries if, let's say, they were at 50%?

[Flybob]

The recommended way to charge the batteries with a generator is to connect the trailer power cord to the generators 110V outlet using an adapter and allowing the converter to charge the batteries. The cost of a 2000W generator vs a 1000W generator is marginal.; I would go with the 2000W. Too many times I see people who purchase the 1000W and then realize that they really like the convenience and end up selling an almost new 1000w generator to buy a 2000W one. No matter what you do, I strongly recommend an inverter type vs a construction generator.

[bikendan]

that 1200w Champion is an open frame noise maker and NOT appropriate for campgrounds.
a 2000w INVERTER generator would be the best choice since you can run the microwave of you want and it would charge faster.
It will run around 53-56db noise level on eco throttle.

IMHO, anything under 2000w is only useful on a trailer with minimal power users.
like a basic popup.
with a microwave, electric awning, power tongue jack, furnace, stereo and so on,
a 2000w INVERTER generator is better suited.

[tgduffy]

Flybob, thanks for the info. I figured charging the batteries was done via the trailer's AC power cord. My problem is 2000w generators are 100 lbs+ and I have a bad back. Can't lift it into my pickup towing vehicle.

[Flybob]

The Honda 2000i that I have has a dry weight of 45.6 lbs. Looking toward the future, if you need the AC or get a bigger trailer, you can get a second one (2000i companion) and run them in parallel for 4000W. Check http://www.mayberrys.com/ for specs and pricing.

[boondocking]

The Champion 2000 watt inverter generator weighs 48.5 lbs.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by tgduffy

My problem is 2000w generators are 100 lbs+ and I have a bad back. Can't lift it into my pickup towing vehicle.

maybe you should post what 2000w generator that you're talking about cause every 2000w INVERTER generator I've seen weighs around 50lbs.

maybe you're talking about an open frame contractor-style NON inverter generator.

[JimMorrell]

I have used a Honda 2000i for about 10 years with great success. Weight is around 45#. Won't run the AC, but everything else just fine. We use an electric coffee maker. Also, for heat, we carry a small electric heater. Our batteries stay charged with just 30 minutes of operation in the morning. If you're only concerned about battery charge, then a small solar unit works fine. I have one on my boat, and never have a dead battery.

[dmchapman]

Originally Posted by JimMorrell

I have used a Honda 2000i for about 10 years with great success. Weight is around 45#. Won't run the AC, but everything else just fine. We use an electric coffee maker. Also, for heat, we carry a small electric heater. Our batteries stay charged with just 30 minutes of operation in the morning. If you're only concerned about battery charge, then a small solar unit works fine. I have one on my boat, and never have a dead battery.

X2 on this. I have set up a Renogy 100W portable panel with the controller mounted in my front storage compartment. When dry camping we try to operate only one or two lights at a time but the thermostat is set to 60-65 at night and the furnace kicks on occasionally during the night. The panel has kept our dual batteries topped up quite nicely on several 2-4 night trips. I pull the fuse for the entertainment center when not in use and did the mod to disconnect the fridge door heater. Every little thing to conserve when off the grid. I carry the noisy smelly 900W 2-stroke generator just in case but have never fired it up in a campground.

[Jakieboy]

I second the recommendation for a 2000 W Honda inverter/generator. They are as reliable as a big hammer, very quiet, and i think you'll find they weigh far less than 100 pounds.

[dontay]

It sounds like you should invest in a solar panel and controller instead of a generator. If you want to do without the a/c and microwave when you dry camp you would be better off with solar. Question is do you want to do without the micro or are you just willing to do without it so you won't need a generator? Don't forget that you will need to carry a can of gasoline for the gen. and it stinks.
A micro is quite handy to have but not essential. I see you live in Utah so I assume you will be camping up high in the mts. I'm not sure even a 2K would run a micro at altitude. Someone who actually has experience will have to say.

FYI: We have used a 1000W Honda since 2000 to charge batteries. It weighs about 30lbs and it does still start on the first pull just like they say. But we have a 4K gen in our newest rig and I just added a 100W solar panel so I'm afraid the Honda now is only for use around our property when out of range of cords. Sad.

[canonmanmart]

Originally Posted by tgduffy

Flybob, thanks for the info. I figured charging the batteries was done via the trailer's AC power cord. My problem is 2000w generators are 100 lbs+ and I have a bad back. Can't lift it into my pickup towing vehicle.

If you look into the Honda 2000w inverter, they are both light and quiet. The downside is the cost $1000. But as they say, you get what you pay for. I know people who bought less expensive brands but they were ultimately disappointed (not as quiet, hard starting etc).

[TGR]

I doubt a 2K generator will charge your batteries faster than a 1K generator but the 2K generator will run your microwave, which is a great advantange. Even though you may not need to run your AC now, you might, at some point, wish to add a second 2K generator in parallel for your AC. Two 2K generators work well for even 15K air conditioners at almost any altitude.

I’m very happy with my two Yamaha 2K inverter generators. Like the Honda, they are quiet, reliable and weigh less than 50 pounds each. The Hondas and Yamahas have a good reputation but several people report good luck with other brands. Good luck.

[checkmate99]

Check out the dual fuel inverter/generators as well....they operate on either gasoline or propane, and are available in the 2000 watts you are seeking.