Power Generators

[Hoserpoppasmurf]

Anybody know something about power generators. We have a 5th wheel and looking for a power generator. We dry camp away from the maddening crowd, but need to recharge batteries every 3-4 days. Also once in a while it is nice to crank up A/C to cool down unit to get to sleep. Wouldn't mind being able to work power tools from time to time to help son-in-law at farm. I figure a 4,000 watt unit will do. The range of models is staggering. Honda has best rep. but seems very costly. I don't need really clean power as I can use invertor for few occassions where I need a bit of clean power. Looked at some odd ball names for around here- Robin with Subarou engine, Kabota, Honda, lots with Briggs. A little bewildering. What can you recommend, or what should I look for? Thanks a bunch.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Power Generators

I don't know your budget, but for your situation the cheapest one you can find will probably do you quite well. Often the cheapest ones are Coleman's with a flathead Briggs engine. Not as fuel efficient as the newer OHV models, but they still use very little fuel. The cheapest B&S engine will easily last 1000 hours running if well maintained. Homelite is also a good, relatively cheap brand. I suggest you look at northerntool.com, they have quite a few generators and everything they sell is pretty cheap. As for me, I just make my own...

 

[Terry H]

Re: Power Generators

I surely wouldn't skimp on a generator. You can't do better than Honda, and I would highly recommend them. I would also buy as large a one as is practical, you never know when you may need a little extra juice to run some extra gear. If you buy a bargain basement unit you will likely not use it much, mostly because it won't be working good for long. I'm not in the generator business but my neighbor is, they supply and mantain backup power to hospitals, markets, and are now starting to retail quality generators for non comercial users, and he is saying that Honda makes the best small sized units by far. I'm not selling honda, just relaying the advice of someone that knows...just a thought

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Power Generators

Take a look at the Kawasaki. It has a Kawasaki engine and the Honda generator. Mine is a 4300 watt and has been a good one. It has the same features as the Honda, but is considerably cheaper [not cheap, but cheaper]. BTW, I bought it at the Honda generator dealer.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Power Generators

Ya...the Kawasaki is a good generator...I would also go for that one...another thought

 

[ratracer]

Re: Power Generators

The Hondas have an excellent reputation for a reason. <br /><br />My understanding is that Kawasaki has discontinued sales of their generator line in the US, all that is available is leftover stock. <br /><br />Since you'll be using this generator while camping, you'll also want to seriously consider the amount of noise the generator makes. Even though it sounds as though you don't usually have other campers nearby, having to listen to a generator drone even when you're sitting inside with the windows closed gets old fast. You'll have to weigh the amount of noise you can tolerate against the amount of power you need and the size of your wallet. <br /><br />About the quietest generators are the Honda EX/EU line.<br /><br />I have a small Yamaha, my cousins have Hondas. They're all barely noticable when they're running.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Power Generators

... if you are looking for more rv info...<br />have you tried www.rv.net ? they have an RV forum that is pretty equal to what you get here on iboats, very helpfull, and quite a bit of people.

 

[Hoserpoppasmurf]

Re: Power Generators

Thanks all for your considered opinions. I understand Honda is or will be, cutting off importing into Canada at least, all of their lawn and stationary power products. I went looking for a Honda lawn tractor this spring and the Honda dealers are all scrambling; and that was their story. You can buy a Honda engine powering some one else's assembly, but Honda lawn tractors (& mowers I was told) are no more. It has to do with the value of the dollar vs. Yen. Probably why Kawisaki is doing similar; though John Deer is using the Kawi engine in their upper lines of lawn tractors. I'll check out rv.net for more info. Just firing up the old Merc 115 in line 6 and going holidaying. Goin to beat up on some kokanee and troll the grand kids around the lake. Thanks all.