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01-17-2013, 03:14 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Keller, Texas
Posts: 6,090
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Small Portable Generators
The February, 2013 issue of Popular Mechanics has an article regarding electrical generators that can be installed in homes in case of an electrical power supply interruption. A sub feature in the article speaks about small portable generators that supply up to 2000 watts and test results of 4 different makes/models - the Briggs & Stratton P2000, the Generac iX2000, the Yamaha EF2000iS and the Honda EU2000i.
I do not use a portable generator, so I do not know if these models are similar to those used by RV owners that need them.
I found the tests to be informational and would certainly use the information if I was to purchase one.
Note: there is a 11-07-12 sticky posted here regarding a recall notice for the Honda EU2000. The sticky says the recall notice is for the Honda EU2000, but the actual recall is for the Honda EU2000i, which is the model tested in the PM article.
I thought this information might be helpful to those who might be considering purchasing a small portable generator for use in their RV.
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01-17-2013, 03:29 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake County, Illinois
Posts: 301
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You definitely want to get one of the inverter generators. They are far quieter than the older type and use much less gas. With an inexpensive parallel kit, you can hook two together in order to run your A/C.
The 2000W Honda and Yamaha are the "gold standard" generators for RV use. However, Champion, Boliy, Kipor, Generac, and several other manufacturers have models with virtually identical specs that can often be found at 1/2 the price of the big two.
Champion in an American company and parts and service are readily available. I am less certain for some of the others.
Joel
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01-26-2013, 04:32 PM
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#3
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Phat Phrog Stunt Team
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
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Did popular mechanics have a web link to these comparisons?
I'd like to review there findings and comment.
Turbs
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01-26-2013, 05:58 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Keller, Texas
Posts: 6,090
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f1100turbo
Did popular mechanics have a web link to these comparisons?
I'd like to review there findings and comment.
Turbs
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I have since given the magazine to my neighbor and I don't think there was a link. But PM is online and perhaps you can get it there.
Thanks
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01-27-2013, 10:51 PM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Fla/Ohio
Posts: 6
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Small Generators What Size?
How do you determine what size/capacity small generator is right for you? I have a Rockwood A122 and would consider buying one for use in National Parks to charge battery. Could be useful to run heat pump, fridge and micro.
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01-27-2013, 11:32 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Washington state
Posts: 1,258
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mhodson54 - I have a 2000 watt Champion generator for my A Frame. It runs the heat pump, fan, fridge and microwave nicely. It does not support the A/C - the initial draw blows it everytime. I am ok with it tho, as the cool cat fan kept temps inside cool & comfortable on 100 degree days & with the roof fan on low, it also helps to draw out the heat. The generator is extremely quiet and at 43 lbs or so, easily portable. When I run it on econo mode it lasts a good 8 hrs or so. I have considered a larger 2400 or 2800 Yamaha or Honda but as long as my Champion satisfies our camping needs, I will hold off the brand name purchase. (DH says he'd rather buy a second Champion and bring as needed). Since we are outside for most of the day anyway, having a fan instead of the A/C is just fine for me. My friends usually find me on my recliner under the awning after a day in the sun. LOL
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01-28-2013, 10:24 PM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,790
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mhodson54
How do you determine what size/capacity small generator is right for you?
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by what you want to run on it. if you want to run the a/c, then the btu's will dictate how powerful a generator you'll need.
if you want to be able to run everything but the a/c, then a 2000w one will do that.
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Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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01-28-2013, 10:28 PM
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#8
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Phat Phrog Stunt Team
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mhodson54
How do you determine what size/capacity small generator is right for you? I have a Rockwood A122 and would consider buying one for use in National Parks to charge battery. Could be useful to run heat pump, fridge and micro.
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this may help you some as well
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...aws-17300.html
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01-29-2013, 07:01 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Jamestown NY
Posts: 588
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B47; you said that the article listed generators that could be "Installed in Homes". I hope the articale went on to say NEVER RUN A GENERATOR INSIDE YOUR HOME, OR CLOSED GARAGE!!! Those of use that use them all the time understand this, but every year you hear of people running them inside and then being sickened and even dieing from the fumes.
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01-29-2013, 11:27 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Keller, Texas
Posts: 6,090
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lindy
B47; you said that the article listed generators that could be "Installed in Homes". I hope the articale went on to say NEVER RUN A GENERATOR INSIDE YOUR HOME, OR CLOSED GARAGE!!! Those of use that use them all the time understand this, but every year you hear of people running them inside and then being sickened and even dieing from the fumes.
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I don't have the article here anymore, but I am sure it contained all the necessary warnings. The sub article just compared the 4 poerable generators.
Good catch.
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01-29-2013, 11:45 AM
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#11
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Phat Phrog Stunt Team
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
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Quote:
Originally Posted by B47
I don't have the article here anymore, but I am sure it contained all the necessary warnings. The sub article just compared the 4 poerable generators.
Good catch.
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I couldn't find it on there webpage either.
Although I had a few cold ones I tried to find it to post link.
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01-29-2013, 11:57 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Keller, Texas
Posts: 6,090
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f1100turbo
I couldn't find it on there webpage either.
Although I had a few cold ones I tried to find it to post link.
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I think you have to be an email subscriber to access the article on line.
Try Popular Mechanics.com or something similar or just pick up a paper copy when you go to the store.
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01-29-2013, 12:30 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Fort White, Fl
Posts: 760
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So I pose this question if I can get two Champion 2000w inverter Generators plus the umbilical for about half what two Honda's would cost me, is there a good reason not to?
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01-29-2013, 08:31 PM
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#14
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,790
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the Champions don't have as much power as the Honda 2000 but they'll work fine.
don't see much reason other than long term reliability. Honda's rep is well-established while Champion inverter 2000w has only been around a couple of years. Champion does have a great rep for customer service and their 3500 open-framed one does have a good rep for reliability.
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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02-21-2013, 07:26 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 144
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Thanks for the info on the Popular Mechanics Magazine info that can be read on line which I did and plan on ordering the Yamaha EF2000is, like the idea of knowing the fuel level.
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02-21-2013, 08:55 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Keller, Texas
Posts: 6,090
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JoArt
Thanks for the info on the Popular Mechanics Magazine info that can be read on line which I did and plan on ordering the Yamaha EF2000is, like the idea of knowing the fuel level.
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You are welcome - the folks at PM really do a great job of testing things. I read the mag each month.
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02-21-2013, 09:19 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Fort White, Fl
Posts: 760
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02-22-2013, 10:46 AM
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#18
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Denver, CO
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 2,102
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I bought a Honda 2000 in 2000 to power marching band equipment for my son's band. I have done NOTHING to it except change oil and spark plug maybe 4 times in the 12 years. I use it very occasionally, sometimes just starting it to run it for a few minutes when it has been sitting. Never takes more than one of two pulls and runs great.
Pretty good record and I'd buy one again. Won't run the roof AC on my VCross but does run a small 9K window until I use in my boat and slide in camper.
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2017 Fuse 23T
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02-22-2013, 11:02 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 744
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I have a 4000 watt Onan that goes into a trailer hitch at the rear of the 5er. I love it but I think I'm going to sell it and get two 2000 watt Hondas. It'll be easier on me to haul the Hondas around by hand. Nothing wrong with the Onan other than getting it out of my yard and then back into the shed.
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