SledHedEd wrote: I'm thinking we'll be good with a 2k. We rarely use the ac even in the campgrounds with elec. I have seen other brands like Generac and Ryobi and I was wondering if they are as quiet and dependable. I know the Honda and Yamaha are the best but they are also quite expensive.
Don't forget that most of the cheaper models are true generators, whereas the more expensive ones (of all brands) are mostly inverters, and only run fast enough to handle the load on them. This is one reason they're more quiet and efficient. Don't get fooled, though. There are some Yamaha (and other brands) models that use a high-torque, low rpm constant-speed engine. Yes, they're quiet, but are much less efficient since they're running at full speed, all the time.
Lyle
2002 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Duramax Crew Cab 4x4
Banks Bullet Tuner and Monster Exhaust
B&W Turnover Ball with 5th Wheel Companion
2004 Komfort 25FSG Fifth Wheel
1936 John Deere Model A
International Flying Farmers 55 Year Member
We bought a Champion generator at Cabelas and was impressed with it until we took it boondocking up around 10,000 feet. It would run for about a minute and then just die off. A call to the factory and they say they never tested them at that altitude. We exchanged it for a Yamaha 2000 (Cabelas carries both) and discovered that it was much quieter, ran longer, and handled just about everything we threw at it at that altitude. Didn't try the AC, but at that altitude you don't need AC.
My camping companion has the twin Hondas and honestly, I don't think there's really difference between the two. FWIW, the Yamaha is easier to drain the fuel at the end of the season.
We use the Champion 2000i (the red one from Costco $489.00) and it works great. It runs everything but the A/C. If you want the best the Honda or Yamaha is the way to go, however if your like me and use it 10 or 15 times a year, the Champion 2000i will get the job done.....
2010 Jayco Eagle Super Lite 31.5RLDS Fifth Wheel, 2006 Ford 350 PSD SRW, long Bed, Champion 2000i inverter Generator and a Champion 3500/4000 Gen.
I tend to get generators that are to big to carry, tends to make it hard for them to grow legs. That is why I have a honda 3k, I can lift it in and out of the bed, but forget carrying it more then a few steps my yourself. You also need to decide how you are going to secure it before you buy it, some are easier to secure then others.
One last thought. Remember larger fifth-wheels like mine, have 90 amp converters. Even charging big battery banks and other electrical appliances can draw lots of power. Learned that the hard way. I bought a meter and found going bigger was better!
I use a champion 4000W from Tractor supply.Champion 4000W
I had a shelf installed in 5vr and just slide out when I want to use the generator. The generator is currently mounted on 4x4's so it will not slide front to back.
I still want to put a receiver on my FW and just hook up to my dad's 25kw Multiquip. :-) It's not much louder than a Honda 3000 and a helluva =lot= quieter than my old Y2K Generac 3500. 'Sides, I could charge a bunch of other campers to hook up. :-)
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