I have a Honda 2000i - the most common found in campgrounds, probably 80% of the generators I see. The reason I bought the 2000w is it's "supposedly" what you need to run (or at least start up) the air conditioner. The generator gets roughly 8 hrs per gallon. If you need to run the air a lot, you're either going to have to carry a lot of gas or be running to a gas station to refill quite a bit. I've kind of come to the conclusion that if you need air for any kind of lengthy period, you're probably better off just hitting a campground with hook ups. So, with that thought, would one be better off just getting something smaller/lighter (1000w for instance) for those days when solar just won't work and you need to juice your battery?
Thoughts?
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2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
There's a million threads on solar - lets get back to thoughts/experiences with generators.
Thanks
2014 T@B-S
Larry & Booger - 2013 T@B, 2012 GMC Sierra
Happy Trails Y'all
Propane's a thought. No idea how long a generator/tank lasts.
Still think the easiest, most efficient solution is to head to a hookup campground if able.
With 5 you'd get a couple solid days.
Aw shucks, I missed the apparent debate over the care and feeding of solar panals. Lots of questions there, too, but I agree it wasn't topic at hand. One advantage of being a moderator is you can start, derail, and rerail your own threads. ;-)
My specific interest in a generator was really for juicing the battery (as mentioned in the OP). As reformed tent campers, we've lasted several days on just battery and propane, but it pushes the limits of the battery.
To address PXL's original question: I'd rather lug something smaller than larger, and a 1000W generator should be plenty sufficient for charging a battery. However, as with any generator, doing it quickly might be the bigger challenge.
So--at the risk of again going a little off topic--those of you using generators (any size) to charge your battery, how are you doing it (Onboard converter? 12V from generator? Separate AC charger?) and how long do you typically have to run it?
I've suspected that maybe the 1000 would run the AC as Outback suggests as the AC barely kicks the 2000 into high gear - 15 sec at most (in comparison, my toaster* throws it into high for the entire toast cycle).
* My only appliance
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
I can't speak for the Yamaha or other really quiet generators (there's a new brand on the market that I can't rem the name of), just the Honda. The Honda EU2000i has a peak output of 2000W for 30 minutes. It runs continuously at 1600W (http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/pdf/manuals/31Z07610.pdf - page 19). There is an eco-throttle switch that will drop the engine output even more if there are no big loads on it, but the manual doesn't indicate what wattage that would be.
I have to echo PXL's complaint about lifting the 50lbs of the 2000i on a regular basis. I used to be able to heft 80lb sacks of concrete without much effort *mumbles, moans and whines*. Right now, I have my Honda set up and locked to the bed of my pickup where it can run after flipping open my tonneau cover (in addition to locking it to the bed, the cover has a small lock and the tailgate locks as well).
The 1000W is a good generator, but keep in mind, the fuel tank is smaller and don't know if it has an on-board charger or at what amperage it's set at to charge a battery (the 2000i has a built-in charger). There are probably posts here about batteries and how long it takes to completely charge one based on its amphr rating.
So if you are waffling between the 1000W or 2000W, it's best if you calculate your power needs (minus the AC if you don't plan to use it), including how long it takes to charge your battery or battery bank.
You never really travel alone. The world is full of friends waiting to get to know you!
http://tab-rv.vanillaforums.com/discussion/2267/solar-suitcases-self-contained?new=1
http://www.uscarburetion.com/eu2000i_kits.htm
Here is the link to the company that makes the Honda propane conversion kits. They also sell a Yamaha 2000W that uses gas, propane and natural gas. Don't know anyone who actually has either of these. But since we're on the subject of solar . . .
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
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