Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Another generator ?

Looking for a generator, and don't know a lot about them. I want something for dual roles if possible. Primary use is to power my pop-up camper. It needs to be light enough so that I can load in the pickup by myself. Something around 100-125lbs seems reasonable. I'd also like to be able to use it for emergengy power at home.

It does not have to be able to power the whole house. We have a garage apartment we would move into (or the camper) and it only needs to power a 110v window AC unit, a freezer, refrigerator and a couple of lights. Might use a microwave or toaster oven, but could turn off the AC while doing that. I have a gas space heater if we were to lose power during the winter. I've been looking at this one,

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/...t-3500w-4000w-portable-generator-4434023

Am I on the right track, or would I be better off getting a bigger generator for home use and a second smaller unit for camping.

I have a 6000w I use that will power 2 window units and a freezer/refrigerator no problems. Look on the tag and they will tell you how many watts they draw running and at startup.

Microwave is going to be the biggest draw I believe.

I found, after owning a couple of them, that the Chinese generators found at most Ranch supply stores, auto parts stores, discount stores etc are all 1) Noisy and shake a lot 2) seem to all come through Buffalo tool co in New York and 3) Don't put out as much power as they say they do. Will fip off or bog down badly when put under much of a load. They do and can work, and they are cheap, but I finally fund a good deal with a gun trade to get myself into a nice Onan 5500 Watt unit. Easy electric start, smooth running, powerful enough to run my home AND the AC, microwave, wifes curling iron and blow dryer etc when camping so it does it all. Probably in the 150lb range for weight, but to me worth it after several generator false starts/dissapointments.

Get yourself a Honda EU2000i or EU3000iS and be done with it. Getting it right the first time will save you money and headaches later on.

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/...odels&section=P2GG&category=play

I've got the Honda EU2000i. It's a marvel of modern engineering.

Extremely quiet, light, and starts right up EVERY time. It's pricey though.

while I love my lil Honda 2000, is it enough to power the requirements he listed?

specifically the microwave?

Our 2000 runs our microwave without any problems.

Two of them should be.

JMR40, I have that exact model for my cabin and it works very well. You can also get an extended warranty pretty cheap from tractor supply.


At Cabelas, they have the same generator with the wheel kit and cover for $20 more which is worth it in my opinion. You can get shipping for $5 if you use code 8wyousave.


Can't post link for some reason. Search for Champion weekender package. It's in the bargain cave.

It should work well for your needs as long as you aren't running large appliances while you're running the toaster over or microwave. Relatively quiet for this size but it's not a Honda EU by any means.

For an economically priced generator, that's the one I'd buy. Cabela's is currently running a special package deal on what looks to me to be the very same model calling it the, "Weekender Package". Along with the generator the package also includes the wheel/handle kit and a PVC storage cover, all for $319.99. That particular Champion generator has a real high percentage of positive customer reviews over a period of time.

http://www.cabelas.com/generators-a...watt-generator-weekender-package-1.shtml

rrroae - Oops, sorry! I didn't see your post with the same Cabela info. I will ad that per their website the $5 shipping ends today and also this generator falls in the heavy/large shipping category and adds another $18.

Generators are rated in watts.
Volts times amps equals watts
Add up the starting amp draw of what you need to power,it will be on the data plate, multiply by the volts and you will have the wattage you nned to buy.
Go a little bigger if you can.

I was looking for a generator for my horse trailer/house.
Was looking at a Honda 3500....Dealer talked me into 2 2000's.
3500 weighed about 142 lbs. 2000's weigh 47 lbs ea.
3500 had 4000 cranking watts while 2-2000's have 4400 cw.
Use same amount of oil in both. Takes same amount of fuel...
Was a nobrainer for me...If you don't need both you can always run just 1.
Fiancee uses 1 all the time to mix Margaritas and daquiries at the barn or arena.
Have had other gen's and they need major repairs after a few years....
The 3000 that's at our hunting camp in 14 yo....1 carb kit and change oil every year
and good to go ...Am sold on the Honda's....ymmv....


George

Where do you buy the Honda's? The local Honda dirtbike store?

Cabelas

This place usually has the lowest prices on Honda generators.


http://www.wisesales.com/

Yes sir, any Honda atv/motorcyle dealership should have them in stock or you can go to their website and find a dealer that way.

I bought mine on Craisglist for about $300 less than what they cost new. All my home power equipment is made by Honda.

heh, heh, trying to think of what I've bought in small engine power equipment in recent years that doesn't have a honda engine?


our local Sptsmns Whse has the Hondas for sale too

I had a Honda EU 2000 until someone decided they liked it better than I did and took ten fingered discount of it out of my travel trailer in my back yard along with a bunch of other stuff.

I replaced it with one of the Champion 3500 Generators out of the Bargain Cave at Cabelas. While it's no Honda it serves it's
my purposes as can handle the air conditioner, microwave, refrigerator and TV with only about a 10 DB loss in the noise level.

Whatever brand you get be sure to look @ the size of the gas tank and running time on that said tank. Do you really want to get up every 4 hours and fill the tank? Plugs: make sure the unit has the plugs you want to use. IMHO

Look at all your appliances and find out their amp draw. Wattage divided by voltage equal amps add amps up you want something that has 20 percent more watts than needed o