Forum Discussion

austingta's avatar
austingta
Explorer
Jan 29, 2017

Generator choices

I need to buy a generator to work on a jobsite really soon. I need to power my Lincoln 230VAC which draws around 25 amps. Mostly it will be for camping.

Obviously, a good 7500-watt stand alone genset will do it, but they are too loud for lots of campgrounds. Is there a reasonably priced inverter style generator that offers 230VAC and 20-30 amp service? When I go camping, I'd like to have a quiet genset but I'm not sure it's worth it.
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Jan 29, 2017
    That is a pretty heavy and bulky generator for camping. Honda makes the EU7000is but the price may scare you. Can you consider a 2,000 watt inverter type unit for recreational use and leave the big one at work?
  • austingta's avatar
    austingta
    Explorer
    Jan 29, 2017
    romore wrote:
    That is a pretty heavy and bulky generator for camping. Honda makes the EU7000is but the price may scare you. Can you consider a 2,000 watt inverter type unit for recreational use and leave the big one at work?


    I don't think a single 2000W inverter gen will run my AC if I'm without shore power (and that might be important down here). I'm trying to avoid buying two different generators.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Jan 29, 2017
    Onan should have one to fit your needs, with a diesel Cummins motor in it. Going to be pricey though.
  • byronlj's avatar
    byronlj
    Explorer
    Jan 29, 2017
    My Yamaha 6300 ran my Hobart 190 mig welder on 1/4" steel easily. I bought it years ago before the price skyrocketed.
    It runs both my AC's in the fifth wheel. It ia big so I mounted it on the rear of my 5er.
    Dave
  • garyemunson's avatar
    garyemunson
    Explorer II
    Jan 29, 2017
    If you can get past the price, big Hondas will power whatever you need and be quiet enough for campground use. There is a reason they are so expensive..they are the best.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Jan 29, 2017
    austingta wrote:
    Is there a reasonably priced inverter style generator that offers 230VAC and 20-30 amp service?

    Nope !

    austingta wrote:
    When I go camping, I'd like to have a quiet genset but I'm not sure it's worth it.

    Then you will need a second generator.
  • austingta's avatar
    austingta
    Explorer
    Jan 30, 2017
    Rolling Condo wrote:
    A pair of these in parallel will work for you. Won't break the bank and not as noisy as an open frame generator.


    It does not seem that that set-up (and so many others, too) will provide 230VAC for my welder. Until you get way up in price and capacity, the sine wave gensets are all 120VAC.
  • garyemunson's avatar
    garyemunson
    Explorer II
    Jan 30, 2017
    Another benefit of Hondas are their very long lifespan. If taken care of they just do not seem to wear out.
  • bpounds's avatar
    bpounds
    Nomad
    Jan 30, 2017
    You would be smart to get different generators. Get the contractors version you need for your 240v welder, and get something more suitable for camping. Not sure of your long term job needs, but consider just renting something for your welding.

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