generators

No Fixed Address · Veteran Member

generators

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Ron, I have a Honda E20i which is pretty much standard fare in what travellers have in generators. There are now Yamaha and Kulkyne and a couple of others - all seem pretty good.

In my situation, I bought the Honda when I first got the van six years ago but I didn't have any solar then. It was very handy and I used it probably every second night to charge the van battery. It worked excellently and never caused me a concern or problem.

I installed solar four years ago and since then I have not used the Honda - although I still carry it in the vehicle in case. I now doubt I will ever use it again.

The real issue is how much power you will use in the way you camp/travel. If you have a good capacity of batteries and an installation of solar panes of sufficient wattage to maintain battery capacity each day you may never need a generator.

The key is how much power you will use from the battery - particularly if you end up with a couple of days of overcast/rainy weather.

In November just past, I was camped over the Melbourne Cup weekend and suffered four days of rain, storms and mainly overcast days. My battery was restored to close to fully charged at the end of each day because I do not use much power during the dark hours.

To me now a generator is a complete waste of money - but that is completely dependent on the solar you install, the battery capacity you carry and how you use that stored power - particularly if stuck in inclement weather for a period.

I don't use air conditioning (even in van parks as it is just too noisy and why sit inside a van), I don't use the washing machine unless in a park with 240v (I hand wash everything (even my bed sheets), I don't use the microwave unless in a van park on 240v, I rarely watch TV and if I do, it would only be for couple of hours when on 12v.

I guess I have not been very helpful but from my perspective the need for a generator very, very low for me now - although I will continue to carry it 'just in case'. hmm

Cheers - happy camping whichever way it goes - John

Gundog · Guru

Hi NFA There will be plenty here that will be biased to the Honda, whilst it's an excellent product, it's grossly over priced for a casual user @ $1700 give or take a buck or 2, but for the occasional there are plenty of generators available on ebay that are $1000 cheaper, just make sure you buy one that has the power to run your aircon. There are plenty of vanners who have purchased El cheapo's that are more than happy with them.

madaboutled · Guru

Hi NFI,

The generator question is always a hot topic on here, some will try to tell you to like pets leave to them at home, I mostly ignore those types but will warn you that you will come across them out in the play ground and on occassion have to deal with them face to face. Just be aware when you use one and consider others but don't be intimadated.

I have a Kipor GS2000 and I'm very happy with it. Some places where I've used it others have commented how quiet it is and some others with the "Hondas" have said it's just as quiet as theirs.

On our last trip (12 months) I probably only used it a dozen times to top up the batteries and also used it on 2 occassions whilst bush camping with no one else around to run the air-cond for a while on two 40+ degree days when we were just melting. My air-cond's max draw is 1400 Watts so the GS2000 with a max continous output of 1650 watts was more than cabable to run it. Had the wattage been more than this, then I would have needed a bigger one.

On a low load like just charging the batteries the Kipor just purs but like any gennerator on high loads they just about scream, so you need to be mindfull of others in the general area.

Hope this helps, Regards Steve.

Bruce and Bev · Guru

I'm one of the majority of genie owners, who have a Honda 2. Be aware it usually lacks the power to run your air con, other than on fan. If your air con unit is an Ibis (a common RV brand), the chances are, that a 2KVa will lack the guts to drive more than the fan part. You will need to go up in size to maybe a 3 KVa - which is bigger and heavier.

We carry ours around and have used it twice in 18 months. Once was at a long stay National Park camp site and the weather was so poor that the batteries were not getting recharged from the roof solar panels.

The other time was on a farm stay in country WA where the mains power frequently went off and wasn't repaired for several days - we used a mix of solar and genie.

Depending on your solar/battery setup and how long you intend to stay in one place (and therefore your batts are not being re-charged through your vehicle/RV Anderson plug) should help you with your decision to buy or not. If you've got a decent sized solar/batt setup and not staying in an area with lousy weather for a week - then don't buy one. Even try to do without one to start with and see how you go - you can always get one later. Honda, for example, have a dealer network through the country. If you want one to run all the functions of an air con - go to a dealer with your van and try the various sizes to see how many KVa you need - don't let the salesperson tell you that a Honda 2 or other similar sized brand will do the trick

Honda and Yamaha are regarded as leading brands and run quietly and start easily (I left the fuel in mine for amost a year - forgot to empty it out - it started and ran perfectly after the first pull on the starter cord (which doesn't need huge strokes with large compression to hurt your back and shoulder lol)

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Go 20%+ over solar and have generator as stand by..
Best to buy square wave so no issues with delicate appliances..
Most the top brands are copied pretty well these days . Possibly the top brands are made in China and using same tech on copies ?
Best to have remote or self start ? Depending on you or wife's strength & fitness..
You may not be there when required .. Happy wife...

-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Thursday 31st of December 2015 11:23:02 AM

KFT · Guru

We have a Honda Eu20i and it rides in a genny compartment in the van.

Like others have said they are reliable and quiet unless loaded right up. We have used ours only occasionally since fitting the solar but I would not be without it.

Ours does run the Ibis A/C provided everything else 230v is turned off. The tricks are a short 15A lead from the genny to the mains inlet to keep the voltage drop to a minimum and switch the eco throttle off until you get the A/C going.

Frank

terrola · Veteran Member

i bought a 2kva blue diamond generator

same noise level as a honda / yamaha and runs longer

nearly half the price as above ones around $700

bought on ebay from w.a. a very good company to deal with

all up a great unit

definitely look into this one

Phil C · Guru

Gday and welcome to the forum NFA,

We have solar and 2 batts in our battery bank. After a few free camps and a big trip I have never had to use the genny. I agree with some that say its a waste of money, HOWEVER one day Im gunna get caught with my pants down. furious So it sits in the tray of the ute looking pretty in its red cover.

We use TV (led) and lighting during the night, fridge runs on gas and w have an inverter to run the electric blanket and my coffee machine when needed. All working fine. We pull into a caravan park at times to get a recharge as well.

Good luck and have a safe 2016.

-- Edited by Phil C on Thursday 31st of December 2015 01:55:49 PM

Hylife · Guru

40 years of caravanning and I've never needed a genny. With modern technology it is not too difficult to have sufficient batteries and solar, and everything that's important can be run on 12V or gas.

Whilst I understand why some folk want a genny, most don't really require one, but there are always exceptions to this such as those that require specialised medical equipment etc to run.
My thoughts are that if you really want (need?) all those mod-con 230V appliances like washing machines and aircons and microwaves then perhaps a caravan park or motel is probably better suited for you.

If you must use a genny then have some consideration for your fellow campers who often choose campsites over van parks for reasons other than the cost savings.
Michael Caton who played Darryl Kerrigan in the movie The Castle said it best. Of his little bit of paradise at Bonnie Doon, " Ahhhh, the serenity".
If you go spoiling that campsite serenity by starting up a genny at an inappropriate time it is the quickest way to become a pariah.

We have asked many over the years what they thought should be the appropriate hours for using a genny and the average consensus was, never before 10am and make sure it is off by 6pm, or earlier if the sun has set.

I think the real question we should be asking ourselves these days is "For the $x.xx it is going to cost me to buy a genny, could I do it better with 12V for less cost such as installing another battery and an addition solar panel or two?".

Food for thought?

Woody n Sue · Guru

Well for my 2bobs worth if I were getting a new van I would be covering the roof with solar panels and the fill the boot with batteries rather than getting a genny but maybe that's just me
Our van was pre loved so yes we have a genny but I aim to have more solar in the future

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I have the Honda 2kva as well. Gene lives in the back if the Collie and has only been allowed out on a few hot days. I will let her out more over the current VIC summer though and will keep her chained up so she doesn't wonder off. She runs my Ibis3 Aircon without a problem cos she's a good girl. I never let her out between 8pm and 9am.

Keep Safe on the roads.

ballast2 · Guru

G'day I agree with The Cheif of Cheer.
Happy New year.
Cheers

No Fixed Address · Veteran Member

Thanks for all comments and advice, as we plan to be on the road indefinitely it looks like I would lean towards a cheaper brand X type that would probably live most of its life in the boot waiting for those "just in case" moments.

Tomcat · Senior Member

No Fixed Address wrote:
Thanks for all comments and advice, as we plan to be on the road indefinitely it looks like I would lean towards a cheaper brand X type that would probably live most of its life in the boot waiting for those "just in case" moments.

Friend of mine bought a cheapie and was sorry after it failed miserably. The most popular is a Honda EU201 We have used it for the Air Con, Microwave for defrosting, (not at the same time) Hair Drier for defrosting the Engle fridge freezer quickly, Charge the Batteries also we have a small pod type coffee maker with an electric milk brother for Capuchinos. More recently I found with advise from this forum that you can run a small welder which I bought ( Ozito inverter welder ) for just in case situations. The Honda starts easy is 4 stroke so it just takes standard fuel. I keep it and run it from the back of the Prado It doesn't smell of petrol or leak anything and anyway Im very happy with it. We have a Cappuchino most days.

PeterInSa · Guru

Re ( Friend of mine bought a cheapie and was sorry after it failed miserably.) A friend had a similar experience after less than 20 hours use and outside the warranty period, But had it replaced after some delayed negotiation.

And if it breaks down in the bush in summer when your remote?

We have a Honda 20I and a/c done XXX hours no problems, but I would still consider a cheapie, but probably stick with a Honda or Yammie.

Peter

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Thing is there's budget and nasty cheap . The worry is flat batteries and no generator .. I've been through the Esperance of stranded out there with blown tyres .. If I can help it .. Never again .. What I find with generators close to there limits the rpm tends to change too much and spikes delicate electrics . If it's boarder line ? Don't run it .. Some clown tried to run 700watt Genny at the mountain on his camper . Blew circulate board in two chilli bin / fridges .. Oh did he save ? Two fridges over )2k wrecked with $350 generator ., can't help dumb ..

No Fixed Address · Veteran Member

Couldn't agree more, there's budget and then there's nasty cheap. I'm looking at budget as I hate paying just for a name for something that is for convenience only, not life saving.

Phil C · Guru

No Fixed Address wrote:
Couldn't agree more, there's budget and then there's nasty cheap. I'm looking at budget as I hate paying just for a name for something that is for convenience only, not life saving.

I can see where you are coming from, and we had the same discussion when we bought our honda, looked at a few and still had to dig deeper. Often the generator place will have specials to sweeten the deal, we ended up with a cover, locking cable, oil, and a 5 litre water boiler. Reasonable value for a very good genny. I head a saying many years ago when I was selling photocopiers, if you want fresh hay, it's a bit more expensive than the hay that's been through the horse.

Cheers

Cruising Cruze · Guru

Hi No Fixed Address

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Cheers John

Hey Jim · Guru

Hi Ron,

For our two bob's worth,

When we trip I never leave home without the genie. We love free camping way way out in the never never. If I did happen to discharge the starter battery our IU 1000 would save the day with its DC12 inbuilt charger. Half and hour to and hour and we can get started again.

With the new van's A/C, we also uped the Genie to a iu2000 Honda. the old one we have had for 13 years and still runs like new. I give mine a fresh drink of 200mm of the best oil every 50 hours run time. About every three weeks when in the bush. great little units.

Jim

oldtrack123 · Guru

Aus-Kiwi wrote:
Go 20%+ over solar and have generator as stand by..
"Best to buy square wave so no issues with delicate appliances..""
Most the top brands are copied pretty well these days . Possibly the top brands are made in China and using same tech on copies ?
Best to have remote or self start ? Depending on you or wife's strength & fitness..
You may not be there when required .. Happy wife...

-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Thursday 31st of December 2015 11:23:02 AM

Hi

Perhaps you should rethink this

{quote ]"Best to buy square wave so no issues with delicate appliances..""[end quote ]

No Fixed Address · Veteran Member

I'm slowly starting to sway towards the Honda or a very similar thing. I even thought of the old peddle generator, as my wife is always looking for something to do.......

KFT · Guru

I was today looking at the Briggs & Stratton 3000W inverter genny.

It gives 3000W for much the same price as the 2000W Honda- B&S P3000 RRP= $1799.
It weighs 44kg ugh but has 2 handles and usable wheels.
it is noise rated to 58db where the honda is a tad quieter at 57db

I am going to measure the spaces I have available and see if it will fit in one of them.

Would be nice to have that extra oomph.

Frank

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Go 20%+ over solar and have generator as stand by..
Best to buy pure wave so no issues with delicate appliances..
Yep that's better..

-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Thursday 31st of December 2015 11:23:02 AM

-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Sunday 3rd of January 2016 08:56:29 PM

Delta18 · Guru

We have a Yamahe 2.4kw which is rarely used but came in very handy this past week camping at Lake Towerrinning in WA. 2 days over 44c and the rest close to 40c saw it get much use.

Unlike the previous Honda2 which would JUST run the A/C on a 40+c day when the Yammie was on running the a/c, the 3 way fridge was switched to 240v to save gas and the 40L Engel was also on 240v at the same time.

No way would the Honda have done that.

-- Edited by Delta18 on Sunday 3rd of January 2016 09:38:45 PM

Jaahn · Guru

Hi,

My . I am not on the road 24/7 so take that into the discussion !!

I think you must decide what you want a genny for, is it

1 for an emergency when the tug battery could be flat, accidently(auto),

or 2 when the sun does not shine for a while and the batteries need a charge

or 3 when you are not on power and you want to run the 240v appliances

or 4 you want to run the air conditioner away from power.

There are different potential answers to each one if you want or just hang it and buy a big genny and be able to do all despite the money and having to lug something around that you do not really need much.As stated here most people do the latter hmm

I have a 12v generator that puts out 50amps and will do 1 and 2 best and have a jump starter and solar, and really never needed a remote start. So I leave the 240v one behind. I carry an invertor for 3 and I have no 240v A/C so nothing for 4.

cheers jaahn

,

Hey Jim · Guru

Delta18 wrote:
We have a Yamahe 2.4kw which is rarely used but came in very handy this past week camping at Lake Towerrinning in WA. 2 days over 44c and the rest close to 40c saw it get much use.
Unlike the previous Honda2 which would JUST run the A/C on a 40+c day when the Yammie was on running the a/c, the 3 way fridge was switched to 240v to save gas and the 40L Engel was also on 240v at the same time.
No way would the Honda have done that.

-- Edited by Delta18 on Sunday 3rd of January 2016 09:38:45 PM

Hi Neil & Lynne,

When you had your iu2000 were you using a short 5 metre lead with heavy core wire to reduce the amperage drop. The reason I ask is, that I have seen this year at the Penrith Caravan show a Honda dealer selling these 5mtr leads and stated that using this would run any caravan A/C no problem. I am thinking of buying one in addition to having a 10-15mtr lead for CV parks.

Regards Jim & Lambie

Delta18 · Guru

Hey Jim wrote:
Delta18 wrote:
We have a Yamahe 2.4kw which is rarely used but came in very handy this past week camping at Lake Towerrinning in WA. 2 days over 44c and the rest close to 40c saw it get much use.
Unlike the previous Honda2 which would JUST run the A/C on a 40+c day when the Yammie was on running the a/c, the 3 way fridge was switched to 240v to save gas and the 40L Engel was also on 240v at the same time.
No way would the Honda have done that.

-- Edited by Delta18 on Sunday 3rd of January 2016 09:38:45 PM
Hi Neil & Lynne,
When you had your iu2000 were you using a short 5 metre lead with heavy core wire to reduce the amperage drop. The reason I ask is, that I have seen this year at the Penrith Caravan show a Honda dealer selling these 5mtr leads and stated that using this would run any caravan A/C no problem. I am thinking of buying one in addition to having a 10-15mtr lead for CV parks.
Regards Jim & Lambie

No Jim, it was after the mouse ate the Honda that it was suggested to me to use a short cord.

I don't regret my decision though to replace the 2kw with the 2.4kw as it does any job easilly with power to spare.

Cheers Neil

greyhoundtom · Senior Member

While the discussion is about generators, is there such a thing as a dedicated 12 volt petrol powered battery charger?

While I do have a reasonable quality 240 volt generator, unfortunately I have stuffed up my back well and truly to the stage where walking is now becoming more difficult, and lifting the gennie up and into the back of the tug, or even just moving it about is no longer an option for me.

I thought that a 12 volt petrol powered charger to charge the batteries when solar and sunshine failed would be a lighter and possibly a quieter option than my current 240 volt unit.

I would even consider building one up from a small motor and a car or motorbike alternator if that was feasible.

-- Edited by greyhoundtom on Monday 4th of January 2016 08:54:04 PM