I'm looking into generators and I'm in option overload. Somebody help me sort it out?We're taking a trip in November, pretty much overnighting at Overnight Parking or Walmarts along the route. I'd like to run the TV for the kids for a couple hours at night and recharge the batteries and all our devices with the generator. I can't imagine I need anything too big for that.So does it make sense to just get a big generator that can run the AC and everything for next summer when we want to do a similar kind of trip in the hotter weather?Or get something 2000 Watt(ish) now that is parallel ready to add to for future boondocking adventures? Or is the parallel thing not really very practical?Or just get something small and cheap now for a couple hours of recharging in the evening?How do you all transport and store gas for boondocking? I don't have a truck bed to put it in, it would have to go in either the van with us or in the pass through storage? Any tips with that?

I would get the 2000 watt genset thinking ahead to get a second one matching first to tie together. Such as the Honda 2000I and later the companion 2000I.I would suggest looking into the Predator series from Harbor Freight.

For just TV for the kids, fridge on propane, LED lights, water pump etc., why not a solar system? Sure, a backup generator but you won’t need it much for those uses. Install it and pretty much forget about recharging.

enblethen wrote:I would get the 2000 watt genset thinking ahead to get a second one matching first to tie together. Such as the Honda 2000I and later the companion 2000I.Honda's EU2000i has been discontinued so remaining stock is now available at discount prices. However, I'd instead opt for the new Honda EU2200i which weighs the same, costs the same, but has a far larger 121 cc engine, and is far more capable than any of the competition in this class size. It's a great all around portable inverter genset but if the following season the OP wants to also run his A/C I would NOT buy a second EU2200i but instead equip the A/C with a Micro-Air Easy Start soft starter kit. Several forum members here have now done this and report this combination avoids the need for a second parallel genset OR a larger genset. :B

I bought 2 of these and made my own parallel kit for less than the price of one Honda 2000. If money isn't an object, get the Honda. I have a Suburban and carry my gas in it no problem. Been carrying gas in an SUV to our cabin for decades. Never been an issue.

It has been suggested that the Harbor Freight Predator inverter generator is made by Honda. If that is true, that is what I would buy.If it is not true, then I would buy the Champion 3400 watt with remote electric start.

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enblethen
Nomad
Oct 11, 2018
I would get the 2000 watt genset thinking ahead to get a second one matching first to tie together. Such as the Honda 2000I and later the companion 2000I.
I would suggest looking into the Predator series from Harbor Freight.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Oct 11, 2018
For just TV for the kids, fridge on propane, LED lights, water pump etc., why not a solar system? Sure, a backup generator but you won’t need it much for those uses. Install it and pretty much forget about recharging.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Oct 11, 2018
enblethen wrote:
I would get the 2000 watt genset thinking ahead to get a second one matching first to tie together. Such as the Honda 2000I and later the companion 2000I.

Honda's EU2000i has been discontinued so remaining stock is now available at discount prices. However, I'd instead opt for the new Honda EU2200i which weighs the same, costs the same, but has a far larger 121 cc engine, and is far more capable than any of the competition in this class size. It's a great all around portable inverter genset but if the following season the OP wants to also run his A/C I would NOT buy a second EU2200i but instead equip the A/C with a Micro-Air Easy Start soft starter kit. Several forum members here have now done this and report this combination avoids the need for a second parallel genset OR a larger genset. :B
Jay_Coe
Explorer
Oct 11, 2018
I bought 2 of these and made my own parallel kit for less than the price of one Honda 2000. If money isn't an object, get the Honda. I have a Suburban and carry my gas in it no problem. Been carrying gas in an SUV to our cabin for decades. Never been an issue.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Oct 11, 2018
It has been suggested that the Harbor Freight Predator inverter generator is made by Honda. If that is true, that is what I would buy.

If it is not true, then I would buy the Champion 3400 watt with remote electric start.
wanderingaimles
Explorer
Oct 11, 2018
Tractor Supply is selling the new style Champion 2000 for $399.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/champion-power-equipment-2000w-ultralight-portable-inverter-generator?cm_vc=-10005
sgfrye
Explorer
Oct 11, 2018
i bought a champion duel fuel 3400 about a year ago. runs on gas or propane. very energy efficient and quiet. runs our 13k btu tt ac with no problems. during hurricane florence we spent some time in our tt during power outtage and ran a/c and watched tv. 1 gallon of gas ran generator 4.5 hours. it has wheels and i also use it around the house powering power tools etc in the yard.
hawkeye-08
Explorer III
Oct 11, 2018
First, I would only buy an inverter generator for RV use. HF Predator or Honda or one of the many in between in price..
2oldman
Explorer II
Oct 11, 2018
el.jefe wrote:
So does it make sense to just get a big generator that can run the AC and everything for next summer when we want to do a similar kind of trip in the hotter weather?
No, get a couple parallel-capable gens. As I say to most everyone, you probably won't bother running a generator for a/c very much - at least most boondockers I've seen don't. I do.
enblethen
Nomad
Oct 11, 2018
I referenced the Honda 2000I, Yes the newer model the 2200I has a little more capacity.
I still think the Predator would be a better set.
The two smaller gensets are easier to move around.
Neighbor bought the Predator 3500. It was a good price. Runs around 57dbs. He carries his in pick up and it normally remains there.

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