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Old 02-10-2017, 07:06 PM   #1
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Portable Generator

I have a Grey Wolf 22 RR toy hauler and would like to hear from anyone who has experienced, good or bad, usage of a portable generator that will run ac and lights.
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Old 02-10-2017, 07:11 PM   #2
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First question: will you be using it in a campground or only for boondocking?
Second question: what's your price range?
Third question: where will you haul it?
Fourth question: what size a/c, 13.5k or 15k?
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Old 02-10-2017, 07:38 PM   #3
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I use a Boliy 3600SI Gen for boon docking and it will run a 15000 btu ac and only weighs 70# and comes with electric start. Can add extended fuel tank for extra run time and DB is about same as a Honda. Runs about $1100 with free shipping and cheaper than buying 2 2000 watt Hondas. Later RJD
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Old 02-11-2017, 08:31 AM   #4
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I will use elec at all campgrounds that have service. Would like to use as travel and stay where no electric.
Price range open but not over $1800.
Haul in bed of pickup.
AC is 13,500 btu

Thanks
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Old 02-11-2017, 06:29 PM   #5
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I run two eu2000 Hondas. I use one if I only some juice on the road and both for ac usage. They are more than just one 3000eu, but only 50lbs each.
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Old 02-11-2017, 08:03 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dougn View Post
I will use elec at all campgrounds that have service. Would like to use as travel and stay where no electric.
Price range open but not over $1800.
Haul in bed of pickup.
AC is 13,500 btu

Thanks
Not sure from your answer whether or not you want to use the generator in a campground that doesn't have electric.

If so, you need an INverter generator.
That way the noise level is quieter.

To run the a/c, a 2400w generator would be the bare minimum.

Personally, I'm a fan of a set of paralleled 2000w inverter generators.
They weigh around 50lbs and if you won't need a/c, you only need one to run everything else.
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Old 02-11-2017, 09:00 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doc73 View Post
I run two eu2000 Hondas. I use one if I only some juice on the road and both for ac usage. They are more than just one 3000eu, but only 50lbs each.


Poke around Craigslist and could probably pick up a pair for 1400.
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Old 02-11-2017, 09:17 PM   #8
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Yes,new i paid 995 for one and 1000 for the other.
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Old 02-11-2017, 09:54 PM   #9
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One of the most contentious topics on this forum and other camping forums is what ( inverter) generator works to give remote access to 120 VAC and is the best value...

do a search for inverter generator on this forum and you will find dozens of recent threads on this subject...

a few things to consider
1. wattage necessary... because of high starting current of AC you will need a minimum of 2400 watts just to START the AC unit, while everything else is OFF... their are some add-ons to your AC unit also discussed on here that will give you lower start current for the AC enabling you to purchase a lower wattage generator... EXTRA cost of course...
2. noise in dB... be aware that dB measurements are not industry standardized so it is difficult to compare different units; some units are deemed to be too loud to be used in campgrounds because of annoying noise they produce for the neighbors in a quiet campground... if you are off bondocking by yourself or at a NASCAR event, then noise is not that big of an issue
3. cost Vs. watts produced and convenience features... ie weight of unit and portability, electric start, run times on a tank of gas, availability of extended run times with external tanks, some have remote start, some heavier units have wheels
4. new units appear on the market all the time Vs. established name brands like Honda and Yamaha

Powerhouse, Bolly, Champion, Harbor Freight are just a few of the names of generators (inverters) that you will find when doing a google or youtube search on the topic, besides Honda and Yamaha. Market forces and more people wanting RV and COST friendly remote power options are driving this competition to force Honda out of the #1 seller spot

Everyone has their favorite... just watch this thread to blow up with comments from owners about their favorite brand and their reasons for owning.

Have fun evaluating all of the choices out there, as there are more options available every year.
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Old 02-11-2017, 10:28 PM   #10
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As rsdata noted, lots of threads on this. Here is one that references a couple more: http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f218/hard-start-capacitor-126011-new-post.html
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Old 02-11-2017, 10:42 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by doc73 View Post
I run two eu2000 Hondas. I use one if I only some juice on the road and both for ac usage. They are more than just one 3000eu, but only 50lbs each.
X2
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Old 02-12-2017, 02:21 AM   #12
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Boliy is what I have used for about 6 years or so. Have hundreds and hundreds of hours on mine with no problems. Still take it with me though I'm not pretty much running solar all of the time except the rare times I need to run air conditioning.
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Old 02-12-2017, 10:51 AM   #13
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I have a 21rr and have 13.5k AC. Use a champion dual fuel inverter. 3100 rated 3400 surge. Propane is about 400 watts less for each. I leave in truck bed and run shore line to trailer. It comes from the factory setup to run right off the quick disconnect that is on the side of the camper for propane. All you need to do is get the male end. Have run it off propane for AC with the charger to replenish batteries and it didn't skip a beat. AC on first then the charger
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Old 02-14-2017, 01:30 PM   #14
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I have used Champion generators for many years and have had no issues with them. I have had to call for parts, they are very nice to deal with.
I had one of the 2000watt inverter generators and it worked great. I got a deal on a second one so i bought the parallel kit to go with it, so now I could run my AC. The setup worked really well, only one if I did not need AC as others have stated. I wanted more convenience so I bought the 3100 watt Champion with wireless start. LOVE IT! I roll it in the back of the camper, roll it out plug it in and ready to go when I want, no need to go outside to start up or turn off. Love this setup, for $4000 for a built in generator, not sure that I will ever have one built in. I can take this generator anywhere with me, without dragging the camper.
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Old 02-14-2017, 01:47 PM   #15
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We researched a bunch and went with a Champion 3100I.
At 84 Lbs and 57 decibels it powers everything we need without having to pick what to run. It also doubles as a back up at home.
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Old 02-14-2017, 01:54 PM   #16
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I personally find Champion Power Products to be very competitively priced and reliable. and excellent customer service as well. One day Honda will loose the Number 1 spot (if they haven't already.
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Old 02-14-2017, 02:42 PM   #17
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I went with the Champion 3100 as well. No issues and as you will determine...saved around $1400!
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Old 02-14-2017, 03:11 PM   #18
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If you are going to be camping next to people, i.e., RV park/campground, please do not get a non-inverter style. last week a 5ver pulled in next to us and was using a Champion open, non-inverter generator and it was LOUD. It was so loud it drowned out a Honda 2000i being used in the next camp spot over. As we walked by, you couldn't hear the Honda until you were about 5' from it and the Honda was closer to us than the Champion. Luckily, they only used it for a few hours in the morning.
but please be courteous...
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Old 02-14-2017, 03:39 PM   #19
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Yes...please strongly consider an inverter. The open frame generators are quite simply annoying. If necessary, save up until you can afford the inverter($600 for the 3100). You will be glad you did.
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Old 02-14-2017, 04:08 PM   #20
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If you are going to be camping next to people, i.e., RV park/campground, please do not get a non-inverter style. last week a 5ver pulled in next to us and was using a Champion open, non-inverter generator and it was LOUD. It was so loud it drowned out a Honda 2000i being used in the next camp spot over. As we walked by, you couldn't hear the Honda until you were about 5' from it and the Honda was closer to us than the Champion. Luckily, they only used it for a few hours in the morning.

but please be courteous...


In a campground? I would have turned it off...
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