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SteveA View Drop Down
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Joined: 19 Jul 2017
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Posts: 56 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Help with generator
    Posted: 06 Dec 2017 at 3:54pm
We stayed in a park that was all grass and heavily canopied with trees. It was high 90's to low 100's with afternoon breezes. Hot for sure but doable.
  
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marwayne View Drop Down
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Posts: 1003 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 2017 at 5:24pm
Try a swamp cooler
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
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Luv2travel View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jul 2016
Location: Chapin, sc
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Posts: 11 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2017 at 10:07am
This forum is so great!  Thank you to everyone who posted.  Looks like I’ve changed my initial thought and am now looking at two Champion 2000 generators.  At 48 pounds I can lift them into the truck bed and they will fit under the cover.  Specs say they will run 9 hours (.25% load) on 1 gallon, which is pretty amazing.  With that, the dual fuel propane I originally considered just isn’t necessary. 

Another question for all you pros out there....   the Champion 2000 has a recoil start.  After three shoulder surgeries I am unable to pull start our lawn mower so I’m wondering how much strength is needed to pull start the Champion?  Ive seen a push button start feature on some generators, and may need to go that direction, but I think the push start is only on the larger generators and I really need to keep the weight down to 50 pounds or so.  

And about generators in Big Bend, the campsite we have reserved allows generator use 8AM - 8PM. I understand generators are not allowed at all at the primitive sites, so anyone heading to Big Bend just make sure to check generator policy for your specific campground. Big smile
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
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Posts: 6429 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2017 at 10:11am
Get the larger generator with a push-button start and get a ramp so you can roll it up into your truck. I have a Generac iX2000 with a recoil start. If you can't pull a lawnmower starter rope, you won't be able to pull the starter rope on a generator. The strength needed is roughly equivalent.

Edit: I just did a quick search and found a pickup truck crane which would certainly help with getting a heavier generator loaded into your truck.
StephenH
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TheBum View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 Feb 2016
Location: Texas
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Posts: 1407 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2017 at 10:30am
The 2000W generators are designed to be ultra portable, so there's no space volume-wise or weight-wise for a starter motor and battery. Our Honda EU2000is pull easier than a lawnmower but they would still be a challenge for someone with a bum shoulder.
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Posts: 298 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2017 at 11:04am
Originally posted by StephenH

Get the larger generator with a push-button start and get a ramp so you can roll it up into your truck. I have a Generac iX2000 with a recoil start. If you can't pull a lawnmower starter rope, you won't be able to pull the starter rope on a generator. The strength needed is roughly equivalent.

Edit: I just did a quick search and found a pickup truck crane which would certainly help with getting a heavier generator loaded into your truck.

+1

I agree.  The strength to start the Champion might be a little less than the lawnmower (those can actually require quite a lot of force), but I still wouldn't recommend it for those with shoulder injuries.  A truck with ramps and/or the truck crane definitely makes a lot of sense.  The Champion 3100 can be equipped with an electric remote start, so you don't have to do anything but hit a button while inside your Pod.  I've not heard of anyone who sprang for remote start late regretting it. Big smile
"Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien

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Luv2travel View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jul 2016
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Posts: 11 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2017 at 11:22am
Wow!  A pickup crane!  Thank you for the suggestion.  And thanks to those who posted about the pull start.  Sweet hubby says he will just pull start it, but the truth is I don’t want him injured either lifting or pulling. Plus, I want to be able to take the RPod out with my girlfriends now and then for a few days of hiking so I need solutions that work for me without always requiring sweet hubby’s help.  

All the input from you seasoned travelers is so very much appreciated!  Thank you!!Thumbs Up
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
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Posts: 6429 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2017 at 12:33pm
There may be other model cranes that would work also. I just listed the first one I saw and did not look further. I like the idea and may be replacing my iX2000 with the Predator 3500 from Harbor Freight. That one is getting excellent reviews, is supposed to be very quiet, and is electric start.

I found a YouTube video showing one such crane that mounts to the hitch.
StephenH
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2017 at 12:45pm
+1 to SH and pickup crane, I have one that mounts in the receiver hitch, I use it all the time to load things in my pickup. They make them in various weight capacities, mine is heavier duty than you would need for a genset. I also use mine to lift objects into my cargo trailers.
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henryv View Drop Down
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Posts: 259 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Dec 2017 at 5:10pm
I too have the two Honda generators. At $1000 each, they better perform, and they do. You can use one or two as the need arises. One will even charge your tow battery or camper battery. Two will run everything, even AC. I used them in an emergency during a hurricane at home. Light enough to carry. Quiet, quality, efficient. Best choice in my opinion.
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