Small Generator choice for 5W

being you already have the propane I,d go that route and 1000 w gen , honda yamaha both have good reps when it comes to gen.

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

Champion has 4 cyl gasoline generators, and they get pretty good reviews from everyone except those with deep pockets. Deep pocket syndrome turns everything that's not red into trailer trash.

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

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?

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 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

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