Posted 2012-03-08 8:09 AM (#141802) Subject: What Size & Brand Generator
Regular
Posts: 68 Location: West Tennessee
All - hoping you can help. I have a "regular" (read: noisy) generator. It is a 5000 that runs all the stuff in my trailer just fine. If I were going to go with a Honda or Yahama (open to recommendations on brands!), what size would I need? I run lights, refrigerator, water pump, AC, and the occasional hair dryer and I always turn OFF the AC to do that. Opinions welcomed!
Posted 2012-03-08 10:32 AM (#141806 - in reply to #141802) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Honda makes a whisper quite EU6500 model that you can pretty much run everything w/o interrupting or shutting anything off to run something else. This unit has it's own wheel kit and handle bars for ease of moving. It is an investment, but if you lose power at your house or farm, this unit will look very like a wise investment.
Posted 2012-03-08 4:18 PM (#141824 - in reply to #141802) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350 Location: Penrose, Colorado
we have a 4000 wt. champion RV that was purchased at tracor supply for under $400 that does just fine, it has an hour meter and it shows around 500 hours and so far no problems with it.
Posted 2012-03-08 4:40 PM (#141827 - in reply to #141824) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by kooner on 2012-03-08 4:18 PM
we have a 4000 wt. champion RV that was purchased at tracor supply for under $400 that does just fine, it has an hour meter and it shows around 500 hours and so far no problems with it.
And that Champion (68db) is probably three times as loud as the Honda or Yamaha Inverter generator (53-59db).
Posted 2012-03-08 6:15 PM (#141832 - in reply to #141802) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
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Posts: 350 Location: Penrose, Colorado
if you put it next to a honda etc. I can see no difference, and we have done that , say what you like but there are cheaper generators out there that seem to do the job as well without spending alot more money.
Posted 2012-03-08 7:42 PM (#141838 - in reply to #141802) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
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Posts: 489
I have two Honda EU2000 that I run in parallel (4000 watts) that can run my ac, microwave, fan on the horses, etc. I agree that the EU6500 is an awesome generator and can run everything you need with power left over but keep in mind it is a big generator that is going to take two people to load and unload.
Posted 2012-03-08 11:38 PM (#141842 - in reply to #141802) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
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Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
if you put it next to a honda etc. I can see no difference, and we have done that , say what you like but there are cheaper generators out there that seem to do the job as well without spending alot more money.
Some time ago we discussed using less expensive non inverter generators, that worked quite well but were noisy. For about ~$50 or less, better mufflers can be installed, which rules out about the only objection others have, when these generators are used. There are many sources for quieter mufflers, some are screw in replacements, others may take a bit of imagineering.
Other than perhaps critical space requirements, there really is no reason why these various generators can't be made to run much quieter, with the addition of larger, better built after market mufflers. The OEM muffler examples of the less expensive generators, are in themselves, inexpensive examples of basic noise abatement. Many quality examples are available, that won't assult your hearing.
Posted 2012-03-09 6:43 AM (#141847 - in reply to #141842) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
Member
Posts: 17
Location: Loveland, OH
Originally written by gard on 2012-03-08 11:38 PM
if you put it next to a honda etc. I can see no difference, and we have done that , say what you like but there are cheaper generators out there that seem to do the job as well without spending alot more money.
Some time ago we discussed using less expensive non inverter generators, that worked quite well but were noisy. For about ~$50 or less, better mufflers can be installed, which rules out about the only objection others have, when these generators are used. There are many sources for quieter mufflers, some are screw in replacements, others may take a bit of imagineering.
Other than perhaps critical space requirements, there really is no reason why these various generators can't be made to run much quieter, with the addition of larger, better built after market mufflers. The OEM muffler examples of the less expensive generators, are in themselves, inexpensive examples of basic noise abatement. Many quality examples are available, that won't assult your hearing.
I have never found any generator that is quieter than my Honda EU3000. You can put a muffler on a non-inverter generator and it will still be louder than the EU3000 because the mechanical moving parts are still much louder. I'm not sure who found a $400 generator that is as quiet as an EU3000. I would love to hear it.
To the OP, it sounds like noise is a concern. That being the case, a Honda EU3000is will be your friend. It costs $1850 though, so that quiet will be expensive. Yamaha has a 2800 watt version that is just as nice (has a boost mode where it uses the electric start battery to cover short duration surges). I used the EU3000 to run my 31ft travel trailer without problems. Just can't run the ac and hair dryer at the same time. The 6500 is nice, but that is even more money and it weighs a ton. Not that the EU3000 is light (150 lbs with fuel).
Posted 2012-03-09 7:57 AM (#141850 - in reply to #141842) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
Regular
Posts: 68 Location: West Tennessee
Originally written by gard on 2012-03-08 11:38 PM
if you put it next to a honda etc. I can see no difference, and we have done that , say what you like but there are cheaper generators out there that seem to do the job as well without spending alot more money.
Some time ago we discussed using less expensive non inverter generators, that worked quite well but were noisy. For about ~$50 or less, better mufflers can be installed, which rules out about the only objection others have, when these generators are used. There are many sources for quieter mufflers, some are screw in replacements, others may take a bit of imagineering.
Other than perhaps critical space requirements, there really is no reason why these various generators can't be made to run much quieter, with the addition of larger, better built after market mufflers. The OEM muffler examples of the less expensive generators, are in themselves, inexpensive examples of basic noise abatement. Many quality examples are available, that won't assult your hearing.
Gard, this is VERY helpful info...I will check into what's available for my particular model. I certainly don't mind the generator. We've got a box we place over it when we store it in the trailer so it doesn't get banged around and my daughter and I have no problem with moving it - the only issue is the noise. Honestly, it gets embarrassing as we feel we need to park way away from everyone so we down drown out their conversations!
Posted 2012-03-09 8:09 AM (#141851 - in reply to #141847) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
Regular
Posts: 68 Location: West Tennessee
Tom, This is helpful info. I don't know that the 6500 is in the budget, but one of my questions was what size could I get in a Honda model that would give me the power I currently am getting with a much louder Home Depot type generator. Sounds like the one you mention would be what I'm looking at. Thanks for the info!
Posted 2012-03-09 8:20 AM (#141853 - in reply to #141851) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
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Posts: 489
Originally written by barrelrunner66 on 2012-03-09 8:09 AM
Tom, This is helpful info. I don't know that the 6500 is in the budget, but one of my questions was what size could I get in a Honda model that would give me the power I currently am getting with a much louder Home Depot type generator. Sounds like the one you mention would be what I'm looking at. Thanks for the info!
You have a couple of choices, you could get a 3000 which is a great generator, you can get a remote start, and it runs quiet. In my opinion the only downside is that it is a bit heavy. If you could chain it in a pickup bed or put it in the rear of a trailer with a ramp it would be best but in reality it is probably going to be a two person job to use this. The other option is what I have, 2 Honda EU2000 generators which can run in parallel (hooked togeather), the are easy for one person to carry and in my case if I am not going to need the AC then I only need to use 1...if I need the AC I get out the second. Another think to consider is resale, look for a used 2000 or 3000 and you will find they loose little value over time.
Posted 2012-03-09 1:33 PM (#141865 - in reply to #141802) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
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Posts: 104
How much does the onan pictured above cost? I have a Honda 3000 and like everything about it except loading and unloading it. My trailer is wired for a generator but does not have one.
Posted 2012-03-09 6:04 PM (#141872 - in reply to #141865) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by ND COWBOY on 2012-03-09 1:33 PM
How much does the onan pictured above cost? I have a Honda 3000 and like everything about it except loading and unloading it. My trailer is wired for a generator but does not have one.
I'm guessing somewhere between $2500.00 and $3000.00 for the generator.... Then you got to add fuel tank, installation and get it all wired up and running properly...
Posted 2012-03-09 10:05 PM (#141886 - in reply to #141865) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
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Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by ND COWBOY on 2012-03-09 1:33 PM
How much does the onan pictured above cost? I have a Honda 3000 and like everything about it except loading and unloading it. My trailer is wired for a generator but does not have one.
Posted 2012-03-11 10:26 PM (#141957 - in reply to #141865) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
We have the Onan 4000 Microquiet permanently installed and it does do a superb quiet, powerful job. Can run the AC and microwave at same time (just don't add the 1850 W super blow dryer to all that) and we cannot recommend it enough.
Posted 2012-03-12 7:49 PM (#142013 - in reply to #141802) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
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Posts: 2955 Location: North Carolina
I have a Honda EU3000i It IS a big bear to pick up! But that's an advantage for me. I load it into the bed of the P/U with the trctor and secure it with a bike lock. It stays in the truck for the whole trip. I do park the truck away from the trailer and connect with the same extension cord used for hook-up sites. Carbon Monoxide is always something to be aware of.
Posted 2012-03-12 8:44 PM (#142014 - in reply to #141802) Subject: RE: What Size & Brand Generator
Regular
Posts: 96 Location: Grapeland, Texas
I have an Onan propane generator that is mounted in the back of my truck and is wired so the plug is at the back of the bed and he wired it so I could start it from inside. It is a 5500 or 5000 can't remember which but it's quiet and runs everything and then some. But...it was cheap.
What Size & Brand Generator
