Posted 2008-11-30 8:51 AM (#95491) Subject: Generator for living quarter
Member
Posts: 44 Location: albany, ga
I am considering purchasing a generator for my living quarter trailer because I am getting tired of paying the $200/weekend hook up fee at the horse show. I was hoping to get opinions from others that use generators as to the ease of using them and what size works best for a 12ft living quarter trailer. Also, is the noise so loud that it makes it difficult to sleep? I have looked around at the cost and think that it can pay for itself in a few shows. I realize that I will loose the luxury of having unlimited water but think that I can fill my tank and ration it out for showers. Any opinions?? Thanks for your help.
Posted 2008-11-30 9:21 AM (#95494 - in reply to #95491) Subject: RE: Generator for living quarter
Member
Posts: 32 Location: Eagle Creek,Oregon
I use an invertor generator Yamaha ef3000ise. It is very quiet you can stand next to it and carry on a conversation. There are lots of other very quiet inverter gens out there , I got mine used and the price was right, thats the only reason I am using a Yamaha. I've heard that you need at least a 3000 watt if you are going to run AC, I don't know for sure.Mine will run the AC and microwave at the same time. It weighs about 150 LBS ,so it can be a handful to wrestle out of the rear tackroom and through the gravel, but a guy could stash it in the truck bed,which I may try next season. I'd say it's nice to have the independence a genny brings,and if you camp off the grid, a genny and a highline or portable corral will take you most anywhere.As far as the noise and neighbors ...the only complaint I've heard is " I wish I had one of those suckers!"
Posted 2008-11-30 10:04 AM (#95501 - in reply to #95491) Subject: RE: Generator for living quarter
Member
Posts: 8
Location: Dayton, OHio
At campgrounds, it's considered polite to not run a generator past 10:00 P.M. so that others can get a good night sleep. Is there different etiquette at horse shows? Other than air conditioning and microwave, you should be able to run just about everything on battery power throughout the night (if you have propane heat) , then run a generator during the daytime to recharge if need be.
I have two Honda 2000 portable generators that run the most quiet. Advantage is they are portable and can be locked up easily. Disadvantage is they are more expensive, require pull start, although they fire up and pull very very easily, and need to be easily wired together (kit sold separately of course) for AC. A single 2000 runs everything but AC in my LQ trailer just fine.
Posted 2008-11-30 10:26 AM (#95504 - in reply to #95491) Subject: RE: Generator for living quarter
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
If you want to run anything in the trailer, and not worry about having to turn something else off when you turn something else on. You need at least 3000 watts.
If you have A/C running, Microwave or coffee pot and want to run your hairdryer, then you will be needing 4000 watts.
For me I was willing to turn off the A/C when ever I needed to run Microwave. With only one major appliance running at a time, I easily got by with a 2400watt Invertor generator. I got the Yamaha EF 2400is because it's 2400 watts and weighed 74 lbs. The next size up ( 3000 watt in either Honda or Yamaha) weighed 135 lbs. I can easily move a 74 lb generator. I'm not as buff as I used to be, So I don't care to struggle with the 135 pounders.
If you have a permanent location for the generator and will not have to move it. Then go the bigger units.
As mentioned the bigger units have electric start. The smaller units will require you to pull start.
Also here in the West, it's not only proper manners but usually camp ground rules to turn off the generator by 10:00 pm. Now those of you in hotter climates where A/C is greater need, may have different rules.
Generator for living quarter
