Portable Generators

[HamboneTHW]

So, long story short, just rode a hurricane out in our fifth wheel in south TX. Lost power and we now see the need to have something.

I am wondering what everyone’s thoughts are on what we actually need. We have a 42’ Columbus. Initially I was looking at a single generator set up, but those are heavy beasts for the wife and I to lift into the back of a truck.

I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot with not enough power, but I am looking at (2) 3500 Starting/3200 Running Inverter Generators in parallel. Thoughts on being able to run the residential fridge and both AC units on that set up? Are Inverter Generators a necessity?

Interested to hear everyone’s take. Thanks in advance.

[twinboat]

Inverter generators are not nessessery but probably 10 times quieter.

If doubling up 2 generators, be sure that the double up outlet is a 50 amp type.

[paul65k]

Originally Posted by HamboneTHW

So, long story short, just rode a hurricane out in our fifth wheel in south TX. Lost power and we now see the need to have something.

I am wondering what everyone’s thoughts are on what we actually need. We have a 42’ Columbus. Initially I was looking at a single generator set up, but those are heavy beasts for the wife and I to lift into the back of a truck.

I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot with not enough power, but I am looking at (2) 3500 Starting/3200 Running Inverter Generators in parallel. Thoughts on being able to run the residential fridge and both AC units on that set up? Are Inverter Generators a necessity?

Interested to hear everyone’s take. Thanks in advance.

First of all......INVERTER GENERATORS ARE A NECESSITY!!! Open generators are crazy noisy, regardless of brand. Inverter generators also will run at a lower speed based on load, not true with open or construction generators.

The best bang for the buck is a 3500W unit that can be paralleled with a second unit. In reality you will probably be able to run most things, residential refer and one AC unit on a single 3500W and the second unit will allow you to run a second AC unit and will the parallel kit it will feed both legs of your coach (separately) although this is still only 7000W vs the 12K you get with a true 50A connection.

We had a 34' the wheel that we ran with a single 3200W inverter generator and we could even run a 2nd AC unit if we removed other loads (Microwave, HWH) and never had a need for a 2nd unit, but in your case you might want to look at two with a parallel kit

[Hit_the_Rhod]

Best bang for the buck, Consumer Reports rated it almost equal to the Honda EU3000, dinged it for the hard plastic wheels (easily replaced), and $1,300 CHEAPER than the Honda. Coming from a guy who's had two Honda's for almost 10 years. Oh, and there is a parallel kit available if you want/need to gang two together . . .

https://www.harborfreight.com/3500-w...tor-63584.html

[Bob_C]

If you went with 2 3500 Predators, you'll need a pigtail adaptor with 2 30 amp to 1 50 amp plug....and they weigh 100 lbs each....easy to push up a ramp.....

[JollyCamper]

My experience is with the 2000 predator, and it was an awesome unit! From the things I have seen, the 3500 Predator comes highly recommended. Since you are looking at something for use in case of emergencies, I would just start with 1 if it were me. You can always go and buy a second unit if you find you need it. Just using the 30 amp pigtail adaptor would probably be the easiest and least expensive option. As far as requiring an inverter generator, yes if you plan to parallel multiple units. One thing my friend does with his Predator 2000 that I would recommend, he only runs "engineered" fuel in it...as in the canned stuff that is like $14 a gallon. He doesn't use the generator much, so it does not burn much fuel, and it starts every time he needs it. For something that will not run very much, it may be worth the added fuel expense to know it will start when you need it.

[HamboneTHW]

Originally Posted by JollyCamper

My experience is with the 2000 predator, and it was an awesome unit! From the things I have seen, the 3500 Predator comes highly recommended. Since you are looking at something for use in case of emergencies, I would just start with 1 if it were me. You can always go and buy a second unit if you find you need it. Just using the 30 amp pigtail adaptor would probably be the easiest and least expensive option. As far as requiring an inverter generator, yes if you plan to parallel multiple units. One thing my friend does with his Predator 2000 that I would recommend, he only runs "engineered" fuel in it...as in the canned stuff that is like $14 a gallon. He doesn't use the generator much, so it does not burn much fuel, and it starts every time he needs it. For something that will not run very much, it may be worth the added fuel expense to know it will start when you need it.

Yes, I’m a little torn on buying two, but being in South TX, we need both our ACs. It was quite warm with only 1 AC. I plan to start them and put them under load once every 4-6 weeks to ensure they are ready to go, as well as utilize fuel stabilizer.

[Bob_C]

You can also buy a remote start/stop for the3500.....mine works great....

[HamboneTHW]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

You can also buy a remote start/stop for the3500.....mine works great....

Bob, do you have the Predator?

Thanks in advance.

[Bob_C]

Yes I do....

[happy2rv]

I have the Northern Tools Powerhouse 3500 surge/3000 continuous. I believe it is the same generator as the HF Predator. It appears to be an exact duplicate in blue instead of red. I've had it about 8-9 months and have been very happy with it. I haven't used it under heavy load for an extended period of time, but have used it several hours here and there. I run it under load for 10-15 minutes once a month.



Northern Tools has the 50A parallel kit for that generator too. For some reason it didn't show up searching for parallel kit, but the part number, 51123, is referenced on the generator listing on their web site and if you search for the part number it comes up.



One of the advantages of NT is that their stores have actual service people that work on their small engine equipment in store. They also offer a protection plan that covers damage from mishaps as well as failures. I haven't needed the protection plan, but I bought it because I got a screaming deal on a sale they had last year.

[BCam]

Honda used to be the only game in town when it came to high quality, quiet generators but it's clear this has changed.

I agree that you should stay away from noisy, open frame generators.

Independent of brand, you need to decide how much weight you want to lift. And, remember, hefting one in a store is a lot different that lifting one in and out of your truck every day (the same goes for outboard motors). This is highly dependent on your age as well.

In my case, although I'm still pretty strong at 73, I'd opt for two paralleled Honda EU2200i generators (or their equivalents) based on my experience with my EU2000i.

[HamboneTHW]

Originally Posted by BCam

Honda used to be the only game in town when it came to high quality, quiet generators but it's clear this has changed.

I agree that you should stay away from noisy, open frame generators.

Independent of brand, you need to decide how much weight you want to lift. And, remember, hefting one in a store is a lot different that lifting one in and out of your truck every day (the same goes for outboard motors). This is highly dependent on your age as well.

In my case, although I'm still pretty strong at 73, I'd opt for two paralleled Honda EU2200i generators (or their equivalents) based on my experience with my EU2000i.

I don’t disagree, but I believe that while Honda makes a great product, they are severely overpriced. I think with this size of coach, I’m going to need more than that. I think two of the Predator 3500’s will be tight the way we use the rig. Two 15K BTU ACs, a residential fridge, and the mini fridge outside. It would be amazing to be somewhere that we didn’t need the ACs, but I have to plan that I need them both based on the majority of where we travel.

[HamboneTHW]

Originally Posted by happy2rv

I have the Northern Tools Powerhouse 3500 surge/3000 continuous. I believe it is the same generator as the HF Predator. It appears to be an exact duplicate in blue instead of red. I've had it about 8-9 months and have been very happy with it. I haven't used it under heavy load for an extended period of time, but have used it several hours here and there. I run it under load for 10-15 minutes once a month.



Northern Tools has the 50A parallel kit for that generator too. For some reason it didn't show up searching for parallel kit, but the part number, 51123, is referenced on the generator listing on their web site and if you search for the part number it comes up.



One of the advantages of NT is that their stores have actual service people that work on their small engine equipment in store. They also offer a protection plan that covers damage from mishaps as well as failures. I haven't needed the protection plan, but I bought it because I got a screaming deal on a sale they had last year.

Thanks. I can find Predators brand new between $400-$500 in my area quite easy. If I did anything different, it would be Champion’s 3400/3100 Dual Fuel Inverter Generator.

I really like Honda and Onan makes a 4500/3700 that I would really like, but they aren’t cheap either. For what I would use them for, it’s hard to justify spending double what I can get a Predator for.

I’m sure they are very similar, but there seems to be much more in the line of positive reviews for the Predator.