Planning on buying a Gererator (Generator) for Home and Camping

Hugh R · 08-19-2008, 07:52 PM

I'm leaning towards the honda 2000 watt camping model. I think it will run my refrigerators (2) in an emergency and work well with my pop up camping trailer. about $1,000 plus tax. Any other suggestions.

911boost · 911boost's Garage

I was looking at the Eu3500 so I could run a camper ac, and have the remote start.

I have heard nothing but good things about the Honda's.

Bill

yamajon · 08-19-2008, 08:09 PM

FYI...i bought a 4000 watt chinese generator new for $400 for my race car trailer,It has been a real pleasure to use.It has a key start and I thought the price was very reasonable compared to the other BIG name brand generators.My two cents...John

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

Hondas are nice because they're quite quiet, but make sure you account for the "surge" voltage as well. In many cases the stated output of the generator IS the surge output and not the sustanined output. You'll want to figure on running the thing at about 50% load during "normal" usage.

Onan/Cummins of course is the King o' the Hill... We've got a 7500W model in the motorhome, but they cost a fortune... (Runs two AC's, Fridge, Microwave, and a TV or two all at the same time!

)

Seahawk · 03:20 AM

The Honda EU3000IS very nice...3000w and 25 amps and quiet. I am in the market to replace my emergency generator and have been doing a lot of homework.

For my needs I'm leaning towards a diesel unit.

Here is a handy guide for sizing.

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/generators/content.aspx?asset=gg_wattage

Good prices here;

http://www.peakpowertools.com/

schamp · 08-20-2008, 03:13 AM

Seahawk, check out the auragen generator. It mounts under the hood of most trucks and SUVs. Its alittle pricy but works and lasts. 5000 to 7500 watts, 50 plus amps. They can be seen at aurasystems.com

Seahawk · 08-20-2008, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schamp

Seahawk, check out the auragen generator. It mounts under the hood of most trucks and SUVs. Its alittle pricy but works and lasts. 5000 to 7500 watts, 50 plus amps. They can be seen at aurasystems.com

That is very cool...unfortunately we have lost power for a many as six days in a row, many times for 2/3 days, so I wouldn't want to tie up a truck for that long.

Interestingly, the site you provided got me thinking about PTO powered gens. I have three diesel tractors with PTOs

A 10000kw PTO gen is less than $2k

And thanks for the tip!

http://www.nooutage.com/14-11PT.HTM

elwood-914 · 08-20-2008, 04:19 AM

We've been using the Honda 3000 for camping. Whisper quiet, just idles until we put the hot skillet on and then it raises RPM, but still quiet. Sips about 2 gallons over the weekend.

onewhippedpuppy · 08-20-2008, 04:22 AM

Paul, out in central KS where my in-laws live, there's a lot of farmers that have PTO generators. When they lost power for two weeks after a tornado, the farmers just backed the tractor up near the house and hooked up the generator. Works great if you don't mind the price of diesel.

Seahawk · 08-20-2008, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Paul, out in central KS where my in-laws live, there's a lot of farmers that have PTO generators. When they lost power for two weeks after a tornado, the farmers just backed the tractor up near the house and hooked up the generator. Works great if you don't mind the price of diesel.

Excellent...I may order one today.

The key for me is that I don't want yet another engine to maintain. I have two small generators now and they both over ten years old..still in great shape, but not enough oomph

The Gaijin · 08-20-2008, 05:48 AM

Quiet is really nice - particularly after an hour or two

!

fingpilot · 08-20-2008, 05:51 AM

I have had a Honda EU2000i for several years. Bulletproof. 'Idles' until loaded, then spools up to power the inverter. Power is clean, unit is quiet, even at load. 2Kw is the surge and the constant load, my 'old' Honda 650w camp model would start and carry the A/C in the motorhome, but the inverter 2000 won't.....

Hugh R · 08-20-2008, 07:53 AM

Thanks for the feedback. Seahawk, interesting site to buy honda products. It seems you can buy a honda powered generator (2,800 watts) for $500 to $600, versus the EU2000I for $1,100. Much bigger and heavier though. Gotta check the aftermarket A/C on the pop up camper for BTUs.