Equipped To Survive Equipped To Survive® Presents
The Survival Forum
Where do you want to go on ETS?

Page 1 of 2 1 2 >
Topic Options
#236102 - 11/22/11 05:48 AM Generators
StevenJ Offline
Stranger

Registered: 11/21/11
Posts: 3
Loc: California
This is my virgin post. I am in the process of purchasing a Pleasure Way Traverse (Ford 250 van converted to pop top camper) I want to purchase a generator. I am looking at a 2000 watt. I have seen a few different models. One being sold out of a container behind a body shop Chinese built. However I have a friend that has a Honda and is very happy. Other models are less expensive but I am inclined to purchase the Honda for quiet and reliable. Thoughts on Generators??
_________________________
Steven J

Top
#236109 - 11/22/11 07:11 AM Re: Generators [Re: StevenJ]
dweste Offline
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 02/16/08
Posts: 2463
Loc: Central California
Sorry I do not speak generator, but welcome aboard!

Top
#236111 - 11/22/11 08:19 AM Re: Generators [Re: StevenJ]
dweste Offline
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 02/16/08
Posts: 2463
Loc: Central California
It might be helpful to know something about the requirements of the vehicle electric system. Are there any warranty considerations? What electrical items do you want to power? Does the manufacturer have any suggestions or cautions?

Sorry, I do not know enough to suggest more specific parameters to look for that might indicate a good-better-best generator solution.

Top
#236113 - 11/22/11 09:33 AM Re: Generators [Re: StevenJ]
hikermor Offline
Geezer in Chief
Geezer

Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
Honda has a great reputation for quiet and reliable. It sounds like a better bet than a no name.
_________________________
Geezer in Chief

Top
#236116 - 11/22/11 11:58 AM Re: Generators [Re: hikermor]
Paul810 Offline
Veteran

Registered: 03/02/03
Posts: 1428
Loc: NJ, USA
Honda generators are expensive, but they are excellent. You really can't go wrong with them. Especially if you want something as quiet and reliable as possible. Honda generators also put out a very pure sine wave, important for sensitive electronics (like computers).

Another good option is an off-brand generator with a Honda engine. It's not going to be as good as a 100% Honda generator (or as quiet), but in my experience they at least tend to be reliable. I wouldn't trust them to run sensitive electronics though.

Top
#236118 - 11/22/11 12:49 PM Re: Generators [Re: StevenJ]
bws48 Offline
Old Hand

Registered: 08/18/07
Posts: 831
Loc: Anne Arundel County, Maryland
I also have heard great things about Honda generators.

I have a Coleman 2KW generator that I have been using for about 12 years. Heavy, Noisy, but never a problem. The key is regular maintenance and proper storage. Usually proper storage revolves around not storing it fueled and frequent oil changes. Whatever brand you decided on, follow the maker's instructions as to storage, oil changes etc. There are many treads here about generators, and one recently devoted to generator maintenance; the search function should bring them up.

Good Luck and welcome!
_________________________
"Better is the enemy of good enough."

Top
#236120 - 11/22/11 02:35 PM Re: Generators [Re: StevenJ]
chaosmagnet Offline
Sheriff
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 12/03/09
Posts: 3819
Loc: USA
Welcome aboard!

My CERT has a Honda EU2000i. It sees a lot of use with our highway department when we're not using it. It's lightweight, relatively quiet, puts out clean power and is very fuel-efficient. If you won't be running a load bigger than its capacity, it's hard to come up with anything that might be better.

As bws48 says, maintenance is key. Read the manual and follow its instructions rigorously. And please don't run it indoors.

Top
#236125 - 11/22/11 04:53 PM Re: Generators [Re: StevenJ]
KenK Offline
"Be Prepared"
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 06/26/04
Posts: 2208
Loc: NE Wisconsin
One bit of advice I've received regarding keeping a generator running well is to use Stabil all the time, AND to start it up and let it run for a good long time on a monthly basis (I do it at the end/beginning of every month).

After being without electricity for almost a full week last summer I purchased an ETQ 7250 Watt (30 AMP) generator from the local Home Depot. It was almost surely made in China. It had the option of installing a battery to use an on-board starter. Finding a battery was a bit of a pain - the web was helpful for that. The instructions for installing it was really poor, but I took a guess based upon the provided battery harness and it worked fine. Have to say I LOVE the electric start feature. So far, so good.

BTW, the thing is a beast. Heavy. It took two beefy people to put it in my truck and to get it back out. It rolls around on large pneumatic wheels and has a large handle to pull/push, but if I have to roll it very far its work. It came with a metal coat hanger looking thing that hooks onto the frame and lets me lift it with my tractor's front end loader, but I haven't used it ... yet. Keep the weight and portability in mind when you buy.

The generator has a feature that auto-controls the engine speed based upon the electrical demand. This feature can save a ton of fuel AND can keep the noise level down. Make sure your generator has that feature.

A good friend of mine bought a generator with a Honeywell label and an engine by Honda label. It looks AMAZINGLY like my ETQ generator. Even looking at the shape of the engine block, the engine oil port, the engine mounts, the frame, etc ... The electrical outlets were different though - I like the ones on my ETQ better.

One last thought ... generators tend to be pretty loud - loud enough to anger the typical camper if running too much.

Good luck on your search!

Top
#236128 - 11/22/11 05:20 PM Re: Generators [Re: StevenJ]
StevenJ Offline
Stranger

Registered: 11/21/11
Posts: 3
Loc: California
Thanks all for the great ideas and the welcome. I am going to go with the Honda. Thanks too for the reminder about careful maintenance. Keeping my equipment in good condition is a priority.
_________________________
Steven J

Top
#236137 - 11/22/11 06:08 PM Re: Generators [Re: StevenJ]
Outdoor_Quest Offline
Enthusiast

Registered: 08/17/09
Posts: 305
Loc: Central Oregon
I have the Honda 20001.

I keep the gas fresh and the oil clean. A new plug every year.

It works great and is quiet.

Blake

www.outdoorquest.biz

Top
Page 1 of 2 1 2 >



Moderator:  Alan_Romania, Blast, chaosmagnet, cliff 
March
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Who's Online
2 registered (NAro, Ren), 444 Guests and 27 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
GallenR, Jeebo, NicholasMarshall, Yadav, BenFoakes
5367 Registered Users
Newest Posts
What did you do today to prepare?
by dougwalkabout
03/27/24 11:21 PM
Zippo Butane Inserts
by dougwalkabout
03/27/24 11:11 PM
Question about a "Backyard Mutitool"
by Ren
03/17/24 01:00 AM
Problem in my WhatsApp configuration
by Chisel
03/09/24 01:55 PM
New Madrid Seismic Zone
by Jeanette_Isabelle
03/04/24 02:44 PM
EDC Reduction
by EchoingLaugh
03/02/24 04:12 PM
Newest Images
Tiny knife / wrench
Handmade knives
2"x2" Glass Signal Mirror, Retroreflective Mesh
Trade School Tool Kit
My Pocket Kit
Glossary
Test

WARNING & DISCLAIMER: SELECT AND USE OUTDOORS AND SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND TECHNIQUES AT YOUR OWN RISK. Information posted on this forum is not reviewed for accuracy and may not be reliable, use at your own risk. Please review the full WARNING & DISCLAIMER about information on this site.