Generator for '08 T@B

bigskybound

We are shopping for a small generator that can power the AC, refrigerator and lights on our '08 T@B.  Sure, I could spend hours researching amps, watts and the gnomes that make this stuff work, but thought I would go straight to the user group for my answer.  While I wait, I can read other threads.  I wouldn't want any other posters to think they had wasted their time.

Nomad

The general concenses is you need a 2000w generator in order to not damaged the AC compressor at start up. Some have run the AC with a 1000 however. I happen to have the Honda 2000i. The Honda's are the most prevelent out in the campground world. Yamaha comes in second.

TABaker

Most of the Honda 2000 generators will not run the Cool Cat, if that's  your AC unit.  I say "most" because apparently there are some tiny difference in each Honda as well as each Cool Cat, enough to allow some to work.  They're the minority.  It may run it for a bit, but will not continue to cycle on and off.  You can read more about it on the Yahoo forum.

abenteurer

The Honda 2000i powers my T@B Max S AC, fridge, and accessories with ease. Recommend using the power saving mode. We bought ours before taking delivery of the T@B thinking we would need it for boondocking. We ended up never using it except for testing. I'd recommend waiting till you actually need a generator before buying one. Honda and Yamaha seem to be the highly rated brands and ~2K watts is sufficient power.

Nomad

TABaker - Really, didn't know that. So you're SOL if you have the CoolCat. Can't imagine hauling a bigger generator around.

Ratkity

You can connect 2 2000w hondas together with parallel cables. Easier to haul around if AC is necessary. Easier to haul than the 3000w honda.

abenteurer

You'll need the Honda EU2000i Companion generator (about $150 more) and the cables that come with it for 30A parallel operation with another Honda EU2000i generator. I found in my set up that the Honda EU2000i Companion has a 30A twist lock receptacle so you'll need an adapter to connect it to the T@B's standard power cable. If running 20A or less, you can plug into the generator's 20A receptacle. The EU2000i Companion version lacks the 12V power outlet, which was not important to me.

Nomad

To be clear - from my understanding - the companion is not meant to be run by itself, only in conjunction with the 2000i. So you have double the price.

Ratkity

The companion can run by itself. Same mechanics, different control features - no battery charger and a 30A receptacle instead of an additional 20A set of outlets.

TerryV6

When traveling, where do you store your generator and gas can? If in the TV, is there any gas smell?  Would you be able to cover them in any way to lower that problem? There isn't much space outside to put them.  If stored in the camper, will gas smell linger?  

Ratkity

Terry, there's 2 shut-offs for the gas: The vent in the cap and the shut off to the gas line on the generator itself. I have the generator in my house and there is no oil or gas smell. The gas container is another issue. I keep that outside. Other people may chime in on how they store extra gas for the genny.

leenscottfl

I haul my EU2000i in the Tab in the center close to the shower door. Extra gas in the shower. No gas odor. Honda has a knob on gas cap to shut off the air intake and gas can has anti-spill spout.

Nomad

Ratkity - Was told by several dealer and info online that no, you can't use the companion by itself. Had one try to sell me the companion but all the others said no.

TerryV6 - I have the gen and gas in the back of the TV and no gas smell. Both have sealed caps. I keep it there as it only comes out on rainy/crappy days. For me it'd be a real pain if in the T@B and had to unload that every time.

TerryV6

Thank you for the input.  That was my last deal breaker I could think of along with the price tag.. We don't want to be tied to power sites.  We would not run it during the day, as we mostly use our camp as a base to scope out stuff to do.  We'd probably run it for 3-4 hours when needed for sleeping comfort.  Last trip we spent the days on a boat trip, a hike along the bluffs, and an excursion to a nearby town where we took in a rock show ( insert jokes here).  We are not enthusiasts, but wife loves the pretty polished stones and we have them around the house.  There were some beautiful geodes, but were outside our budget.  She did "let" me buy her a necklace....

Nomad

TerryV6 - Remember, most campgrounds have quiet hours (10pm>7am) so it's hard to use the gen for sleeping. If it cools down at night so you just need to pre-cool, the gen works well. If it's hot 24hrs, a hookup site is the best option. Of course if you're really out there boondocking with nobody around, you're good for whatever.

Ratkity

PXLated said:

Ratkity - Was told by several dealer and info online that no, you can't use the companion by itself. Had one try to sell me the companion but all the others said no.

TerryV6 - I have the gen and gas in the back of the TV and no gas smell. Both have sealed caps. I keep it there as it only comes out on rainy/crappy days. For me it'd be a real pain if in the T@B and had to unload that every time.

Dealers were wrong. I have a Honda Service Dealer 3 miles up the road from me. They assured me they are the same unit, different control features (all still 20A). I've used mine several times with the T@B and it works flawlessly.

Nomad

Good for you - I went with the several vs one opinion :-)

Nomad

boo - Curious - Can you get the Westinghouse fixed if needed almost anywhere?

Nomad

Might not concern you but could be an issue if actually out travelling and don't have your favorite local repair shop handy. Just asking for others - I could personally care less boo.

Nomad

Not an option for those of us that travel - Mine would be out of commission for at least 6 months. Unlike you, I need to get mine fixed in whatever town is close by. I wouldn't be leaving it there, I'd be waiting for it :-)

Verna

It doesn't matter which generator you buy because there will always be differing opinions.

'Nuff said on possible generator repair and back to a generator for an '08 Dutchman T@B. 

TerryV6

Well, we ended up going to Cabelas in Green Bay, Wi and buying the Yamaha's EF2000iSv2.  We had earned $100 in credit card points, so it was a good deal.  It got good reviews, supposed to be fairly quiet, with some nice features... We will see.  
Just got back from going to my 50th anniversary of my 8th grade graduation.  Wow, did those people get old...

Nomad

I think the Yamaha is actually a little quieter than the Honda.

Ratkity

Always heard good things about the Yamaha, Terry. It's like the Nikon-Canon camera debate. Good is good, ya know? Too funny about your reunion. When I was growing up, the only graduation they had was H.S. and I'd rather forget those times - or perhaps since it was the late 70's, I don't really remember those times

TerryV6

While still awkward, it didn't have the HS anxieties..  And... 8 years with the same kids...

TerryV6

So now we will occasionally take a generator with us.  I don't plan on traveling with gas for a long trip.  Rather, we think we'd fill the can nearer the campsite.  In any case, I'm thinking of strapping it in front of the tub.  It's only 2 1/2 gallons, so I don't think it would be a tongue weight problem. Does anyone see any other concerns?

Photomom

Heat from the sun?

Ratkity

All new containers have venting systems - some sort of new standard that I found out about when buying a new one exactly like Terry's. Terry could always cover it in some sort of flame-retardant material, such as that thin aluminum insulation. It was just a passing thought. Not sure it would work. I think the "Jeepers" (Jeep owners) can chime in as they frequently carry spare gas cans on their crazy off-road outings! (Gotta luv them Jeepers.. they have more cool gadgets.... ) 

bigskybound

Lots of great input.  Thanks.  Honda seems to be preferred, but I think it is the Ford vs Chevy or Browning vs Remington argument.  As several posters have noted, all small engines break down and the Honda is becoming more Chinese every day. We are considering the Westinghouse WH2000iXLT or its big brother the 2400 watt model.  Some reviews say the 2000 watt runs small camper ACs just fine, others say not.  The 2400 would do the trick and still be $300 less than the Honda 2000i.  Any other thoughts on the Westinghouse?

Tabaz

A friend and his wife have the Westinghouse.  Worked fine at 7,350 foot elevation.  VERY quiet - noticeably quieter than my Honda 1000i.  Only time will tell how reliable they are.

Mariner459

A rock might puncture it. Maybe check with local firefighters for ideas and concerns about heat, impact, etc.  Metal jerry cans stored in a mounted metal container?