portable generator

boowho · 02-09-2015, 08:25 PM

Anyone have any experience with the 3K watt portable generator sold on this site : Scooter Wholesales | Top quality gas & electric scooters. Home of the fastest 1200 watt electric scooter & we have the lowest price guaranteed or we beat the price. ??

Thinking of one of these (or maybe a Honda gen) as it will run MUCH cheaper, than the 8000K Onan that came with my coach. And MUCH quieter too!!

Boowho??

P.S. Sorry for the obscenely long link. That's not the way I typed it in!!

hbillsmith · 02-09-2015, 08:37 PM

I don't think you would be happy with one because:
65db is loud. Compare to Champion or Honda at 53db.
Output is 2700 and no option to parallel
No 30amp RV plug
For your size motor home, at least look at Honda EU7000is $4000 and 300#.

**Flybob** · 02-09-2015, 08:42 PM

Check the specs ( actual numbers) for this and the Honda 2000. Text says just a quiet as a Honda. Honda spec is 59db this one is 65db. Basically 4 times as loud. Also fuel usage is very different.
6 month warranty vs 1yr. Can be returned if not happy, but where does return need to be shipped (US???) They are an importer. My vote is for the Honda or Yamaha

rockfordroo · 02-09-2015, 08:56 PM

"If it sounds too good be true, it probably is."

rana · 02-09-2015, 09:09 PM

Just reading their description they are WAY overselling it and making outrageous quotes. Misrepresenting any product in any form is a definite red flag for me to run the other way.

ernest917 · 02-09-2015, 09:21 PM

Seems like just something else to have to "deal" with ... How abt seeing if you can better insulate the gen that's in your Berk...

Mine's just now that loud .... I've been in NP campgrounds that have the quiet times and at 8 AM when everyone can fire up their gens, mine was one of the quietest ones there....

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

boowho · 02-09-2015, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hbillsmith

I don't think you would be happy with one because:
65db is loud. Compare to Champion or Honda at 53db.
Output is 2700 and no option to parallel
No 30amp RV plug
For your size motor home, at least look at Honda EU7000is $4000 and 300#.

So, you'd buy a Champion?? They are REALLY cheap compared to Honda.

Obviously, Honda and Yamaha are probably the best, but are getting up far enough in price that I can just go solar.

Thanks to all.

Boowho??

boowho · 02-09-2015, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ernest917

Seems like just something else to have to "deal" with ... How abt seeing if you can better insulate the gen that's in your Berk...

Mine's just now that loud .... I've been in NP campgrounds that have the quiet times and at 8 AM when everyone can fire up their gens, mine was one of the quietest ones there....

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

Noted...... Just terribly thirsty on diesel. I figured that if running the gen overnight to keep AC running, it is cheaper to check in to a commercial campgound at around $40 per night.

If I seem stingy, remember that I don't use my coach a few nights a year. When you are a fulltimer, $40 per night adds up to a huge chunk of money.

dave-g · 02-10-2015, 05:20 AM

I have a Honda 3000 inverter generator- and dry camp a lot. running it 24 hours- heat and light load 3 gallons per day. With one 15,000 btu ac- 6 gallons per day. Super quite but you will have to deal with gas cans- I also think you will need the 3000 to run the ac.
one last thing- the 3000 is heavy for one person to move.

hbillsmith · 02-10-2015, 10:08 AM

I have the Champion 3100 Inverter. Paid $850. It runs my 15K A/C just fine. It weighs 85# and I can move it myself. I run it mounted on a rear deck attached to my 30' travel trailer and when inside its quiet enough that we barely hear it. Noise spec wise its equal to the 3000 Honda inverter and less than half the price. Its also quieter than running a pair of 2000s (but the pair is easier to move and offers the option to just run one if you don't need the A/C.)

GreenImp · 02-10-2015, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boowho

Noted...... Just terribly thirsty on diesel. I figured that if running the gen overnight to keep AC running, it is cheaper to check in to a commercial campgound at around $40 per night.

If I seem stingy, remember that I don't use my coach a few nights a year. When you are a fulltimer, $40 per night adds up to a huge chunk of money.

I don't know which model Generator your coach has, but the specs for Onan's 8.0HDKAK show .13gph@idle, and .49gph @half load. Assuming approximately 1/3 load (your looking at 3k portable gens), you should be using about .35gph of diesel. This comes to about 8.4 gallons per 24 hours while running the AC.

According to Hondas own specs, their 3000i Generator would use about the same .35gph to .4gph (.43gph @ full load (2.6k)), and is rated at the about the same db (65) at that load.

Diesel is typically more expensive than gasoline these days, but not by all that much. Plus you then have to store, secure, maintain, and transport that portable gen (and it's fuel) too. Depending on which model you get, it may or may not have an electric start. If it does, you may or may not be able to start it from inside your coach. Runtime on the Honda 3000i is 3.6 hours at full load (which your AC unit will be close to), so you will either have to get up in the middle of the night to refuel or add an extended run tank system.

As to solar (only because you mentioned it vs the cost of a Honda Generator), even if a solar system that would run your AC and fit on your coach existed, where you be when the sun goes down or the clouds come out?

Don't get me wrong, I like the way your thinking (I do the same), but it seems like you may be missing a lot of "cons" to this, as well as expecting more of a return on investment than you will actually see.

GreenImp · 02-10-2015, 11:58 AM

If you do still want to go with a portable Gen (or 2), than you may consider 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 (you would need 2 to run your AC), 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

**Flybob** · 02-10-2015, 12:06 PM

I would investigate repair/warranty service locations.
Per warranty Want to make sure you are not sending to far east.
" Transportation charges to send products to an authorized warranty repair facility shall be the responsibility of the Purchaser. All
returned goods shall be at the Purchaser’s risk and expense"

GreenImp · 02-10-2015, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flybob

I would investigate repair/warranty service locations.
Per warranty Want to make sure you are not sending to far east.
" Transportation charges to send products to an authorized warranty repair facility shall be the responsibility of the Purchaser. All
returned goods shall be at the Purchaser’s risk and expense"

A very good point! This is kind of along the lines of why I also posted the Costco link. Costco's written return policy is pretty much the same as any other retailers, but their practiced returns system is much better (for those who use it anyway...I'm real bad about not returning ANYTHING...even when I should)

Phil57 · 02-10-2015, 07:18 PM

Boo I think Ernest is in the right track. You have full access to the compartment and there are some very good sound proofing products available. To carry gas and deal with storing another gen seems like a major hassle.
I understand the 40.00$ a night as we full time also. Maybe adding an extra set of batteries and some solar. Also switching to all LEDs. Of course you wouldn't be able to run AC on battery power. We have a good gen on board I don't think a gas model will save you money in the long run.

hbillsmith · 02-13-2015, 12:59 AM

A little follow-up to my endorsement of the Champion 3100. It's available now as a remote electric start model and as of Feb.2015, Pinellas has created an external fuel flow kit. There's a YouTube showing the option running and installed by Pinellas. The exclusive sales for the combo are at BottomLineTradingCompany.com (of Marble Falls Texas). Tommy is the owner and he will sell a 3100 electric start with Pinellas extended fuel option pre-installed for $1,250 (Texas sales taxes apply, (512)902-3397). For what it's worth, I have absolutely no connection, personal or business wise with either Pinellas or BLT, just think it's a very nice product at a very nice price.

boowho · 02-17-2015, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil57

Boo I think Ernest is in the right track. You have full access to the compartment and there are some very good sound proofing products available. To carry gas and deal with storing another gen seems like a major hassle.
I understand the 40.00$ a night as we full time also. Maybe adding an extra set of batteries and some solar. Also switching to all LEDs. Of course you wouldn't be able to run AC on battery power. We have a good gen on board I don't think a gas model will save you money in the long run.

Too ALL of you that suggested just using that builtin 8K watt Onan, I've come to the conclusion that I'll just stick with it (only) until I check further for ROI and also how SERIOUS we are on doing LOTS of boondocking.

Boowho??

boowho · 02-17-2015, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenImp

Don't get me wrong, I like the way your thinking (I do the same), but it seems like you may be missing a lot of "cons" to this, as well as expecting more of a return on investment than you will actually see.

Thanks for your astute comments.

And as to your comment on cloudy days.....

Well, I rarely go where there aren't clear blue skies, at least 330 days out of the year.

We're in Yuma, AZ right now.

Bowho??

Ericvr4 · 03-12-2015, 10:48 PM

Look at the kohler inverter generator. It is the most quite on market. I may be biased cause I'm a kolher dealer but they are in fact 2 dB quieter than honda

boowho · 03-13-2015, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ericvr4

Look at the kohler inverter generator. It is the most quite on market. I may be biased cause I'm a kolher dealer but they are in fact 2 dB quieter than honda

Thank your for your input.... I will check them out and get back to you. Perhaps I could even purchase from you if shipping charges are not prohibitive.

Boowho??

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