I just purchased a 21' TT and I'm trying to decide which generator I should get. I don't plan on using the genny to run the AC at this time, so I'm looking to get the smallest and lightest genny that I can get that will charge the batteries, run the microwave, coffee maker, and a hair blow dryer on low setting. No, I'm not planning on running all these devices at the same time. ;) The trailer came with a 55 amps output converter and the specs say the input is 950 watt. The microwave manual says the energy input is 1,350 watt and the output is 900 watt. The small coffee maker is rated at 650 watt and the hair blow dryer is rated at about 950 watt at the low setting. I know most of you highly recommend the Honda and Yamaha generators, however, I can't justify the expense since we are only going to need a genny for the few time times that we will be boondocking. I already own a contractor grade genny that I use at home when the power goes out, so whichever genny I buy will be used exclusively when boondocking.I have been looking at the 2,000 watt Champion genny, and based on what I have seen in this website and other places, they seem to be good little units at an affordable price. If I'm not mistaken, this unit is rated at 2,000 watts for starting, and 1,600 watts running.I'd like to hear from those of you that own this unit, and/or recommendations for similar gennies that may be suitable for my needs.I plan on carrying the genny and a small, airtight gas container in the bathroom located in the rear of the TT. I have been told the Champion does not emit gas fumes when not in use. Thanks in advance for your advice, suggestions, or recommendations.

What size gen do i need? 2011What size.. 2013Which gen.. 12/2013Champ v Honda arguments 2013

My Domentic micro really drags down my Honda 2000i. I have to turn off the ECO mode just to run the microwave.I don't like the regular high speed gennys out there. Very noisy, but you will have to listen to it. Myself I would like a Honda 3000i and if they would have fit in the bed of the truck I would have bought one of them instead of the two 2000i that I have. I would buy bigger than 2000 watt.

Hi,You really don't want a genny being stored in the sleeping quarters. It is a BAD idea.I'd go for the Champion 2k unit. I'd add a modest solar system and a small inverter to stretch out times between generator "burns".

I don't own a Champion but they have a very good reputation on this forum and others and have a big following. Seems like everybody's happy with them. Good customer support too from what I've heard.

You need to give us the model number of the converter you want to operate with this generator. If it is a single mode converter/charger only producing 13.6VDC it will take at least 12 hours of the generator run time to be able to re-charge your battery to its 90% charge state.You will need to have a smart mode converter/charger or a smart mode portable battery charger if you want to expect to charge your battery is a short three hour generator run time...Just sayingRoy Ken

Need your help with portable generators | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

NinerBikes
Explorer
Mar 22, 2014
I've owned too many quality Honda products in my life... lawn mowers, outboard motors, cars, motorcycles, and now generators. Honda has earned my business, I like to buy right, the first time. YMMV, one can easily service a Honda themselves, and there is a sticky at the top of this Tech section on how to service the Honda Carb, all you have to do is watch it.
Mr_Beebo
Explorer
Mar 20, 2014
I have two champion 2000s with the parallel kit. Yes, I am very satisfied. About $1100 for the pair with the kit. I can run the camper on one unit or 2 if I use the a/c, which won't apply to you. Very quiet, starts easily and runs smoothly. That said, I am the sort that will pay for quality once rather than buy junk twice. I looked hard at the Hondas (owned a 3000) and the Yamahas before buying a Champion. I am satisfied that I purchased a like kind set of gennies for about 50% off the competition.
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Mar 20, 2014
Gems

I have the Champ 2000i and it has done two nights last winter.

It does fine on econo when nothing but the furnace and a night light is on. Will run the coffee pot , but not in eco.

On my fifth wheel, the microwave kills it stone dead.

I live in farming country and got it at a nearby farm and fleet for 499.

I am satisfied.
dclark1946
Explorer
Mar 19, 2014
afraid of bears wrote:
I carry our small Honda generator in the trailer all the time. It rides right inside the door or under the table. I've never smelled any fumes from it. It does sleep outside though.

I have four Honda generators ( two EU 2000 and two EU1000). I never could eliminate gas smell in a closed area with the fuel cap set to off for any of the units.

Dick
ScottG
Nomad
Mar 19, 2014
pianotuna wrote:
Hi ScottG,

Wow--what happened to Honda's golden reputation?

ScottG wrote:
As a long time Honda owner, I suggest anything else.

I like to let people know that they're not all-hallowed anymore. Honda may have started the category but there's units now that are just as good or better.
My Honda has been a pg since I took it out of the box and had to pull it 18 times to get it started. Sometimes it takes better than 30 and that's with fresh gas. My buddy has a Yami and it starts on the first or second pull.
LOL, I'm not one of those people who's ego gets in the way of telling people something I bought is crap. :B
pianotuna
Nomad III
Mar 19, 2014
Hi ScottG,

Wow--what happened to Honda's golden reputation?

ScottG wrote:
As a long time Honda owner, I suggest anything else.
westend
Explorer
Mar 19, 2014
Are you guys that are carrying these small generators inside your trailer securing them? In the event of a sudden stop, roll over, or collision, an unsecured generator is not going to be a good thing.

You never think it's going to happen to you but I was in a pickup when the trailer flipped (on it's side). When we got it righted back on the wheels, I was the first one into the trailer. Inside were the usual camping items, the hunting equipment for three hunters (including a couple of deer stands), and food for five for a week. We made out OK but a portable generator upside down in that stack of stuff could have been a real mess.
joelmyer
Explorer
Mar 19, 2014
My neighbor this past winter had a Champion 2000. Grumble, grumble, ***** gripe moan complain.

Edit: Looked at the website - if you're talking about the inverter model, that's spec'ed quieter than my honda.

He wasn't real happy and planned on a larger unit.

I started out with a yammi 1000 just for battery charging. Life is possible without microwave & toaster oven, but nicer with.

Now I have a Honda Handi 3000. It travels and stores in a rubbermaid container I bought for it. It sits on the lid and the container sits over it. I did that both for the smell since it rides on the load floor inside my truck, and to disguise it so somebody doesn't make off with it.
ScottG
Nomad
Mar 19, 2014
Last season I walked by a Champion purring away next to a trailer in our campground. I was surprised how quiet and smooth it was. Now they've got some stackable units that look very functional.
afraid_of_bears
Explorer
Mar 19, 2014
I carry our small Honda generator in the trailer all the time. It rides right inside the door or under the table. I've never smelled any fumes from it. It does sleep outside though.