Generator

Tim D · 05-09-2013, 01:09 PM

I have been told it would take a 3000w generator to fully run a camper. I looked at a Powermate 3000w 3700 peak at Menards. Looks like a nice little generator. It does'nt have a 30 amp plug. If using an apdapter to plug it in to the 110 is that sufficient? Anyone have any experience with this particular unit?

mnsunset · 05-09-2013, 04:15 PM

Here are my thoughts on this. Just my opinions after doing a fair bit or research on gennies.
That looks like it may be a nice unit. But a few issues come to mind.
#1 is noise. Some campgrounds and rv parks limit the use of generators between certain hours and some insist they must be quite run generators.
#2 is quality of power. If you want to run any electronics such as TV,s, computers, cell phone chargers, etc.. then I would stay away from any unit that is not an inverter/generator. You want a generator that puts out "clean" power with no spikes etc.
#3 Price. That unit seams to be too low a price to get a quality unit. I am skeptical that it truly has enough umph to start an AC on a hot day. Remember AC's get harder to start with a head of pressure caused by high exterior temps combine with any kind of altitude.

I ended up with the honda generator (x2). Went with the 2000 watt that my wife can handle lifting if needed. Picked up the second unit used and now I can daisy chain them together for 4000 watts when needed. Granted, these two units are a lot more cost than the one mentioned but I have the reliability of a honda engine and product. Plus the clean power to run anything my RV needs without fear of power flux's.

Try to see if you can find one to test out and make sure it has enough power to start you AC unit. If it does then you will be fine for most everything else. Just remember at times you will need to turn the AC off, then the micro on. Etc....

I like my hondas because they are quiet, run for a long time 5-8 hours on a tank of gas and even longer if under little load. The power is clean. And they are easy to start and maintain.
I dislike my hondas for only one reason, The cost. At $950 ea for a 2000 watt unit they are spendy.

So, those are just my thoughts.

rdpalm · 05-10-2013, 10:32 AM

Have 2 honda's as well and have run parallel with no issues. Start with one...maybe 2 pulls even in winters in Mich. plenty of power and def quiet......the cost...welllllllll high but you get what ya pay for IMO

Sirsea · 05-10-2013, 11:33 AM

X2 on dual Honda 2K generators; quiet, reliable, fuel efficient, clean power and easier to handle. A little more expensive but the good stuff always is..

Tim D · 05-10-2013, 12:33 PM

Agree that the Honda's would be the ticket but at a grand a pop, dang! Could not find a decibel level published for the Powermate. Does look to have a quality muffler and advertised as quiet, but they don't post how quiet even on the website.

**Lloyd** · 05-10-2013, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim D

Agree that the Honda's would be the ticket but at a grand a pop, dang! Could not find a decibel level published for the Powermate. Does look to have a quality muffler and advertised as quiet, but they don't post how quiet even on the website.

Send an email and ask them what the decibel rating is on their unit. If they're not ashamed of it, they will tell you.

Bert · 05-11-2013, 12:28 AM

You tube the powermate. Average Joe's have tested them, not too great.

bdwillie · 05-11-2013, 05:45 AM

If you have a sams club check out their black maxx generator section. We picked up a 3650 watt continuous 4550 surge / start genny for 299.99. So far it works great for our needs, we can dry camp and run the air with this unit no problem. haven't popped a breaker on the genny yet. and it does have the 30 amp rv plug on it. It is quieter than I thought it would be, though I am sure not as quiet as a Honda but where we dry camp we are the only ones around.It weighs about 110 pounds. Currently it resides and operates in the bed of the truck. Specs says 70db
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/black-m...ku=sku8444426S

NorskeNY · 05-11-2013, 06:07 AM

I have a 4000 watt yamaha- purchased in 2004 and working great. It has a socket that I connect an RV adapter that I purchased with it. One end to the generator and other end to a 30 RV style plug (I use a 50 amp to 30 amp adapter on my power cord too). I also purchased the wheel kit. It is pretty heavy. Built a set of ramps so I can put it in the back of my truck. Starts on the first pull every spring when I get out for camping trips and use around the house.

http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect....tor/p7067.html

When I replace it I will stick with Yamaha or may go to a Honda. They cost more but they will last a long time.

You may want to look at the smaller units that can run on parallel - you may still be limits to the connections on the units.

Tim D · 05-11-2013, 12:36 PM

I do have a Sams membership. Will have to check out the Black Max. 70 decibels is not to bad. I think the Honda was around 68? Has anyone used the muffler extender that goes up over the roof? Will it work for a portable genny? Does it make one any quieter really or is it more about dissipating the fumes?

TrainSafe · 05-11-2013, 12:51 PM

The Honda is rated at 45.9 db at rated load. Keep in mind that the sound doubles every 3 decibels. I have a Champion 3500 watt unit and I love it, but I'd prefer a Honda EU2000i. I've used them and you just can't beat them.

Sirsea · 05-11-2013, 01:43 PM

The Black Maxx at 70dB would be 4X the noise of the Honda at 50dB....very annoying if you are closer than 100'.....IMO

b727capt · 05-11-2013, 03:23 PM

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I just purchased a 33DB and was wondering if the Honda EU3000 will start the 15k AC? I have decided to spend the extra $$ for the quiet Honda.
Chuck

avvidclif · 05-11-2013, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrainSafe

The Honda is rated at 45.9 db at rated load. Keep in mind that the sound doubles every 3 decibels. I have a Champion 3500 watt unit and I love it, but I'd prefer a Honda EU2000i. I've used them and you just can't beat them.

Recheck those numbers. Honda shows 53-59 depending on load. Every Champion I have heard is LOUD, spec is 68 @ 23'.

I have a Yamaha EF4500iSE which is rated 58-60 and a Honda 2000 under full load is as loud as a Yamaha, much less 2 of them. Down side is it's HEAVY, over 200 lbs, BIG, and expensive. But it's electric start. Trade-offs everywhere. I've only tried running 1 15k AC with it(I have 2) but it ran that, coffee pot, and microwave with no problem. At least my DW didn't decide to dry her hair. Fairly reasonable on gas, I've gone 9 hours on 1/2 tank(2+gal) with normal usage, no AC though. Summer is coming and I'll know more.

On the plus side I found a use for the slider hitch. My short bed allows the generator to ride up next to the cab, but the controls are to the cab and the exhaust is toward the RV. Solution, slide the hitch back and turn the generator sideways, plenty of room with the hitch moved. Never had to unhook (I did this one time so far) just ran the power cord up and plugged in. No problem sleeping.

Just a pain to load.

avvidclif · 05-11-2013, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim D

I do have a Sams membership. Will have to check out the Black Max. 70 decibels is not to bad. I think the Honda was around 68? Has anyone used the muffler extender that goes up over the roof? Will it work for a portable genny? Does it make one any quieter really or is it more about dissipating the fumes?

70db is the level the EPA recommends ear protection to prevent hearing damage.

TrainSafe · 05-11-2013, 11:38 PM

I got the Honda number from CW's website. I agree that it seems low. Even at mid-50 db, it is still like 12X more quiet than most of the other gensets.

Just to be clear, I wasn't making the case that the champion is quiet - far from it. Just that it is reliable and well built.

A typical genny with a Briggs or similar engine will run in the mid to upper 70 decibels.

martinstwopopfarm · 05-11-2013, 11:52 PM

I agree with on the champion generator. It is not the quietest generator out there but mine has been a dependable unit and they are reasonably price. We stay at campsites with electricity, so the main use of our unit is use it at roadside parks to power the a/c and microwave while traveling to our final destination. With small kids it is easier to pull over and have lunch in the rv.

Tim D · 05-12-2013, 01:17 PM

Anyone have experience with the Genturi system? Does it actually make a generator quieter or just deflect the fumes?

Badwin · 05-13-2013, 01:33 AM

Has anybody had any experience with the Briggs and Stratton P2000.

Thanks
Brian

Bert · 05-13-2013, 02:26 AM

I'm a proffesional firefighter and an electrical contractor. We have Honda's in every Engine. And they are the only generators the equipment rental company I use buys. Trust me we beat the crap out of these things at both my jobs and we can't kill them.

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