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12rvjoe's avatar
12rvjoe
Explorer
Sep 17, 2014

Generator help please

We are wanting to do some boondocking and were looking for a generator. Can someone help me understand what we are looking for ie: 120/240, inverter generator ( what is it ? ) I am guessing we need at least a 3000 watt unit, any other things we should be looking at ? also do you use your unit to charge the battery or to run the TV, fridge, micro etc. direct off the generator. Sorry about the nubie questions .:)


PS I know a lot of people use honda on the site but we will probably buy a used ( cheap ) unit for now until we see how it goes

Thanks, Joe

15 Replies

  • Hi,

    I'd suggest biting the bullet and buying a quality inverter generator.

    My brothers and my (brief) history:

    Kipor 2800 Ti lasted about 9 years under 200 hours run time--four repairs required. $1300 FOB Regina

    No name 2500 watt electric start. Starter did not work. After repairs, generator caught on fire (outside the repair persons home). FOB Regina $700

    No name pull start. Ran 3 times. Inverter failed--no parts available FOB Saskatoon $800.00

    Boily 3000 five repairs, never did run reliably and at the end had 80 volts output and essentially NO warranty. FOB Orlando $1300 USD

    Yamaha 3000 Sieb powers everything, so far over 100 hours and zero problems. I have upgraded it with a remote start kit (mainly to be able to turn it off when going to bed, as I refuse to take the CO risk of running it while sleeping) Purchased from RV store in Regina $2645


    12rvjoe wrote:
    PS I know a lot of people use honda on the site but we will probably buy a used ( cheap ) unit for now until we see how it goes

    Thanks, Joe
  • You want 120 volt only. 30 amp RV plug is very convenient.

    I use solar to keep the battery up and GoPower inverter to run 120v items.
  • To run the microwave, you'll be looking at least a 2000w generator.

    If you're a/c is 13.5 or 15.5, you'll need a 3000w genny. If your A/C is a 9, you'll do fine with a 2000w

    If you want to start off inexpensive, let me suggest the Costco sold Smarter Tools 2000iq (2000iq) They're $599.99 and you can always hook 2 together later on with a set of parallel cables ($60.00 approx.) and run the larger a/c units and a microwave (though generally not at the same exact time)

    You run the shore cord directly to the generator. When you do this, your batteries will be getting a charge as well (nothing too great, but a little something) If you hook your generators directly to your batteries, it would take about 3 hours to bring the batteries back to 100%.

    I'll add, the Smarter Tools 2000iq generator has the same Yamaha Engine that the branded Yamahas have and there is a 3 year warranty.

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