How Much Generator?

[Randy Marlowe]

I would like to buy a small generator for my 27' fifth wheel. I don't want enough power to run the AC, just a couple of lights and maybe the radio. I would appreciate recommendations on what wattage generator to buy.

RM

[becks]

Many use a Honda 2000.

[chiefneon]

Howdy!

Honda 2000 if you decide your want to are need more power later you can add another 2000 to it. The other would be Yamaha 2400 and depending on the size of you air conditioner you may be able to run it with the 2400. You can also add another to the 2400 for more power when needed.

"Happy Trails"
chiefneon

[davydee]

RM, get the quiet version David

[FatDog]

can't say enough good things about our Honda eu2000i gen,
but if truly all you wanted to do was 'run a couple lites and maybe a radio' i think that honda also has a Eu1000i,
don't know how much (if at all) it is cheaper or lighter then the 2000

[Paul R. Haller]

With as little power as you are asking for why not invest in a larger battery string, a 3000 watt inverter, and a very small generator just large enough to recharge your batteries after each night? A Yamaha 1000 could easily cover then what you need with the cost savings over buying a 3000 watt Honda. The big + of a good Honda 3000 is that it is quiet, powers down when not pulling its rated load saving fuel,and you can run your AC all day or all night on about 2 gallons of gasoline.
Paul R. Haller

[Blue74]

Would have to agree with the Yamaha 1000.

I have had one since 1993 and used it a lot when I had my 24’ Kropf Limited and spent the summer in Alaska and Canada and the winters in the deserts of Arizona. Would power the microwave at 70% power just have to make sure nothing else was on. Still have it in the underbelly of the Alfa and have used it to charge the batteries in the desert using an automotive charger, would not power the charger built into the Alfa.

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

I'm also really happy with my Honda EU2000. It is quiet, reliable, and will idle down when on light load and use very little fuel.

It will run the converter/charger, and a fair size DVD/TV combo.

As a plus, if you do decide later to want to run the AC, as noted above two of them can be plugged together- for a cost similar to an EU3000 but easier to carry.

Honda does make an EU1000, but the EU2000 is a bit more bang for the buck.

Mine would actually start and run the small AC on the smaller toy hauler I had without a dip in voltage, as long as everything including the converter was off and you turn off the econo-throttle. I never ran it like that, other than briefly while watching the volt meter as an experiment.

[Randy Marlowe]

Thank you all. Looks lie the Honda 2000 is almost the unanimous choice.

RM

[Ray,IN]

Honda is a respected and reliable manufacturer. There are other options if you wish to investigate these manufacturers look here: http://www.bottomlinetrading.com/DL3300Si.html
and here: http://www.bottomlinetrading.com/BOLIY.html.
I own and use a Boliy PRO3600SI genset with great satisfaction. If you read the specs, both of these units compare favorably to the Honda 2000/3000 inverter series gensets, and cost less.

[Jody & Jeff]

We have 2 Honda EU2000i's paralleled together we have in the trucks toolbox.
Since we live in HOT So. Fla, we need 2 genny's when running everything,
cause that a/c does not go off during the summer months!

Jo

We've had 2 generators now probably 3 years and no problems!

[gearman]

I have had a Honda EU2000 since they came out. Very quiet, 47 lbs dry, runs 12 hour on 1 gallon of fuel. It will run everything in our 5th except the A/C, we just need to parallel another honda for that.

In case you don't know, you can hook up any of the EU series together to get more power, they don't have to be the same. ex; 1000 and 1000, can hook up a EU1000 and EU2000.

RM, by the sound of it a EU1000 may work for you, but it would not hurt to go a little bigger if camping at higher elevation, you will lose 3-5% efficiency for every 1000 ft elevation gain over 3000 ft. Bigger is also a benefit when wife wants to run hair drier that is rated 1500 watts.

As far as sizing a gen set, you need to add up everything you want/need to run at one time (add up watts, that is). If you go with a little 2000 watt honda, 2000 is peak wattage, 1600 continuous.
If we want to run the 1000 watt microwave, we have to shut off the water heater, when done with micro, we can turn on waterheater.

I can not say enough good about the Honda. I use around the house, boat, RV, lot at the lake, ect... Handy unit.

[RVinMeMo]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Honda is a respected and reliable manufacturer. There are other options if you wish to investigate these manufacturers look here: http://www.bottomlinetrading.com/DL3300Si.html
and here: http://www.bottomlinetrading.com/BOLIY.html.
I own and use a Boliy PRO3600SI genset with great satisfaction. If you read the specs, both of these units compare favorably to the Honda 2000/3000 inverter series gensets, and cost less.

Ray, thanks for the recommendation. I just ordered the PRO 3600SI! Though I have a 4500 generator we were limited to only using it in empty campgrounds

[NYMoose "Lenny"]

You are selling yourself short if you dont look at the Yamaha as well.