"Inverter" Generator??

[larrym]

In the portable generator world, I see what's referred to as an Inverter Generator. What's the difference between that and a run of the mill generator?

I ordered my 3750FL Big Sky with generator prep, for an added $695.00, what all does that include? The dealer doesn't know, except to say it has the control panel inside the unit. I assumed it had everything needed to install and run a standard portable generator, including an "inverter" if it was needed.

Thanks, Larry

[f6bits]

Here’s a nice article:
http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/stories/28-How-Inverter-Generators-Reduce-Unwanted-Noise.html
Basically, the inverter makes sure that the generator puts out clean AC power, regardless of what the engine on the generator is doing.

[jje1960]

In the portable generator world, I see what's referred to as an Inverter Generator. What's the difference between that and a run of the mill generator?

I ordered my 3750FL Big Sky with generator prep, for an added $695.00, what all does that include? The dealer doesn't know, except to say it has the control panel inside the unit. I assumed it had everything needed to install and run a standard portable generator, including an "inverter" if it was needed.

Thanks, Larry
The prep kit along was $700.00.... wow, unbelievable. This sounds like you will have extremely limited options, what ever basically plugs into the prep kit. We use an inverter that sits in the truck or on the back of the 5Ver on a bracket, however your situation is very different, onboard unit that is built-in, when you pull the trigger and purchase. I'd start looking at what your options are from the manufacture now, you may go other directions unless money is no object.

[larrym]

The prep kit along was $700.00.... wow, unbelievable. This sounds like you will have extremely limited options, what ever basically plugs into the prep kit. We use an inverter that sits in the truck or on the back of the 5Ver on a bracket, however your situation is very different, onboard unit that is built-in, when you pull the trigger and purchase. I'd start looking at what your options are from the manufacture now, you may go other directions unless money is no object.

Why do you think options will be limited? It is my intention to have a generator installed in the generator space, I do know it has additional reinforcement to support the added weight in that compartment. Other than that I suspect the monitor panel, remote start switches, hour meter and so on account for the cost.

I can buy the same generator the factory installs cheaper, and have options for gas, LP, etc. I just sold our 40' 2010 Class A Winnebago Adventurer with an Onan generator that I know would have fit into this Big Sky, no compromises.

I don't see any option limits, what am I missing??

[hankpage]

Why do you think options will be limited? It is my intention to have a generator installed in the generator space, I do know it has additional reinforcement to support the added weight in that compartment. Other than that I suspect the monitor panel, remote start switches, hour meter and so on account for the cost.

I can buy the same generator the factory installs cheaper, and have options for gas, LP, etc. I just sold our 40' 2010 Class A Winnebago Adventurer with an Onan generator that I know would have fit into this Big Sky, no compromises.

I don't see any option limits, what am I missing??

I don't think you are missing anything. Inverter generators put out cleaner ac power and are better tolerated by electronics. I think jje1960 was talking about power inverters to convert 12v dc to 110v ac. or possibly a portable inverter generator. You should be fine with any modern generator designed for use in a RV. JM2¢, Hank

[jje1960]

Yes, not very clear was I... What I was referring to was that with the prep kit installed, something has to plug into the prep kit.... This is what threw me...


" I assumed it had everything needed to install and run a standard portable generator, including an "inverter" if it was needed."

The built-in units are generators I believe, not inverters. When I hear inverter, I'm thinking truly "portable" like my Boliy or a Honda inverter generator. So if you were considering an portable "inverter" generator, having the prep kit would not have made sense. Hope this clears-up my post and good luck with your onboard genny when you install one! Sure is nice having an onboard unit, beware though, those LP units go through some serious propane!

[chuck&gail]

Another data point. We have a stick house Xantrex solar PV system, grid tied with battery backup. If grid is down too long, and there is no sunlight, and we need to charge batteries, we can connect a generator to do so.

BUT

Xantrex system checks the QUALITY of the incoming AC before it will connect. Guess what. My Coleman 5kW will NOT get past the Xantrex, the signal is not good enough. An Inverter type Honda of the same size works fine.

Test done with generators side by side, switching between them several times to verify findings.

So in that case at least, Inverter generator was VERY different from non-inverter type I had.