Generators

[Gnuters]

What’s a good quiet generator to use for

[acadianbob]

There are several brands out there now that are reasonably quiet. Shoot for a DB rating of 65. Remember that DB ratings are logarithmic and not linear. While not exactly right, a good approximation is every 3DB increase doubles sound pressure. So, 68 DB is approximately twice as loud as 65 DB.

Honda, and Yamaha are pretty obvious brands. There are some others now that are as quiet and cost a bit less.

[ddbck]

I just got this Sportsman 1000 Inverter Generator. It is a steal at just over $200
It's super quiet (56db) & runs everthing...T.V. dvd, lights, heater & will run the heated mattresses all night! Will not run the AC. There is a bunch of videos of this lil'gem on YouTube. I did do a lot of research before puchasing. I also installed an hour meter on mine to keep track of maintenance / oil changes, $6 on Ebay. Check it out.

[Gnuters]

I want something to run the a/c also

[Skyliner]

Couple of generator rules:

The number on the generator is NOT the continuous load the generator can put out. DON"T BE FOOLED.

A Honda 2200 can surge momentarily to 2200 watts but can only put out 1700 watts continuous.

For air conditioning, you can go with a 3000 watt continuous generator or two 1600-1700 watt continuous generators in parallel.

Your decision as to how you wish to go. I use a Champion 3400 generator which can surge to 3400 watts but provides 3100 watts continuous. This is plenty of power for air conditioner with about 1200-1500 residual power for other items to power while enjoying the air conditioner.

Some options:
New Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start 100263 - $799.00 : championpowerep.com

https://www.amazon.com/Champion-2000...enerator&psc=1 <-- two of these in parallel

I'm a fan of Champion because they work well and have a 3 year warranty. While Honda and Yamaha generators are the "gold" standard they cost almost twice as expensive and for the average camper, not worth it.

[wahoonc]

You want an inverter generator. My choice used to be dual Honda 2,000. If I were to do it again I would go with the remote start Champion 3400. Yamaha makes a nice little 3100 but I still think that the Champion is the best bang for the buck.

Aaron

[Skyliner]

Remote start is a nice luxury and I'm glad I got it on my Champion 3400 generator.

[DavidBo]

Huge topic on this forum, might want to pick through a few of these threads:

Forest River Forums - Threads Tagged with Generator

[bikendan]

There are literally thousands of posts/threads here about generators. A search will bring up hours of reading.

Need more info other than just a picture.

1. 13.5k or 15k a/c?
2. For campground usage or out in the boonies?
3. One 100lbs+ unit or two 50lb units?
4. Remote start or not?

ddbck's 1000w generator will not run the the microwave nor the a/c.

[Hersbird]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NH...TWL&ref=plSrch
2 of these and the parallel cable. Less than 1 Honda, just as quite, will power the AC with both, or just run one for anything less.

[RCW]

Anyone have any input on the Champion's performance at altitude? The 2000 in particular. I know they loose some performance the higher you go. We are heading to Yellowstone this year and I'm looking for a small generator to use when I'm there.

[garbonz]

Put a micro air module in the AC, and any 2k generator will run it, no need to have 2 of what ever brand you are smoking.

[DavidBo]

Originally Posted by RCW

Anyone have any input on the Champion's performance at altitude? The 2000 in particular. I know they loose some performance the higher you go. We are heading to Yellowstone this year and I'm looking for a small generator to use when I'm there.

There is always a loss of power at higher altitudes, but rejetting the carb can help. This page has some useful info:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/61...i.html?page=15

[RCW]

Originally Posted by DavidBo

There is always a loss of power at higher altitudes, but rejetting the carb can help. This page has some useful info:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/61...i.html?page=15

Thank you!

[jaymemiller]

Love it. Remote start is the best thing to get. Use it at 8000' no problem. 2016 roo 21dk

[jaymemiller]

Photo

[ddbck]

Originally Posted by bikendan

There are literally thousands of posts/threads here about generators. A search will bring up hours of reading.

Need more info other than just a picture.

1. 13.5k or 15k a/c?
2. For campground usage or out in the boonies?
3. One 100lbs+ unit or two 50lb units?
4. Remote start or not?

ddbck's 1000w generator will not run the the microwave nor the a/c.

Correct. I tried the microwave out of curiosity & it overloaded my generator in about 8 seconds. We have never used the microwave for anything but a bread cabinet. Have never used the AC either. I'm taking the microwave out in a few days & putting a cabinet in.
I did turn everything else in the camper on including the 2 heated mattresses, TV, dvd, all lights including awning scare light & heater. The genny picks up a little bit the more load you add. Still super quiet in Econo mode! Nice to know we can use the heated mattresses all night. They make a 2200 & 3000 version also. It's worth a look before grossly overspending on the Honda or Yamaha & such. Happy hunting.

[jaymemiller]

The AC units in the newer roos, mine is a 16, have a built in rapid starter. I've only camped at high elevations and never needed ac. But I've run just about everything off that 3000 watt champion at home to test it.

[jaymemiller]

I think harbor freight has finally come out with a predator generator that is geared towards RV. I've used Hondas at work and don't see why you need to pay that much for a generators. But make sure you get an invertor or your going to fry electronics up. I'd stay away from sportsman, I had one and they are junk, it's in the landfill.

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by jaymemiller

The AC units in the newer roos, mine is a 16, have a built in rapid starter. I've only camped at high elevations and never needed ac. But I've run just about everything off that 3000 watt champion at home to test it.

83 pound empty would be a struggle for me. How do you hoist this beast around.?