ok RV guys , I need some camping generator input

[skip68]

I'm looking for a good quiet generator for camping.  My trailer is 26 ft, has central heat & air, two way fridge, two way hot water heater and microwave.  I'm figuring I'll need a 3000W generator minimum.  What do you guys use?  I'm looking for something fairly cheap and quiet.  I've checked out the Honda's but I'm not spending $2k or more.   Any tips would be greatly appreciated.  
Chuck .........

[Old Moparz]

I have a trailer & don't use a generator when camping, but when I'm set up somewhere & see someone who has a quiet unit running, I try to take notice of what they have. In almost every case where the generator is very quiet, it's a Honda.   

[chargerboy69]

Well, since I own a RV dealership I guess I will chime in.

A newer Onan will be one of the better generators.  No generators are quite, but Onan are probably the quietest. However, they will not be cheep.

If you are looking for something under the $2000.00 range try Lowes or Home Depot for a Generac, but they are not quite.

In my personal Monaco diesel pusher I run a Kohler.  It is a rock solid, dependable generator, but not very quite.

[skip68]

Anyone have experience with kipor generators?  I've read they're like Honda but cheaper.  Onan would be a mounted type and I'm looking for a portable kind.  Then again, I guess I could mount a generator off the back bumper.   

[Old Moparz]

You can always build your own to save money, just get a bunch of hamsters & a bag of carrots.   

http://www.planetandy.com/hamsterpower.html

It's cleaner, too.

[chargerboy69]

Anyone have experience with kipor generators?  I've read they're like Honda but cheaper.  Onan would be a mounted type and I'm looking for a portable kind.  Then again, I guess I could mount a generator off the back bumper.   

Never heard of them. 

Yea, wasn't sure if you were mounting in a toy hauler or trailer or wanted something just sitting outside. Honda or Generac for a portable are the best out there.  But then again, not quite.

[moparstuart]

I'm looking for a good quiet generator for camping.  My trailer is 26 ft, has central heat & air, two way fridge, two way hot water heater and microwave.  I'm figuring I'll need a 3000W generator minimum.  What do you guys use?  I'm looking for something fairly cheap and quiet.  I've checked out the Honda's but I'm not spending $2k or more.   Any tips would be greatly appreciated.  
Chuck .........

sadly the hondas are really awesome and quiet as a mouse   

[Budnicks]

I have had a few over the years, in race trailers & RV's, the Honda's are really quite, I have one in my RV Jayco 26.5' 5th wheel trailer {Pop's uses it more than me}, I had a nice Kohler in my Dynastar on a Magnum Chassis, pusher Motor Home/36' RV, both were diesel, it was in an insulated "somewhat" sound proofed section, under the floor, had a decent size muffler, it wasn't too bad/loud... I have a 3500watt for the house from "Ultimate Solution Tools" U.S.T. $350, weighs probably 75lbs, pretty portable, it's loud as hell, but it's for back up when the power goes out, in the snow in winter or heat of summer, so I don't mind the noise & most of the neighbors have their generators running too, so nobody gets offended... Most RV parks, have a 30 amp. hook up, unless you dry camp, in a camping ground or something along those lines, mostly you really don't need them, allot of camp grounds don't allow them either...

[nvrbdn]

we have the 30 ft gulf stream conquest. we usually only camp at state parks and camp grounds. i picked up a 5000 watt generator on wheels in case i ever do camp away from power, but after owning it for 4 years, havent used it yet.

[mauve66]

maybe get a used one in this economy from craigslist??
seems like all the good stuff around las vegas is in pahrump lately

[twodko]

Chuck,

My vote would be for a Honda too. For a portable genny they can't be best. There's a fella around town who pulls a 22-24' trailer and has his genny mounted on the front bumper of his truck......also hides what looks like a 10k # Warn winch as well. It's a really clean setup.
With this said, you might also look into a surplus WW 2 hand crank Gertrude. Mrs. Skip is not only easy on the eyes but you could fab up some sorta bicycle thingy to the Gertrude and convince her it's great for cardio!  no fuel cost and the whole "Shebang" could be located just outside 'o the skip man area........at least until she needs to prepare foodies! 


Man, I'm glad i live outside Mrs.Skip68 missile range.

[skip68]

I like that idea.   I could have a slice of pizza on a string in front of her so she keeps pedaling like a carrot in front of a horse.   I'll see what she thinks.   

[A383Wing]

I'm betting she will make yer fat ass ride it...we all know who's in charge at yer house

Bryan

[twodko]

Word. 

[Old Moparz]

 

[skip68]

That's what I need.  Just need a good muffler and that would be the perfect generator.     

[nvrbdn]

i was reading on the yamaha generator today. they say it compares all around and runs cleaner for the green group. it was in my trailer life magazine.  now im getting ready to take a class on building a 1000 watt wind mill generator, the cost of the generator will be 430.00. that class is in a few weeks.

[twodko]

That will be interesting....keep us in the loop.

[Budnicks]

i was reading on the yamaha generator today. they say it compares all around and runs cleaner for the green group. it was in my trailer life magazine.  now im getting ready to take a class on building a 1000 watt wind mill generator, the cost of the generator will be 430.00. that class is in a few weeks.

Good you can pass on the knowledge to the rest of us...LOL..., start a new thread about it when it's done...

[nvrbdn]

i will for sure. i talked to the instructor and it sounds like a cool class. im gona ge the info for outside of the class purchasing also.

[Budnicks]

i will for sure. i talked to the instructor and it sounds like a cool class. im gona ge the info for outside of the class purchasing also.

  Thanks I saw plans to build one {wind turbine generator} a while ago, lost track of it now, I had a 200 watt wind turbine & 16 @ 75 watt solar panels on my old House in Rancho Murieta, Ca., with hot sunny days & consistent wind in the evenings, I thought would be the perfect scenario, NOT, between the cost of the batteries & upkeep, plus the converter/inverter to convert from DC to AC power, it was damn pricey, for a full electric house that only had $70 energy bill a month, the bill only went down to $35 range average, takes a long time @ $35 a month to pay off a $20k Green Energy install, I know construction & I should have known better, it never performed anywhere near 100% capasity & I never did get that big check back from P.G.&.E. like they said I would, let alone every month, after making all the extra power, they would have to by it back from me, yea right...

[nvrbdn]

the wind generator class was pretty cool. got my generator at home now. 1000 watts and pretty cool. we are gona have a solar panel class next month. the generator ended up costing 505 with the charge controller and switches and all. plus got some cool info on making homade generators out of a lawnmower motor and an alternator. ill post some info later on at home. but the class was a great learning experience.

[Tilar]

Whats the purpose of going camping if you need a generator? A coleman lantern and a box of matches is all you need. 

[mauve66]

and a sat phone to call mommy when those 2 run out...........

[elacruze]

For my money, I'd find an Onan Emerald like this one-

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Onan-Emerald-III-Genset-/280971473125?pt=Motors_RV_Trailer_Camper_Parts_Accessories&hash=item416b3470e5&vxp=mtr

You'll not find a better combination of power, durability, price, and noise than these.

They are not lightweight, they are not the quietest, but they are the most durable and at reasonable price. The Emeralds are as quiet as anything that makes as much power short of a full-boxed multi-cylinder diesel. I have a '75 Onan CCK (pre-emerald) that has been used and abused, kept out in the weather under a barbeque cover and generally ignored except during hurricane season. It rocks.