Very rarely do we camp without at least a 30A electrical hookup, so my Crusader has only a single battery.We are planning a trip through Utah/AZ/NM and I feel like there may be times where boondocking is the only option. I am worried that for even one night, after unhitchting, leveling, and extending slides, I would not have enough battery to break camp and re-hitch. So I am interested in a portable generator (2000W), mainly to recharge the battery. Since I carry 15 gallons of propane, I was thinking that I might want a propane generator. In addition, the small gasoline generators are usually 2 cycle, which would require fuel mixed with oil.A quick search on the internet did not produce a large number of hits. I saw a few listings for a "Sportsmen" series, but I have never heard of this manufacturer, which causes me some concern. Does anyone have experience with this brand? Would I be better off getting a better known brand and having a conversion kit installed?

I have 2- Honda 2000i Generators for times when we need lots of power. These can be tied together to provide close to 4000 watts to power Air Conditioner and other equipment/appliances.To just charge batteries when boondocking and we don't need a lot of power I use a 1500W generator I bought at Walmart for a steal because the box was heavily damaged. This is a very quiet generator so I can let it run all day to recharge the batteries.All 3 use gasoline so I carry a 3 gallon gas can which lasts about 3 days for the two 2000i Hondas and over a week for the 1500w.Gas is not a big problem if you get one of the metal safety cans that seal really well and a good spout. Alternative is to add more batteries... we have 4 and can go for 3 days by only running 12v stuff. If we need to run the furnace or inverter for TVs/laptop then the batteries will last 2 days. Use the 1500w to recharge or recharge with the truck as we travel from destination to destination

I can dry camp three days using twin group 27. I use a HONDA EU 1000 to charge my batteries and run the trailer while doing so. Under 30 pounds, quiet and extremely reliable. Obviously I cannot run the AC or microwave

You may consider one more battery for such light usage. I doubt you really need a generator for your described use if your batteries arrive at your dry camp fully charged and they're not old and weak.

I understand that a second battery would give me more time off of the grid, but I may find a BLM site that like well enough to spend 3 or 4 days. Eventually, I will have to recharge the battery, and I think it would take forever to recharge through the pigtail on my TV.So, let me rephrase the question. I am going to purchase a generator. Probably 2000W or so. The question is gasoline, propane, or hybrid? Is a gasoline genny with a propane adapter, equal to a genny built for propane? If I decide on a gasoline generator, I would probably want a 4 cylcle engine. I am also concerned about weight. The Sportsmen 2000 weighs 54 lbs.Since I am going to be traveling in the west, I will probably carry a few extra gallons of unleaded part ethanol fuel. I should also point out that I have a propane quick connect where my now unused grill used to be.The Honda has a 4 cycle engine, but costs almost a thousand dollars. I know there are some folks on this forum with deep pockets, but I am not one of them.Again, for a fifth wheel, propane or gasoline?

Gas unit will work- you want a battery charger as well, chargers on generators don't work well. 1000 watt unit will do well.

Small Generator choice for 5W | Good Sam Community

38 Replies

Don___Barb_Bogu
Explorer
Apr 09, 2017
Like most others we have a champion mounted on the 5er that is also a charger just plug in the RV and go there are a lot more RV parks in the west than you might think. Most are reasonable priced. Lots of state parks are full hook up, even some city parks. We are thinking about taking the Jen. off as we use it so seldom, why haul the weight. Will keep it as part of the Earth Quake kit....
avvidclif1
Explorer
Apr 08, 2017
alaska511 wrote:

THIS.
We all started somewhere, and I have posts all over this board with the phases of my progress. We did the multiple AGMS and inverter thing, then got our first 2000i, and eventually the 2nd. You just can't beat them for the light weight, noise level, portability, and fuel consumption.

Got you beat on all accounts except weight and it doesn't count, don't need portability. I have a built-in 5500w Onan and a 30 gal gastank. I went thru 2 5ers w/o generators and did what you are talking about. Small inverter generators then a 4500w Yamaha. All were a PITA. I told myself if I ever got another 5er it would be completely self contained and it is. I have between 30 and 60 hours of runtime depending on load and pushbutton convenience.

Different strokes for different folks.
allen8106
Explorer
Apr 08, 2017
I know you don't want to mix gas but for yor needs I woud just get the Harbor Freight 900 watt unit. It runs about $100.
Twain
Explorer
Apr 08, 2017
RR, I'm plotting a similar trip out west and will be taking two Champion 2000w that can run in parallel. They are half the price of the Honda/Yamaha variations. They weigh 49lbs each. You could get one for under $500 new.
I'd also get another battery.
alaska511
Explorer
Apr 02, 2017
the bear II wrote:
I have 2- Honda 2000i Generators for times when we need lots of power. These can be tied together to provide close to 4000 watts to power Air Conditioner and other equipment/appliances.

THIS.
We all started somewhere, and I have posts all over this board with the phases of my progress. We did the multiple AGMS and inverter thing, then got our first 2000i, and eventually the 2nd. You just can't beat them for the light weight, noise level, portability, and fuel consumption.
tinner12002
Explorer
Mar 31, 2017
I also agree with other posters that a second battery is needed unless you want to get up in the middle of the nite to start the genny. I also even though its more money would recommend the Honda 2000 watt, a little more spent upfront will give you less problems down the road. Just make sure you get the Honda Companion model as it has a twist lock 30amp plug in. There some nice used ones I'm sure for sale to save you some money. I purchased mine new but it had been dropped on its front corner cracking the front cover, got mine for $750, been using for 2 yrs with no issues.
dfb
Explorer
Mar 30, 2017
laknox wrote:
RRinNFla wrote:

I understand that a second battery would give me more time off of the grid, but I may find a BLM site that like well enough to spend 3 or 4 days. Eventually, I will have to recharge the battery, and I think it would take forever to recharge through the pigtail on my TV.

So, let me rephrase the question. I am going to purchase a generator. Probably 2000W or so. The question is gasoline, propane, or hybrid? Is a gasoline genny with a propane adapter, equal to a genny built for propane? If I decide on a gasoline generator, I would probably want a 4 cylcle engine. I am also concerned about weight. The Sportsmen 2000 weighs 54 lbs.

Since I am going to be traveling in the west, I will probably carry a few extra gallons of unleaded part ethanol fuel. I should also point out that I have a propane quick connect where my now unused grill used to be.

The Honda has a 4 cycle engine, but costs almost a thousand dollars. I know there are some folks on this forum with deep pockets, but I am not one of them.

Again, for a fifth wheel, propane or gasoline?

Costco is running a special on Champion 3200w peak/2800w continuous inverter-generators for $700. Just a wee bit louder than the Honda for less than half the price. Were I in the market, I'd be down there buying one, myself. Not sure about all the bells 'n whistles, but it's worth a look. Even cheaper than the Honda 1000! Spend the money you'll save on the Champion on 2 6v golf cart batteries, < $200, and you'll easily have 3-4 days' (with care) power. I can boondock from Wed-Sun with this setup, though I also have a 45w solar kit from Harbor Freight. On sale, that can be bought for about $150.

Lyle

Owned the Yamaha 3000iseb and the Honda3000eu and the twin hondas and the twin Yamahas... Just bought the Champion 2800 at Costco and could not be happier.. First, it is quiet, 2nd it is under 90 lbs and has a handle and tires to roll it, a REAL 30 amp rv plug, fuel shutoff, 2 110 outlets , battery charger, usb and 12 dc plugs... A GREAT BUY!! Starts first or second pull every time... LOVE IT...Highly recommended..
dfb
Explorer
Mar 30, 2017
the bear II wrote:
I have 2- Honda 2000i Generators for times when we need lots of power. These can be tied together to provide close to 4000 watts to power Air Conditioner and other equipment/appliances.

To just charge batteries when boondocking and we don't need a lot of power I use a 1500W generator I bought at Walmart for a steal because the box was heavily damaged. This is a very quiet generator so I can let it run all day to recharge the batteries.

All 3 use gasoline so I carry a 3 gallon gas can which lasts about 3 days for the two 2000i Hondas and over a week for the 1500w.

Gas is not a big problem if you get one of the metal safety cans that seal really well and a good spout.

Alternative is to add more batteries... we have 4 and can go for 3 days by only running 12v stuff. If we need to run the furnace or inverter for TVs/laptop then the batteries will last 2 days. Use the 1500w to recharge or recharge with the truck as we travel from destination to destination

Actually the 2 2000 gensets together provide 3200 watts of power since they are 1600 each...
Blazing_Zippers
Explorer II
Mar 25, 2017
We have a Honda 2000 that works well. I considered a larger Honda (3000 watt with wheels), but space and weight were factors. I'm pretty fit, but how long can I lift 75 lbs? That's why we chose the 2000. Honda does seem to make the "standard" with regard to generators, but that Champion looks pretty nice.
As far as propane vs. gas---we chose gas and would again. In over ten years, I've never seen a propane genny except in a motorhome.
Now lets git out there!
Vette_Racer
Explorer
Mar 24, 2017
Champion 3400 remote start, quiet and runs a 15k air conditioner with no problem.