Posted 2009-03-25 6:09 AM (#102034) Subject: Generators
Veteran
Posts: 112 Location: Bow, NH
Okay, I know there have been several generator discussions over the years but I am interested in the latest thoughts. I just took the plunge and ordered my new trailer and am now thinking about a generator for it. I can't afford the tiny on board ones so it will probably ride in the 1st stall on a 3 horse slant load and be unloaded to use. Anyway, thoughts on minimum size, noise levels, etc......??
Posted 2009-03-25 7:01 AM (#102036 - in reply to #102034) Subject: RE: Generators
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Click on the "SEARCH" feature at the top left of the page and type in "GENERATOR" or "GENERATORS"...... Read those posts over the past 365 days, that should answer most of your questions.
Posted 2009-03-25 8:30 AM (#102043 - in reply to #102034) Subject: RE: Generators
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
This Yamaha has enough capacity to run an A/C, light enough to move about by one person, and much less expensive and lighter than two coupled Honda units.
Posted 2009-03-25 9:47 AM (#102047 - in reply to #102043) Subject: RE: Generators
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by gard on 2009-03-25 9:30 AM
This Yamaha has enough capacity to run an A/C, light enough to move about by one person, and much less expensive and lighter than two coupled Honda units.
Posted 2009-03-25 10:27 AM (#102053 - in reply to #102034) Subject: RE: Generators
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Look at the difference in run times. Smaller gas tank. Similar weights, the newer one is quieter. Both are portable and compact, with good outputs.
Problem is, if your present generator is like most Yamaha products, you and I will both be long gone before it gives up. We have to want to replace the older units, not need to.
Posted 2009-03-25 3:21 PM (#102076 - in reply to #102034) Subject: RE: Generators
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
CUMMINS/ONAN P4300ie! I just bought one a month ago after looking at Honda, Yamaha and even the on board units! My local RV dealer that carries Yamaha actually talked me into the Cummins/Onan.
More power and CHEAPER PRICE! You can get the on ebay for around $1499. plus shipping. I bought mine direct from Southern Plains Cummins in Arlington, Texas since they are right here close to me I just picked it up and saved the shipping cost.
We have a 3 horse Sundowner with a full stud wall, I set the gen in the first stall (for now) and open the escape door when I turn it on. This thing is HALF of the noise level as the Onan Microquiet we had before!
BEST $1036. I EVER SPENT!
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Posted 2009-03-25 4:24 PM (#102089 - in reply to #102034) Subject: RE: Generators
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714 Location: Minnesota
Two weeks ago I walked into the local Honda dealer with the intent of buying a 2000eu. We liked the portability of the 2000eu. We had decided that we could get by with that size, since we had only used our AC three times in the last four years. Well, he told me he had a used 3000eu that had 60 hours on he would sell me for $1000. Went home and we debated it. No way would I be able to lift 148# out of the trailer. Ended up buying it, put a wheel kit on one side, and am building a ramp to get it out of the first stall easier. Maybe I'll even put it in the back of the truck, but I got 1000 more watts for the price of the 2000eu.
Forgot to mention that I have a 6000 watt noise machine at home if the elec. goes out.
Posted 2009-03-25 4:28 PM (#102090 - in reply to #102034) Subject: RE: Generators
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 368 Location: Georgia
I too would love to purchase either the Honda or the Yamaha but just can't swing the price. I look on Ebay every once in a while to see if I can snag a used one but even the used ones are pricey. I saw this brand...never heard of it, can't find any bad reviews...only found 1 review of this specific model and they had just purchased it so still don't know if it will last.
If that link does not work, it is a Magna 3300 with remote electric start. The one thing I did notice in comparison to the Honda and Yamaha is that it is rated slightly higher for noise but not much.
Has anyone ever even heard of the "Magna" brand?
Thanks.
The item is still there ...guess the link just does not work.
Posted 2009-03-25 5:07 PM (#102094 - in reply to #102034) Subject: RE: Generators
Veteran
Posts: 112 Location: Bow, NH
Thanks for all of the input!! I figure I can muscle 160# (with a wheel package) into my trailer but would like smaller. I'll look at everything everyone has suggested. I've been looking at some Northern Tool units that have Honda engines. Guess I better wait for the actual trailer to show up before I buy a generator for it...lol
Posted 2009-03-25 10:16 PM (#102107 - in reply to #102094) Subject: RE: Generators
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Check out the CUMMINS/ONAN P4300ie, they have more power than the Honda EU3000, cheaper price and the wheel kit is STANDARD EQUIPMENT, not an added charge!
I was more interested in having a generator with an electric start than I was worried about the 163#. The smaller Yamaha's I looked at was all pull start and much higher price.
With it in the first stall (for now) I can roll it to the back of the trailer if needed. Working on the frame work to install it in/under the front tool box on my truck.
Bottom line is with the electric start the better half is HAPPY! If she's not happy, nobody's happy!
Posted 2009-03-26 10:53 AM (#102145 - in reply to #102034) Subject: RE: Generators
Regular
Posts: 81
Hogtown, how long does your generator run on a tank of gas?? We have I believe that same generator and a tank of gas doesn't last very long with ours. With the AC running it won't run all night long, it runs out of gas. Its kind of a pain in the butt. I was thinking of selling ours. It came "free" with the new 4Star trailer we just bought. But so far I'm not liking it LOL
Posted 2009-03-26 8:20 PM (#102181 - in reply to #102034) Subject: RE: Generators
Regular
Posts: 93 Location: Southern Indiana
I own a ten year old Honda 3000 inverter. It has provided many years of quiet, dependable service. Really appreciate the ECO throttle. This setting allows the unit to produce the amount of electricity as needed. Doesn't work as a High or Low setting. Pretty ingenious machine.......and one satisfied customer.......Hope you end as happy with whatever you purchase!!! Paul
Posted 2009-03-26 10:10 PM (#102193 - in reply to #102145) Subject: RE: Generators
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Not sure yet, still cool weather here and I have only had it just over a week or so.... I do know the P4300ie model has only been out a little over a year or so.
I do know that I can run it on power saver mode with the a/c, tv, refrig all on at the same time. I do have to turn off the power saver mode to run the mirco with the above items on. We used a friends Honda before I made my mine up to buy this one and it would not run all the itmes above at one time and they have to fill it up when using the a/c overnight. I think most of them are only good for about 7 hours or so.
Posted 2009-03-27 10:25 AM (#102217 - in reply to #102034) Subject: RE: Generators
Member
Posts: 45
Gard, I like the weight and size of the Yamaha that you recommended. How hard is it to pull start if you know? I have had a LQ trailer for two years now and would like to look into getting a generator and always read the comments on this forum about generators. I really appreciate the advice that I get from all of you on this forum.
Generators
and am now thinking about a generator for it. I can't afford the tiny on board ones so it will probably ride in the 1st stall on a 3 horse slant load and be unloaded to use. Anyway, thoughts on minimum size, noise levels, etc......?? 
