portable generator, which one ?

[zzman]

Been looking to get a generator for the travel trailer. #ad

The one I like is the 4000w Generac. Saw one at Home Depot
for $700. Anybody have an opinion on this one?
It states it will run for 8 to 10 hrs on a tank [7 gals] I think.
I like the type engine, overhead valve and the oil filter.
Never had one before so I'm looking to you guys for some
opinions. What is a GOOD generator anyhow? #ad

I'd appreciate any responses you guys could give, thanks. #ad

I'm calling in my marking with Uncle Sam, #ad
#ad

when he sends me my money I'll be ready.


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97 3500 SLT REDext cab duelly p/u 5sp 3:54 2wd 245/75R16
3" straight exhaust stock torque plate slid full foward star wheel tweeked
105,000 miles still with plenty of ZOOM... ZOOM... ZOOM

RON Z

 

[RonaldLarson]

Have a friend who is a contractor. He bought the same generator, with a Tecumseh engine. First day on the job, it blew the spark plug clear off the head. Back to home depot, got a new replacement. Put it on the job and it had no power. Took it back and got a Honda. More money, but they work.
Ron

 

[LSMITH]

Get a generator with a Honda or a Yamaha engine on it. It will start when you want it to and will outlast everything else. They are also very quiet and easier on gas than the rest of them.

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99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S SPA Boost/EGT Everything but leather NRA Member Great Lakes TDR Member

 

[arlan]

Ron,

I bought a Generac 4000XL ( I think the XL stands for Xtra Loud} and it was so loud that I could not bring myself to operate it if there was another camper within a quarter of a mile. They are, at best a construction generator. So it sits in my garage with about 5 hours on it. I replaced it with a Honda 3000 inverter generator that serves my purposes very well. My main want was a generator that could run my roof air and it is whisper quiet. This generator runs an average of about 23 hours on a tank of gas, 3 1/2 gallons. I would be happy to see the Generac for say $300. 00 plus shipping, but I wouldn't have the faintest idea how to ship it with no container.

Arlan

 

[Iceman1]

Like Ol Ron was saying, I would stay away from the Tecumseh engines. I haven't seen a good one yet that was easy to start after some use. I prefer the Briggs Industrial or Honda but there is quite a price difference in the two. Most setups will have the low oil shut down. With the 4000 watt it should have an output of 33 amps at 120 volts at two 15 amp breakers. With the 5000 watt it should equal 41 amps that can handle two 20 amp breakers. All depends on the load you are going to have. On the 5th wheel we have 30 amp entrance so the 20 amp output is a bit weak. If the "WIFE" turns on too many things that require AC that exceeds to 20 Amp breaker on the generator guess who goes out to reset the breaker. I wish there was a way to combine the two 20 amp breakers into a 40 amp service. Maybe somebody can give me an idea on that. There have been a couple of bad storms that knock power out for a couple days. We were glad to have the bigger unit to run the fridge and freezers. Our unit does run 8 to 14 hours. Just depends on the load. Hope this helps. Once ya get one its just another one of those toys that finds numerous uses. Have a good day.....

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1997 3500 SLT, Ext cab, 5spd, TST #11, GV Aux Trans, BD exhaust, Kelderman Air Ride, 60 Gallon fuel tank, Clifford Security, Reese 20k 4way 5th wheel hitch, Boost/EGT gauges, K&N air filter, Rancho RS9000 shocks, Brush Guard, DZee full length running boards.

 

[illflem]

You can't beat a Honda powered generator. I lucked out and found a 5kw one in the classifieds that had fallen out the back of a contractors pickup, the cage was a little bent, but it always starts on the first pull, even after sitting all winter- $100.

 

[BIG BOB]

If you want a generator that will take a beating and keep on generating, it's ONAN! They are a division of Cummins.

I have a PRO-5000 (5KW) with electric start that has worked flawlessly. They have a higher surge level that most other generators. Their motors have spin on oil filters also just like a cars.

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[This message has been edited by BIG BOB (edited 03-31-2001). ]

 

[zzman]

Well lets see here now, Honda seems to get the most votes.
Tecumseh is a bad dream, Generac doesn't come with ear plugs,
Onan is always dependable, I think my funds will have to lead the way.
Momma thinks it will take bout $700. Soooo,
Whats yall think I could get with that?
The trailer has a 30 amp 120 volt plug.
We can run everything in it with that.
That will probably be the only time we use it. [camping]
Planning a 9 day Elk hunt in Colorado the last week of Aug.
Will have one then for sure. I thought that Generac looked good,
but what I'm hearing don't know now. My neighbor has some kind of a Generac. When
it runs it is not real loud but I can hear it.
I think I'll take another look at those Hondas. Don't some of
them have Briggs engines?

Thanks fellas,
Arlan, I'd buy that one for 300.
Illflem !! I'll give you 300 for yours. #ad


Cal. too far, Wa. too, if you guys just seem to pass thru Texas
on you way to the store or something, holler at me #ad
#ad

Ron

 

[PRout]

The Generac is WAY too loud. Im with the riceburner boys on this one.

Love the Honda EU3000. Its very quiet. Can hold a normal conversation with the thing sitting next to you. Runs the A/C in the trailer just fine. Also will run the microwave at the same time, but that is pushing it to max.

Don't know if it has the output for your needs, but it sure is a keeper. Electric start too. Pretty expensive.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I have a 6500 watt Generac from Home Depot. I think it has an 11 horse Generac engine. First off, I had gift certificates from a work incentive so that is why I came to buy from the Depot and the Generac 6500 and 10k were the largest they had. Have it about three or four years now.

It is LOUD,true. Starts on the first pull everytime no matter how cold. The only problem that I have had is I had to turn up the idle as it was stalling when I called for power. (It automatically idles down) I need to have that looked at sometime. I have a transfer switch wired to my house for use when the grid goes down. Longest I ever had it running was about a day.

 

[illflem]

Looked in a generator catalog I have, the prices are high, but good for comparison, for a 5kw-pull start;

B&S-$600
Honda-$1600
Onan-$2200
Another case of you get what you pay for.

Anyone try any of the one cylinder diesel generators now available? They look to be very efficient and the prices aren't half bad.

 

[Bill Stockard]

I have a Generac 4000XL and have had it over a year for standby power to run our water pumps when the electricity goes off and for running my electric tools around the farm. It has about 30 hours on it. Yes, it makes more noise than the Onan on my Lance camper, but it does an excellent job for what I want to use it for. Like QRTRHRS said it has always started on the first pull on the starter no matter how hot or cold.

By the way it has a Generac 7. 8 HP engine built in the USA--overhead valves, oil pump and spin on oil filter. I bought it as a "refurbished" unit which was really a return from the Y2K scare last year--it had never been cranked up.

Bill

 

[QRTRHRS]

I missed the travel trailer part the first time I read Ron Z's post. I agree that you want the quietest generator you can find for that application. Been there, heard that!

Also wanted to add that a friend has one of those VW diesel generators for his farm backup. 13kw I believe. He is real happy with that one.

 

[John_P]

zzman:

I live down here in "Hurricane Alley, N. C. "
Having used generators in the last four
(4) hurricanes (i. e. : Bertha, Fran, Bonnie,
and Floyd) I can tell you that my Honda
and Kawasaki generators have performed
FLAWLESSLY. They both have been run for
hours stopping only long enough to refuel
them and check the oil. They are not the
cheapest out there, but they are quiet and
VERY DEPENDABLE!

--------
John_P

 

[The patriot]

illflem, I like the idea of a diesel generator, but most seem to have a "no-name" brand engine.
I'd like a Yanmar marine unit, water cooled. About 8-10 KW. Wish I could find a used one reasonable. I'm in the boonies (for new jersey) and we lose power about once every 3 weeks in the summer.
The local wholsale club has a 5KW (6. 5 KW peak) with a generac engine (?) for $499. They've been there forever, cant get rid of them. Does anybody have one with a Generac engine??
Eric

 

[zzman]

O man, this generator stuff, maybe selling tha TENT was a bad idea.

Anyone out there have a 4000 watt
Honda to sell for $700 #ad


Momma won't budge off 700. #ad


I could get the Generac and the muffler off mommas car #ad

Na, then she'd wanna drive BIG RED.


Thanks guys, be checking the sales for awhile.

 

[illflem]

zzman, just keep your eyes on the classifieds for awhile, it took me about 6 months to find mine and I was prepared to spend much more. There were tons of used ones around after Y2K came and went, maybe with the economy slowing folks will start selling their extra stuff soon. Might also check e-bay, although freight may a killer.

 

[Bill Stockard]

That's right, Apple Guy. Mine was from Home Depot that someone had bought for the Y2K scare, returned it, and I paid less than $500 for it. There are bargins out there for those who wait and look around.

Bill

 

[illflem]

Doc, a simple way I've seen folks quiet down a generator is to connect flexible exhaust tubing to the muffler then run it into a bucket of water. Works great and you also get hot water out of the deal.

 

[Iceman1]

I like that idea. Wonder if there is a patent on that. That gives me an idea of building a gallon size box and locate it on the generator.

Doc, can this be another CO2 application... .