Alternative Generator For our campers

[brholt]

Given the limited space in truck campers and to avoid carrying gas I was wondering what people think about something like this:

Car Based power generator

They seem to have both a "1000" watt and a "2000" watt model though the later is pricy.

[JoeChiOhki]

jaycocreek wrote:
Idling Causes Excessive Engine Wear
• Running an engine at low speed (idling) causes twice the
wear on internal parts compared to driving at regular
speeds. According to the American Trucking Association,
such wear can increase maintenance costs by almost
$2,000 per year and shorten the life of the engine.

That's usually why most of the on-engine driven stuff or PTO stuff brings the RPMs of the engine up closer to their road running levels while working :).

[Geewizard]

I had problems with much lower power (much longer cooking times) and a rather disturbing growl from the microwave. It sounded to me like the microwave oven was very strained.

[Kayteg1]

I have digital-control microwave in my 19 years old camper and it works fine with square sine. I think it is less efficient, but might be my imagination.
What problem did you have?

[Geewizard]

I had a big problem with MSW (modified sine wave) inverters and microwave ovens. That is the sole reason I spend the money on a Xantrex pure sine wave inverter....15 years ago.

[Kayteg1]

Been using modified sine inverters for 20 years and never had a problem with the sine.
Sure now, when pure sine 6000W peak inverter sells for less than $100, I went for it. The only drawback was lack of remote switch wire, but I open it and solder parallel wires to main switch for remote.
Works like a charm.

[Geewizard]

ticki2 wrote:
I notice that generator symply says sine wave , not specifying whether it is pure sine wave or modified sine wave . :h

Email (verbatim) from the distributor:

Buffalo Tools
Christina Torres
Mon, Feb 17, 12:47 PM

Good Afternoon ,



Thank you for contacting us regarding your questions on our generators. Our Generators provide Modified sine wave.

If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to contact me to the information provided below. Thank youfor being a valuied customer hope you have a great rest of your day ??







"What is the difference between a pure sine and modified sine inverter?





Both types of inverter will provide power to AC appliances, however Pure Sine is high quality equal to (or better than) the power in your home, Modified sine wave power is a simpler form of power and is adequate for simple electronics, but may damage more complex ones."







Sincerely, Christina Torres





950 Hoff Rd

Ofallon, MO 63366

Direct Line:1-636-409-1362

Office Line:1-636-532-9888 x217

Fax: 636-537-1055

[ppine]

Solar with inexpensive gen backup.
With a long cord off your TT, you can leave the gen in the back of your truck and run it with the tailgate down.

[NRALIFR]

jaycocreek wrote:
Idling Causes Excessive Engine Wear
• Running an engine at low speed (idling) causes twice the
wear on internal parts compared to driving at regular
speeds. According to the American Trucking Association,
such wear can increase maintenance costs by almost
$2,000 per year and shorten the life of the engine.

No, no, no.

The inventor of this “generator” says it’s OK to idle your engine for 70 hours straight.

So it’s OK.

:):)

[Riffler]

I also prefer using Solar Panels.

[jaycocreek]

I think if you refer to your owners manual you will see it is not advised to idle your pickup diesel for long periods like over 3-5 minutes if memory serves me..

[pnichols]

jaycocreek wrote:
Idling Causes Excessive Engine Wear
• Running an engine at low speed (idling) causes twice the
wear on internal parts compared to driving at regular
speeds. According to the American Trucking Association,
such wear can increase maintenance costs by almost
$2,000 per year and shorten the life of the engine.

Would that information be in reference to gas truck engines or diesel truck engines?

[jaycocreek]

Idling Causes Excessive Engine Wear
• Running an engine at low speed (idling) causes twice the
wear on internal parts compared to driving at regular
speeds. According to the American Trucking Association,
such wear can increase maintenance costs by almost
$2,000 per year and shorten the life of the engine.

[Geewizard]

And it's not recommended for use over 3000 feet.

[ticki2]

I notice that generator symply says sine wave , not specifying whether it is pure sine wave or modified sine wave . :h