Generators

[WinterSmith]

Hi,<br><br>I'm trying to plan out how I will have power in my van. Basically, I need a power supply mostly to make food (using a microwave or small hot plate). Not being mechanically gifted, it seems that a generator will fit the bill for my needs. Not being super rich though, I also would rather not have to lay out more than $500. I noticed a number of models on Amazon that put out about 2000 - 4000 W, have two normal outlets from which small appliances can be run, and produce a sound of about 60 decibels. They cost under $300. Does ayone have an opinion if such models are a good buy or are they "pennywise and pound foolish"?&nbsp; The models I have in mind are DuroStar, Champion, WEN and All America Power. The negative reviews of these products on Amazon give me the impression that there are a small percentage that don't work, and that sometimes they do not handle large draws very well. <br><br>Not quite sure how all of this translates to my situation. Interested in any experiences or advice on this matter anyone would like to share with me.<br><br>TIA,<br>Wintersmith<br>

 

[Wild_E]

if you do a search you will find two or three other threads on Generators, they have some great info.<div><br></div><div>Also some charts on power consumption and what you need to have regarding batteries and size of generator etc</div>

 

[VanTrekker]

<p style="margin: 0px;">I gotta second that... You really do get what you pay for.&nbsp; I scrimped on a few things but felt the generator was one place not to.&nbsp; If you can swing it, I'd go Honda or Yamaha - sorry, that's probably not what you're wanting to hear.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I have&nbsp;several friends in&nbsp;our morning&nbsp;"coffee club"&nbsp;that bought Harbor Freight and [I believe] Honeywell&nbsp;generators.&nbsp; The only one happy was the guy that bought a used Yamaha at the pawn shop and it&nbsp;worked well.&nbsp;&nbsp;The guys&nbsp;were complaining and regretted not getting the higher priced generator.&nbsp; I've never run into anyone yet who had a negative comment about the Honda.&nbsp; I'm&nbsp;an&nbsp;El Cheapo kind of guy but am glad that this time I bit the bullet and spent the dough.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Otherwise, I was tempted.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a crap shoot though.&nbsp; If you get a bum unit&nbsp;it will be difficult to&nbsp;have serviced.&nbsp; I bought the&nbsp;Honda from a good local dealer and got a heckuva&nbsp;price.&nbsp; (He's also about 1 mile from the favorite fishing hole which doesn't hurt a bit!)....</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Proceed with caution.&nbsp; It sounds like you're doing plenty of research.&nbsp; That's good... &nbsp;If I got a less expensive model I did see some $600 ones that looked tempting, according to the reviews.</p>

 

[Les H]

I bought a reconditioned "stormmate " ( by Coleman) at lowe's for $550 several years ago. 5.5-6 kw, it could power an entire house or construction site, but at 200+ lbs, it was all I could do to lift it onto my hitch mounted cargo carrier. And, it was loud. You couldn't hold a normal level conversation within 25-30 ft. And did I mention it was loud and heavy?...
I have since found a 2000 w Coleman " campmate". Weighs about 50 lbs, and is a bit quieter. $449 new at home depot, no gas/oil mixing , but it's still essentially a lawnmower engine.
Generac, Honda and yamaha are basically the caddilacs of the camping and boating world. Yes, they are more costly up front than the cheaper ones you listed, but you can talk 5' from them, they have legendary preformance and fuel economy, and you can link 2 or more together if you need more wattage. My next one will be one of the three that I listed.

 

[WinterSmith]

Being a total newbie, I first want to thank VanTrekker, Sparky1, and WildernessReturn for their replies. <br><br>I guess, a second, but maybe more important question is: do I want to use a generator? Most of them are gas powered, which means they emit fumes (maybe the CARB certified ones don't emit as much, but it seems they must emit some), and they do make noise (which in an urban environment is a big no-no).<br><br>My impression is that most people don't use a generator, but rather a battery as their main power supply. I read the article on this website on batteries, and a good deep cell battery originally seemed like the ticket. However, when I came to the part about how you have to run wires to the alternator and all to recharge it, I knew I wouldn't be able to do this on my own.<br><br>Maybe I'm just better off going to my mechanic, telling him what I want to do and pay a few extra bucks to have him set the battery (and recharging) system up.<br><br>I'd appreciate any insights/suggestions fromthose who have been a bit further down the road than I might have.<br><br>Thank-you,<br>Wintersmith<br>

 

[VanTrekker]

<p style="margin: 0px;">If you're camping in an urban area, even the quiet generator will likely make too much noise, unfortunately.&nbsp; They are quiet but sound a little like a motorcycle idling.&nbsp; If you put a healthy load on the Honda, it will rev up, too.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">The deep cycle battery hooked to the alternator is a great way to charge if you drive the vehicle regularly.&nbsp; Where mine sits most of the time, I went with a solar panel on the roof to avoid using much shore power.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Will&nbsp;you doing much driving?&nbsp; If so, the alternator setup might work well for you.&nbsp;A generator would also work if you can get to a place away from people and do some charging.&nbsp; I use a mix of solar, generator, and shore power.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I guess it mostly depends on where you will be parking, how much you will be driving, and the amount of current you will need per day.&nbsp; There are notes here and on others' blogs (including mine)&nbsp;to estimate your daily current&nbsp;usage, how big your batteries need to be, and how much you will need to charge the deep cycle...</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Definitely do not run a generator inside.&nbsp; The fumes can overcome a person very quickly.&nbsp; </p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Keep asking lots of questions.&nbsp; They are many helpful,&nbsp;experienced&nbsp;people here (they even let people like me in here too) and the group is growing all the time...&nbsp; Have fun!</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>

 

[WinterSmith]

Hi VanTrekker,<br><br>Thanks for the information. Based on the fact that I'll be driving on a regular basis and that I'll be living in an urban environment, what you said pretty much confirms what I was thinking (that a battery is the way to go). I'll check out your blog and just keep digging. I have about 7 weeks before I have to make the leap, so I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row.<br><br>Although this is a bit OT, I am really happy I came across this group. I have been looking forward to having more freedom and a simpler life for sometime now, and hearing from other people who are van dwelling reinforces the concept that it can be done and it's not a crazy idea <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/crazy.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0">. I have a feeling that Van dwelling is the way for me at this point in my life and look forward to being part of this community.<br><br>Best regards,<br>Wintersmith<br>

 

[drakelouis29]

i think the amazon battery of 2000-4000w is enough. i am telling you this because i am itself using amazon battery since 4 years from now. and it has never made me sad. atleast i am quite satisfied. don't worry go for it. <br>

 

[MK7]

I have a Harbor Freight 900w generator that was $80 on sale and with a coupon. It's great for what it is. It's 2-cycle so you have to mix in oil. I've only used it to keep the refrigerator and a few other appliances going when the power went out. I can hear it through the sliding glass door. It's like leaving an average sized lawnmower on. It was running for over 5 hours and the gas tank wasn't even close to empty (holds less than 1 gal). <br><br>I can't imagine camping in a van or even in the woods with this thing on for more than 10 minutes though. Neighbors will hate you and you'll go crazy. <br><br>Stealth camping, forget it. Once in a while, it might be ok if you use it for 5-10 minutes at a time to cook something in the microwave.&nbsp; Maybe as emergency power to recharge your batteries. However, it needs to warm up a few minutes before you load it heavy with something like a microwave, very small microwave (like 600-700w only). This guy is using a comparable $80 genny at the 1:00 mark&nbsp;&nbsp; <br><br>Best bet though is an $800-1000 Honda generator like an EU2000i.&nbsp; At the end of this video, he shows how quiet it is 20ft away.<br><br>But if you can't swing $1000, then $80-100 may do for a while. Personally, I think this is a must have for emergencies. Along with deep cycle batteries, upgraded alternator, power inverter, etc. Then save up for a decent solar setup.<br>