Generators and more

[Huckster1037]

Hi e'one! Newbie and already had some great help on my first question on here. A few other q's now. First, I have a 2005 Silverado 2500, Allison trans, 4.10 rear end, and just bought a 2012 Cherokee Grey Wolf 28bh. Didn't opt for the pwr awning, jacks - my take on things is less to break. Did get the 4 point WD hitch/sway bars - some of what I read here says that is overkill, but I'm OK with that in these areas. Question #1 - what db noise level should I look for in a gen? I will be in a dry camp for a week at Quartzite the middle of Jan. One deraler says I really need a 30 amp output, but I am thinking that most of the time I will be on shore power and mainly need to keep batteries charged if parked for a few days. What mattage will I need? May be underestimating, but I don't forsee needing a/c except on shore power. Of course, my wife may disagree on that :). Thanks for the help and info I am getting here!! Mark

[colliehauler]

Goldstalker wrote:

colliehauler wrote:
I would get a Yamaha 2400, it is quite and big enough to run the A/C. A 3000 would be even better. I know you said you did not need to run A/C but you might in the future

Won't run a 15K A/C.

Good point, The 3100 Champion looks like it would be a good buy.

[mlts22]

Even the 3000 watt generator will not start a lot of A/C models, especially 15kBTU models. One reason why people parallel two Honda eu2000is is that it gives enough headroom to handle the inrush current. Another option is the Yamaha 3000iSEB which gives 500 watts from the starting battery for a few seconds if needed.

[fairfaxjim]

I drank the Red Honda Kool-Aid, EU2000i. Doesn't run the AC but handles battery charging and microwave fine, is the size & weight that I can handle easily and fits just fine for storage. Also VERY frugal on gas. And I can always add a Honda EU2000i Companion if I want to put the AC on generator in the future - still easy to handle and only need to carry two when I expect to need them.

Like others have said, LOTS of generator info on here, just have to sort through it.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN!

[Goldstalker]

colliehauler wrote:
I would get a Yamaha 2400, it is quite and big enough to run the A/C. A 3000 would be even better. I know you said you did not need to run A/C but you might in the future

Won't run a 15K A/C.

[colliehauler]

I would get a Yamaha 2400, it is quite and big enough to run the A/C. A 3000 would be even better. I know you said you did not need to run A/C but you might in the future

[krobbe]

I have used a Honda EU2000 to power everything but the AC for camping since 2001.
Still starts and runs great. Still quiet as ever. I'd get another in a heartbeat.

[Mr__Camper]

Champion 4000, Quieter that others of the same power and strong and easy to move it around.

[Goldstalker]

This one will get the job done and run the A/C for and decent price and be plenty quite.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/3100-Watt-Inverter-Generator/70829/&?&affiliateid=3274&cvs...

[skipnchar]

If all you want is to charge your batteries then a 1,000 amp gen will serve you just fine. It won't run the AC or Microwave however so if you plan on doing any of that you'll need more power.

[JiminDenver]

Are you planning on dry camping around others? If so, get the quietest generator you can. In fact if all you will need is basic battery charging, get solar. It is really not that expensive compared to a "quiet" generator and is truly silent.

Will you be boondocking out by yourselves with no one within a mile? You can use pretty much run anything you and your family can put up with. We have a $300 open frame and I can tell you it sucks unless we are in the trailer with the air and TV running.

[2oldman]

What size gen do i need? 2011
What size.. 2013
Why not cheaper for my needs? (2006)

[Jay_Pat]

Also, consider the weight of the generator(s).
How will you handle/store it or them?
Pat

[Old-Biscuit]

Honda EU3000is

[handye9]

Do a forum search for generators. There are several threads, where they have been discussed.

As for rated wattage, that depends on what you want to run.