I just spent my life savings on a 2012 Bison 4-horse w/LQ. My next purchase needs to be a generator. What size, wattage, etc. should I get? The trailer has electric microwave and A/C. We would also use the outlets in the trailer for tv and computer use. Would I be able to have it mounted in the bed of my truck, since I am a single woman and won't be able to load & unload every time I decide to go for a ride? Any other features I should be looking for?Thanks for any info you can provide!
Posted 2012-01-01 1:19 PM (#139766 - in reply to #139765) Subject: RE: generator questions
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Probably a 3000 to 4000 watt unit
2400 watt units can run most everything in the trailer. But NOT at the same time. For example your would have to turn off the A/C when you run the Microwave.
2400 watt units are lighter and something you can pick up and move and get better fuel mileage
3000 watt units are a good compromise. The Honda 3000is a favorite and weighs around 135lbs. So it is kinda portable.
Most 4000 watt units are permanately mounted on the trailer
Posted 2012-01-01 2:08 PM (#139768 - in reply to #139765) Subject: RE: generator questions
Member
Posts: 16
I just bought a Powerhouse 3100watt PH3100RI Inverter Generator to use with my trailer. $1,299 with remote start.
I have not gotten to officially use it on a trip but, have been testing it out. The remote start seams to work great from inside the trailer. I have started it in low 20 Deg. temps. without difficulty. It weighs 123# so I can load it in a pickup by myself if I have to. I am keeping it in my rear tack. It has wheels and a handle for moving around. I don't know how long it will last compared to an Onan or Honda but, the initial cost is less than half. It is also pretty quiet, I think it is rated 2db higher than a Honda.
Posted 2012-01-02 9:05 AM (#139787 - in reply to #139765) Subject: RE: generator questions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 368 Location: Georgia
I can relate being a woman who mostly travels by myself. I have two Honda 2000s that I paralell together. Light weight enough for me to handle all by myself and together they provide enough power for anything in my trailer. I originally wanted the Honda 3000 mostly because of the electric start. So glad I went with the two 2000s even though they are pull start. I would never have been able to "man" handle that 3000 but have no problems with lifting the 47lb 2000. Whatever brand, model or size you ultimately decide on, before you purchase check out the prices at www.wisesales.com. I found them to have the best deal.
Posted 2012-01-02 9:46 PM (#139805 - in reply to #139804) Subject: RE: generator questions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Lockport, Illinois
This will explain about paralleling two Honda 2000 generators..........http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=HN%2008E90%20HPK2001&utm_source=base&utm_medium=cse
Posted 2012-01-02 10:12 PM (#139806 - in reply to #139765) Subject: RE: generator questions
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
This is a good generator that will handle most A/C units, is light enough to be portable and has an excellent reputation for reliability. It's also much less expensive than two seperate generators and has a good fuel economy.
Posted 2012-01-03 6:48 AM (#139809 - in reply to #139765) Subject: RE: generator questions
Member
Posts: 35
It is well worth the money to get quiet generator. much easier to make and keep friends at the camping areas. I use a Honda 3000 and love it. It will run everything needed just fine.
Posted 2012-01-10 3:48 PM (#139936 - in reply to #139765) Subject: RE: generator questions
Elite Veteran
Posts: 736 Location: Western WA
I have a 3000 gas-powered portable Onan that I keep in my rear tack. Its enough to run everything, your biggest load is startup of the AC unit. But I can't run AC, blow dryer, and microwave all at the same time: I pick one at a time. Not due to the generator, I blow the GFI in the trailer. Generator is aftermarket and not remote start, but it is electric start so starts with the turn of a key rather than a pull cord.
Posted 2012-01-11 12:32 PM (#139956 - in reply to #139765) Subject: RE: generator questions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 385 Location: high desert, CA.
How many folks use propane as your fuel source?
My LQ has a remote start Generac that uses propane, and it is quite reliable. It is NOT economical if you can't keep extra fuel in the tanks, and with the heater, hot water, and refrigerator all being propane, I use a LOT of propane.
Posted 2012-01-11 1:39 PM (#139959 - in reply to #139765) Subject: RE: generator questions
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
Our generator is a permanently mounted gasoline 4000W Onan, with its own built in 20 gal fuel tank, remote start in the LQ. Works splendidly, exceptionally quiet, and fairly theft proof, no hauling it and out in the weather, and no need to fill the tank often....expensive but really worth it in convenience and dependability...runs the AC and microwave at the same time, have never overloaded it, we do try not to add a third high wattage appliance (hair dryer, toaster oven) to the load if 2 major things are running simultanously.
Posted 2012-01-12 8:16 AM (#139988 - in reply to #139765) Subject: RE: generator questions
Veteran
Posts: 165 Location: Western Ar
I have had excellent results with my Kipor 3000 and it has the same components as the Honda for a lot less money. The people that are running the Powerhouse generators are very happy with them. If money is not a factor it would be a Yamaha, if weight is a factor I would consider the two Honda's hooked together.
generator questions
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