Generators

[Maxable]

Our local campsite doesn't have hydro so I bought a Champion 3000w-4000w generator 2 years ago. It struggles when the fireplace/tv runs in our unit and trips when the air conditioner fires up. I noticed that Harbor Freight has a Predator 7000w-8750w generator on sale for 499. Would that be overkill for a camp site Generator? Does anyone have first hand experience about how loud they are in comparison? Thanks!

[Stan]

I think the 7K generator would be way too much for a campsite genny. I run my whole house on a 7.5K. I would also not want to try and camp anywhere near the noise that thing will create.

[Maxable]

That's what I was thinking. Maybe I could sell power to the ret of the campground though

[Lloyd]

If you want/have to run a generator in the campground because there isn't any electric there, then in my opinion you should spend a little more money and get a Honda or a Yamaha.Your neighbors will like you a lot more if you do.
Where we camp every fall, there isn't electric there either. There are a few that come in for a few days off and on while we are there and they have those "economy" model generators. At night you can hear them roaring from one end of the campground to the other. Wife and I are always happy to see them leave.

[Maxable]

Apparently the predator generators are made off the Honda platform? That's what I've been told anyways. I'm not sure on the decibel rating though. I hate using the generator but the little one needs some AC on the hotter days. I always have it off by dark.

[happycampers]

I have a 6500w generator and its too big. I regret buying it. Its bulky, heavy (over 200lbs)-requires 2 guys to lift it in the truck, way too loud and enough to power 2rigs with both A/Cs running. We bring it on long trips and use it when we dry camp in parking lots along the way. I don't run it all night, usually just for an hour or so in the evening and the morning for coffee, toast etc.... wish I bought a honda!

[mwebber78]

I'd look at the Honda or Yamaha line of generators that are intended for camping use, the decibels are significantly less then what a Champion or other knock off can replicate. Just as a FYI, I have a Champion whole house generator and love it but would hate to camp near it!

[Maxable]

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately I don't have thousands to dump into a generator so ill keep my eyes peeled for used

[mwebber78]

Understandable! I've seen them on Craigslist and online refurbished and/or used. Best of luck!

[longhauler]

You could buy 2 eu2000i with parallel cables and a 5 gallon gas tank set up to allow you to run 72 hours on one generator so I'm guessing it would be about 35 hours for 2 generators for $2270.00 http://www.speedwaysales.com/shopping_cart.php

I bought eu3000is from this place and it was the cheapest I found anywhere. I love the eu3000is very quite and also uses very little fuel. The Honda's are a little pricey, but they are well worth the money.

Edited by: longhauler