Forum Discussion

rodwood1's avatar
rodwood1
Explorer
Jun 14, 2015

Generator or inverter generator

I am new to RVing can anyone help out with this question. We want to buy a generator, were thinking of 2 Honda EU 2000i's, because we can use one or tethered we can have enough to run our AC and there light enough to manually carry around. the question is whats the advantage or disadvantage of inverter generator or just generator's exclusively.we don't have a huge battery bank just 2 6 volt deep cycle. is it that the inverter generators will charge the batteries faster or better than running through the on board converter? I'm not sure what would be our best option?
Help
Rodwood
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Jun 14, 2015
    The only downside to the inverter based generators is they are more expensive.

    Your battery bank is largely irrelevant to the discussion. The inverter based generators do not need a battery in the system. They generate DC power directly and then the inverter converts it to AC power. It's all built in and nothing to really think about.

    Main advantages:
    - Ability to automatically adjust the throttle to the load reducing fuel consumption and noise.
    - The name brand units (yamaha and honda) put out a very high quality sine wave which is better for electronics.
  • old_guy's avatar
    old_guy
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2015
    they also are safer for running electronics like computers and charging cell phones.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 14, 2015
    One down side is it's difficult to run the portables going down the road unless you make up a special place for them to mount.
    Other than that, I don't think there's much of a down side.
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2015
    Since you're interested in an Inverter type generator, you may want to consider Champion in the mix also. This distributor offers a full line of Champions & even has "refurbs" for sale. Champion is well know & has an excellent record concerning customer support. Besides, You can purchase two 2000 watt Champions for just a bit more than one Honda 2000. Champion is located in California.

    SUPERGEN

    Also, here's an article that has reviewed Champion generators amongst all others.

    Generator Reviews
  • AZ_T_T's avatar
    AZ_T_T
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2015
    Cleaner power and quieter operation. You can't go wrong with the Honda EU2000, I have had mine for around 7 years, have had zero problems and it always starts on 1 or 2 pulls.
  • rodwood1's avatar
    rodwood1
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2015
    So an inverter generator creates DC power then inverts it to AC, connected to the Fifth the AC power converts back to Dc for lights ect. but for your AC loads this power is better for computers phones ect. this is the main advantage or am I still confused?
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jun 14, 2015
    Are you really going to run the generators all day to sit inside and stay cool?

    This is a common thought for a new RVer. Truth is you will be out doing stuff or just relaxing in the shade.

    For battery charging all generators are about the same. The inverter style will run slower with less noise and lower fuel consumption. The real key to fast charging is having a good converter.
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Jun 15, 2015
    rodwood1 wrote:
    I am new to RVing can anyone help out with this question. We want to buy a generator, were thinking of 2 Honda EU 2000i's, because we can use one or tethered we can have enough to run our AC and there light enough to manually carry around. the question is whats the advantage or disadvantage of inverter generator or just generator's exclusively.we don't have a huge battery bank just 2 6 volt deep cycle. is it that the inverter generators will charge the batteries faster or better than running through the on board converter? I'm not sure what would be our best option?
    Help
    Rodwood


    My biggest issue with the 2000s is that they have a very short run-time. The 3000, and up, inverters, have a much longer run-time because they have much larger tanks. Yes, they are heavier and less convenient, but, unless you want to frequently move them, the larger ones are better, IMO. Now, you =can= buy extended run tanks, some with a T-connection to run 2 2000s, but I consider that somewhat of a bandaid.

    Lyle
  • ventrman's avatar
    ventrman
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2015
    One thing I would suggest no matter what Generator you have, is to run them at least every two Weeks.
    If you don't they will get where they do not start at all.
    Then you have to take it somewhere to get them to work on it.
    I learned that the hard Way.
    Now I try to start mine at least one a Week.
    I have a Champion 50 State Generator. It always starts on the first Pull.
  • Dtank's avatar
    Dtank
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2015
    rodwood1 wrote:
    I am new to RVing can anyone help out with this question. We want to buy a generator, were thinking of 2 Honda EU 2000i's, because we can use one or tethered we can have enough to run our AC and there light enough to manually carry around. the question is whats the advantage or disadvantage of inverter generator or just generator's exclusively.we don't have a huge battery bank just 2 6 volt deep cycle. is it that the inverter generators will charge the batteries faster or better than running through the on board converter? I'm not sure what would be our best option?
    Help
    Rodwood


    .

    RW - spend some time on the *Tech Issues* forum (here).

    *Everything* "generator" can be found there...:W

    Use the "Search" feature for: brands, cost, info & comparisons, etc.

    Fuel capacity: Easily solved.

    Expense: Champion inverter gens are way less than Honda - with xlnt customer service.

    :C

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,006 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025