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Stealth_81 View Drop Down
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Posts: 9 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: recommendation for generator
    Posted: 28 Apr 2020 at 7:03pm
I have a generator question. We have a Honda EU3000is at the house as an emergency backup in case of extended power outage. We have some longer trips planned with the Rpod this summer and I was thinking of taking the generator along as insurance and for use if we stay somewhere without an electric hookup. Since the generator weighs 135# I would like to just leave it in the back of the truck and not have to take it out. Is there any issue with running the generator in the back of the pickup truck (with cap) as long as the side windows and back window and gate are open? I am only anticipating running it every other day to charge batteries as needed. We wouldn’t be running AC if off grid.
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Nov 2019 at 12:25am
The benefit of an inverter generator is that it decouples engine speed from electrical frequency. A conventional generator has to run at 3600 rpm all the time to produce 60 cycle output. The engine in an inverter generator can run quietly at low rpm when the electrical load is low because the inverter section is setting the output frequency. You will find that there isn’t much if any difference in noise level between an inverter generator and a traditional generator under heavy loading, For example when running the a/c. Both are sine wave output.

A couple of other considerations before buying a generator:

Consider the weight and how you will load and unload it. The Honda or equivalent 2kw-ish genny weighs in slightly under 50 lbs. Thats already pretty heavy for many folks to lift safely.,The bigger ones get really heavy. That’s why I went with the Honda 2kw and Microair easystart, one disc surgery was enough for me,

The other consideration is that many/most campgrounds won’t allow you to run a generator at night, so if you want it for a/c overnight you might be disappointed.

Then there is fuel. You’ll need to carry that safely somewhere as well as the generator,. I converted my Honda to propane so I don’t need to carry a fuel can around.



1994 Chinook Concourse
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2630 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Nov 2019 at 9:43am
Colt is right. Rotary generators do produce a sine wave. However, because they are running from gas or propane engine, the RPM will be varying a bit. Also, some of them use generators with brushes, which can cause noise superimposed on the sine wave. A "better" rotary generator will usually have a brushless generator, but they still can be a little noisy.

Better inverter generators actually produce a nice sine wave (Hondas are the classic example). Cheaper inverter generators will produce a square wave, which is sometimes cleaned up a bit with filters. YMMV.

I think "BTDT" is Been There Done That, but I happy to be corrected.
bp
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lostagain View Drop Down
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Posts: 2587 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Nov 2019 at 8:15am
What is BTDT?  I often get lost in the acronyms.  Thanks!
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Colt View Drop Down
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Posts: 383 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Nov 2019 at 7:38pm
Originally posted by crankster78

Greetings:
Contractor generators produce a 60 cycle square wave Which is not good for electronics of any kind.  Plus they will vary on cycles.  They run at about 3600 RPM, That's why they are noisy.  A inverter runs at vey high cycles and down converts the out put to a pure 60 cycle sine wave.  It only runs as fast as needed for the load.  The engine is running at a lower speed, less wear and noise.  Inverters cost much more but last longer and of course are much quieter.  I've been using my Honda for over 12 years, still runs good.  
Crankster78  2015 R-179


This is incorrect. A conventional rotary generator will not produce square waves. The governor systems are usually incapable of tight control of the RPM. The resulting jitter in RPM may cause some harmonic distortion but never a square wave. And the frequency is never really 60 Hz.

OTOH, inverters use switching electronics to create square waves to convert DC to AC but then have to filter it to smooth it enough have a sine wave. How would you know the filters were working well enough?

Either design will produce power good enough to run household (and RV) appliances and electronics. BTDT.

Bottom line, for everyday use buy a generator that is quiet enough for your use and that you can afford.

Dometic says their 13,500 BTU roof AC pulls 15.1 amps or about 1750 watts. Electric motors require 2 or more times the running watts to start. A 3500 watt generator will safely start the AC.
John
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Posts: 6 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Sep 2019 at 1:56pm
I've powered my R-Pod with two different generators. The first week we had it, we decided to boondock with an old Honda EN2500. It kicked the AC just fine, and allowed us to watch TV. 

I found a used Predator 3500 (Honda EU3000is clone) for $425, and it's been fine ever since. With this thing, the only thing I wouldn't do is run the microwave/oven or a blowdryer, at the same time as the AC. No big deal. For the money it's been a decent stop-gap, as a paid of Honda 2200s or an EU3000 will cost in excess of $2500. 

Eventually I'll replace this thing with a Honda, but for now it works perfectly. 
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crankster78 View Drop Down
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Posts: 163 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Sep 2019 at 3:53pm
Greetings:
Contractor generators produce a 60 cycle square wave Which is not good for electronics of any kind.  Plus they will vary on cycles.  They run at about 3600 RPM, That's why they are noisy.  A inverter runs at vey high cycles and down converts the out put to a pure 60 cycle sine wave.  It only runs as fast as needed for the load.  The engine is running at a lower speed, less wear and noise.  Inverters cost much more but last longer and of course are much quieter.  I've been using my Honda for over 12 years, still runs good.  

Crankster78  2015 R-179
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TheBum View Drop Down
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Posts: 1407 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Sep 2019 at 10:14am
Originally posted by Happy Tripping

NEVER get a 'contractor's generator' - too loud


And the power is usually rather "dirty" because it typically doesn't have an inverter. It runs at one speed and relies on that speed for 50/60 Hz.
Alan
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MRuss View Drop Down
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Posts: 6 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Sep 2019 at 11:15am
This forum is amazing ! Thanks for the prompt & helpful replies.
I appreciate your suggestions & expert advice.
Happy podding!!!😊
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Happy Tripping View Drop Down
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Posts: 473 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Sep 2019 at 10:18am
This is a common question.

An 'advanced search' here or an internet search will give you a lot of relevant info.

Bottom line, if no 'Easy Start', a 2400 Yamaha or equivalent probably will suffice for a/c, run alone, away from hi mountains. Test first.

NEVER get a 'contractor's generator' - too loud
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