Generators

2oldman wrote:

SaltiDawg wrote:
Just out of curiosity, how is an inverter more efficient than a generator in powering a TV - or anything else?.

By 'efficient' I mean that powering a 100w TV with a 3500w generator is like swatting flies with a bazooka. Especially with a non-inverter generator that runs full bore all the time, like the Champion. You may also have to turn up the TV sound at night because of the generator noise.

You can do it, yes, but it's not a common sight in most boondock places I've been to. And the neighbors really won't like it. Many CGs have generator hours too, so, for TV watching an inverter is really the way to go.

Er, OK.

However the OP said, "I have the champion generator that camping world sales 4000/3500 watt" and he asked, "My question is this safe to run the electronics like the flat screen tv and refrigerator circuit, or do I really need to buy the inverter type generator?"

You've seemingly answered some different question. No?

In a pinch, there are "power packs", which are a battery, charger, and inverter in a fairly easy to carry unit (20-50 pounds). That might work for keeping the TV running without having to fire up a generator, and it can be charged once you hit home or full hookups at a CG.

SaltiDawg wrote:
Just out of curiosity, how is an inverter more efficient than a generator in powering a TV - or anything else?.

By 'efficient' I mean that powering a 100w TV with a 3500w generator is like swatting flies with a bazooka. Especially with a non-inverter generator that runs full bore all the time, like the Champion. You may also have to turn up the TV sound at night because of the generator noise.

You can do it, yes, but it's not a common sight in most boondock places I've been to. And the neighbors really won't like it. Many CGs have generator hours too, so, for TV watching an inverter is really the way to go.

JiminDenver wrote:


Since I use solar to recharge, a inverter is extremely efficient, quiet and it burns no fuel. Last year when we did use the Champ for charging, it charged a battery that ran everything the rest of the day. Running a 3500/4000 just to watch TV isn't all that efficient.

Jim,

Probably my non-RV background showing. I, likely mistakenly, thought he was comparing the efficiency of a portable generator to a portable inverter type generator.

Gdetrailer wrote:

SaltiDawg wrote:

2oldman wrote:
Safe, yes. Efficient, no. Most of us use an inverter to watch tv.

Just out of curiosity, how is an inverter more efficient than a generator in powering a TV - or anything else?

No hassle intended.

It is an OPINION, not a fact.

You have to understand that there are MANY people on this forum who fully believe generators should be banned. They feel everyone with a supposed loud generator will park beside them and run it 24/7.

Inverter is a LOSS, batteries are a LOSS, generators are a LOSS, solar panels are a LOSS. But yet many people tend to feel that it is cheaper to park at a place with no commercial power.

If you are saving pennies, it IS far cheaper to park at a campsite WITH commercial power.

As far as generators being "safe", the good old fashion non inverter generators ARE SAFE for any load type including electronics, motors, lights, converters and so on.

No "need" for an expensive inverter type unless you are looking for a gen that is a bit quieter.. BUT keep in mind even inverter gens under full load BECOME just as loud as non inverter types.

Good info and the only part I would disagree with is that Inverter gens are just as noisy as non-inv. gens at full load.
That just isn't accurate and the specs don't bear it out either.

Safe as in voltage regulated power, as far as I've read, yes. It will stay stable when you add/drop loads. It won't tear up devices like the small ET800 clones supposedly do.

SaltiDawg wrote:

2oldman wrote:
Safe, yes. Efficient, no. Most of us use an inverter to watch tv.

Just out of curiosity, how is an inverter more efficient than a generator in powering a TV - or anything else?

No hassle intended.

It is an OPINION, not a fact.

You have to understand that there are MANY people on this forum who fully believe generators should be banned. They feel everyone with a supposed loud generator will park beside them and run it 24/7.

Inverter is a LOSS, batteries are a LOSS, generators are a LOSS, solar panels are a LOSS. But yet many people tend to feel that it is cheaper to park at a place with no commercial power.

If you are saving pennies, it IS far cheaper to park at a campsite WITH commercial power.

As far as generators being "safe", the good old fashion non inverter generators ARE SAFE for any load type including electronics, motors, lights, converters and so on.

No "need" for an expensive inverter type unless you are looking for a gen that is a bit quieter.. BUT keep in mind even inverter gens under full load BECOME just as loud as non inverter types.

SaltiDawg wrote:

2oldman wrote:
Safe, yes. Efficient, no. Most of us use an inverter to watch tv.

Just out of curiosity, how is an inverter more efficient than a generator in powering a TV - or anything else?

No hassle intended.

Since I use solar to recharge, a inverter is extremely efficient, quiet and it burns no fuel. Last year when we did use the Champ for charging, it charged a battery that ran everything the rest of the day. Running a 3500/4000 just to watch TV isn't all that efficient.

What's good if you have solar panel(s) is truly free TV during the day!

Depending on the current draw of the flat screen your invertor would be better if it is within the specs of the invertor and batteries ability to provide current at a constant level for a good amount of time. thus drawing from the battery only and not using fuel to power up the TV. The Deep cycle battery(ies) can always be recharged while you tow and or are connected to the shore power. Now, if you want the A/C to keep from sweating until you pass out the genny would provide the needed 30 amps to power up that A/C as long as it's a 13.5k BTU and not a 15k as you may get it to run for a little while but you may trip the fuse if it's pulling too much or if you use the microwave or a hair dryer. I myself haven't had success with a 4000 watt to power a 15k A/C but maybe others have?