New generator review information

**JRTJH** · 07-15-2018, 07:22 AM

I just ran across this recent (July 13) article that reviews several of the most popular generators for RV use. One issue that I've always had doubts about is the noise level reporting. It seems that all the generator manufacturers choose which dB level to report based on the unit's performance. Some are reported in ECO mode with no load, other's in ECO mode with a 25% or 50% load and some in RUN with a 25% load. Seldom are generators that are "in direct competition" rated side by side. This article changes that somewhat. It rates the dB level in ECO with no load and in ECO with a 1500 watt load. Surprisingly, Champion does better than Honda under load while Honda is quieter with no load. Who among us runs our generator with no load?

Anyway, here's the article, I found it very interesting and maybe it will provide some worthwhile information to those who are currently considering a generator for their RV.

https://mozaw.com/quiet-rv-generator/

**flybouy** · 07-15-2018, 10:21 AM

Sound level at no load. That's like reporting the sound level of a car in park ideling. Useless.

BrentB · 07-16-2018, 04:29 AM

Nice! Thanks for posting!

Msmith2054 · 07-16-2018, 04:40 AM

Just bought one of those Champion Dual Fuel generators, mainly because it has a 30 amp RV outlet, secondly the dual fuel option. Have not done a Consumer Reports type test yet, but it runs very quiet when running my RV A/C, microwave, both TV’s, and all lights, while using LP as the fuel source. It is rated for 10.5 hours at 50% load on a 20lb LP tank.
It runs quieter at full load than my wife’s snoring at no load!

Number 4 · 07-16-2018, 07:51 AM

I wish they had gone further and included some non name brand units. I'm fully aware it can be hit or miss with Harbor Freight, but we are very happy with our Predator 3500 watt inverter generator which has a listed sound rating of 57 dB. It runs smoothly under a load and is very quiet just one campsite away so I don't feel bad when it's running. It has a notched metal disc on one wheel used for locking and that rattles, so I just jam something between the tire and that disc. After a bit we don't even notice it outside and can hardly hear it when inside.

Number 4 · 07-16-2018, 07:58 AM

The 57 dB rating is at 23 feet with a 25% load. I just watched a YouTube clip where a decibel meter was used. Standing in front of the unit with ECO mode off and no load it was 69.9 dB. With a 2,600 watt load it was 83.1 dB and at 23 feet with that same load it was 60.5 dB.

butterbean · 07-26-2018, 07:42 PM

So I read the article but don’t know a lot about generators. I have a Cougar Xlite 26 BHS howbig of a generator would I need to run my trailer with AC? Would be nice to be able to do some dry comping but not sure my wife would do it without the AC.

Wyldfire · 07-26-2018, 08:10 PM

We ran our Champion 3100 remote start all day today. Temp reached 96 and our Cougat 24sabwe stayed 72. Watched Dish TV in the cool.

DocP · 07-27-2018, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wyldfire

We ran our Champion 3100 remote start all day today. Temp reached 96 and our Cougat 24sabwe stayed 72. Watched Dish TV in the cool.

That's great! I run a pair of Yamaha 2400's but that's a lot more to lug around than your Champion 3100!

As an aside, where are you camping? It looks like a whole lot of nothing around you. Just curious.

KimNTerry · 07-27-2018, 04:11 AM

I run 2 Yamaha 2000 generators if I know I want to run my air. Mostly we head to high altitude to escape the heat. I can charge Batts with just one generator.

Spinkboy · 07-28-2018, 06:32 AM

I wish they would have included the Harbor Freight Predator. My buddies and I are all running them when we primitive camp and love them. And the cost comparison is insane.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3500-w...tor-63584.html

Any one else use one especially in comparison to the Honda?

Wyldfire · 07-28-2018, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocP

That's great! I run a pair of Yamaha 2400's but that's a lot more to lug around than your Champion 3100!

As an aside, where are you camping? It looks like a whole lot of nothing around you. Just curious.

We at the Mountain Home Country Music Festival. 2o,oooh people in middle of the desert.

Skyknight54 · 07-28-2018, 07:15 AM

I recently purchased a 04 3670RL fifth wheel. Can anyone tell me what or where I can find weight limits for the front compartment to install a generator? Home Depot has their Sportsman brand 7500 watt, dual fuel, electric start on sale right now for $699. The published weight is 194 lbs.

**JRTJH** · 07-28-2018, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyknight54

I recently purchased a 04 3670RL fifth wheel. Can anyone tell me what or where I can find weight limits for the front compartment to install a generator? Home Depot has their Sportsman brand 7500 watt, dual fuel, electric start on sale right now for $699. The published weight is 194 lbs.

That model generator is a "construction/open frame" style. It is loud, vibrates and doesn't produce "clean power". While it's OK for running your RV systems, you won't be able to stay inside the trailer with the generator running and you certainly won't be a "good neighbor" in any campground. Specs for that model indicate it must run at 3600 RPM (to produce 60Hz power) and is rated "<80dB" which is extremely loud.

While it might "fit the space and connect to the existing propane system" it's really not a suitable "permanent mounted RV generator".... I'd be very reluctant to install that type generator inside any RV.

PopBeavers · 07-28-2018, 01:25 PM

One of my critical requirements is weight. Wheels do not help when lifting into the exterior storage of the 5er.

I will likely end up with a pair of Honda 2200s because of that.

Thanks for the report.

B-O-B'03 · 07-28-2018, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PopBeavers

One of my critical requirements is weight. Wheels do not help when lifting into the exterior storage of the 5er.

I will likely end up with a pair of Honda 2200s because of that.

Thanks for the report.

I can lift my Champion 3100 into the bed of the truck by myself, I think a bag of cement weighs more (and does not have a handle).

-Brian

Skyknight54 · 07-28-2018, 03:52 PM

Thanks for all the response. My intent is to remove it from the "construction" frame and mount it on shock mounts in the front compartment. I was just inquiring if anyone knew the weight limitations on the front compartment? thx, Kit

Ccrew · 08-02-2018, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Number 4

we are very happy with our Predator 3500 watt inverter generator which has a listed sound rating of 57 dB. It runs smoothly under a load and is very quiet just one campsite away so I don't feel bad when it's running.

I'll second this. We're very happy with ours and have gotten numerous comments about how quiet it is.

GRADIFIED · 08-29-2018, 10:52 PM

Here's a good article on Inverter type "clean power" generators.

https://www.dslreports.com/forum/r27...-Power-Cleanup

Tufelhunden · 08-31-2018, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wyldfire

We at the Mountain Home Country Music Festival. 2o,oooh people in middle of the desert.

So you were in the middle of nowhere.

We're heading to Bruneau this weekend for our maiden voyage. Hopefully joint breaks but close enough to the city for easy fixes.

As far as generators I bought two ai powers that are Yamaha powered. Just doing the break in but they seem to be working awesome and in parallel they ruin the ac no issue.

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