Built in 2500 LP or Portable Gas Generator?

Super_Dave wrote:
Honda won't do well with neglect either unless one is very diligent about draining the carb and using stabilizer.

The Honda carb apparently drains all on its own.

If I leave my Honda sit for more than a week, it takes several pulls to get it started again. The carb bowl is dry and empty when this happens.

Where does it drain to, though?

DW knowing how to start up the built-in generator when she wants to run her microwave or hair dryer VERSUS having me go out and fire up a portable???

PRICELESS

https://www.facebook.com/xtremecampers/photos/a.144959338891941.39028.143957535658788/580268398694364/?type=3&theater

I run a Yamaha 3000 inverter, here is a pic of a similar unit I built for a Man .... I would not go back to the built in type now.


https://www.facebook.com/xtremecampers/photos/a.144959338891941.39028.143957535658788/409576099096929/?type=3&theater

I decided against the propane generator when I found that it consumed 0.4 gal per hour. I would blow through a LPG tank of fuel in only 11 hours of operation. While traveling it is easier to refill a gas can than a RV type propane tank.

I ended up not getting a generator and put the money into a 200 Watt solar setup instead. It never needs to be turned on or off, cannot get stolen, and never needs to be refueled or repaired.

We use the microwave when we are hooked to shore power but the rest of the time we do not need 110AC. The thought of hauling around a generator and a fuel can to run an electric coffee maker is idiocy. We use a $22 percolator and use a premium grind of coffee and the end result it two steps above what we can get in a diner and 3 steps above Starbuck's. It is not the coffee maker but the coffee that makes the difference unless someone is hauling around an espresso machine.

bikepsych wrote:
Where do you all store the generator during transport or when not using it? I would be hard pressed to want to put it in the TC when rolling down the road.

BG

Carried my Honda in the camper. Put it in a plastic tub mainly to keep the floor clean. Then I bought a hitch rack. Now it goes back there.
Camped with some friends with a rental MH with built in Onan. Now I know why I didn't want a built in genny. The only convienence is being able to fire it up from inside.
The downside is that it is loud and obnoxious.
I can put the Honda 50' away with the exhaust pointing away and barely hear it.
Pretty much only use it 2x a day anyway. For a while at night if we watch a movie or use the microwave and in the AM for coffee.
Plus the Honda is portable and can go anywhere. It was more of lifeline than a convienence in AK. Took it with in the winter when snow machining. Used it to charge batteries, plug in block heater in remote areas when below zero, etc.
use it at the house when I need power out at the back of the lot.
The Honda is far more practical and useful for me.

bikepsych wrote:
Where do you all store the generator during transport or when not using it? I would be hard pressed to want to put it in the TC when rolling down the road.

BG

My portable is in the factory generator compartment, along with my leveling lumber, power cord, etc.

My Honda rides in the TC next to the cabover stepup. Its been there for 4 years, not much effort for me to carry 50 pounds in or out of the camper. Fuel Cans ride in the old generator compartment.

Where do you all store the generator during transport or when not using it? I would be hard pressed to want to put it in the TC when rolling down the road.

BG

sky_free wrote:
I wonder if it makes sense to pull it out, fix it, and sell it to recoup some of your cost for the Honda? Seems like people are asking $1000-2000 for working ones. Don't know what they actually get, but a low-hour one that works should be worth around 60% of the new cost.

g

That is precisely my plan. Once I repair whatever is the problem and with only 14 hours on the Owen, I'm thinking I should get back more than what I pay for the Honda. At least that is what I hope.

I wonder if it makes sense to pull it out, fix it, and sell it to recoup some of your cost for the Honda? Seems like people are asking $1000-2000 for working ones. Don't know what they actually get, but a low-hour one that works should be worth around 60% of the new cost.

I have had both and much prefer the Honda because I can move it as far away as the cord is long, which makes it very quiet. The built-in is great if I just want to run the microwave for a few minutes, but it is too loud for me to want to run it for very long. I still have my Honda and am considering pulling the Onan out and selling it for this reason.