GENERATORS???

Ok, I have a question about generators... I am looking to buy a generator but every time I ask someone at a store I get different answers!! UGHHH...!!! So I figured I would ask the people who have used them, R-Pod Campers......YAH US!!! Ok I am looking to purchase a generator that is pretty quiet like a inverter generator. I am looking for one that will run my a/c on my 180 but is also quiet.  I looked at the Honda's but it looks like I need to sell a kidney to afford one.  Any suggestions. I am trying to stay under $1000.

Hello Shane, I am glad you decided to post your dilemma here as I am sure you will hear plenty of thoughts as many here boondock.

So here goes my take on your question.
Honda inverter generators are wonderful, but expensive. I have a big 7000 watt inverter Honda at my off grid water access cottage to back up my solar system in the winter. It is sized properly for the load/work I require of it, when I need it. I need quality and dependability and quiet and it delivers.

Now, to trailer appropriate genny's. If you want to use all your appliances,your aircon and micro/oven...you need a genny in the 3300 watt peak to handle the heavy start loads. I have a Firman 3300 watt inverter genny from Costco that I will travel with when I get my pod. Other than the junk spark plug which I replaced before putting oil in (read all the reviews available on Costco site re the Firman as there is a lot of good info to help you out), it works perfectly. It is very quiet, only about 750 Canadian dollars so less expensive in the States. As on any genny, proper break in and oil changes etc are important for long life and dependability.

If you have restricted storage space (we have an F150 with a cap so have a bit of elbow room for extra stuff) you can downsize to a 2200 watt Honda, Yamaha, maybe even a Champion etc inverter generator...which if you install an easy start on your aircon, will allow you to use it as it lowers the initial heavy electrical demand. You will need to load monitor if you go in this direction to meet your needs if you want to use other heavy loads while using the aircon. Many here swear by the use of the easy start though it can be pricey.   

Whatever genny you decide, always use premium fuel to eliminate ethanol. Ethanol is hydroscopic among other problems that come with it and absorbs moisture from the fuel as well as from the air. The untreated fuel can start breaking down in as little as month or 2, leading to varnish etc creating problems in your carb and lines.

Any fuel you use treat immediately with a good quality fuel stabilizer so it is good for at least a year...you will appreciate the lack of fuel issues after your low use or seasonal motors don't fail on you when you need them. This goes for all seasonal motors by the way.

I also have had a 2000 watt Champion inverter genny and it was also an impressive little genny, just was too small for my cottage once I had the solar system put in.

Again, I hope this helps!

Andy

Hey Stephenh! Good post, we are on the same wavelength!

Andy

Originally posted by campman Whatever genny you decide, always use premium fuel to eliminate ethanol. Ethanol is hydroscopic among other problems that come with it and absorbs moisture from the fuel as well as from the air. The untreated fuel can start breaking down in as little as month or 2, leading to varnish etc creating problems in your carb and lines. Any fuel you use treat immediately with a good quality fuel stabilizer so it is good for at least a year...you will appreciate the lack of fuel issues after your low use or seasonal motors don't fail on you when you need them. This goes for all seasonal motors by the way.

One quibble with what you wrote Andy. Not all premium gasoline is ethanol free. It has to specify ethanol-free in order to be sure it is. Other than that, that is good advice.