Forum Discussion

Naio's avatar
Naio
Explorer II
Feb 16, 2015

Renting a genny -- how big do i need?

I just scored a 4 night reservation at a place that is very hard to get into. I'm excited about the trip, but I'm going to need electricity while there, and it's not a place with hookups.

I don't have a generator in my minivan, and I don't really want to buy one. It's $$ for something I would use once (so far) and I don't have the space!

I don't even have a surepower or other system to hook up my alternator to the house battery. That IS something I intend to do, but I probably won't be able to before the trip. Anyway, I will just be parked while there, no driving.

So maybe I should RENT a genny for the week?

How big will I need? My Noco charger outputs 30amps, and I think I'll use about 100-200 aH from my batteries per day. Can y'all tell me how that translates into kw ratings of generators?

I'd also appreciate any tips on other specs, brands to stay away from, etc. Of course, I don't know how much choice there will be :).
  • Naio's avatar
    Naio
    Explorer II
    Feb 16, 2015
    Gulfcoast wrote:
    READ ON THE LEFT COLUMN AT 43#... you're reading the shipping info!


    Could be. Although, do you think the dimensions listed on the right are for shipping? I did not even see that the left column contradicts the right :).

    Anyway, what can I get for under 30lbs and under $200?
  • Gulfcoast's avatar
    Gulfcoast
    Explorer
    Feb 16, 2015
    READ ON THE LEFT COLUMN AT 43#... you're reading the shipping info!
  • Naio's avatar
    Naio
    Explorer II
    Feb 16, 2015
    Here's a link to the listing that said the Champion 2000 is 56lbs, if anyone needs it.

    http://www.supergenproducts.com/catalog/p-100024/refurbished-2000w-inverter-73531

    I'm perfectly happy to believe that the listing is a mistake and it really weighs 43. Not that 43lbs would be any better for me :(.
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    Feb 16, 2015
    Naio,

    The 2000 Champion weighs 43#

    The 1500/1200 weighs 62#

    The generator has an exhaust & needs to be outside when running & yes it is an engine & gets hot.

    Not much difference using the generator over the vehicle alternator system for charging the batteries, except the generator will power anything & everything you will probably need, including the Microwave.
  • Naio's avatar
    Naio
    Explorer II
    Feb 16, 2015
    Dakota98 wrote:
    The link you referenced for the the ETQ tg1200i was an auction, which is now closed & it sold for $265 + $75 shipping.


    As I said in the post, there is one available local to me for $185, no shipping.

    Go with what you can afford, but go Honda, Yamaha or Champion.

    I lean towards recommending the 2000 watt Champion "refurb" at $375 & Free shipping.

    53 Dba @ 23' & 43lbs.


    Hmm, that's better than the 56lbs supergen says it weighs. I still can't lift it.

    Would it be realistic to keep it permanently inside the minivan, by the rear hatch and with the vents facing outwards? Or do generators get hot when they run?

    What are the advantages of a generator over using the van engine to charge batteries when parked? There will be no driving.
  • Naio's avatar
    Naio
    Explorer II
    Feb 16, 2015
    Oldme wrote:
    The first thing would be an inventory of what
    you expect to use and their amps /watts per hour.

    Then look at how many items you expect to use at once.
    Once you know that then you can figure how many watts you
    need from the generator.

    Remember some items, need almost twice the current to start
    than to run. Most A/C units need more to start also some
    refrigerators. Every unit/item is different that is why you
    need a inventory.


    As stated upthread, the only thing I NEED to run is a 30amp charger, to recharge 100-200aH of usage when the genny is off. Everything else is optional :).
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    Feb 16, 2015
    The link you referenced for the the ETQ tg1200i was an auction, which is now closed & it sold for $265 + $75 shipping.

    Go with what you can afford, but go Honda, Yamaha or Champion.

    I lean towards recommending the 2000 watt Champion "refurb" at $375 & Free shipping.

    53 Dba @ 23' & 43lbs.
  • Oldme's avatar
    Oldme
    Explorer
    Feb 16, 2015
    The first thing would be an inventory of what
    you expect to use and their amps /watts per hour.

    Then look at how many items you expect to use at once.
    Once you know that then you can figure how many watts you
    need from the generator.

    Remember some items, need almost twice the current to start
    than to run. Most A/C units need more to start also some
    refrigerators. Every unit/item is different that is why you
    need a inventory.
  • Naio's avatar
    Naio
    Explorer II
    Feb 16, 2015
    2oldman wrote:
    OP, are you sure you'll never be dry camping again? Consider a good generator as a good investment.


    I love dry camping! Have done it since I was a baby.

    That is part of why, if I buy a generator, I want to be sure that it is one that will work for me long term. I know myself -- I would not sell it at the end of the trip. Because you never know when you might need one :).

    But I think solar might be a better investment for me, in the long term, and i should save money for that. I like deserts, and sunshine, and wide open spaces. I do not like gasoline and noise and inefficiency.

    This one trip, though, will be awfully shady. That's why I lean towards cheap (and lightweight).

    Is the ETQ tg1200i worthless?

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