Greetings all,
We are looking into purchasing a portable generator. We have only used sites with hookups and this year we are going to venture into areas without utilities. Any suggestions with size, brands or just plain advise on using them? Thanks in advance and happy camping...
I would suggest buying the quietest one you can afford, or you, and everyone for 2 miles will hate it. If you need something for refreshing your camper battery each day, that's one thing......but if you're looking for something to run your A/C and/or microwave, etc., then you'll probably want something in the 3000watt range.
You need to spend some time thinking about the wattage you will need. That will determine if you need a 1000, 2000, or 3000 watt generator.
Here are two reviews from small generators that might be helpful
COMPACT GENERATOR SHOOT-OUT (http://www.campinglife.com/output.cfm?ID=1112113)
Packable Power (http://www.campinglife.com/output.cfm?ID=1050895)
Hope this helps.
Ruide
wisesales.com is the best place to by a generator, you can call and tell them what you have and what you want to run and they will fit you with the right genset. I got my Yahmaha 2400i from them and it was here in 3 days. Best price and great service. My Yamaha runs my A/C and hardly grunts
http://wisesales.com/ (http://wisesales.com/)
(http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/11842/2689618690043540764S425x425Q85.jpg)
We also have the same Yamaha generator. It has been a great unit for over 3 years for us. We have used it to recharge our batteries. Also run our A/C here in AZ (not at the same time) without any problems. We never had any complaints from our neighbors.
We purchased ours from Mayberry's, we liked the no tax and free shipping.
Hope this helps.
Mary Romeo
EF2400is here also, Great unit.:D
beforwarned that those Japanese genertors include numbers in their names that are the peak and not the rated watts which is 20% or so lower.
Some manufacturers name their units differently.
The Honda 2000i that I've borrowed is too loud for my likes, but with a entension cord it can be someone elses problem :eyecrazy:
I use a Honda 2000 when I don't need A/C and have a Boliy 3600 when running the air.. I've had good luck with both models. Both are quiet and manageable for maintenance, oil changes etc. I'd recommend either one..just depending on what your power needs are.
I use a Honda EU2000i and it runs my AC just fine.
I used to have 2 of them that I could hook together to make 4000W but I didn't need the 2nd one. IMO, 2 of the Honda 2000s is a good option (however a bit pricey). Most of the time you don't use your AC and only having to lug around the 47# Honda is better on my back then a bigger genset. It also uses less gas.
Even if you take 2 of them with you on a potentially hot camp-out, it's a lot easier to move 2, 47# gensets than 1, 75-100# one.
I think you will find the article at the link below very helpful. I remembered reading it last year in the magazine and although I wasn't in the market for a generator it was very informative. Since then my husband saw an index card posted in a local store for a used Honda 1000watt generator for $200. It is not one of the newer Eu models but we are real happy with it. We dry camp the majority of the time so it comes in real handy to use the electric drill w/socket genie and to charge the batteries. Good luck.
http://www.campinglife.com/output.cfm?id=1112113