Generator? Yamaha or Honda. What size?

[1st timer]

Originally Posted by GreenImp

If you're looking for a cheaper option than the Honda/Yamaha's, you should look at the Smarter Tools AP-2000i. It's priced comparable to the Champion but is built with the Yamaha YZ80 engine (same engine as the Yamaha 2000w inverter generator), is parallel capable, has the same 3 year warranty as the Honda and Yamaha, and the same decibel ratings.


Smarter Tools Don't work harder. Work smarter.

http://www.costco.com/Smarter-Tools-...100121916.html

Wow that is a good deal! I really like the price 2! 1/2 the price of the name brand with the same warranty. Seems like a no brainer. With all the bad weather still have not picked up the Roo yet seems like the last 3 weeks have just been let down after let down....but all in due time. Thanks for the links I will definitely look in to the Smarter Tools inverter generator. Thanks again,

[Kanga99]

Great info on this thread. Back to the first post regarding size. If I just want to recharge batteries while dry camping, what size is needed? I am trying to decide on generator or look into solar panels.

[Mountndream]

most use 2000w Generators for charging your batteries. Bigger Generators are needed to power AC, Microwaves etc

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Kanga99

Great info on this thread. Back to the first post regarding size. If I just want to recharge batteries while dry camping, what size is needed? I am trying to decide on generator or look into solar panels.

generally, a 2000w is recommended for that, for a number of reasons.
first, a 2000w doesn't cost much more than a 1000w unit and it will power everything, including the microwave but it won't power the a/c.
that's why so many buy one 2000w and a second one later. then you only have to take two, if you plan on running the a/c. otherwise only one is required.
our Honda EUI2000w powers everything, including the microwave. it has run our 13.5k a/c at sea level. and it only weighs around 50lbs.

[ChibullsAN]

We have 2 ryobi generators in parallel when we need them. Saved big $$ over the more expensive Hondas, actually was able to buy 2 generators instead of 1. But each to his own.

[KyDan]

Originally Posted by Kanga99

Great info on this thread. Back to the first post regarding size. If I just want to recharge batteries while dry camping, what size is needed? I am trying to decide on generator or look into solar panels.

IF you really ONLY want to charge batteries a 700-1000 watt genny will
do that. As others have mentioned a 2000 will allow you to use the
microwave and even brew coffee while a 1000 peak 700 continuous won't.

Also depends on if you're going to use a stand alone charger or the one
in your trailer. If you plug in the trailer you need to be sure the
water heater electric option is off and the fridge is set to LP only not
auto.

I have wondered if I'd have been better off with a 1000 instead of my 2000. We've only used the microwave 1 or 2 times via genny power.
Could have done without it. We have stove top percolator for times
we're boondocking. I have a large genny at home for major power failures.
The 1000 would have been a little lighter and slightly cheaper.
IF I had it to do over right this minute I donno which one I'd choose but I
would want to pick up both models and let my back decide.

Just wanted you to know the 1000 will charge your batteries very nicely.
My 2000 will charge them on Eco mode which is low throttle and even quieter than normal throttle so it's very quiet. I don't think the 1000 has economy mode?

[Prothos]

I have had this model for almost 2 years runs my 2104s with ac in the Texas heat without issue, I run the fridge on electric when its on. I turn off the ac to run the microwave. My last outing I used it every weekend for 9 weeks straight 3 days in a row. I changed the oil once in the middle of the stay and at the end.


3100 Watt Inverter Generator - Champion Generators 75531I - Portable Generators - Camping World

[Kanga99]

Originally Posted by KyDan

IF you really ONLY want to charge batteries a 700-1000 watt genny will
do that. As others have mentioned a 2000 will allow you to use the
microwave and even brew coffee while a 1000 peak 700 continuous won't.

Also depends on if you're going to use a stand alone charger or the one
in your trailer. If you plug in the trailer you need to be sure the
water heater electric option is off and the fridge is set to LP only not
auto.

I have wondered if I'd have been better off with a 1000 instead of my 2000. We've only used the microwave 1 or 2 times via genny power.
Could have done without it. We have stove top percolator for times
we're boondocking. I have a large genny at home for major power failures.
The 1000 would have been a little lighter and slightly cheaper.
IF I had it to do over right this minute I donno which one I'd choose but I
would want to pick up both models and let my back decide.

Just wanted you to know the 1000 will charge your batteries very nicely.
My 2000 will charge them on Eco mode which is low throttle and even quieter than normal throttle so it's very quiet. I don't think the 1000 has economy mode?

KyDan,

How long do you estimate it takes to bring 2 12 vt batteries up from 50% to 100% with your 2000Wt generator? Is this an all day kind of thing or just a couple of hours in the morning? I suppose there is a formula for this.

[GreenImp]

Originally Posted by Kanga99

KyDan,

How long do you estimate it takes to bring 2 12 vt batteries up from 50% to 100% with your 2000Wt generator? Is this an all day kind of thing or just a couple of hours in the morning? I suppose there is a formula for this.

The closer batteries get to 100% charge, the slower they accept the charge. So the law of diminishing returns comes into play here. Without getting into these and other details (charger size, efficiency, wiring, etc.), a 2000 watt (continuous) generator would be capable of about 166 amps of charge. This is 3-4 times what most converter/chargers are capable of. If it's job was nothing more than running an RV's built in battery charger, the highly rated and super cheap Earthquake 700w (continuous) generator would be enough.

http://www.amazon.com/Earthquake-116.../dp/B00FL89I2W

[SKnight]

Originally Posted by Kanga99

KyDan,

How long do you estimate it takes to bring 2 12 vt batteries up from 50% to 100% with your 2000Wt generator? Is this an all day kind of thing or just a couple of hours in the morning? I suppose there is a formula for this.

A couple of hours or so, depending on charging rate, actual amp hours diminished, etc.

Easy numbers, if you have 100AH batteries times two, 200AH total. You take them down to 50% or 100AH down. You have a 50A converter, it will take approximately two hours to top them up, a 40A converter, 2.5 hours, 65A converter, 1.75 hours, give or take, plus a little time for the final top up charge.

[JWHybrid2B]

I know this thread talks about Yamaha vs Honda inverters, but just ran across one at Northern Tool called Powerhorse. Has anyone have any feedback on the 2,000 watt? They are $400-$450 less than Honda/Yamaha 2,000 watt, but appears to have similar features. They even come with a parallel kit for adding extra power for your A/C unit.

[acadianbob]

I saw this unit at the Minnesota State Fair last year. Very quiet. Can't speak to the quality/longevity though.

[B and B]

I just bought a 4kW Powerhouse that is Fuel Injected, no carb, no priming. I will report how well it works and take noise level measurement as well.