Anyone Using a Generator in the Boonies?

TrailMix · May 2016

I am researching gas powered generators. If anyone has used one, how big does it need to be to run the A/C, 3-way Norcold Fridge, heat, hot water, lights, etc. I am looking at the Honda EU - either the 1000 or the 2000.

TrailMix · May 2016

Thanks!!! I do camp in the southwest so A/C is a must. Also winter camp in the Rockies so heat is always a must!

ChanW · May 2016

You might do a search of the forum. There's been quite a bit of talk about generators, and specifically the Hondas.

Here's one: Generator question

TrailMix · May 2016

I couldn't find anything on the forum. I have a 2015 S model, if that helps. Pretty much all the bells and whistles. I will try the search function again.

Ratkity · May 2016

I have the Honda 2000i and when plugged in and running in non-Eco mode, it puts out a sustained 1600W with a peak of 2000W (can handle for several minutes, but owner's manual is more specific). I know you can search the Honda site and get a copy of the owner's manual. The 2000i is 50 lbs.

I've always run the frig on gas when I have no electricity and have never tested the generator with both air conditioner and frig on AC power. My frig cools more efficiently on propane and from what our forum HVAC folks say, that is the way it was designed. The pros for the little generators (no matter what you end up getting) are how quiet they run. One of the cons is that they don't like to sit around unused (not running) for long periods of time. The little engines need a little more consistent running than big engines to pull easily on the first try. It also has a tiny gas tank and probably won't run the air conditioning for more than 4 hours at full blast before needing a refill (YMMV). I have a 5 gal extended tank that I've not done a full 8-hr AC test on yet (made for just the Honda 2000's).

Oh! And Chan just posted a great link to start you off.

Best of luck in your research!

Nomad · May 2016

I do a lot of boondocking and/or dry camping. I have the Honda 2000i - 85% of the time it doesn't get set up, solar/propane/battery do the trick. When I've needed AC, I still run fridge and Alde on propane. If you're running everything off the generator as ST_Bob mentions, you definetly need the 2000. That said, if running like I do, I've rarely had the generator kick into high gear when starting up the AC. The times it has, it's just been five seconds or so. In a previous discussion someone mentioned they do just fine with the 1000 and it is cheaper and lighter. BUT - most recommend the 2000 and state that you can burn out the AC compressor if under wattaged on startup. I'm sure they're right "by the book" but since mine rarely kicks into high gear I'm not sure that's true in practice. But now you've been warned :-)

Tabaz · May 2016

Trail mix - I'm noise-averse in the wilderness. The natural sounds of nature is why most of us boondock. I know my Honda 1000 will run my A/C. But I would never fire it up with other boon dockets nearby. Different if at an organized event.

Tabaz · May 2016

God I hate spell check. See above.

Nomad · May 2016

Ahhhh, it was you Outback that has the 1000 and can do AC. The 1000 is much more manageable than the 2000 - weight and space.

Tabaz · May 2016

If I was in the market for a new generator, I would go with a 2000 Watt model. My Honda 1000 never gets used because my Zamp 200W solar panels provide all the electricity I need - which includes running the 700W microwave oven 3x a day. Another forum member has the new Westinghouse 2000W generator. In a side-by-side comparison with my Honda 1000, the Westinghouse is actually quieter. I believe he paid around $500 for it. It's definitely worth considering.

Mr_Mrs_Gnome · May 2016

Has anyone seen/tried the new Generac iQ2000 : http://www.generacmobileproducts.com/products/portable/products/iq2000-portable-inverter-generator

C&B · May 2016

Mr_Mrs_Gnome said:

Has anyone seen/tried the new Generac iQ2000 : http://www.generacmobileproducts.com/products/portable/products/iq2000-portable-inverter-generator

We see them at Costco fairly often for just under $500. We are tempted to buy one each time we see them! Not sure how they are, but the ratings seem good.

ChanW · May 2016

I thought there was a discussion about the Westinghouse that said it had problems with altitude, incurable because the jets are not removable...? Not sure.

Tabaz · May 2016

ChanW - One Amazon reviewer stated that the units will not work at or above 8,000 feet elevation.

ChanW · May 2016

Ah, maybe that's where I saw it.

Mr_Mrs_Gnome · May 2016

@C&B I've seen the one at Costco, too and it's not the same model. The iQ2000 runs for $799.

phulishcat · May 2016

I have the Westinghouse 2000, it is much less intrusive soundwise than the Honda, have used it at 6000 ft no issue soon as it warms up enough I will test it over 7000ft. I have not noticed any power loss yet. As OutbackAZ has heard it maybe he will comment on how annoying it is.

Mr_Mrs_Gnome · May 2016

Sheesh, we live above 6000 ft and do most our camping between 7000 & 10,000. Good thing solar isn't affected adversely by altitude.

Ratkity · May 2016

^^^ details details. LOL

jkjenn · May 2016

From what I have read it has more to do with air temperature and humidity changes than proximity to the sun.

ChanW · May 2016

I dunno, the Tab is pretty air tight. It might keep the atmospheric pressure required for survival up there.

ST_Bob said:

Solar is enhanced by altitude. Solar panels work better as there's less air between the sun and the panels. The lower temperatures as you climb also increase efficiency. Keep going - by the time you get to low Earth orbit you'll have enough excess power from the panels to really do something. You won't be alive though due to the lack of air pressure

Photomom · May 2016

ChanW said:

I dunno, the Tab is pretty air tight. It might keep the atmospheric pressure required for survival up there.

ST_Bob said:

Solar is enhanced by altitude. Solar panels work better as there's less air between the sun and the panels. The lower temperatures as you climb also increase efficiency. Keep going - by the time you get to low Earth orbit you'll have enough excess power from the panels to really do something. You won't be alive though due to the lack of air pressure

Gets really cold up there though.

ChanW · May 2016

Yeah, but now you turn on the Alde! Oh, right. You might need oxygen for that.

Ratkity · May 2016

Don't forget Apollo 13 and the CO2 scrubbers. Anything over 5% CO2 and you can't breathe, even if the other 95% of the air is pure O2.....

ChanW · May 2016

I think Lawnchair Larry beat us to it...

Ratkity · May 2016

SQUIRREL!

ChanW · May 2016

Ha!

(My dog pricked his ears high, just when I read that!)

Flying squirrel!

Anyone Using a Generator in the Boonies?

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