Generators

Before when I asked about Generator I mention I wanted one to fit under the cover on the pickup----that was just to keep it out of sight when not in use. Out of sight out of mind, and maybe they won t steal it. Has anyone ever tried a Generac that has a 50 amp plug in and if so where would you get it worked on. You can buy anything on the internet but where do you get it serviced. I kn ow Ace and Menards sell them.

I want to take time to thank everyone for their help whenever I post someone always responds to my questions.
 

brianharrison

Well-known member
A generator with a 50amp is a big generator (greater than 5000W?). My knowledge is Generac make quite a few construction generators, with pretty loud noise levels. Not sure if I'd want to camp next to you.:).

If you are looking to run one AC (15,000BTU) then an inverter style 3000W, or 2 2000W paralleled together will fit your needs. As well they will probably fit under your cover - ie Honda 3000EU or 2-2000EU with parallel kit fit into my box below rail height.

The inverter style generator puts out a consistent quality power. Usually better for sensitive electrical equipment, like Televisions, computers, microwaves, etc.

Hope this helps.
Brian
 
Thank you for your info on this subject. I understand the noise level thing but I am electrical illiterate so how do you paralled 2 of them together and then what can you run. We just want to plug in and use the basics, tv, coffee pot , heating pad, etc.
 

pegmikef

Well-known member
Thank you for your info on this subject. I understand the noise level thing but I am electrical illiterate so how do you paralled 2 of them together and then what can you run. We just want to plug in and use the basics, tv, coffee pot , heating pad, etc.

Coffee pot, heating pad, and A/C will probably really be pushing the limit of a pair of Hondas because they actually produce a little less than 4,000 watts. Anyway, to run them in parallel requires a wiring kit that connects them together. Honda's pair consists of the basic Honda 2000 and a companion Honda 2000. The companion model is the one with the 30 AMP outlet. The nice thing about a pair of them is that you can run just one of them if you are not using any big consumers of electricity such as the A/C. I do it all the time. Another plus is that they are lightweight (around fifty pounds each so they are easy to load/unload from your truck bed. You should first list all of the devices you plan on running simultaneously and figure out the total wattage consumption. My A/C for example draws just under 1500 watts when it is running, but requires in excess of 2000 to start. Once you calculate your projected consumption you can look for a generator system that will satisfy your requirement.
 

Speedy

Well-known member
I have a Champion 3500 watt genset and have been very happy with it. It will power everything you listed but not at the same time. It does come with a 30 amp RV plug so all you need is a dog-bone adaptor 50 to 30 amp and you are set to go. It fits below the bed rails and no one knows its there when the tonneau cover in on.
 

szewczyk_john

Well-known member
The inverter style ones can be used when the regular generators can not in some drought area also. They do not produce sparks so they are permitted to be used where regular generators are not permitted. The also run with much less noise which most of your neighbors will really appreciate.
 

porthole

Retired
Generac........ and if so where would you get it worked on. You can buy anything on the internet but where do you get it serviced.

Depends on where you buy it. Two identcial small gas engine tools, one bought at a big box store and one from a specialty dealer are not always the exact same item.
So repairs can be specific to where you purchased it.

Example 1
My neighbor just recently bought a Toro ZTR from a local lawn mower shop. Same mower HD sells, almost. There is a difference in getting parts. I have seen the shop turn away cash pay work for items bought at the box stores because of this difficulty.

Example 2
I bought two Rigid drills with life time battery replacements from HD.
The drills were less then stellar when it came to performance and the batteries were dead within an year. Phone call to Rigid had e me go to a local repair shop.
6 weeks later I had my knew batteries and the repair shop canceled their contract with Rigid because of the difficulty getting the parts and payment. I felt bad for the shop owner, he was on the phone for over an hour total trying to take care of my tools, for almost no return.

As mentioned above, the typical contractor generators are noisy. Last year at the spring Dover race there was a camper who had one of the noisy ones in his truck bed (made it sound louder) and ran it all night. His neighbor's told him if he ran it again all night he could expect it to not run in the morning. They went as far as telling him they would leave the sugar out so he would know what the problem was.

That said, you get what you pay for, and if you buy a Honda there is a network in place for repairs. If you buy a noisy generac or champion or some other brand, I hope it is used far enough away to not disturb other campers.
 

Sumo

Well-known member
Everybody looks at the cost of a good generator, (Honda or Yamaha) and thinks they are WAY to much. Especially when compared to the big box sh"t generators. They look at noise levels and decide they can live with all the noise. After all, the POS generators are only as loud a vacuum cleaner, at 70 feet. Which means, they are as loud as you standing next to a vacuum cleaner when you are 70 feet away from the generator.
Spend the money on a good quite name brand generator. You'll be much happier in the long run.
 

Invizatu

Senior Road Warriors
Although the Hondas and Yamahas may have a bit more up front cost, they will be cheaper over the long haul. They are much more fuel efficient and much more reliable and longer lasting. I have been running a couple of Honda 2000s for 3.5 years now and they run like new. I change the oil every year with fully synthetic oil, clean the air filter, the spark plug and the spark arrestor (about an hours worth of maintenance, taking my time and doing it right). And forget the neighbors, I bought them so I wouldn't have to listen to the racket!
 

sjs731

Well-known member
I have 2 Yamaha 2000 watt units with the parallel hookup and they are worth every penny.


Steve and Carrie
HOC #2252
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Bkupplan

Member
I have a Yamaha 3000 with Boost and I had it converted to tri-fuel. i run lp gas only and it powers all my needs on my bigHorn 5vr. Ran it 5 days at the spring Dover race last week and i keep it in the back of my pk up. it runs my 15000 ac with no problem. Runs so quiet that you stand beside my truck and have a conversation with your neighbor. money well spent. Very low noise level.
 

Bkupplan

Member
We were in the Dover Mall back grass lot almost up at the fence. DW took care of paper work so don't know number.My traveling buddy was beside us in a Itasca Suncruiser. I was able to park my Black 013 Silverado 2500hd at the back of my BigHorn because the lot was not full. We camped Thursday at casino lot and moved into Dover Mall lot Friday thru Monday. It was hot, but a great time.
 

brlr2000

Active Member
If you want to 'parallel' two of the Honda EU2000i Generators, you can save yourself some money, and build your own parallel kit. Simply connect two 120 Volt AC plugs (standard household plugs) to a 30 Amp Female Receptacle (hardwired with at least #8 wire, less than 4 ft each). Then connect each plug to each of your Honda Generators. After you start both generators, they will synchronize together. Then connect your RV power cord to the 30 Amp receptacle. I've been using this setup for about 5 years with no problems.
 

mountainlovers76

Mississippi Chapter Leaders
If you want to 'parallel' two of the Honda EU2000i Generators, you can save yourself some money, and build your own parallel kit. Simply connect two 120 Volt AC plugs (standard household plugs) to a 30 Amp Female Receptacle (hardwired with at least #8 wire, less than 4 ft each). Then connect each plug to each of your Honda Generators. After you start both generators, they will synchronize together. Then connect your RV power cord to the 30 Amp receptacle. I've been using this setup for about 5 years with no problems.

You can also pick up 4 banana plugs to fit the parralel ports, a section of #10/2 w/ground and you have your own parralel kit for less than $10 easy. Providing you have the 30amp outlet on one of the gennies of course.
 

mobilcastle

Well-known member
I have a Champion 3500 watt genset and have been very happy with it. It will power everything you listed but not at the same time. It does come with a 30 amp RV plug so all you need is a dog-bone adaptor 50 to 30 amp and you are set to go. It fits below the bed rails and no one knows its there when the tonneau cover in on.
X2 This is a great generator and it is quiet. How often are you really going to use it?
 

wdk450

Well-known member
I have a Boily 3600, quiet, lightweight, inverter, efficient generator with electric start (key). It fits under the profile of the bed of my Dodge 1 ton Ram truck bed. I have it chained to the 5th wheel hitch with a motorcycle security chain. Here is a link to a website run by a fulltime RVer who has been selling these for years: http://www.boliyguy.com/index.html (Check the FAQ's page for comparisons with major brand equivilants).

If I had it to do over I might just buy a Honda 2000, with the idea that if I need 3600 watts to run the air conditioner, I should be in an RV park with electric hookups.
 

PUG

Pug
I do minimal dry camping so getting a generator like a Honda or Yamaha wasn't feasible cost wise. Just needed an occasional dependable 3500/4000 watt gen. Ended up buying a Champion 3500/4000 at Cabelas for $300. Also sold at most all big box stores and Camping World. I ended up mounting it solid inside front basement compartment with exhaust down through floor and out to the door side. I keep Stabil in it always and exercise it once a month.

I wish now I had spent just a little more and got the electric start model with remote control. Has been reliable and works>>>>
 
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