Posted 2008-08-04 11:26 AM (#88971) Subject: Buy a generator?
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
We recently got our first LQ trailer (July 3rd). Since owning it, we have gone on 3 trips. Once we did primitive (no hookups available), twice we paid for hookups (one was $35 for the weekend, the other $45).Now we are planning several other trips, one of them is a large 5 day event where the hookup fee for the 5 days is $105. We only have a small fridge, some lights and a TV to run. NO AC yet (maybe next year). Should I buy a generator? I can get a 3500 watt generator for $300 new. I will have spent almost that much in hookup fees in the next two months. Or should I buy a cheap little one- a 1000 watt generator is only $189. Not sure if 1K watts will power the fridge though. Our TV is powered by a laptop, so no worries there- can recharge it when nothing else is running.I am looking on craigslist for used generators, but haven't found anything yet.Cheers!~K
Posted 2008-08-04 12:08 PM (#88976 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
Besides the noise, another issue is having enough gas to run it all the time and most places don't allow generators running at night. Does your fridge run on propane? If so, leave it on that and your battery can handle the lights, but not the TV.
Posted 2008-08-04 12:21 PM (#88977 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Regular
Posts: 51 Location: Edwards Ms
have camped primitive with a generator and found that the amount of money for gas to power it all weekend versus paying for a hookup is usually about the same....give me the hookup any day.
Posted 2008-08-04 12:32 PM (#88978 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
As mentioned most places don't allow a generator at night. With out A/C you probably won't run a generator at night.
Don't most hooks ups also come with WATER and Sewer connections in addition to power. you may want the hook more for the water than the power. 30 gals or so in the fresh water doesn't offer many showers.
Cheaper generators don't produce the "clean power" that more expensived genset do. This is not a big deal when running a drill or skill saw. But clean power is manditory of modern electronics like computers, cell phones, microwaves and TV's. (Clean power = how pure the sine wave is) In order to get clean power you usually have to purchase a generator with an invertor built in.
The more expensive generators offer quite operation (usually around 53-54 decibels) Clean power and better fuel consumption
I have never used a hookup. We always primative camp. I leave my fridge on the propane. I use my generator to run my microwave, a little George Forman grill to cook meat on, my daughters bring DVD players and laptop computers, and occassionaly recharge the trailer batteries. The Microwave and grill need 2000 watt generator. Everything else would run just fine off a 1000 watt.
For you I would look at what the future holds. You don't want to have to purchase a new generator when you add A/C, So get at least a 2400 watt unit. A 3000 watt unit is better. But for the difference in cost, maybe you could consider the small cheap unit as disposible and not worry about it's worth when you unprade later.
Posted 2008-08-04 1:58 PM (#88984 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
I would not worry about it if my fridge were propane, but it is 120 only.As we do not have A/C and the laptop can run for 5 hours without power I think a generator will be easier and cheaper- run it in the AM and PM to keep the fridge cold for a couple hours. We have a big cooler that we keep most of the food in, the fridge is usually just stocked with pop and beer. Our trailer has an external grill that runs off of propane-Need to get a propane fridge! :-)The Honda clone 2000W generator I have been looking at claims ~68DB noise and only costs $299. There are others- we will not be running it late at night so I think that the amount used vs. the cost of the really quite ones will be a fine trade-off. We only do events, no camping yet- believe me there are always a ton of LOUD generators running. I can see why with the price of hookups. $100 for a 5 day event... We do not have H2O in our weekender so that is a non-issue. I have a 15 gallon tank for a cowboy shower, but so far every place we have stayed at has had showers @ the arena.
Posted 2008-08-04 3:50 PM (#88986 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Veteran
Posts: 150 Location: Farmville, VA
I saved for two years to buy my Honda generator. My fan makes more noise than the generator. It was well worth the wait! Everyone is amazed at what little noise it puts out and great on fuel as well! Good luck! Dont buy cheap, you'll end up replacing it!
Posted 2008-08-04 5:29 PM (#88998 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 317 Location: Barnesville, Ga.
I agree. If you buy one buy a really good one. No one wants to camp next to someone with a generator that sounds like a lawnmower. I vote for Onan generators because that is what I have had on my last two trailers; I know a lot of people can't spend that much for a generator but I do think you can shop wisely and spend a little extra for something that will last a long time and be very enjoyable for you, your horses and your fellow campers. It's one of those extra that I never knew how great it was until I had one. I use it often now and love the convenience of being able to power up my LQ wherever. Good Luck with your shopping..
Posted 2008-08-04 6:10 PM (#89001 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Veteran
Posts: 274 Location: MO in woods
Pay out money and buy QUALITY HONDA you'll never be sorry.Cheaper generators will be just that cheap and NOISY......Honda can run fridge or light or in case of power outage at home also.You'll find them very useful in many ways/places.
Posted 2008-08-04 7:27 PM (#89009 - in reply to #89007) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Kinston, NC
Honda EU3000 works great to sit in the back of the truck, $1850 for generator and all adapters and cords. We use Generac generators (with remote start) as the on-board, about $5k plus an alum hayrack.
Posted 2008-08-05 7:20 AM (#89037 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
any idea how much the 3000W honda quiet generators weigh? I am thinking of buying one, but would have to bring it each time in the back of the truck, then move it away from the trailer to run it.
I'm not sure I can carry it myself even though I'm fairly strong for a woman due to all the years of lifting bags of grain & bales of hay.
I don't want to give up the space in the rear tack to install it, and I'm not sure there's enough room under the GN to install it & gas tank.
Posted 2008-08-05 9:21 AM (#89044 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Veteran
Posts: 150 Location: Farmville, VA
Not sure about the Honda 3000, but I am able to move the fully encased EU2000i modle by myself (5.7, size 8) with ease and you wont need to move it from your truck while in use. They are that quiet! You will be amaized! My 10 year old thinks it's the best thing since sliced bread! If he gets stuck going with me to a show, he's got a fan, tv, gaming system, etc. to keep him happy too! I was able to buy mine used from a local dealer and they even extended the warenty. Again, good luck in your choices and don't buy a cheap one!
Posted 2008-08-05 9:52 AM (#89049 - in reply to #89044) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Regular
Posts: 97 Location: Kansas
Originally written by barntoys4mom on 2008-08-05 9:21 AM
Not sure about the Honda 3000, but I am able to move the fully encased EU2000i modle by myself (5.7, size 8) with ease and you wont need to move it from your truck while in use. They are that quiet! You will be amaized! My 10 year old thinks it's the best thing since sliced bread! If he gets stuck going with me to a show, he's got a fan, tv, gaming system, etc. to keep him happy too! I was able to buy mine used from a local dealer and they even extended the warenty. Again, good luck in your choices and don't buy a cheap one!
Ditto on the EU2000! I bought one last year. It IS the best thing since sliced bread. I can carry it myself and it is quiet. It ran our house fridge, lights, and television during the big ice storm last Decemeber! I have a small window type AC unit in my weekender. It runs that without a hitch as well as the microwave. I highly recommend a Honda Inverter unit. I bought mine on ebay for a decent price. You can also buy two of the 2000 units plus a kit that hooks them together for twice the power. (easier to move 2 small units vs one large unit).
Posted 2008-08-05 10:31 AM (#89052 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Veteran
Posts: 150 Location: Farmville, VA
Another thing to consider is that an "EU" type unit, wither it be a Honda, Orion, Yamaha, etc. is designed to provide a consistant current for high end electronics such as a laptop, digital flat screen tvs, etc. You don't want these items hooked up to a cheap unit of any type. They fluctuate in their power supply while operating, thus can cause problems with your other toys or appliances.
Posted 2008-08-05 6:32 PM (#89078 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Veteran
Posts: 212 Location: novinger, mo
We have an EU Honda 3000ES. Best thing we ever bought. Since it does weigh more than we can lift we just put it in the bed of the truck with the tractor bucket. It weighs 134#. We can easily push it around once in the truck. It runs everything including the AC. We do not run the AC and microwave at the same time.
In your case, you might want to buy a Honda 2000 for now and then get a 2nd one when you install A/C. They can be hooked together.
DO NOT get a cheap loud one...your neighbors will kill you.
Posted 2008-08-05 8:34 PM (#89088 - in reply to #89037) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Veteran
Posts: 164 Location: Delaware
Why would you have to move it out of the back of the truck? The A/C unit is louder than the Honda inverter generator. I would leave it in the truck bed. I borrowed one 2 weeks ago and it fit in my saddle area. All I had to do was leave the door open while it was running for air circulation. It didn't vibrate and people came over amazed that you couldn't here it for the roof A/C running.
Posted 2008-08-05 8:55 PM (#89091 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
Our trailer has a 4000 Onan Microquiet in the rear tack. It has an insulated cover, with appropriate air intake and fan exhaust vents. It is exceptionally quiet, and can be run with the rear tack closed and locked. Has a 20 gal fuel tank in the under manger storage area, and remote start from the LQ..... works wonderfully well. Perhaps you can get a high quality genset now, and later have it installed in a similar manner....
Posted 2008-08-05 10:00 PM (#89094 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Location: KY
A couple of years ago we got a Kipor 3000 for under a $1000 incl shipping.
Bought a Honda last year for the house.
Both are quiet enough to satisfy federal park rules.
Found the Kipor on the web.
Posted 2008-08-06 7:11 AM (#89105 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
I currently have an 1850W generator which will run the microwave, but not the AC. It's not real loud, but not as quiet as the real nice Honda's or Onans. I've always move it away from the trailer due to noise, safety, and the exhaust.
If it's safe to keep it in the truck bed, that works well and I could get the nicer model. Should it be in the front part of the truck bed, away from the GN?
Posted 2008-08-06 7:19 AM (#89107 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
I run my Yamaha EF3000iseB in the truck bed. I make sure the exhaust is pointed down wind and away from the trailer. Most of the time the truck and trailer are unhitched, so its just a matter of where to park the truck. I carry 150' of 30 amp cable so I can park it most anywhere.
Posted 2008-08-06 8:01 AM (#89110 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 406 Location: Minneapolis, MN
I got my Yamaha EF2400iS...picked it over the EU2000 Honda for the reports that it would start and run a 13.5k BTU AC unit......Which I'm happy to report it does.
It has a Db range of 53-58 depending on load, weighs 74lbs and shipped to my door for $1095.00.
Posted 2008-08-06 8:03 AM (#89111 - in reply to #88971) Subject: RE: Buy a generator?
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
One of the reason I chose the Yamaha EF2400 over the Honda EU3000 was that it only weighs 70 lbs vs 130 lbs. Yes it only puts out 2400 watts vs 3000 watts. But that is enough to run my trailer, if I'm carefull about what I run at the same time. And I mostly leave it in the pick up bed when I'm camping.
Buy a generator?
