Hey Camping Gurus...

[Brenan225]

I recommend the 5000w built in Onan. Nice and quite and it will let you run the AC, Micro, toaster and coffee maker all at the same time. Thats camping!

[Rod]

don't get champion, some folks have gotten them from costco and they seems kinda crappy, they've had problems with them and even when linked couldn't run air.

Just curious, when do you have trouble with the generator and air? Is it after running for a while? I tried the champion (my Dad's) for about 10 mins and had no problem running my AC. I turned on a few lights and then the microwave and that threw the breaker. I can run my AC off 15 amp service reliably so maybe mine has a lower draw than normal? What kind of problems? Mechanical?

Thanks,
Rod

[Spinalguy]

Is there anyone out there who doesn't use either the air conditioning or microwave? If so, what size generator/inverter has worked for you? This question is aimed at what's the smallest size you could get away with.

I have a 30W solar panel that kept the single smallish 12V that came with my trailer well maintained when in a well lit place like xtinction or Crowsnest but didn't quite cut the mustard in shadier spots. But, I wouldn't have wanted to go much over 3-4 days.

I agree that I would have liked air conditioning at xtinction last year but thats the only instance where we've really wanted it and we survived. It was only insanely hot until the mother of all thunderstorms rolled in. That storm was just about enough to pick up the odd trailer and blow it away. My neighbour's awning was a casuality. I heard a few tents didn't make it.

For a quiet generator/inverter, any idea what's quiet? If the manufacturer says its quiet will it be good enough? Or, should you stick with Steve-o's advice and go for a good brand name?

Thanks,
Aaron

Aaron,
i have never run my microwave nor my AC. i did camp twice in Kooc in the summer last year and luckily my trailer has so many windows, we never even thought about the pleasure of AC. i am sure there might be a time we wished the generator we bought, that i can easily carry with one arm, and fits in very little space on my truck was able to produce more wattage, but so far so good :fingerscrossed:
i will find the model but i believe it has a peak 1600watts.
In terms of quiet. Honda, Yamaha and Cummins-Onan seem to have the most consistent reviews.

[kawasakijockey]

i bought a "hyundai" 2000 from wally mart 2 years ago for $500. we dont run microwave or A/C ever nor do we drink coffee but for running tv/dvd player for the kids at night or the bose system for music during the day or margarita maker its perfect. not super quiet but i built a wooden 4 sided box with 1" of foam to insulate that i put around it and aim the exaust outwards (also keeps the rain off) and no one can hear a thing except where the exaust is pointed.

[MtnBlue]

If you want quiet camping, do not come to a race.

[absurveyor]

I run 2 6v and a 3500 watt inverter which allows me to make coffee and toast and run the microwave in the morning without a generator. I am getting a new yamaha 2400 since my honda 2500 is too loud. Also some of the built in gensets in the toyhaulers can be quite loud, it all depends on the unit. The key to running the AC is check your owners manual. The modern units have a soft start feature which does not require the same amperage as the older units. Also extension cords reduce how much power gets to the trailer from the generator, so if you need to put it 100 feet away you may need a larger genny.

[dirtyboy]

If you want quiet camping, do not come to a race.

And if you bring a loud generator to a race, you can expect some backlash. At least I received some.

[Spinalguy]

Aaron, this is what i run...
http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/pdf/spec ... a-1503.pdf

[Bark]

Aaron, this is what i run...
http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/pdf/spec ... a-1503.pdf

Thanks, that looks like a good machine. Can't go wrong with Cummins!

[axel99]

If you like to run a long extension cord to you generator you should use a heavy guage commercial extension cord. I am under the impression, the heavier the guage the less amperage loss.

[thirtyseven]

If you like to run a long extension cord to you generator you should use a heavy guage commercial extension cord. I am under the impression, the heavier the guage the less amperage loss.

kinda inversly proportional to viagra usage...

[steve-o]

Aaron, this is what i run...
http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/pdf/spec ... a-1503.pdf

Thanks, that looks like a good machine. Can't go wrong with Cummins!

Spinal's unit is rated at 59db, but it is louder than that. Mine (p3200) is rated at 51db's, the same as the yamaha, but it seems louder than the yamaha.

The cummins Onan portable units are actually made by Robin-Subaru, the have good reviews and are made in Japan, not china like the champion 200 watt units found at costco. I have a cummins 3200 and it works well. the best and most quiet ones i have seen and HEARD in use is the yamaha ef3000ise. you can find these on sale locally, periodically. They are heavy and you would need to have a strong wife to help you lift it into your truck or build a small ramps to roll it in. If I ever bought one again it would be the yamaha. The nicest thing about hte yamaha (3000) is remote control (I believe it has this anyway) which HANDS DOWN would be an awesome feature, trust me!

[Bark]

Aaron, this is what i run...
http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/pdf/spec ... a-1503.pdf

Thanks, that looks like a good machine. Can't go wrong with Cummins!

Spinal's unit is rated at 59db, but it is louder than that. Mine (p3200) is rated at 51db's, the same as the yamaha, but it seems louder than the yamaha.

The cummins Onan portable units are actually made by Robin-Subaru, the have good reviews and are made in Japan, not china like the champion 200 watt units found at costco. I have a cummins 3200 and it works well. the best and most quiet ones i have seen and HEARD in use is the yamaha ef3000ise. you can find these on sale locally, periodically. They are heavy and you would need to have a strong wife to help you lift it into your truck or build a small ramps to roll it in. If I ever bought one again it would be the yamaha. The nicest thing about hte yamaha (3000) is remote control (I believe it has this anyway) which HANDS DOWN would be an awesome feature, trust me!

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. The Yamaha units are definitely not inexpensive.

Cheers,
Aaron

[250mark1]

If you happen to be going to the states Costco sells 6volt batteries in the USA for 85.00 each ad you can get get honda generators the EU 2000 inverters are about 900 dollars vs. 13-1500 here in Canada

[Spinalguy]

This now available at costco.ca Remote start. Free delivery. There is a much bigger one too with 200 off, just look at the ones to the right of this link
http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.asp ... CA&topnav=