Running a generator in inclement weather

For me complaining about lack of electric start on Honda, that usually starts on 1st pull is like driving car to a park to take a walk and then cut the corners of sidewalks to shorten the route.
I own my Honda EU3000 for over 10 years and still have its battery and acid in separate packages.
That gives me big savings on gym membership.

I am very pleased with my setup. My Honda is mounted in a way I can run it with out removing it from its mount, simply reach out the door and pull the rope. It is mounted in a way the fuel can can be connected by simply changing the Honda and fuel can caps. I can run it for about 50 hours without refueling.

I cannot run my A/C and microwave at the same time, but I have had this set up for over 10 years and that has never been an issue. I will admit, electric start would be great.

Wayne

I'm on my second problem-free Onan. We use ours often (average 50+ hrs/year) which may make starts easier than someone that only uses theirs occasionally. I want minimal setup and tear down with the convenience of simple push button start/stop without having to step outside. I have even looked at the auto-start modules allowing me to run on inverter until the batteries need help...

It would be nice to have a more fuel efficient and quieter generator - If Honda or Yamaha start making built-ins, I will look at them. Until there is better solution that addresses setup/security and convenience, I don't see myself going away from the Onan.

My propane gen has never failed to start, just by pressing the button on the wall. I have had problems with gasoline generators not starting if they sit too long and the carb gums up. Maybe I'm more deaf than some of you, but I don't think it's that loud. It depends a lot on the camper too. On my Arctic Fox, it's no issue at all. On my old Real-Lite camper, it was very loud inside, but a little investigating showed me that there was no insulation around the generator box, and the sheet metal box was acting like an amplifier. I stuffed some jute padding around it, and it was then very quiet.
I don't run my gen for very long usually. And I agree, there are pros and cons to each method. Won't it be nice when someone finally markets a built in 2800 watt, remote control, extra quiet inverter generator for truck campers?

mkirsch wrote:
Anybody I've known with a built in generator has had nothing but problems with it.

You don't technically know the folks here, but there are plenty of us who have had zero problems with our built in generators. ;) There are definitely advantages of both which is why I've been on the fence of buying a gasoline powered generator as well! My unit came with a builtin, so that's why I have one.

The biggest problem is deciding if I want to just buy a second generator ... a Honda 2000 or not. Seems like it would be big enough for the most part. Sure, I wouldn't be able to run everything at once, but I rarely run the builtin to run the AC in any case.

Still, for quick stops on the side of the road to run a microwave or coffee maker for a couple of minutes, the builtin is awfully convenient.

Hemi Joel wrote:
If you don't own the camper yet, why not get one with a built in generator? Then you have zero hassles with the weather, theft, storage, stringing cords, storing gas, storing generator(s). On a cold, rainy or snowy day, you stay inside your camper all warm and cozy, and just press a button on the wall to start the generator.

So instead of relaxing inside while your generator quietly hums several feet away from the camper, you get to listen to the whole camper drone and feel the floor vibrating under you? That is, IF you can get it started!

No thanks. Anybody I've known with a built in generator has had nothing but problems with it.

I've always been in the "it's tough, let it fend for itself" camp but I hadn't considered the stealth benefits of a small tent. Theft is a much bigger concern than weather.
I ran my original pair of EU2000s at Burning Man for years, and the Black Rock Desert location is absolute murder on equipment. There's extremely corrosive dust blowing hard, there can be rain, plus I used them at home during storms.
When they were 12 years old they still worked great. The only reason I sold them at that point was the resale is so good I sold 'em for $1400 then ordered a brand new pair for $1800!!

They can take it for sure, I think keeping them locked down and hidden is the most important precaution.

bb_94401 wrote:

a_flyfisher wrote:
.... I'd be leary how their fiberglass poles (edit), ... would hold up in strong winds, or withstand a pile of snow on top.

I'd have similar concerns about a doggy tent

I have a Coleman Dog tent (modified by sealing one end with a zippered opening and attaching the floor with zippers. Doesn't move in 50 mph winds when generator and fuel tank are on the attached floor.

Broke one fiberglass pole in 9 years of use (~ 70 days per year skiing), when a bank slide buried it under 8' of snow, otherwise being buried in 3' of snow and then dug out as shown below had no effect.

Other benefits of the dog tent are:

- people assume that it is a dog tent with a dog inside vs. a nice red generator visible and available for the taking (even with a cable and lock).

- when the ski area is on wind hold, the sand that is blowing around the parking lot and under the truck doesn't get into the unused electrical connections (need these for parallel operation when running the AC in summer)

I love that picture. Makes me wish I was there.

I guess I'll need to rethink using a dog tent. For that matter, I suppose a person could also use a small 1-2 person tent and have enough room for 2 generators and (perhaps) an extended run gasoline tank as well. -- just thinking out load here - but my wife is a garage sale addict during the summer especially, and there are lots of used tents being sold all the time around where we are then in MT. Might find a suitable used thet there that would work fine.

Reddog1 wrote:

covered wagon wrote:
... Very important to keep the electrical end of the gen dry .

This is my only concern.

Wayne

Yes, and for me it's not eating too much today and tomorrow.

covered wagon wrote:
... Very important to keep the electrical end of the gen dry .

This is my only concern.

Wayne