Proper generator for Lance 851?

I bought one of these for my first camper and was very pleased with it.
I carried it on my ATV trailer.

Sportsman GEN4000LP, 3250 Running Watts/4000 Starting Watts, Propane Powered Portable Generator




My current camper came with a built in generator that didn't work so I replaced it with a new one.

Onan / Cummins 2500 LPG shown above is the most common gen used in truck campers, but they cost a fortune.... like $2500+

deltabravo wrote:
Onan / Cummins 2500 LPG shown above is the most common gen used in truck campers, but they cost a fortune.... like $2500+

closer to $3k ;)

I’d strongly consider a Honda 2200 portable instead. There are some advantages of a builtin. I have one, but there are also disadvantages.

Does your camper have a AC unit? If so, do you plan on running the AC with the generator? If that's the case, your AC BTU rating will dictate the size generator you need.

I would invest the money into solar on the roof instead. Buy a Honda clone generator for the times when you need the extra power.

mellow wrote:
I would invest the money into solar on the roof instead. Buy a Honda clone generator for the times when you need the extra power.

Absolutely. Solar and some good 6V AGM’s (lithium?!) is the way to go.
I have not touched my genny since I went solar 7 years ago.

Anyone want to buy an H2K?

I already have a generator and regular batteries that work. So that is the way to go. Besides, I don’t think your solar will probably run a microwave/convection for very long.

Seriously though, I’ve thought about adding a small solar panel to keep the TC topped off. There’s always someone wanting to buy a H2K, but of course, we can’t sell/buy anything here. ;)

The Lance 851 doesn't have a place for a built in generator,does it?

Therefor,you can choose any portable generator you want..If you have AC then the list shortens..Westinghouse and Onan both make a portable generator(2500) that will run an AC and are not that heavy..They come in at 48 pounds and in suitcase style..Both right at or under $600 with Onan being the more expensive but under $700..There both very quiet..

I bought a Camo 2250 Westinghouse to help my Honda 2K..It is every bit as quiet as the Honda to my ears and Camo is kool..LOL

Solar is just not for every one.First..It is expensive and needs the sun to work right..Those of us that camp almost 100% of the time in a dense mountain forest, would find it useless for the price put out..A genset works whenever/wherever and anytime,but that is only my opinion not to set off a solar debate...

Thanks for all the replies!

I have a small solar panel already that will recharge the batteries. I'm thinking about A/C and microwave. The Lance 851 does have a generator compartment, but Onan has changed the form factor of their 2500 Watt generator so that it won't fit. :(

As a follow-on question, if I get a portable generator that will run on propane, how awkward/difficult would it be to connect it to the camper propane supply without pulling a tank out?