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Old 01-04-2015, 09:36 PM   #1
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Smile Generator for 5th Wheel

We have a Rockwood 2015 8289ws and am interested in purchasing a generator(s). We do some camping with limited hookups. Would like some suggestions on the size needed prefered make and model. What do you own? What not to buy!!
Any help would be appreciated.

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Old 01-04-2015, 10:03 PM   #2
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That is a topic that is often discussed with many different opinions.

The big question is what do you plan to run with it. If you are just recharging batteries and/watching satelite, a portable 2000/2400 would be a good choice.

If you will be camping where you will need to run one or more a/c units a much larger and heavier/ noisier may be needed. Or two of the 2000 units in parrael.

Many people here are using either honda 2000 or Yamaha 2400. A good value that has popped up is a champion 2000. I have two of the Hondas and have yet needed to run them both at the same time- most trips tgat ac is needed we plan around hookups.


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Old 01-04-2015, 10:05 PM   #3
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The Honda units are very reliable, although a little pricey. You can find much cheaper (about 1/2 price) brands and some people have had good success with them, but I don't think I have ever heard anything negative about the Hondas. A pair of 2000 watt units or a single 3000 would run one A/C, TV and some lights.
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Old 01-05-2015, 09:39 PM   #4
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Have two Hondas 2000 not a problem. You get what you pay for


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Old 01-05-2015, 10:02 PM   #5
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I have two EU2000i with a parallel kit.

You don't need AC, run one genset. That's plenty to run the rig including the microwave, TVs and all.

You need AC, then fire up unit number two. Gives you all the power you need with the option to only run what you need.
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Old 01-05-2015, 10:22 PM   #6
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We have had our Honda 2000 since 2003. Change oil, add gas (we always put Stabil in as well), and clean the air filter every so often. Knock on wood, not a lick of problems. Jerry.
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Old 01-06-2015, 01:04 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirsea View Post
The Honda units are very reliable, although a little pricey. You can find much cheaper (about 1/2 price) brands and some people have had good success with them, but I don't think I have ever heard anything negative about the Hondas. A pair of 2000 watt units or a single 3000 would run one A/C, TV and some lights.
Honda products are reliable, and I believe the similar Yahama units are too. Part of the extra price for these units is in the engineering and construction to make them measurably quieter than older style generators, the ability to modulate engine speed with electrical power demand, and the ability to provide pure sine wave power that is 'friendly' to newer expensive televisions, computers, smartphones, games, etc. Their small size increases theft potential, however.
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Old 01-06-2015, 01:16 PM   #8
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Low noise/electric start. Under a load they all are going to be noisy.
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Old 01-06-2015, 01:58 PM   #9
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My previous RV’s were slide-in pickup campers. The last one had its own onboard generator. This was great, because I could start it from inside the camper and it had enough power for my A/C, etc., however, it was noisy.

For my 5th wheel trailer, I decided on 2 Yamaha EF2000iS generators, rather than a larger one. These are light enough to move around at ~44 lbs. each, they are quiet, and I only have to run one generator unless I need A/C. Yamaha has the EF3000iSB that can run at 3500 watts (under its “boost” mode) for long enough to start (then run) an A/C, it has an electric start but it weighs ~160 lbs with fuel. Some people say 3500 watts is too little, especially if you are at higher elevations where a generator’s engine loses power.

Most people think the Yamaha and Honda inverter generators are good choices. I was concerned about the other brands of inverter generators so I opted to pay much more for the Yamahas. Whatever generator you buy, make sure it’s an inverter generator with low noise. The cheap standard, i.e., non-inverter, generators are too noisy for your comfort as well as for anyone else camping in the area.
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Old 01-06-2015, 02:26 PM   #10
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We had a 2005 Flagstaff 8528GTSS with a single AC. I had a Honda EU3000is that ran the AC and pretty much anything else we wanted. That was the quietest and most reliable pieces of equipment I've ever owned. When we upgraded to the Sandpiper, the 3000 would not support the load. So, I picked up 2 of the EU2000i's. I parallel them and they work great. Only issues I have is 1)they are pull start and the 3000 was electric start and 2)the 2000 gas tank is small and will not run all night. My 3000 would run all night on a tank of gas. But, like others said, you can't go wrong with Honda.
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Old 01-06-2015, 03:10 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by mike.t View Post
Low noise/electric start. Under a load they all are going to be noisy.
Very true, but two low noise gensets under load will be quieter than one non silenced genset.
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Old 01-06-2015, 03:37 PM   #12
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Very true, but two low noise gensets under load will be quieter than one non silenced genset.
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Old 01-06-2015, 03:57 PM   #13
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I just bought 2 of the champion 1700/ 2000w invertor generators and a parallel kit. I did extensive research and read reviews. The big difference I found was that i could buy my 2 Champion generators for the price of one Honda or Yahama. They weigh almost the same and the champions are one decibal louder.

Also, i went the parallel route because I can lift 44 lbs and move them. the 3500 watt version is 140-150 lbs.
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Old 01-06-2015, 04:36 PM   #14
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If you have the space available why not check out ebay and Rv salvage yards for a used RV generator-------I did that, got an Onan 6300 propane fueled shipped to me for a decent price.....mounted it in the nose storage area and good to go
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Old 01-06-2015, 07:34 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kerrlakelover View Post
We had a 2005 Flagstaff 8528GTSS with a single AC. I had a Honda EU3000is that ran the AC and pretty much anything else we wanted. That was the quietest and most reliable pieces of equipment I've ever owned. When we upgraded to the Sandpiper, the 3000 would not support the load. So, I picked up 2 of the EU2000i's. I parallel them and they work great. Only issues I have is 1)they are pull start and the 3000 was electric start and 2)the 2000 gas tank is small and will not run all night. My 3000 would run all night on a tank of gas. But, like others said, you can't go wrong with Honda.
If you are having a problem with short run times because of a small fuel tank. Consider building or buying an extended run fuel system. I built one for my 2-Honda 2000's... works great. Check out extended run fuel systems on You Tube .
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Old 01-06-2015, 10:10 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kerrlakelover View Post
We had a 2005 Flagstaff 8528GTSS with a single AC. I had a Honda EU3000is that ran the AC and pretty much anything else we wanted. That was the quietest and most reliable pieces of equipment I've ever owned. When we upgraded to the Sandpiper, the 3000 would not support the load. So, I picked up 2 of the EU2000i's. I parallel them and they work great. Only issues I have is 1)they are pull start and the 3000 was electric start and 2)the 2000 gas tank is small and will not run all night. My 3000 would run all night on a tank of gas. But, like others said, you can't go wrong with Honda.
You can purchase an external tank that supply your Honda EU2000is with enough fuel for many hours. Google search. Here is one guy that made his own:
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Old 01-13-2015, 11:53 PM   #17
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You get what you pay for!

Do yourself and fellow campers a favor and get a Yamaha or Honda! Very quiet and reliable. I have a 3000is that is rated quieter than a Honda, but I think the difference is probably not noticeable. Runs AC but not at the same time as microwave, or as I accidently discovered not with the electric element of the hot water tank turned on!
Only draw back is I have to have my son help me load and unload it from trailer. Two 2000's would be better in that regard.
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Old 01-14-2015, 12:22 AM   #18
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The Smarter Tools AP-2000iQ 2000w inverter generator is a fantastic value at around $600 (Costco w/b the preferred store for me). It has the incredibly reliable Yamaha MZ80 engine in it (exact same engine as the Yamaha EF2000iS 2000w inverter generator) and produces the same sound rating. It has the same 3yr warranty as Honda/Yamaha, is parallel capable (cable is 1/4 the cost of the Honda version), and even comes with a handful of accessories that Honda and Yamaha charge extra for.
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Old 01-14-2015, 12:23 AM   #19
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I own one of these Lifan 3600IER Carb compliant...bought it through Home Depot a couple of years ago. It's rated at 3000 watts, with a burst output of 3500. Just enough to get the AC started and running. Didn't expect it to run anything else so it works for me. Charges my battery and keeps the wife's toothbrush charged!

Only issues I have had so far is it does not like higher altitudes. It's not injected so it needs to be adjusted for altitude. I have just been cleaning the plug and reinstalling when they get fouled. Guess I should get it adjusted before I kill it.

Have noticed recently that it is a bit louder than when I first purchased it. Not sure what the issue is, have to take it apart and examine it. Decide if it needs warranty work.

Overall it has performed well and fairly quiet for a generator. Been happy so far.
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Old 01-14-2015, 12:38 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rlschurman View Post
You get what you pay for

While I agree that you usually get a better product when spending more money, I don't believe there is necessarily good value to that. I believe the law of diminishing returns applies here. So called "quality brands" normally cost at least double what the competition does, but are often only marginally better, more reliable, longer lasting etc.
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