portable generator for RV use what to get ?

rfuerst911sc · 03-31-2012, 05:01 AM

I have a truck camper that has a roof AC unit that is rated at 13.5k btu. It also has a combination of 12 volt and 110 volt lighting and a fan on the propane heater plus a microwave. I plan on adding roof solar panels to charge the on board batteries but I'd like to purchase a portable generator to run the AC. After much internet searches it looks like a 3000 watt generator will do the trick. Those internet searches also tell me that Honda and Yamaha are the gold standard in regards to overall quality and minimal noise. But they also command big bucks. So are they worth it ? I've gone to Home Depot and Lowe's and they each sell a version of small portable quiet generators for far better pricing, but I'm sure quality is not as good and they are noisier. Generally the Honda/Yamaha are around 59db where the competition is anywhere from 68-71db or higher. So you guys with RV's with generators what are you using ? I keep looking on Craigslist for used one's and have come across a few but they sell very quickly.Your advice is appreciated.

jhynesrockmtn · 03-31-2012, 05:32 AM

Two Honda EU 2000's that you can pare together to make 4,000 is what I use. Most of the time just the one is fine but if I'm running the AC I fire up both. Small, light, easier to store, etc. Their 3,000 version I saw a few years ago is quite a bit bigger than one of these units. You need to figure out how you are going to secure and carry them or it as well. The cheaper ones will drive you and others at a campground crazy with the noise. 3,000 may be a bit light to power a 13.5 btu AC unit plus anything else. I found mine at a Honda motorsports dealer. They had a used one with the RV pack already installed so I made a package deal on that plus a new one.

Hads930 · 03-31-2012, 05:58 AM

Tell the guy at Lowes or Home Depot that you own a model they have on the shelf and that you need to buy a part for it. Go to the Honda dealer and do same, then notice how he lacks the 3 mile stare you got at the big box store as he goes to his parts page on his computer.

Had the same conversation with my wife when we were at Costco after hurricane Ike. She wondered why we spent so much more for a unit so much smaller than Costco had. I explained to her that it was about parts availability. Having worked in a small engine shop as a kid, I saw first hand how screwed you can be as far as parts are concerned. Most of time it's major engine parts only.

Hads930 · 03-31-2012, 05:59 AM

I have a Honda EU 2000 as well. Great little unit. Honda products have never let me down.

flatbutt · 03-31-2012, 02:36 PM

what's a generator?

Hugh R · 02:50 PM

Buy a Honda or Yamaha, go to Pep Boys and buy one of their $500 generators and ask them about parts, any part, except maybe a spark plug, they can't get anything from their importers from China. Whatever you buy, run it under load at least once a month, otherwise it will gum up and be ruined. I have a Honda 2000, and use a 1,200 watt hair drier to load test it. Oh, and if you buy one with a plastic handle, don't think its secure with a cable lock through the handle attached to the picnic table. Lots of people go to town and come back and find a smashed plastic handle. I used a cable with crush fittings and the cable is attached to an internal bolt on the engine, no smash and grab. I'd run Mobil 1 oil from the beginning, it will cost you about $10 more over the life of the generator.

HardDrive · 03-31-2012, 02:46 PM

Not sure what model, but my dad has had a small Honda for years, and it has been completely reliable.

EarlyPorsche · 03-31-2012, 03:39 PM

If you can get an older Lister Petter or better yet Lombardini diesel then you'll have somewhere to put all the oil you change out of your vehicles/transmissions and free fuel. Diesel generators are also super quiet.

rusnak · 03-31-2012, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarlyPorsche

If you can get an older Lister Petter or better yet Lombardini diesel then you'll have somewhere to put all the oil you change out of your vehicles/transmissions and free fuel. Diesel generators are also super quiet.

I just bought a commercial light tower with a Lister Petter motor, and Allmand Brothers generator. It produces something like 1,000 amps of AC (I know, the plate says "AC").

That dang motor is LOUD. I'm thinking I have to have a new muffler put on there, or it's missing a sound attenuation plate or something.

EarlyPorsche · 03-31-2012, 05:59 PM

1000 AMPS OF AC!? 1.21 gigawatts!

rusnak · 03-31-2012, 06:02 PM

Yup. Maxi Lite by Allmand Brothers. I could power a small building with it.

Rusty Heap · Rusty Heap's Garage

Honda EU2000i here for my truck camper.

It's ubber quiet, (58 dB springs to mind) and powers the 1400 watt microwave (sinfull to have microwave popcorn while dry camping up a long far logging road miles away from society while watching a movie on a laptop)

The microwave does draw heavy on the generator though, so definately you'd need to parallel 2 of them for an A/C unit.

Worth their weight in gold, $900 each at a good price. don't scrimp cheap on your power. Honda or go home.

rouxroux · 03-31-2012, 06:19 PM

For portable, Honda...Case closed.

tevake · 03-31-2012, 06:22 PM

1+ on ^ You got the right answer in the first reply! I too have a Honda 2000, and my brother has two that he links together for his travel trailer. Easy start, quiet, smooth running, refined.

Cheers Richard

GWN7 · 03-31-2012, 09:01 PM

I bought a Onan 4500 watt power plant to upgrade from the pull start unit currently in the MH. The Onan was a guys Y2K unit so I know it's got very little run time.

rusnak · 03-31-2012, 09:10 PM

Onan engines run FOREVER, and they are quiet.

tevake · 03-31-2012, 11:56 PM

Too right there Rusnac, Onan gens sets are great if you have a fixed location to install them in . Just didn't think they would fit the need of the OP.

Cheers Richard

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusnak

Onan engines run FOREVER, and they are quiet.

Onan units are designed to be generators, not emergancy generators. Most of the small units need an overhaul about every 200-500 hours.

911boost · 911boost's Garage

I have an Onan in my TT, an d have friends with all different types of Generators. We camp / hunt ALOT. The honda's are nice, but make sure you get one that is remote start capable. That makes a huge difference.

Bill

Rusty Heap · Rusty Heap's Garage

Honda EU2000IAN1 Companion | Honda | Northern Tool + Equipment

this is the model that you can parallel together, check here also as there are lots of accessoraries for it too.

the OP has a truck camper, not a motorhome, not a underground meth lab...........truck campers like mine sometimes have a dedicated small space for a tiny onan generator, but I'd rather have a hand carry small generator and use that other space for premium space storage in my Artic Fox 10' camper.