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Old 07-30-2013, 09:45 AM   #1
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SP240 - looking at LP generator and have questions

So after a week of touring Alaska in a rented class C motorhome, I've seen the benefits of having a generator and am now shopping for one for our SP240. Considering we're already carrying between 30 and 60 pounds of LP gas, I figure a propane generator would be much less hassle. Now I just need to figure out how big I need and how to connect it to the existing tanks, if I can.

Several places carry a couple of nicely priced models by Sportsman (Sportsman 1,350/2,000-Watt Clean Burning LPG Portable Propane Generator-GEN2000LP at The Home Depot, for example), I'm just not sure if the 2000-watt model would be big enough or if I need to bump up to the 4000-watt unit. This will be used for dry camping, just enough to run the microwave, maybe a coffee maker, and the a/c for a bit on really hot days. We're not the type to run the generator all day to run the TV (the whole point of camping for us is to get away from technology, not bring it with us), and no one wants to be the guy in the campground with the noisy generator running all day.

On to connecting to my fuel: our unit has the outdoor kitchen, which includes 2 propane hookups, one for the outdoor 2-burner stovetop and one for the grill. Can I use one of these connections for the generator as well, or do I need to hook up closer to the tanks, if not directly to one?
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Old 07-30-2013, 10:09 AM   #2
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The specs list an operating noise level of 79.5 db compared to Honda generators at 58-59db at full load for 2000/3000 watt. It doesn't look like they're inverter style generators for powering sensitive electronic devices either.

With this you'll be 'that guy in the campground with the noisy generator'.

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Old 07-30-2013, 10:35 AM   #3
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That's interesting since in the description it lists the noise level as under 65dB.

Would a power filter "dogbone" like what I normally use on a shore power connection be able to be used with a generator like this to provide some more protection/filtering, or do I just need to look at the more expensive units?
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Old 07-30-2013, 08:47 PM   #4
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one thing, that thing is hella-loud and it'll never run your a/c.
i seriously doubt it could even run the microwave with only 1350w of regular power.

if you want to run the a/c, you'll need MINIMUM a Yamaha 2400w, which is advertised to run MOST 13.5 a/c's. you don't list what size/brand/model of a/c, so can't say whether the 2400w will run it. most likely you'll need 3000w of power to be sure to run an a/c.

i suggest you do some reading on decibel rating, inverter technology generators and power requirements for RV a/c's.
that way you can make an better choice for what you want it for.

if you plan on using it in a campground, look at inverter generators. not all are as expensive as the H & Y ones. the new Champion 3100w inverter generator is what i would buy if i didn't already have a Honda 2000w.

if you plan to use it boondocking or at motor races, then an open-framed non-inverter generator may be the ticket, unless you have sensitive electronics you want to run with it. the Champion 3500w is by far the best bang for the buck at around $300. but it ain't quiet.

Quiet costs more!
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Old 07-31-2013, 07:44 AM   #5
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So basically, if your requirements are quiet, powerful, and cheap; pick 2.
Got it.
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Old 08-04-2013, 10:11 AM   #6
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Has any one used hospital mufflers. Several years ago I helped a guy build gas powered golf
Cart before there was such a thing and he ordered a hospital muffler that made the thing run so quit you couldn't tell it was running. ???
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Old 08-04-2013, 01:46 PM   #7
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it's not the muffler that's the problem, it's the engine noise.

only a insulated/vented sound box can quiet open-framed generators.
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