Generator Advice Please

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

Mainly want one for my little camper...and mostly to keep my laptop going and other batteries charged. Usually for 1 to 2 week stretches. I suppose it will also be nice for winter power outages.

Considered going solar but it sounds like a spendy hassle and not reliable during coastal fog outs.

Harbor freight is selling a Chicago 800/900 watt unit for around $70. Seems to have good reviews, but is it enough?

Thanks for any insights...

Thumb's Up

Pepi · Sun Aug 29, 10 1:40 pm

Any generator for under $700 new is very unlikely to work well with any sort of electronic devices unless you are just trying recharge batteries through a proper power inverter.

In researching generators for our shop to use for power supply to a laptop, dvd player or movie projector (or all at once), we discovered that the Honda EU1000 was a minimum for what our needs were (both in max power and mostly in power supply consistency, ie- surge control).

Would make sure to ask a lot of questions about generator before pulling the trigger on that purchase.

Bam bam might have some good insight on this, or Lance as well.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

My experience with HF is that they basically sell crap. Anything other than a hammer, or screw driver may not last long.

Eric

pdxmonkeyboy · Sun Aug 29, 10 2:17 pm

HF is pretty much the "disposable tool company" but some of there stuff is actully pretty good. The engie we bought for the whinch is a good example. There is a website that reviews all there stuff and issues a thumbs up or down. You could always buy a power conditioner to avoid big fluctuations. Not sure what they cost but that HF generator sure is inexpensive.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

HONDA!

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/modeldetail.aspx?page=modeldetail&section=P2GG&modelname=EU1000I&modelid=EU1000IAN

Well worth the extra $!

Jonpnw · Sun Aug 29, 10 2:51 pm **Honda !**

Honda! Stay away from Harbor Freight.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOBR-4nRbFw

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

More to check out and they have a dealer near you in Oregon, choices, http://www.cumminsonan.com/rv/
I see they even have propane sets , clean and safe !

gotkite · Since 16 Mar 2006 14 Posts Seattle, WA

Highly recommend Honda eu2000i or eu1000i

Very quit lasts forever

Also if u plan on charging your laptop or other electronics the Honda has a power conditioner/surge built in so it won't fry your electronics like cheap generators will.

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

What made you decide against solar? For laptops and simple things it should be enough as long as you got some good batts. I just got one of these for the Ambulance:

http://www.amazon.com/HQRP-Monocrystalline-Controller-Regulator-Coaster/dp/B002WHQL2U

Plan is to run a 2.5amp fridge off it + few things during the day, LED lights at night. Its been up a couple weeks now, haven't had the chance to really test how much it can power but so far results have been encouraging.

It might be more than a discount generator but it will last forever and doesn't need gas Very Happy

Let me know if you want to talk about it, been seriously geeking out on this stuff for the last few weeks.

Gorgegezzer · Since 14 Jan 2007 67 Posts

The decible ratings are posted on the different models. Honda seemed to be the lowest. Yamaha is close. the harbor frieght ones are very loud. Honda also runs at idle and automatically revs up when a load is put on it. nice.
Solar panels still charge some even when it is cloudy or when not aimed at the sun. Thanks PKH for the solar link. I would like to get one. I don't like to bother other campers with my generator (even though it is a Honda) when things are quiet around a campground.[/b]

Aeolus · Mon Aug 30, 10 6:46 am

They might have a RV roof mount kit for that KiteGen Laughing

But if not I'd go with a Honda. I've had several generators (various manufacturers) over the years and have done many field jobs with gas fired equipment and the Honda engines always deliver. Spendy for sure, but over the long run it will be cheaper. And the noise control with the honda is very good. I would have to say that you definitely get what you pay for in this category of worldly stuff.

wjb · Since 14 Aug 2007 223 Posts Nor Cal Stoked

Check this out. It shows what can be done with solar with the right components

http://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/solar-power-that-works/

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1736 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

Best Generator for cheap ($188). Put one on the unicorn, used it all weekend; worked great.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/1200W-EPA-Approved-Generator/6487123

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

Sounds like the Honda EU models have earned an impressive fan base. I have heard from people in 4 different states recommending them. The built in Inverter is nice.

As for solar, I am not ruling it out, and will be interested to see how your new system tests out PKH. I do think I need something that will function at night and in cloud cover. I have heard that a solar panel still works, but you will notice when the sun goes behind a cloud.

Any other thoughts out there? Please keep the feedback coming! Thumb's Up

JW · Since 28 Jan 2006 227 Posts portland Stoked

I have 5 solar panels on my trailer and a honda 2000 EU and they work great need them both for my needs ,clouds make it hard to charge up after a couple of days