[G29guy06]

I’m looking at a camper. Due to size and weight I’ll be going w/ 2K watt generators. Need more draw when AC is engaged so I’ll tandem a 2nd one in for when I need that function. Then if there’s a generator issue I also have 2.

 

[nerr]

I would get dual fuel generators though: LP/ gas

Dual fuel is great idea. If you have a BBQ grill run on propane, it's an extra fuel source to scavenge should the need arise.

 

[G29guy06]

Dual fuel is great idea. If you have a BBQ grill run on propane, it's an extra fuel source to scavenge should the need arise.

It seems from my research LP is more efficient for a generator. Also easier to keep LP on hand long term than gas. In my case as I mentioned a camper, campers can easily carry 2 propane tanks, only one can be hooked up to trailer at a time, so the 2nd take run it into the generator. If one actually has a large LP tank on their property (some people do) I would assume there’s a way to run a line for a generator.

before we sold our house on a mtn, had we stayed there long term I wanted propane on the house for stove and heat (also had a wood stove).

 

[Z71bill]

$393.81 free shipping - they don't charge sales tax - at least not when you are in Texas.

WEN GN400i RV-Ready 4000-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator, CARB Compliant

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Most really small inverter generators only have standard household type 5-20R outlets - IMHO getting a unit with a higher rated plug is worth it if it is above 2,000 watts running - this unit also has the the TT-30r outlet.

My main unit is a Honda EG2800i with a L5-30r outlet - but they now cost $1,250 + tax.

I also have an A-iPower 2000 watt (1600 running) it also has the L5-30r outlet. It starts and runs my refrigerator no problem.

 

[Deltic]

Dual fuel is great idea. If you have a BBQ grill run on propane, it's an extra fuel source to scavenge should the need arise.

IIRC a dual fuel generator will put out about 15% less power when running on propane or natural gas. This should be a factor when choosing the size of the generator.

 

[ROGER4314]

I bought a Generac 8000 watt generator after that horrible February freeze. It cost about $1000 and is electric start. For grins, I dug out my older Generac 4000 watt generator and gave it a spin. That engine fired up on the first pull and after testing the output, it's in perfect condition! It's pretty old, but it's 100% reliable. I keep run logs and maintenance records on my generators and it's very low hours. That generator cost $450-500, but it runs like a Timex! You get what you pay for!

The problem with generators is that they are seldom used and gravitate to the back of the garage or storage building where they're inaccessible. Lesson learned: The generator has a place right where it's easy to get at in the garage, now. Sure, It needs to be moved out of the way constantly, but it's easy to get to in an emergency!

The five gallon gas cans are all metal and top quality. Fresh fuel is assured, because that fuel also runs the herd of mowing equipment around here.

I bought all new power cords, extra heavy duty and long enough to keep my house running. After the generator and fuel supply, the power cords are vitally important.

Flash

 

[Z71bill]

The dual fuel gasoline and propane are nice but cost a little more $.

IMHO small propane bottles would be great for camping or casual use. When using it for emergency power you can’t “top off the tank” but you could switch over to gasoline. So nothing lost.

I have been wondering - if you have dual fuel and run on gasoline for a while- then switch over to propane at the end - do you still need to drain the gasoline out of the carburetor? Or does using propane flush the gas out for you?

 

[nitesit(+ an e)]

I have been wondering - if you have dual fuel and run on gasoline for a while- then switch over to propane at the end - do you still need to drain the gasoline out of the carburetor? Or does using propane flush the gas out for you?

No, I believe that going to propane completely bypasses the carb so any gasoline left in the bowl is going to just sit there until you either drain it or run gasoline again.

 

[Z71bill]

No, I believe that going to propane completely bypasses the carb so any gasoline left in the bowl is going to just sit there until you either drain it or run gasoline again.

Thanks

 

[IAhunter]

I bought a little Firman 2000 watt gas generator on sale for $350 from Costco last spring. At that price, I’d rather have it chained to a pine tree in the National Forest while I’m out fishing or hunting than my Honda 2200i. Thus far it has spent over a month in total powering my fifth wheel on hunting and fishing trips and it has been 100%. It’s a little bigger, heavier, and noisier than my Honda, but it is doing a great job thus far and no problems.

 

[kwo]

If getting a big one try a diesel with aggraculture fuel .

 

[nitesit(+ an e)]

A cheap 4 to 5 kw generator can allow you to run your well or AC but may be a fuel hog, this would be a good combination with the 1-or-2 kw inverter. You can run one or the other or both.

@Deltic

You may be correct. You probably are. However, my WEN 4500W gasoline generators which have 4-gal capacity fuel tanks are stated to run 13.5-hours on 50% load. That is just 1-gal per three hours of use.

Just sayin'........

 

[Daveyboy]

Check out some of the generator offerings that Harbor Freight has. I have had reliable operation from a couple of different models there. I would go with a dual fuel invertor generator so you can run it on gas or propane. It gives you some options.

For some reason I thought HF only sold gasoline generators and no dual fuel.

Guess I need to take another look... .

 

[PEC-Memphis]

That's kind of the old way of thinking. These Chinese inverters are extremely popular. They are sold 50 to 1 compared to the Honda. And 500 to 1 compared to the Yamaha. Translation? There are a LOT of these little generators floating around in America. And they work. People have thousands of hours on them.

Champion has a full parts warehouse full of parts for these things and they have all the parts. Its always been that way. They probably have the best parts distribution network of any of the Chinese generators. Plus a 3 year warranty. Plus good customer service.

If it runs fine for the first 50 hours, chances are you got a good one and there should be no reason you cant put a few thousand hours on it.

And with the price of a Champion being about 1/3 that of a Honda.... the Honda might be better, but its value certainly isn't there. You can run the Champion for years and years, throw it away, replace it with a new Champion, and still be money ahead, then buying a Honda. Heck, you can get two Champions, plus the parallel kit for less than a Honda.

I just tried to order a carburetor from the Champion website - no place to select the item, no fitment information, no pricing- then the page crashed. Maybe the parts for Champion are available - I couldn’t find out from their website. I doubt the HF (and similar) parts are.

Yamaha’s are popular for small RV’ers, and other dual fuel applications.

 

[Jump]

I just tried to order a carburetor from the Champion website - no place to select the item, no fitment information, no pricing- then the page crashed. Maybe the parts for Champion are available - I couldn’t find out from their website. I doubt the HF (and similar) parts are.

Yamaha’s are popular for small RV’ers, and other dual fuel applications.

I've ordered Champion parts from these guys. I got a carb. for one of my Champions.

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Jump

 

[Desert Kraut]

For some reason I thought HF only sold gasoline generators and no dual fuel.

Guess I need to take another look... .

I checked their website and you are correct. They no longer have the dual fuel units.

 

[Desert Kraut]

Duplicate post.

 

[Wake_jumper]

Honda is still the gold standard of generators. They will outlast the cheap ones by a huge margin and if they need parts or service, it's not a problem. But, if all you need is an occasional use backup genny, get a cheap inverter. Realize though that its money down the drain. They are worthless in the used market, A Honda will always bring top dollar.

 

[nitesit(+ an e)]

The problem with generators is that they are seldom used and gravitate to the back of the garage or storage building where they're inaccessible. Lesson learned: The generator has a place right where it's easy to get at in the garage, now. Sure, It needs to be moved out of the way constantly, but it's easy to get to in an emergency!

Very good point.

One of my 2200 Inverter generators(suitcase size) is inside my tornado storm shelter, along with many extension cords and LED floodlights and syn canned gasoline and a couple gallons of 15W-40 Diesel oil and a funnel and a wrench set. If we survive, so will it.

If the house survives a tornado, the 11,000W gen is two feet outside the storm shelter door with cords and tools and such. It will run our entire house.

 

[Z71bill]

I ran a Honda EG2800i for almost 3 straight days during the Texas freeze -

When it was over I calculated my fuel usage and I used 1 gallon for every 6 hours of operation.

I ran it all night when about the only thing it was running was the refrigerator and HVAC blower fan motor so that helped.

Still very efficient.

IMHO small efficient inverter >>>> giant gas guzzling monster.