Husband, Doug, wants a little portable gas generator to charge our 4 golf cart battery system. We saw a "Joe's" ad in today's paper for a "Sportman Series 1,100 watt" super quiet generator. I can't find any specs or reviews on it. It is only $299 after $40 rebate on sale. I'm trying to find out if it is worth getting for a charger.
We have an inverter system and don't need a generator for electric power, just a charger. We have a 5,000 watt big noisey monster generator with a DC plug, but it is too hard to move around and too loud.
Buy a Honda EU1000 and hook a good battery charger up to it. It's small, reliable, lightweight, fuel efficient, and more important....quiet. All of the other people in the campground will thank you for buying a quiet generator.
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The DC charging output of most portable generators is very lame and inefficient. The best bet is a good generator and charger as noted in the previous post. If you want quiet, look at the Honda and Yamaha inverter generators, but it will cost. If you've got a good power converter with a multi-stage charger, you've already got the charger part.
The DC output for charging efficiently is too low on these type generators. Best to use 120 VAC and a battery charger.
Ken
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use the rv's DC converter to charge the batteries or buy a good charger
as for the generator, get what you can afford, and use it to power a 3 stage smart battery charger or the RV's converter ( via shore cord ) honda 'inverter gensets' are great if you can afford one
but don't buy any genny for its built-in 12vdc charge capability you will be disappointed
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If he is bound and determined to have a straight 12VDC generator, his best bet may be to build his own. I think the Honda generator + good battery charger is the best bet. Also more flexible.
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Two ideas... One is if you are handy with tools one if you are not
First: Generator=Converter. A honda EU-1000I or Yahama equivalent will give you the best "gas millage" and the lowest noise levels. In fact if there are people talking you may not even hear the generator... Their DC charge line however should be forgotten.. Use a converter, either of those should power a Progressive dynamics 92xx where xx is LESS THAN 80.
Next would be one of the somewhat heaver, noiser (about equivlent of a Honda eu2000I) and hungrier (likewise) traditional generators such as teh GENRAC 1000 by Briggs & Stratton This comes in a 950 model too.. I used a GENRAC 1000 to power a PD 9180 with wizard (Equal to a 9280) with no problems save the generator grew legs one day when I was not looking and I'd love to find it again so I can put the above mentioned legs in jail where they belong.
This is less expensive up front but as I said, the 1,000 watt Genrac is otherwise speced (Fuel consumption, weight and noise) about like a 2,000 Honda inverter generator.
Finally.. If you are handy with tools and can find a quiet enough small gas motor
Build your own 12 volt charger,, Motor, pully, fan belt, alternator, switch ammeter, regulator (may be internal to the alternator) There are some ford alternators that are ideal for this job. (Forget switch and regulator they are built in, you hook up only two wires, BATTERY (positive) and GROUND (Frame negative)
Issue here is noise
Oh, Size of converter or alternator
XANTREX recommends charging flooded wet cells, Maintenance free and AGM at no more than 30 percent of their amp hour capacity
So a pair of U-2200's at 232 amp hours take up to 70 amps (Well 69.6)
Thus a PD 9260 is a good choice with a kilowatt generator
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
Lots of ideas. Thank you John. Doug originally intended to build a 12v charger. I don't know all the details (and the man himself is on the road working), but I know he has not found the right motor. He tried a couple of different old lawnmower motors so far that he couldn't use. Also there is a convenience factor and a noise factor with that option. The Honda EU1000i at CW is $699, and I believe the Yamaha is about that. That little one that "looks" like them (I'm can't comment on specs) at "Joe's" that I asked about, is so cheap (299.)I was hoping someone knew what it is. I can't find any real info. on it.
If not, you might look for a Honda EX650 on the used market. The are very reliable and very quiet -> 54 dB at full power (the new Hondas are about 53dB at idle). This little genny will drive about a 45 amp charger or converter for your RV's 12V electrical needs and topping up of your rig's battery bank.
Mine comes from the 1980's and starts right up even after months of sitting around. Metal case instead of plastic -> plastic is used for the newer Honda's. Runs 7-8 hours on 1/2 gallon of gas. Around $250 on the used market. Built like a tank but small and it weighs about 48 lbs. Honda discontinued them around 1999.
* This post was
edited 08/18/08 10:11pm by pnichols *
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