Generator Advice Please

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2620 Posts The 503 METAL

So with the Honda EU1000 that has the built in inverter....does that mean that when the gernators not running you can hook it up to your camper (or car) battery and convert DC to AC to run your computer on?

So I wouldn't have to buy a separate inverter and could run "quietly" during the day and charge during the night?

Or is the built in inverter only for stabilizing the power as it comes out of the running generator?

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

I guess my situation is maybe a bit different since I have a built in generator with the diesel, didn't think about that.

Mostly I just want to keep my battery topped off in-between engine starts, which for us is probably 2-3 days tops (weekend trips.)

Only reason I could think to have a generator would be if we wanted to do A/C or something real beefy. We don't plan on having any appliances besides the fridge....

I did look at one of these which would double as a backup plan if we kill the batteries and can't start, and also a solution for running laptops and phones and stuff without running inverter in rig:

http://www.jr.com/wagan-tech/pe/WGN_2454/

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

My 85 watt panel has been doing a good job keeping up with the fridge even with the crap weather we've had lately. The car hasn't been started since Tuesday and batteries were at about 75% this morning.

From what I have read laptops are around 40-50 watts, so I think an 85 watt solar panel is still a good idea for you. I'm considering a smaller single outlet inverter to run just the laptop, I think my big inverter burns a lot of juice.

scottnorby · Sun Sep 19, 10 1:27 pm

Hey man.
I know a lot of rednecks and commercial fisherman who LOVE their generators.

And they ALL ....and I mean ALL ....say the Hondas are the best.

I am getting one this winter.
They are small, quiet and powerful.

Martin_6453 · Since 29 Apr 2010 26 Posts

I own a Kipor Ti1000 with inverter. (asian rippoff version of the Honda camping generators)
I'm sure the Honda's are better quality and their warrenty will definetly is better, but this one was half the price and I'm still very happy with it.