Generators?

[beyond-there]

Do any of you hard-sider's use a generator? I was thinking of buying one for my T12RB, but upon considering the cost, weight and overall size of certain. models I am not sure it would be a good investment. I don't know where I would put a generator other than in the back of my Subaru, but that would take up too much space and add a lot of weight. I drive a 2010 6 cylinder Forester;I haven't camped yet and I don't know how it will fare fully loaded and towing an RV
Does anyone store gear on the floor of their RV when it is folded down and on the road? I assume this ok, but I haven't tried it yet.
I plan to buy some clear storage bins to keep things organized and use less storage space.

My wife and I plan to sleep in the Hazel Hut tonight for the first time. I think the temperature will be in the mid 40's so maybe we can try out the furnace tonight.

Getting back to RV generators, I briefly looked at a couple of Honda models and the sales person said I should go for the 3000 watts version, because of the air conditioner which seems too large plus it costs $1900.00, much more than I want to spend. Can anyone suggest an affordable portable quiet generator that doesn't break the bank or my back?

HazelHut

[LadyWindrider]

Before you spend the money on a generator, where will you be camping? What will you want while, camping such as AC, television, etc. If you are staying in campgrounds with power, no generator necessary. If you are trying to run electronics and AC, you will need a 3000 Honda or Yamaha, else your television and laptop may not like it.

If you do a search for generator on here, will come up with a lot of reading.

[dretired]

To be "boondocking"...or a emergency power source.. i bought a Camping world Champion 4,000 watt generator 68 db (it has a 30 amp plug for rvs )...caught a sale right after the 4th of july..$279..i ordered the wheel kit..at $50..and what do you know ?? that went on sale for $25 after my generator arrived ...a phone call = a $25 refund..i had a thought ..IF... my house A/C were to conk out...i could use my 5th wheel which is in the driveway..while i waited for the house A/C fix...

[Great Horned Owl]

First, as for noise, there are now several manufacturers that make make generators with precisely the same low noise level as the Honda. Check out Champion, Boliy, Kipor, or Generac, to name a few. Be careful. most of them also make big noisy generators. The key is that you want an inverter type generator.

An alternative to a 3000W model is to get two 2000W models and a parallel kit to tie them together. There are several advantages of going this route. First, they tend to be only around 45 lbs., and are much easier to move around. Second, when you don't need A/C, you only have to run one of them. Third, they are a lot less expensive. Forth, if one should break down, you still have the other while getting repairs. I am using two Champions, and am very happy with them.

You can frequently find the 2000W models for under $500, plus less than $100 for the parallel kit. If you will trust a factory refurbished, they can be under $400. Here is somebody selling two generators and the parallel kit for $879. (2) 73531i Champion 2000w Inverters Generator Manufacturer Refurbished Kit 896682735312 | eBay

Joel

[dezeldad]

Been using a Boily inverter generator the past 4-5 years with no issues. Ran my 15k air. 3300 watt max and 53-59 db. Weighs 70 lbs. I paid less than 900 at the time ... I think they are around $1000 now.

[FarFromStock]

We have the A127TH camper and can run the A/C for 4 hours on our Honda EU2000i generator. It's quiet and easy to start.

[TeresaInCAL]

We have a Honda 2000i, it's 5 or so years old. Hubby bought it "used" for 500 bucks(?) from a co-worker who bought a "real" RV. ;0) The guy used 2x. Perfect size for our 22' Gray Wolf. We have the 2 batteries we re-charge for about 2 hours or so each day. We like to run the coffee maker, microwave, hair dryer, curling iron. ;0). Not to mention re-charging all the little electronics the boys have. We usually carry it in the bed of the truck, along with the gas can. It's plenty strong enough formour needs, and *I* can still carry it by myself. It's very quiet too, people are always commenting on how quiet it is.

[High Country]

There are several smaller light weight gen/iinverters that should work that are under 3000W but simialr in output.

I am looking at the Yamaha EF2400iSHC or the EF2800i generator/inverter. I want to replace my old noisy generator that was fine in the forest, but rattles my neighbors in the campgrounds. Both state that they can power an AC unit, (which I probably will never do) and seem to be good units, light weight, and powerful enough to run the appliances in my Shamrock 21ssl.

Does any one have any experience with either of them or suggestions?

Thanks,

HC

[beyond-there]

Thanks for all of your valuable input. I wasn't sure how large of an alternator I would need to run the AC and now I know