Update- 7 Feb 17 alternative gen maybe?-------------------------Original OP:Local shop is selling these for $200 (Can) next week. (about $152 US)http://www.powerhouse-products.com/powerhouse_product/500wi/Looks a bit noisy from the specs, but it could run a Vector charger at the 20 amp setting. It is tiny enough we could take it along in the truck camper, which would be a big help if there was no solar input when off grid. Right now that is an "issue" because it has a 120v- only small fridge (not propane)Is this gen notorious like some are? I have checked out some other small gens in the past and decided not to get any of them, but this one might be ok----what think?Also is this the kind you can put in a box outside to help keep the noise down?Thanks.

That is just over 4 amps peak, about 3-1/2 running so it won't power much of a fridge. It might be alright but remember, the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.

romore wrote:That is just over 4 amps peak, about 3-1/2 running so it won't power much of a fridge. It might be alright but remember, the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.The fridge runs on the inverter powered by the batteries. About 4.5 DC amps say 2/3 the time = 72 AH/day ? The gen would run the battery charger. (It can run the 20amp charger ok to bring the batts back up if the solar could not.)3 hours at 20 amps is 60 AH. A useful amount. Then you need more gasoline and another 3 hours that day or next if no solar at all. But that ignores letting the batts run down over the whole time off grid (6 days?) which lets you get by longer till you get home to do a proper 100% recharge.

A 1000w Honda is too big to fit. (Need room for all the dog kennels and stuff.)

How do you know the gen you looking at has enough watts to run the charger? I see no specs on the vectors stating required input.Like the convertors in the RV they need specific wattage to run..Like my current coachmen camper the convertor needs 550 watts input and charges at a 12 amnp rate max. 32 amp convertor.The new convertors need upwards of 750 watts min ..

Small Gen Opinions ? UPDATE--Should I Switch? | Good Sam Community

62 Replies

SoundGuy
Explorer
Feb 05, 2017
romore wrote:
It might be alright but remember, the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.

Who says Powerhouse Generators are "poor quality"? These gensets are distributed widely around the world, including here in Canada where retailers include RV dealers, and aren't all that much less costly than a similarly sized but premium priced Honda or Yamaha genset. If the OP has the opportunity to grab one of these 500 watt models for what is little more than pocket change he'd be foolish not to.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Feb 05, 2017
BFL13 wrote:
Local shop is selling these for $200 (Can) next week. (about $152 US)

http://www.powerhouse-products.com/powerhouse_product/500wi/

Also is this the kind you can put in a box outside to help keep the noise down?

That particular Powerhouse model is now a discontinued item so if you're at all interested grab one while you can. $200 Cdn is well under wholesale cost. ;)

Obviously you can't fully enclose any running genset in a "box" and expect it to not overheat unless you design that box to efficiently draw in cool intake air and exhaust out hot cooling air & hot exhaust gases. My EU2000i quiet box did just that - pics are in my gallery. :)
TomG2
Explorer
Feb 05, 2017
Kayteg1 wrote:
Technology brings new stuff every week if not a day, but I have been using one of those $80 generator for couple of years and for $80 (had a coupon) it powers everything in my camper but AC, that requrire firing build-in 3600 W propane guzzler.
Those small generators are not easiest to start, but if you are handy with small engines, you manage.

The Storm Cat is a handy little generator, Yes, they are noisy, but cheap. A better spark plug helps with the starting issue. If you want a really high quality quieter generator, spend ten times as much. If you want occasional lightweight power in areas where noise is not a problem, these things put out enough power to run a sizeable battery charger.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Feb 04, 2017
Technology brings new stuff every week if not a day, but I have been using one of those $80 generator for couple of years and for $80 (had a coupon) it powers everything in my camper but AC, that requrire firing build-in 3600 W propane guzzler.
Those small generators are not easiest to start, but if you are handy with small engines, you manage.
BFL13
Explorer II
Feb 04, 2017
I was figuring on a box to cover it somewhat to reduce the noise. Some folks have reported on here they do that with their small gens.

Stick it in a dog crate with a blanket over it? Might even make it louder?

If I got it, and tried it out with the Vector and it wouldn't do it, I could probably take it back to the store--I could ask them about that before buying it, if I go for it.
Sandia_Man
Explorer II
Feb 04, 2017
Wow, 65db to produce a mere 500 watts, that's if all is working properly within the generator. One year warranty doesn't sound too good, appears manufacturer doesn't have much faith in their own products to deliver over the long haul. Of course it's your money and if you feel it will do the job and deliver on your expectations, and it sounds like you do, give it a shot. We would love to hear your experience with this product line, who knows it could be a real winner.
BFL13
Explorer II
Feb 04, 2017
Hmmm, I did do a Kill-A-Watt with my Vector 35 amper at the 20 amp setting from my Honda 3000. Forgot I had that!

126.5v, 4.04a, 315w, 511VA, PF 0.61 output DC 18.5a at the time.

Mr Wiz, that would be great if you can check the 20 amp setting on the 40 amper. I only did mine with it at 40 amps.

But I have also run the 20 amp setting from a "400w" MSW inverter (320w continuous rating) and it said 320w on the inverter's watts read-out while output was 20amps. The inverter was clamped to the truck battery, truck idling.

The trouble is that the Honda's voltage is so high, you get a high VA, but that 315w seems right for the specs.

I wonder what the "120v" voltage is on that Powerhouse.
MrWizard
Moderator
Feb 04, 2017

says inverter, and that does look like a 'T' slot on the right hand side, you could use a 20amp cord IF needed

i still think the 450w should handle the vector charger

IF i can remember i will do a VA/watt/PF test on my vector on Sunday
aka tomorrow
DownTheAvenue
Explorer
Feb 04, 2017
BFL13 wrote:
A 1000w Honda is too big to fit. (Need room for all the dog kennels and stuff.)

The Honda is just a little bigger than this Chinese piece of junk. I would make room for the extra height of the Honda and forget the junk.
MrWizard
Moderator
Feb 04, 2017
I say it sounds good to me
There are some users on here that lament losing their Honda ex650
A very small generator
14v*20 amps 280 watt output, even with a poor PF on the battery charger,
Should be ok on the vector at 20 amps

I can remember a tiny little DC charger with 2 stroke engine, held a cup of fuel
And was about 300w charger
Called bumble bee, or busy bee, something like that

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Small Gen Opinions ? UPDATE--Should I Switch?

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