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Car Forum / Driving, Maintenance, Tuning / RVs / June 2006Generators
Here goes . . our fiver is NOT generator ready, and we're starting out , not quite on a shoestring, but trying to save where we can. Been looking @ generators to put in the truck bed when dry camping. Hoping to make do with battery, screens, vents, but wife has COPD and really requires A/C when it gets hot & muggy. Anyway . . saw some reviews on Camping World site about "Generac" unit(4000W) being too noisy for use in any federal campground. I've also been looking @ a Briggs Elite 5550, but looks like the muffler on it & the Generac are almost identical, so noise may be an issue there as well, and a visit to Briggs home site says they don't rate their generators because there are "no set standards", etc. Does anyone know of a 4-5KW unit that will pump out both 120/240V @ 25-30A that will be relatively quiet & not cost more than a leg?  SignatureNahmie The only road to success is always under construction. >Here goes . . our fiver is NOT generator ready, and we're starting out , not >quite on a shoestring, but trying to save where we can. Been looking @ [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >that will pump out both 120/240V @ 25-30A that will be relatively quiet & >not cost more than a leg? Two Honda EI2000's hooked in parallel will do what you want and are very quite. Maybe even the EI300. They aren't cheap. SignatureFrank Tabor I've found the Honda motors are always quiet, whether it be a generator, log splitter, etc. >>Here goes . . our fiver is NOT generator ready, and we're starting out , >>not [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > Two Honda EI2000's hooked in parallel will do what you want and are very > quite. Maybe even the EI300. They aren't cheap. > Here goes . . our fiver is NOT generator ready, and we're starting out , not > quite on a shoestring, but trying to save where we can. Been looking @ [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > that will pump out both 120/240V @ 25-30A that will be relatively quiet & > not cost more than a leg? We carry a Honda EU3000is in the (long box) truck bed for our 5er. (back of the tool box and in front of the hitch) It has a "23 amp" socket which we use as a 20 amp with an adapter to our 30 amp shore power cable. We have one 150 size air conditioner and we can use it ok. (or "no sweat?") We have the water heater on gas but I don't know if we need to do that in order to use the A/C. Because it is heavy I think two -2000s might be better to own, but I'm unclear if they make the same or more or less power on continuous or surge. Anyway the 3000 is fine. 4000 or more might be needed Down South in August at high altitude for two ACs in a rig, but others here who suffer those conditions while RVing will have to comment on that.. Regards, Barry > Here goes . . our fiver is NOT generator ready, and we're starting > out , not quite on a shoestring, but trying to save where we can. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > reviews on Camping World site about "Generac" unit(4000W) being too > noisy for use in any federal campground. The Generac 4000 XL cost very little more and is quiet enough to use most anywhere. I'll be using mine in about 6 weeks parked around a lake in Nova Scotia. Don't tell anyone we won't be in a campground!! ;-) Tom J For what it is worth, when you select a generator, don't commit to a permanant hookup or attachment until you look around. Over the past couple of years we have seen a lot of ways to carry, conceal and install generators in travel trailers and fifth wheels. These have ranged from simple chain and padlock attached to a jack; to some very innovative enclosures built into battery compartments or setting beside the rig. Some of the work is a little sophisticated but nearly all that caught our eye were home-built. Point is, look around and chat. Campers are a great source of information. Ron >Here goes . . our fiver is NOT generator ready, and we're starting out , not >quite on a shoestring, but trying to save where we can. Been looking @ [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >that will pump out both 120/240V @ 25-30A that will be relatively quiet & >not cost more than a leg? Hi, Cheap and quiet don't go together when talking about generators :) The Honda E3000 is pretty quiet but is not cheap. It may or may not run a air conditioner, depends upon the size where you are at and how hot it is. Yamaha also makes inverter type generators like the Honda that are pretty quiet and usually cost a little less then the Honda's, which is cheaper then Honda but not cheap compared to contractor type generators. The Generac XL4000 is pretty quiet compared to most other contractor generators but may not be welcome even then in some camp grounds/sites. I can hear mine running when I'm in my house and I'm using it to power the RV which is about 150 feet away. It's not loud but you can here it. If you are off by yourself in the boonies then it probably would be ok. I believe they weigh around 130 lbs. but have wheels. Only problem is getting it into and out of a pickup bed. I use to use mine when we camped at races, and it usually was one of the quietest contractor type generators. Looking for cheap and quiet you might want to check out the Generac XL4000. But listen to it run before buying one and decide for yourself. One other thing to consider if you are staying in campgrounds, some have time limits as to when you can run a generator. They are usually from 8 or 9 in the morning to 9 or 10 at night but can vary. Take care and Happy Campin... SignatureRichA "We Get Too Soon Olde and Too Late Smart" > Here goes . . our fiver is NOT generator ready, and we're starting out , not > quite on a shoestring, but trying to save where we can. Been looking @ [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > that will pump out both 120/240V @ 25-30A that will be relatively quiet & > not cost more than a leg? Like has already been mentioned the eu3000i may or may not carry the ac, rated at 2800watts. weighs 134#. lists for $2399. + tax. at a Honda dealer in Tupelo MS. I chose to use two eu2000i with a parallel kit, Rated at 3200watts, cost around $2200. Reason was, I am old and decrepit like most of the other geezers here are. They weigh 46.3# each, I can lift them one at a time out of the truck or carry both at the same time on level ground. I can run one at a time and do every thing I want except run the ac, takes both of them to do that. They fit in the truck tool box, but prefer to set them on the ground to run, seems quieter. In the event one of the units wipes out all I have to do is replace one at around $950. rather than an entire large basket. All and all, with the two eu2000i generators you get more watts for less bucks and less weight, but more versatile by running only one at times. I am in process of installing a 1500watt inverter. I have already sent the 600watt one back to the cheap skates I got it from. SignatureBILL P. 2004, 2500 SLT Quad Cab, Dodge Ram, SLT, SWB, 2WD,Short Bed 5.9 HO Turbo Diesel, 48RE Auto Trans, Anti-Spin 3.73 Dif.Rhino Liner, Husky 16K,Slider. Voyager Controller 2005, 27RL Wildcat, DT/PC Wi-Fi. two 6volt AGM Trojan Batteries, 600watt Inverter Dual EU2000i Hondas Just Me and Dog > Here goes . . our fiver is NOT generator ready, and we're starting out , not > quite on a shoestring, but trying to save where we can. Been looking @ [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > that will pump out both 120/240V @ 25-30A that will be relatively quiet & > not cost more than a leg? Do you really need 240V? my not be so easy to find a genset intended for RV/camping use with 240V output. Mickey > Do you really need 240V? my not be so easy to find a genset intended for > RV/camping use with 240V output. > > Mickey I believe rv's with a 50 amp service need 240V. > I believe rv's with a 50 amp service need 240V. They don't NEED it as there are NO 240V appliances on board. More accurately, 50-amp service provides two 50-amp "legs" of 120V service. Splitting hairs... Signature:) JR > In article <b%Chg.21376$No1.17216@attbi_s71>, "Advocate" > <Advo@hotmail.com> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > 50-amp service provides two 50-amp "legs" of 120V service. Splitting > hairs... So, next question . . Is 76DB @ 7M a decent sound level? Seems fairly close to some of the ones I've researched on-line that listed the DB ratings. Looking @ a Coleman Powermate 6250. Running w/no load, it's noisy if you're standing right next to the exhaust, but quiets considerably if you go to the opposite side. I e-mailed Coleman as the unit is not listed as far as DB rating, they told me "approximately 76DB @ 7M". SignatureNahmie The only road to success is always under construction. >> In article <b%Chg.21376$No1.17216@attbi_s71>, "Advocate" >> <Advo@hotmail.com> [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] >opposite side. I e-mailed Coleman as the unit is not listed as far as DB >rating, they told me "approximately 76DB @ 7M". Way too noisy. The Honda and Yamaha are rated in the 63db range. 10 times quieter. SignatureFrank Tabor >>> In article <b%Chg.21376$No1.17216@attbi_s71>, "Advocate" >>> <Advo@hotmail.com> [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > Way too noisy. The Honda and Yamaha are rated in the 63db range. 10 > times quieter. And suspect that value was at a closer distance as well. 76db @ 7 meter is far from being quiet. 80db is close to typ busy road at curbside. That level from 23 ft (7m) is a long way from being quiet. Mickey > Way too noisy. Agreed, certainly for a campground. Sheesh! > The Honda and Yamaha are rated in the 63db range. For the purpose of comparison, the specs for the Honda EU3000 http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/eu3000.htm indicate 49db @ 1/4-load and 58db @ full load. This until will run any "standard" RV air conditioner (13.5kbtu/15kbtu). Camping near someone running a genset to power their air conditioner for any length of time would be unacceptable to me - even with a Honda EU. The drone, no matter how distant and/or quiet, is VERY distracting to me. When I bought my Honda EU2000i http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/ModelDetail.asp?ModelName=eu2000i I made the choice to buy a model that I could handle by myself. If it's SO hot that I HAVE to have air conditioning, I can either find an electric hookup site or <gasp> STAY HOME! Signature:) JR 2000 Skamper Ultra 249 TT 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Vortec 8100 - Allison 1000 >> Way too noisy. > [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > hookup > site or <gasp> STAY HOME! Thanks to all for the comments. The Coleman is definitely OUT! I stated in my original post that there are times my wife really requires the A/C, but I don't want to alienate everyone around. I'm also looking at a Kipor unit @ the local RV dealer. It's rated 3KW and 60-64DB, uses inverter sine wave technology(similar to Honda) @ $1259. We are trying to plan our camping to be during moderate weather(spring & fall), to avoid excessive use of air or heat, and be in some type of parks during the hot & cold weather. May not need a generator at all, but as the old saying goes, "I'd rather have it and not need it than . . . .". SignatureNahmie The only road to success is always under construction. .. > Thanks to all for the comments. The Coleman is definitely OUT! > I stated in my original post that there are times my wife really requires [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > during the hot & cold weather. May not need a generator at all, but as the > old saying goes, "I'd rather have it and not need it than . . . .". The Kipor/Sinemaster is a clone of the Honda's, EXCEPT, you can't hook them together. There is another option, the more Chinese made clones, Pep-Boys, Shucks/Kregan/etc sell them for on the order of $400. For an indepth discussion see http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/15131645.cfm Signature-------------------------------------------------------- Personal e-mail is the n7bsn but at amsat.org This posting address is a spam-trap and seldom read RV and Camping FAQ can be found at http://www.ralphandellen.us/rv > .. > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > discussion see > http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/15131645.cfm With the satisfaction rate of Chinese made items I have experienced, I doubt that I will be investing much in any of their products any more. I suspect They will eventually get their quality control and design problems settled and produce worthy products. After all other countries went through such a phase in their industrialization. SignatureBILL P. Just Me & DOG >> .. >> [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > settled and produce worthy products. After all other countries went > through such a phase in their industrialization. Such as South Korea. I remember when I was stationed there goldstar, samsung, hundai, etc. were not quite up to par. Now I guess they are at least at par, aren't they?? ... > With the satisfaction rate of Chinese made items I have > experienced, I doubt that I will be investing much in any of > their products any more. I suspect They will eventually get > their quality control and design problems settled and > produce worthy products. After all other countries went > through such a phase in their industrialization. Yea, but. At those prices (as low as $300 for a 3KW), they can be considered disposable Signature-------------------------------------------------------- Personal e-mail is the n7bsn but at amsat.org This posting address is a spam-trap and seldom read RV and Camping FAQ can be found at http://www.ralphandellen.us/rv > ... > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > Yea, but. At those prices (as low as $300 for a 3KW), they can be > considered disposable With some things you can be correct, however the item must be operational initially. I had one case where it cost me $21. to return an item that did not operate, the company returned the purchase price except for shipping and handling charges. So there was $50 bucks gone because I relied on a cheap chicom inverter from Power Stream. Now I have one from Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. Fort Lauderdale, Fl. You would think the item was made in the US. However when it came it, markings on it was made in Hong Kong. We know, business being what it is, the stupid new inverter was made in China, and maybe in the same factory the other one was. SignatureBILL P. Just Me & DOG >> ... >> [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > We know, business being what it is, the stupid new inverter was made > in China, and maybe in the same factory the other one was. chicom SignatureBILL P. Just Me & DOG >> Way too noisy. > [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] >length of time would be unacceptable to me - even with a Honda EU. The drone, >no matter how distant and/or quiet, is VERY distracting to me. It'd just make me sleep if it was steady. If it varied in pitch I'd probably move. >>> Way too noisy. >> [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > It'd just make me sleep if it was steady. If it varied in pitch I'd > probably move. Makes me think of my daughter . . she & husband both drove OTR, then she quit to have children. They lived right in front of the local VFD Rodeo grounds. She said the best weeks sleep she'd had in years was when they parked a "reefer" trailer in back of their house to store the beef for their barbeque. She loved hearing that diesel churning all night. When I was pulling a reefer, before I went to sleep I'd switch it over to constant run, then it might change pitch occasionally, but that was a lot better than having it shut down, then start up at full speed and scare you out of the bunk! SignatureNahmie The only road to success is always under construction. >>>In article <b%Chg.21376$No1.17216@attbi_s71>, "Advocate" >>><Advo@hotmail.com> [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > Way too noisy. The Honda and Yamaha are rated in the 63db range. 10 > times quieter. Today was generator run day. I ran dual EU2000i paralleled for two hours, they were, to my estimation louder than one at rated load of 59db. With the pair carrying the full load of my 5er with the exception of the water heater. I did have the refrigerator running on AC as well. They would not hold the load of the micro wave added with it seems as though every thing else running. I guess this could be expected as hot as it is, with the air conditioner constantly running and I expect the refrigerator hot rod was on all the time as well. I also had the desk top PC running too. I also tested my new 1500watt inverter, running off of the two Trojan AGM batteries. Ran the TV and VCR, watching "The Mask of Zoro", just over two hours. Metered the batteries and they did not drop a bit. They were not connected to the converter/charger, just stand alone battery bank, with ending meter reading of 12.84. SignatureBILL P. Just Me & DOG > So, next question . . Is 76DB @ 7M a decent sound level? Seems fairly > close to some of the ones I've researched on-line that listed the DB > ratings. Looking @ a Coleman Powermate 6250. Running w/no load, it's noisy > if you're standing right next to the exhaust, but quiets considerably if > you go to the opposite side. I e-mailed Coleman as the unit is not listed > as far as DB rating, they told me "approximately 76DB @ 7M". Two things: 76DB @ 7M is waaay too loud - unless you LIKE your neighbors to come visiting with axe in hand. In my opinion, better to spend a little more and get a genset you can use most any place you might need to, rather than one so loud the people camped a mile away come to complain. Read the fine print on the ratings - most contractor-style gensets put the 'surge' rating in really large print, but maximum continuous output is usually 25 percent or so less. For example, that Coleman 6250 is probably rated for 5000w max continuous - and probably wouldn't last too long at that. And if you think it was fairly quiet with no load, you should listen to it with 2-3000w load - it'll be a LOT louder. Alan >> I believe rv's with a 50 amp service need 240V. > >They don't NEED it as there are NO 240V appliances on board. More accurately, >50-amp service provides two 50-amp "legs" of 120V service. Splitting hairs... On our '95 Wanderlodge, there was one item that needed 240 volts. That was the blower for the generator radiator. As far as I was concerned, that was ridiculous because it required the generator output to be split for everything else which often resulted in unbalanced loads. On our converted coach, I paralleled the output legs and never had a balance problem. On our current coach, an Alpine Apex, I have not found a requirement for 240 volts but it does have the 50 amp service. It does make it nice that you don't have to be aware of the loads as there is no danger of overloading. Also, you don't have to decide between A/C and microwave, etc. George >>I believe rv's with a 50 amp service need 240V. > > They don't NEED it as there are NO 240V appliances on board. More accurately, > 50-amp service provides two 50-amp "legs" of 120V service. Splitting hairs... You might be correct in some cases, but there are rigs with 220/240vac components. Modern day codes being what they are you would hardly find a 50amp box running off of one leg. Now there were in the past, but local electric codes have caught up with the parks. SignatureBILL P. Just Me & DOG |
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