Generators

[rving4us]

I have the champion generator that camping world sales 4000/3500 watt. My question is this safe to run the electronics like the flat screen tv and refrigerator circuit, or do I really need to buy the inverter type generator?
Thanks for your thoughts.

Cary

[SaltiDawg]

rving4us wrote:
...I merely ask a specific question as to the difference of a regular generator to an inverter type. ...

Cary,

This past winter I purchased a Smarter Tools 7500 Watt portable gasoline generator from Costco. It's purpose is to provide backup power for my home in the MD suburbs of DC when we inevitably lose local electric power. I am not an RVer and live on a relatively large wooded lot so noise is not a major consideration.

I have received an immense amount of help in optimizing my generator's performance and reliability by reading and recently participating in this thread: 3000W Chinese Gensets Info

I have not connected my generator to a whole house transfer switch, but rather use 50 foot 12 Ga extension cords for my refrigerators, freezers, audio video equipment, and fans. I plan to install a transfer switch for my oil furnace later this Fall. Whole house heat pump is out of the question due to generator capacity.

Oh, I forgot. My generator provides 20 Amps at 110V to my next door neighbor when it is operating.

We lost power this past weekend for nearly 24 hours after a motorist took out a telephone pole Friday afternoon. The generator started up and operated with no problems whatsoever. We probably prevented losing maybe $150 in food and my neighbor says he also prevented a like loss.

The first thing I did when I purchased my generator was to install a kit From USCarb to permit Tri-fuel operation. I now operation on LPG - I own four extra 20# propane bottles. Propane is relatively safe to store, will not go bad in storage, and is readily available at my local Rental Center during extended power outages. Also, the generator carb is always clean as a whistle.

As to needing an inverter/generator to handle expensive electronics? My experinece this past weekend suggests I don't need one. I powered my audio video equipment without any difficulties... and my gear would be considered high-end. (A Pioneer Elite 60" Plasma is the backbone - cost $7500 new a few years ago.)

I have no regrets whatsoever for my non-RV application. I added a valve to facilitate oil changes and also added a plug-in High Voltage protection module.

[ken07734]

What we need is better customer made boxes by the manufacturer of the generators for the particular model that reduces the dB level to a quiet whisper without causing a fire hazard or reducing the power output of the generator. I CAN'T imagine a quieter generator that doesn't break your bank cannot be built. I'm sure if you insulate and properly vent the box you will not annoy or infringe on anyone else's vacation.

[rving4us]

Thanks Saltidawg, You had my question correct. To the rest, I didn't mean to stir up such a mess. After 37 yrs as an rv'er I have never boondocked in the Wal-mart. I merely ask a specific question as to the difference of a regular generator to an inverter type.
We live near the coast of SC and years ago we had to use a rv to get by after Hugo. I was just preparing in case another hurricane hit us I would be prepared. And yes I can afford the higher priced inverter generators, but chose to buy what was needed to get by I promise not to pull into the rv park beside you and fire up the construction type rv and ruin you stay.
Cary

[SaltiDawg]

Duplicate Post.

[SaltiDawg]

Gdetrailer wrote:
...


As far as inverter, the OP IS COMPARING the need of a traditional old school non inverter gen or do they need an INVERTER TYPE of gen to "safely" run stuff.

The answer is NO, you DO NOT NEED and INVERTER TYPE GEN to "safely run stuff".

2oldman, your post is actually adding confusion to the mix.

What you SHOULD HAVE STATED is running an inverter FROM BATTERY for TV is "more efficient".

....

Running directly from the gen is less wasteful PROVIDED the gen is multitasking like charging the batteries and or running the A/C.

As far as noise, well using an inverter from batteries is the quietest way to play a TV but is not THE MOST EFFICIENT THING TO DO. BUT THAT IS NOT THE QUESTION THE OP ASKED.

Thank you. Much better said then my attempt! You'll have to see if you get accused of "nit picking." (I won't see his/her post. :B )

[Gdetrailer]

2oldman wrote:

SaltiDawg wrote:
Just out of curiosity, how is an inverter more efficient than a generator in powering a TV - or anything else?.

By 'efficient' I mean that powering a 100w TV with a 3500w generator is like swatting flies with a bazooka. Especially with a non-inverter generator that runs full bore all the time, like the Champion. You may also have to turn up the TV sound at night because of the generator noise.

You can do it, yes, but it's not a common sight in most boondock places I've been to. And the neighbors really won't like it. Many CGs have generator hours too, so, for TV watching an inverter is really the way to go.

Well not really.

If you are boondocking AND your batteries NEED charged you ARE DOING MORE THAN WATCHING TV.

With that said perhaps it may not be YOUR cup of tea, not everyone can afford a considerably more expensive gen nor perhaps they simply do not want to spend the money for that top dollar gen.

Something I have an issue with on this forum is folks automatically assume that everyone who buys a lesser expensive gen is going to park beside you. Not everyone camps in state parks nor even private parks, there are many places to camp which are not a campground per say. I myself can camp on my own ground and NOT AFFECT YOU OR ANY OTHER CAMPERS.

As far as inverter, the OP IS COMPARING the need of a traditional old school non inverter gen or do they need an INVERTER TYPE of gen to "safely" run stuff.

The answer is NO, you DO NOT NEED and INVERTER TYPE GEN to "safely run stuff".

2oldman, your post is actually adding confusion to the mix.

What you SHOULD HAVE STATED is running an inverter FROM BATTERY for TV is "more efficient".

Although I would fully disagree with that statement since inverters from battery actually waste power. You waste power when "inverting" from 12V to 120V then you waste power having to charge the batteries.

Folks tend to forget a battery is nothing more than a STORAGE BOX for energy. Draw some energy out and you have to replace it, the problem is that it TAKES MORE ENERGY to fully recharge a battery than what was drawn out. Pull 10 Ahr and it will take 12Ahr or even 15Ahr of charge time to fully charge the battery. This is not efficient at all.

Running directly from the gen is less wasteful PROVIDED the gen is multitasking like charging the batteries and or running the A/C.

As far as noise, well using an inverter from batteries is the quietest way to play a TV but is not THE MOST EFFICIENT THING TO DO. BUT THAT IS NOT THE QUESTION THE OP ASKED.

[SaltiDawg]

2oldman wrote:
Wow.. I thought I was a nit-picker. You also said "no hassle intended."

It's a "nit" when it is pointed out that you "misspoke?" lol

Bye.

[2oldman]

Wow.. I thought I was a nit-picker. You also said "no hassle intended."

[SaltiDawg]

2oldman wrote:

SaltiDawg wrote:
You've seemingly answered some different question. No?

I answered your question. The op is not around.

The OP posted, "I have the champion generator that camping world sales 4000/3500 watt" and he asked, "My question is this safe to run the electronics like the flat screen tv and refrigerator circuit, or do I really need to buy the inverter type generator?"

Two posts later, you posted in response to the OP's post, "Safe, yes. Efficient, no. Most of us use an inverter to watch tv."

I later asked you how the efficiency was impacted in your response to the OP. Your explanation shows you were talking about a solar powered battery/inverter system and had nothing to do with the OP's question.

In any event, thanks for your response. I meant no disrespect.

[2oldman]

SaltiDawg wrote:
You've seemingly answered some different question. No?

I answered your question. The op is not around.

[SaltiDawg]

2oldman wrote:

SaltiDawg wrote:
Just out of curiosity, how is an inverter more efficient than a generator in powering a TV - or anything else?.

By 'efficient' I mean that powering a 100w TV with a 3500w generator is like swatting flies with a bazooka. Especially with a non-inverter generator that runs full bore all the time, like the Champion. You may also have to turn up the TV sound at night because of the generator noise.

You can do it, yes, but it's not a common sight in most boondock places I've been to. And the neighbors really won't like it. Many CGs have generator hours too, so, for TV watching an inverter is really the way to go.

Er, OK.

However the OP said, "I have the champion generator that camping world sales 4000/3500 watt" and he asked, "My question is this safe to run the electronics like the flat screen tv and refrigerator circuit, or do I really need to buy the inverter type generator?"

You've seemingly answered some different question. No?

[mlts22]

In a pinch, there are "power packs", which are a battery, charger, and inverter in a fairly easy to carry unit (20-50 pounds). That might work for keeping the TV running without having to fire up a generator, and it can be charged once you hit home or full hookups at a CG.

[2oldman]

SaltiDawg wrote:
Just out of curiosity, how is an inverter more efficient than a generator in powering a TV - or anything else?.

By 'efficient' I mean that powering a 100w TV with a 3500w generator is like swatting flies with a bazooka. Especially with a non-inverter generator that runs full bore all the time, like the Champion. You may also have to turn up the TV sound at night because of the generator noise.

You can do it, yes, but it's not a common sight in most boondock places I've been to. And the neighbors really won't like it. Many CGs have generator hours too, so, for TV watching an inverter is really the way to go.

[SaltiDawg]

JiminDenver wrote:


Since I use solar to recharge, a inverter is extremely efficient, quiet and it burns no fuel. Last year when we did use the Champ for charging, it charged a battery that ran everything the rest of the day. Running a 3500/4000 just to watch TV isn't all that efficient.

Jim,

Probably my non-RV background showing. I, likely mistakenly, thought he was comparing the efficiency of a portable generator to a portable inverter type generator.