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05-28-2021, 04:37 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: nunya
Posts: 14
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Looking for advice on generator purchase
I have a keystone passport ultralight. 30 amp. I dont know anything about generators or motors in general. Most of our time in my RV has been spent on-grid, but I'm planning to venture into boondocking. If it were just me I'd be comfortable being fully off grid, but I have small kids and want this to be an enriching adventure, not just a struggle for survival, so im getting a generator.
I have no idea what makes a good quality engine so hoping yall can point me in the right direction. I want one that burns gas and/or propane, not just a massive backup battery, not looking for a solar panel one either, that won't work well where im at. I also want one of the full size ones that lasts 10+ hours, hoping for one that lasts longer than that. Other than that I dont know what I should be watching out for.
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05-28-2021, 06:01 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: South Jordan, Utah
Posts: 2,228
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The right generator is dependant on what you want it to do.
If just camping, recharging the batteries etc. then champion makes a 2500 watt dual fuel inverter type for under $600. If you need to run the A/C or the microwave or a hairdryer then you'll need at least a 3,000 watt inverter dual fuel, but the cost will go up to about $1,000. In any case stay away from the open frame construction type generators. These are way to noisy and will drive you nuts when they are running. The inverter types run quieter and produce better power for electronics and other toys.
Once you start dry camping you'll find it opens a whole new world of camping opportunities.
__________________
2017 Cougar 279RKSWE
2007.5 Dodge Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins
Retirement Training Completed
I think the little voices in my head have started a chat group.
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05-28-2021, 06:15 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: nunya
Posts: 14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Canonman
The right generator is dependant on what you want it to do.
If just camping, recharging the batteries etc. then champion makes a 2500 watt dual fuel inverter type for under $600. If you need to run the A/C or the microwave or a hairdryer then you'll need at least a 3,000 watt inverter dual fuel, but the cost will go up to about $1,000. In any case stay away from the open frame construction type generators. These are way to noisy and will drive you nuts when they are running. The inverter types run quieter and produce better power for electronics and other toys.
Once you start dry camping you'll find it opens a whole new world of camping opportunities.
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Thanks for the info. Beautiful picture!
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05-28-2021, 06:16 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Taylors, SC
Posts: 3,031
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Canonman
The right generator is dependant on what you want it to do.
If just camping, recharging the batteries etc. then champion makes a 2500 watt dual fuel inverter type for under $600. If you need to run the A/C or the microwave or a hairdryer then you'll need at least a 3,000 watt inverter dual fuel, but the cost will go up to about $1,000. In any case stay away from the open frame construction type generators. These are way to noisy and will drive you nuts when they are running. The inverter types run quieter and produce better power for electronics and other toys.
Once you start dry camping you'll find it opens a whole new world of camping opportunities.
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The Honda eu3000 would probably answer all your needs. It is efficient, quiet and can run about 20 hours with a full fuel tank (gas). It's expensive but, it's a Honda.
We had a Honda 2000 for emergency use. It was flawless when we needed it.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...b0b39b6a86337c
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05-28-2021, 06:25 PM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: nunya
Posts: 14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CWtheMan
The Honda eu3000 would probably answer all your needs. It is efficient, quiet and can run about 20 hours with a full fuel tank (gas). It's expensive but, it's a Honda.
We had a Honda 2000 for emergency use. It was flawless when we needed it.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...b0b39b6a86337c
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That looks great but unfortunately definitely out of the budget
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05-28-2021, 06:33 PM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,695
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Quote:
Originally Posted by autismalanimal
That looks great but unfortunately definitely out of the budget
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I think it would be beneficial for you to state your budget. Gen sets can run the gamut on prices, your price will narrow it down; save you time and posters trying to guess your needs time.
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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05-28-2021, 06:49 PM
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#7
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: nunya
Posts: 14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sourdough
I think it would be beneficial for you to state your budget. Gen sets can run the gamut on prices, your price will narrow it down; save you time and posters trying to guess your needs time.
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Probably $500-$1000
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04-01-2022, 12:22 AM
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#8
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Gone Traveling
Join Date: Apr 2022
Location: Bridgeview, Illinois(IL)
Posts: 1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CWtheMan
The Honda eu3000 would probably answer all your needs. It is efficient, quiet and can run about 20 hours with a full fuel tank (gas). It's expensive but, it's a Honda.
We had a Honda 2000 for emergency use. It was flawless when we needed it.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...b0b39b6a86337c
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I need more information about this machine
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05-28-2021, 07:37 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
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Check out the Predator generators online or at your local Harbor Freight. They seem to have good reviews & reasonable prices.
__________________
Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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05-29-2021, 02:38 AM
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#10
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Shippenville
Posts: 11
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I have the Sportsman Duel Fuel inverter generator. Runs on gas or propane. I ordered it through Lowe's. 2200watt surge and 1800watt run. It is quiet and runs everything, including microwave except the A/C. But does run the fan only. They have great customer service. Looks to be in your price range. In the future you can get another and pair them together for more output. You might want to check this one out. ~doubletaper
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05-29-2021, 08:46 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Liberty, Texas
Posts: 5,034
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Contrary to everything I have recommended previously, I would look at the Harbor Freight Predators. Probably best to buy the extended warranty and don't be surprised when it rolls over dead just when you need it. But, the price is right.
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2018 Ram 3500 Laramie CC DRW LWB 4X4 Cummins Aisin 3.73
Reese Goosebox 20K
2018 Heartland Landmark 365 Oshkosh
2008 Bigfoot 25C9.4 LB Cabover
2023 CanAm Defender SXS
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05-29-2021, 02:17 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Henniker
Posts: 2,174
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We have a Generac GP3000i. Super quiet and runs the entire camper including AC with ease. We are boondocking this weekend and standing next to mine when it’s running I can hear my brother’s Honda 2000i 100 ft away over the sound of mine. I am VERY impressed with the generac! It only weighs 60 lbs. so it’s very portable and it’s compact so it doesn’t take up a ton of space.
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Rob & Amy
2019 Passport 240BH SL (for sale)
2024 Cougar 29BHL (Taking delivery 5/11/24)
2022 Ford F250 7.3L Godzilla Crew Cab FX4
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05-29-2021, 03:21 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 2,719
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If you are looking for a good generator that will service everything in your camper, exactly as if you were plugged into 30 amp shore power, then the Cummings Onan P4500i is really hard to beat. It come with the 30 amp RV socket, 2 - 15 amp sockets, and 2 USB sockets. It can be paired with a second to provide full 50 amp service. It's very quiet. I have 2 of them I run in parallel for my 50 amp fifth wheel, and I can carry on a normal conversation with someone standing right beside both of them running and not have to raise your voice to be heard over the noise.
They are pricy and weigh right at 100 pounds dry. They hold about 3.5 gallons of gas and can run for 18 hours on 3.4 gallons of gas. At 50% load they run for 15 hours.
For a link to the Cumming web site for this generator:
Click here.
Here's the link to the "Spec sheet?
Click here for Spec Sheet
We purchased ours a year ago for $1050. We ended up getting 2 of them, plus the pairing cable and adapter for 50 amp RV plugs for a total of $2500 through our RV dealership. Our RV dealership even set them up for us, fueled them, put the proper oil in, and gave us a 100% complete walk-through (PDI) with them. It was a fantastic experience. And I've been 100% happy with them ever since.
They do have a remote start, battery start, and pull cord start, and come with a trickle charger to keep the battery topped off all the time. It's on 2 wheels with a telescoping handle for easy movement.
And they fit in the bed of my pick-up truck with the flip top bed cover closed!
Doing a quick search on the internet, I'm finding the price to be $1169.00 everywehre:
$1169.00 plus $50 for shipping
$1169.00
$1169.00
$1169.00
I do know, you won't be disappointed with this generator. If you take care of it, it will take care of you! The initial price may be steep and you may have to wait a pay check or two to save enough to purchase it, but once you have it, you'll not regret it. You may get a lesser priced generator somewhere else and then discover it falls short... air conditioner have issues starting, or may not start at all, space heaters may not function right, and you'll be playing power management with your appliances, like plugged into a 15 amp shore power. No fun at all.
Or get the one that will handle any situation you may find yourself in, Summer or Winter, boomdocking, or needed a generator for the house when the electricity goes out and you need to keep the refrigerator and freezer running, computers, and electronics. When that happens, there is no price so great, and you'll be glad you did pay the price.
Good luck in your choice. The choice is still yours, but this is my opinion, that, and a lot of 5 star reviews for this product.
__________________
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Duramax HD 6.6 - 3500 Diesel Dully Long bed Crew Cab
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05-29-2021, 04:36 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Upper Chesapeake Bay
Posts: 4,839
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This is what I have.. purchased the 2 year replacement warranty also
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2020 Cougar 315 RLS
2020 Ram 3500 6.7HO 4.10 Dually Aisin
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06-03-2021, 07:16 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Sun City
Posts: 168
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We are looking into this too. Our last generator was an Onan 5500. While it worked okay, I didn’t like the maintenance associated with a gas unit, so our next one will be a dual fuel model. We looked at a lot of them, and we plan to get the Westinghouse iGen 4500DF. It sells for $950-1050, depending on where you get it. I’ll probably get it at Lowes when it’s back in stock since I can get 10% off with my military discount. It has electric start and a remote FOB so you can start it up from inside the RV.
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06-03-2021, 07:20 AM
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#16
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Orange County
Posts: 58
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Don't ignore the used market, it's always nice if you find somebody else trying to get a bigger better model and wanting to let go of one that didn't quite meet their needs.
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06-03-2021, 07:40 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,090
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I purchased a Champion 3100 inverter generator right after I bought our trailer, in 2015.
It is a plain jane version, pull start only and it always starts on the first or second pull.
This past February, during the "stormagedon" event we had here in TX I used it to power the house for a couple of days, refueling every 6 hours and it ran continuously with no issues.
It will start and run the 15K BTU AC unit in our camper and also run the outdoor kitchen fridge and keep the batteries charged.
I bought it from Costco and it was under $700 delivered to my door.
The newer versions of it come in dual fuel, with electric start, but, be aware it will produce less power with propane than it does with gasoline, they also have a 3 year warranty. Altitude will also diminish power production
If this unit dies, I will definitely buy another Champion.
-Brian
__________________
2014 Bullet Premier 22RBPR - let the camping commence!
2013 F150 Platinum - 5.0 - 3.55 ELD + towing package
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06-03-2021, 07:57 AM
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#18
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Thousand Oaks
Posts: 76
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We dry camp only a couple of times per year but have been doing it now for about 15 years. Looking over your requirements and reading some of the other contributing posts, I would recommend picking up a "used" Honda EU2000 Companion generator. I see them for sale quite frequently and they are pretty bullet proof if properly maintained. Also, you can buy a Berg Fueling system quite reasonably through Amazon and this will keep your generator running for many hours and is hassle free especially if you run your Honda on "eco-throttle" mode which is also very quiet. https://www.amazon.com/Bergs-System-...2735332&sr=8-2
__________________
Alex Palacios
Thousand Oaks, CA
2006 Ford F-350 Lariat
Bulletproof Powerstroke 6.0 Turbo Diesel
2019 Cougar 315 RLS
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06-03-2021, 08:07 AM
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#19
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Waterford, MI
Posts: 57
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I have a Westinghouse igen2500. It runs everything in my trailer although I added a $30 start capacitor to my 13.5k a/c unit to ease the startup load. Have also used it to power the house during outages.
It is gas only, and I only put nonalcohol gas in it. Be aware that using propane drops a dual-fuel generator's output wattage by about 10%.
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06-03-2021, 08:15 AM
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#20
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Bedford
Posts: 4
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You might want to check out the Wen generators. We have the 56380i which is a 3800 watt inverter and have been very happy with it. It's quiet and reliable. We were without power for 3 days during the Texas freeze in February, and the generator ran non-stop except for refueling in temps down to 0 and didn't miss a lick. Downside is the runtime is only 4-8 hours depending on load. Wen seems to make a good product that is less expensive than a lot of the others. You can also buy them online direct from Wen.
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