Portable Generator for Camper
 

Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 9, 12:35*pm, DaveS wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Dave,
There are lots of good small motor driven portable generators out
there (Honda generators are well regarded), but they are all loud. If
this is for your set up on the wheat farm, you may want to look at
wind and/or solar solutions. You couldn't find a much better location
for these power sources. There are getting to be lots of setups
developed for smaller applications such as you are envisioning.

Bob Weinberger

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 13:22:24 -0800 (PST), Bob
wrote:

On Jan 9, 12:35*pm, DaveS wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Dave,
There are lots of good small motor driven portable generators out
there (Honda generators are well regarded), but they are all loud. If
this is for your set up on the wheat farm, you may want to look at
wind and/or solar solutions. You couldn't find a much better location
for these power sources. There are getting to be lots of setups
developed for smaller applications such as you are envisioning.

Bob Weinberger

Actually, the Honda gensets I've been around (only 3 so far) have been
pretty quiet, when compared to other brands. I could actually stand
within 5 or 6 feet and hold a conversation w/o having to raise my
voice.

There's another, a 4KW unit sold by Tractor Supply, that's quieter
than the run-of-the-mill genset, but it's a bunch louder than the
Honda.

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 13:22:24 -0800 (PST), Bob
wrote:

On Jan 9, 12:35*pm, DaveS wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Dave,
There are lots of good small motor driven portable generators out
there (Honda generators are well regarded), but they are all loud. If
this is for your set up on the wheat farm, you may want to look at
wind and/or solar solutions. You couldn't find a much better location
for these power sources. There are getting to be lots of setups
developed for smaller applications such as you are envisioning.

Bob Weinberger


I can vouch for the Hondas
It is loud
We bought it 12 yrs ahgo wwhen we moved West
It has been used for quite a few hrs on buliding sites as I have
loaned it to a few select & careful friends
No problems w it whatsoever.

It has also increased quite a bit in a re-sale -- enough to easily
recover our cost in buying it & more.
We will of ocourse not sell it.o

Fred

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 9, 1:22*pm, Bob wrote:
On Jan 9, 12:35*pm, DaveS wrote:

Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Dave,
There are lots of good small motor driven portable generators out
there (Honda generators are well regarded), but they are all loud. If
this is for your set up on the wheat farm, you may want to look at
wind and/or solar solutions. *You couldn't find a much better location
for these power sources. There are getting to be lots of setups
developed for smaller applications such as you are envisioning.

Bob Weinberger

Actually have/am considering solar. Most difficult issue so far is put
up/take down requirements for the affordable set ups ive looked at
that would produce 300-800 watts. Ive been surprised at how well a
little cheap solar trickle charger extends my marine battery.

Last year i looked into bringing 110 service down from the industrial
line that feeds the irrigation pumps w/ a new and separate meter. With
a panel on the pole and some outlets I could reach the range of
locations I needed. However Pacific power wanted $5K for one pole and
Im not ready to designate a site.

So . . . I figure maybe a small generator might fit the mix until im
ready to make some other decisions etc..

Dave

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 9, 1:29*pm, wrote:
On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 13:22:24 -0800 (PST), Bob
wrote:





On Jan 9, 12:35 pm, DaveS wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Dave,
There are lots of good small motor driven portable generators out
there (Honda generators are well regarded), but they are all loud. If
this is for your set up on the wheat farm, you may want to look at
wind and/or solar solutions. *You couldn't find a much better location
for these power sources. There are getting to be lots of setups
developed for smaller applications such as you are envisioning.

Bob Weinberger

Actually, the Honda gensets I've been around (only 3 so far) have been
pretty quiet, when compared to other brands. *I could actually stand
within 5 or 6 feet and hold a conversation w/o having to raise my
voice.

There's another, a 4KW unit sold by Tractor Supply, that's quieter
than the run-of-the-mill genset, but it's a bunch louder than the
Honda.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Anybody have experience with the 2000 or 3000 portable Honda
generators?

Dave

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On 1/9/2011 5:10 PM, DaveS wrote:
On Jan 9, 1:29 pm, wrote:
On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 13:22:24 -0800 (PST),
wrote:





On Jan 9, 12:35 pm, wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Dave,
There are lots of good small motor driven portable generators out
there (Honda generators are well regarded), but they are all loud. If
this is for your set up on the wheat farm, you may want to look at
wind and/or solar solutions. You couldn't find a much better location
for these power sources. There are getting to be lots of setups
developed for smaller applications such as you are envisioning.

Bob Weinberger

Actually, the Honda gensets I've been around (only 3 so far) have been
pretty quiet, when compared to other brands. I could actually stand
within 5 or 6 feet and hold a conversation w/o having to raise my
voice.

There's another, a 4KW unit sold by Tractor Supply, that's quieter
than the run-of-the-mill genset, but it's a bunch louder than the
Honda.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Anybody have experience with the 2000 or 3000 portable Honda
generators?

Dave

i have experience with a honda generator...just can't remember if it was
danl's or asadi/john baker's. in each case, i went to sleep before
either was cut off. quiet, relatively light weight.

jeff

Portable Generator for Camper
 

"DaveS" wrote in message
...
On Jan 9, 1:22 pm, Bob wrote:
On Jan 9, 12:35 pm, DaveS wrote:

Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Dave,
There are lots of good small motor driven portable generators out
there (Honda generators are well regarded), but they are all loud. If
this is for your set up on the wheat farm, you may want to look at
wind and/or solar solutions. You couldn't find a much better location
for these power sources. There are getting to be lots of setups
developed for smaller applications such as you are envisioning.

Bob Weinberger

Actually have/am considering solar. Most difficult issue so far is put
up/take down requirements for the affordable set ups ive looked at
that would produce 300-800 watts. Ive been surprised at how well a
little cheap solar trickle charger extends my marine battery.

Last year i looked into bringing 110 service down from the industrial
line that feeds the irrigation pumps w/ a new and separate meter. With
a panel on the pole and some outlets I could reach the range of
locations I needed. However Pacific power wanted $5K for one pole and
Im not ready to designate a site.

So . . . I figure maybe a small generator might fit the mix until im
ready to make some other decisions etc..

Dave

The Honda's are probably the quietest and most reliable gernerator made, but
you pay for it. I have a Yamaha EF2400is that is almost as quiet as the
Honda 2000. If noise isn't a huge concern, the chinese are making some
pretty good generators, such as the Champions. Check out Northern Tool.
They sell a cheap one that has gotten good reviews too.

All the generators usually have the db noise rating listed.

Good info here http://mayberrys.com/honda/generator...ngenerator.htm

and here
http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect....neratorsdirect

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ory_generators

Go over to rec.outdoors.rv-travel and ask and you will get more info than
you want

Portable Generator for Camper
 

Dave Grant wrote:
"DaveS" wrote in message
...
On Jan 9, 1:22 pm, Bob wrote:
On Jan 9, 12:35 pm, DaveS wrote:

Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.
Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?
Dave,
There are lots of good small motor driven portable generators out
there (Honda generators are well regarded), but they are all loud. If
this is for your set up on the wheat farm, you may want to look at
wind and/or solar solutions. You couldn't find a much better location
for these power sources. There are getting to be lots of setups
developed for smaller applications such as you are envisioning.

Bob Weinberger

Actually have/am considering solar. Most difficult issue so far is put
up/take down requirements for the affordable set ups ive looked at
that would produce 300-800 watts. Ive been surprised at how well a
little cheap solar trickle charger extends my marine battery.

Last year i looked into bringing 110 service down from the industrial
line that feeds the irrigation pumps w/ a new and separate meter. With
a panel on the pole and some outlets I could reach the range of
locations I needed. However Pacific power wanted $5K for one pole and
Im not ready to designate a site.

So . . . I figure maybe a small generator might fit the mix until im
ready to make some other decisions etc..

Dave

The Honda's are probably the quietest and most reliable gernerator made, but
you pay for it. I have a Yamaha EF2400is that is almost as quiet as the
Honda 2000. If noise isn't a huge concern, the chinese are making some
pretty good generators, such as the Champions. Check out Northern Tool.
They sell a cheap one that has gotten good reviews too.

All the generators usually have the db noise rating listed.

Good info here http://mayberrys.com/honda/generator...ngenerator.htm

and here
http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect....neratorsdirect

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ory_generators

Go over to rec.outdoors.rv-travel and ask and you will get more info than
you want





I run a couple of the small 600-1000 watt units for scene lighting at
Emergency scenes.
One is a Generac Inverter unit. Rated at 800 watts. Runs a twin 250
light pole with ease. Very light and you can talk easily from about 8-10
feet away.
Another is a Chinese rig that looks just like this one
http://parts.digikey.ca/1/1/11541-de...-18-l14p1.html
But it's not that brand. It came off a tool truck a few years ago. Rated
at 1200 watts. Runs a 3 head 900 watt light tower just fine.
Being a 2 stroke it is louder than the smaller unit. You have to get 20
feet away when it's running.


For quiet you want either a Yamaha or Honda unit. They are about 20Db
quieter than most of the rest. But you will pay a lot more.

--
Steve W.

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 9, 12:35*pm, DaveS wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

I have a Honda .... it's only noisy in comparison to true quiet. A
double semi-truck full of gravel wrecked my last trailer a number of
years ago and I salvaged the power cord from it to make an extra heavy
extension cord. Using it plus the built in cord I get the generator
about 60 or more feet from the rig and, usually, it never bothers me.

I seldom start it however, living 5 month/ year off of two RV/Marine
batteries kept up by solar panels. The installation I have was DIY
and probably far from optimum. It cost considerably less than the
generator ( and I got a family price as my brother-in-law worked for a
Honda dealer ). I run small things like OTT lights for tying off
the batteries via a small inverter. About the only time I start
the Honda is for a few minutes a time to run the microwave, maybe
twice a month. I would rate the solar panels as THE single best
investment I've made in my long term camping experience.

If I was to change trailers I would get a top end solar panel/inverter
system. I know several troutbums that live full-time in trailers
with top end solar systems that do everything, color TV, computer,
that ( IMHO) a reasonable person would want while 'camping' and NEVER
start a generator. Such systems ain't cheap, but neither are good
generators or the gas to feed them.

I can recommend the Honda for things like your drill/saw ... maybe
heater ( but the gas cost will likely equal propane costs if you have
a built in propane unit ) ... mine has been without problems of any
kind ( wood knocked ) and is 10 years old.

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 9, 12:35*pm, DaveS wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

I have a Honda .... it's only noisy in comparison to true quiet. A
double semi-truck full of gravel wrecked my last trailer a number of
years ago and I salvaged the power cord from it to make an extra heavy
extension cord. Using it plus the built in cord I get the generator
about 60 or more feet from the rig and, usually, it never bothers me.

I seldom start it however, living 5 month/ year off of two RV/Marine
batteries kept up by solar panels. The installation I have was DIY
and probably far from optimum. It cost considerably less than the
generator ( and I got a family price as my brother-in-law worked for a
Honda dealer ). I run small things like OTT lights for tying off
the batteries via a small inverter. About the only time I start
the Honda is for a few minutes a time to run the microwave, maybe
twice a month. I would rate the solar panels as THE single best
investment I've made in my long term camping experience.

If I was to change trailers I would get a top end solar panel/inverter
system. I know several troutbums that live full-time in trailers
with top end solar systems that do everything, color TV, computer,
that ( IMHO) a reasonable person would want while 'camping' and NEVER
start a generator. Such systems ain't cheap, but neither are good
generators or the gas to feed them.

I can recommend the Honda for things like your drill/saw ... maybe
heater ( but the gas cost will likely equal propane costs if you have
a built in propane unit ) ... mine has been without problems of any
kind ( wood knocked ) and is 10 years old.

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 9, 1:29*pm, wrote:

There's another, a 4KW unit sold by Tractor Supply, that's quieter
than the run-of-the-mill genset, but it's a bunch louder than the
Honda.- Hide quoted text -

Is it this one? Its the only propane fueled unit Ive seen in this low
price range. Anyone with opines on this brand or type?

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/g...erator-1012003

Dave

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 9, 1:44*pm, flebow wrote:
On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 13:22:24 -0800 (PST), Bob
wrote:





On Jan 9, 12:35 pm, DaveS wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Dave,
There are lots of good small motor driven portable generators out
there (Honda generators are well regarded), but they are all loud. If
this is for your set up on the wheat farm, you may want to look at
wind and/or solar solutions. *You couldn't find a much better location
for these power sources. There are getting to be lots of setups
developed for smaller applications such as you are envisioning.

Bob Weinberger

I can vouch for the Hondas
It is loud
We bought it 12 yrs ahgo wwhen we moved West
It has been used for quite a few hrs on buliding sites as I have
loaned it to *a few select & careful friends
No problems w it whatsoever.

It has also increased quite a bit in a re-sale -- enough to easily
recover our *cost in buying it & more.
We will of ocourse not sell it.o

Fred- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

My son also has an older Honda unit he uses occasionally for an off-
grid ski cabin tucked into a narrow valley where solar would be
difficult. He likes it but takes real good care too. I am more of an
80/20 guy.

Dave

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 10, 7:31*am, Larry L wrote:
On Jan 9, 12:35*pm, DaveS wrote:

Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

I have a Honda .... it's only noisy in comparison to true quiet. *A
double semi-truck full of gravel wrecked my last trailer a number of
years ago and I salvaged the power cord from it to make an extra heavy
extension cord. * Using it plus the built in cord I get the generator
about 60 or more feet from the rig and, usually, it never bothers me.

I seldom start it however, living 5 month/ year off of two RV/Marine
batteries kept up by solar panels. * The installation I have was DIY
and probably far from optimum. * It cost considerably *less than the
generator ( and I got a family price as my brother-in-law worked for a
Honda dealer ). * *I run small things like OTT lights for tying off
the batteries via a small inverter. * * About the only time I start
the Honda is for a few minutes a time to run the microwave, maybe
twice a month. *I would rate the solar panels as THE single best
investment I've made in my long term camping experience.

If I was to change trailers I would get a top end solar panel/inverter
system. * I know several troutbums that live full-time in trailers
with top end solar systems that do everything, color TV, computer,
that ( IMHO) a reasonable person would want while 'camping' and NEVER
start a generator. * *Such systems ain't cheap, but neither are good
generators or the gas to feed them.

I can recommend the Honda for things like your drill/saw ... maybe
heater ( but the gas cost will likely equal propane costs if you have
a built in propane unit ) ... mine has been without problems of any
kind ( wood knocked ) and is 10 years old.

Thanx Larry. I am curious about your solar set up. What do you get out
of your system (Watts)? What panels do you recommend/use? Where do you
mount them so as to prevent breakage?

What systems have you seen per the "trout bums" you mentioned? Advise?
Dave

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 10, 10:37*am, DaveS wrote:
On Jan 10, 7:31*am, Larry L wrote:



On Jan 9, 12:35*pm, DaveS wrote:

Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

I have a Honda .... it's only noisy in comparison to true quiet. *A
double semi-truck full of gravel wrecked my last trailer a number of
years ago and I salvaged the power cord from it to make an extra heavy
extension cord. * Using it plus the built in cord I get the generator
about 60 or more feet from the rig and, usually, it never bothers me.

I seldom start it however, living 5 month/ year off of two RV/Marine
batteries kept up by solar panels. * The installation I have was DIY
and probably far from optimum. * It cost considerably *less than the
generator ( and I got a family price as my brother-in-law worked for a
Honda dealer ). * *I run small things like OTT lights for tying off
the batteries via a small inverter. * * About the only time I start
the Honda is for a few minutes a time to run the microwave, maybe
twice a month. *I would rate the solar panels as THE single best
investment I've made in my long term camping experience.

If I was to change trailers I would get a top end solar panel/inverter
system. * I know several troutbums that live full-time in trailers
with top end solar systems that do everything, color TV, computer,
that ( IMHO) a reasonable person would want while 'camping' and NEVER
start a generator. * *Such systems ain't cheap, but neither are good
generators or the gas to feed them.

I can recommend the Honda for things like your drill/saw ... maybe
heater ( but the gas cost will likely equal propane costs if you have
a built in propane unit ) ... mine has been without problems of any
kind ( wood knocked ) and is 10 years old.

Thanx Larry. I am curious about your solar set up. What do you get out
of your system (Watts)? What panels do you recommend/use? Where do you
mount them so as to prevent breakage?

What systems have you seen per the "trout bums" you mentioned? Advise?
Dave


Dave, I don't think I have anything that special ... whatever I got
was chosen because it was on sale at the time ... if I happen on the
paperwork I'll add more exact details .. later.

I got my panels from Northern Tool, I think ( it's been a while
and ... what were we talking 'bout ... oh, yeah, old )

Again, I 'think' that I have about 60 Watts of panels plus a
controller that prevents overcharging ... that's about the same has a
5 Amp charger running all the sunshine hours .... whole deal was less
than $300 ..... I've considered adding more panels, my controller is
good to 108Watts, but it's VERY rare for me to have low
batteries, ..... and I camp in summer ...aka sunny time ....

The panels are on the roof, haven't managed to break one on a tree
limb ...yet That hints at one small drawback ... you have to choose
between parking in the shade and maximum charging. I usually look
for some shade in peak summer and still get plenty of charge since the
sun is out LONG hours. Most times I aim for mostly sun till
afternoon, then shade, not as hard to find as it might sound.

NOW, the high end systems I've seen have 4 top quality batteries and
about 400 Watts ( I think ) of panels. They have a fancy built in
inverter that automatically takes over 110 Volt functions if you're
not plugged into hookups, so you use your wall receptacles just the
same on or off the inverter. They are pretty damn pricey, I'm not
knowledgeable enough to quote one, but thou$ands. But, remember
these people aren't paying any utilities all, or
almost all, year, so they actually save big once initial costs are
recouped. I've yet to meet anyone with one of these systems that
doesn't love it ..... for one thing you can "camp" with all the
electrical amenities without paying big$$ to park 8 feet from another
rig in one of those nasty RV places ... or listening to a generator
burn money and produce CO2. ( the stink is as bad as the noise and
ain't been mentioned ... )

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 12:35:10 -0800 (PST), DaveS wrote:

Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?


Did I read once that your property is on a river?

If that's true, could you find a site - or pipe from your high point down to
one - and develop enough head to run a generator?

If I'm mis-remembering, my apologies.

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 10, 3:33*pm, personaobscura
wrote:
On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 12:35:10 -0800 (PST), DaveS wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Did I read once that your property is on a river?

If that's true, could you find a site - or pipe from your high point down to
one - and develop enough head to run a generator?

If I'm mis-remembering, my apologies.

Hm.....

Forgive the seeming impertenance but.....um.....does damming a trout
stream for the convenience of using an electric latte frother REALLY
seem like a good idea? :(

g.
i mean, sucking the sun dry OUGHT TO be just about enough, ainna?

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 10, 8:55*pm, Giles wrote:
On Jan 10, 3:33*pm, personaobscura
wrote:





On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 12:35:10 -0800 (PST), DaveS wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Did I read once that your property is on a river?

If that's true, could you find a site - or pipe from your high point down to
one - and develop enough head to run a generator?

If I'm mis-remembering, my apologies.

Hm.....

Forgive the seeming impertenance but.....um.....does damming a trout
stream for the convenience of using an electric latte frother REALLY
seem like a good idea? * * *:(

g.
i mean, sucking the sun dry OUGHT TO be just about enough, ainna?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

If it was to run a Bass-O-Matic, would that be alright? I mean, after
all, it is a bass.
Frank Reid

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:55:01 -0800 (PST), Giles wrote:

On Jan 10, 3:33*pm, personaobscura
wrote:
On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 12:35:10 -0800 (PST), DaveS wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Did I read once that your property is on a river?

If that's true, could you find a site - or pipe from your high point down to
one - and develop enough head to run a generator?

If I'm mis-remembering, my apologies.

Hm.....

Forgive the seeming impertenance but.....um.....does damming a trout
stream for the convenience of using an electric latte frother REALLY
seem like a good idea? :(

g.
i mean, sucking the sun dry OUGHT TO be just about enough, ainna?

Cripes, he wasn't planning on siting a smelter on the back 40, was he?

It wouldn't take much to manage a tiny trailer. If he does have a stream that
has a decent drop somewhere on his property he might be able to site a
generator that can quietly run his latte frother, a couple of lights, and keep
a set of batteries charged up, without altering the run of the river at all.

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 10, 9:09*pm, Frank Reid © 2010 wrote:
On Jan 10, 8:55*pm, Giles wrote:





On Jan 10, 3:33*pm, personaobscura
wrote:

On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 12:35:10 -0800 (PST), DaveS wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Did I read once that your property is on a river?

If that's true, could you find a site - or pipe from your high point down to
one - and develop enough head to run a generator?

If I'm mis-remembering, my apologies.

Hm.....

Forgive the seeming impertenance but.....um.....does damming a trout
stream for the convenience of using an electric latte frother REALLY
seem like a good idea? * * *:(

g.
i mean, sucking the sun dry OUGHT TO be just about enough, ainna?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

If it was to run a Bass-O-Matic, would that be alright? *I mean, after
all, it is a bass.
Frank Reid-

Can't see any problem with that.

giles
who knows that a trout stream ain't worth a small hill of **** to a
bass nohow.

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 10, 9:15*pm, personaobscura
wrote:
On Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:55:01 -0800 (PST), Giles wrote:
On Jan 10, 3:33*pm, personaobscura
wrote:
On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 12:35:10 -0800 (PST), DaveS wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Did I read once that your property is on a river?

If that's true, could you find a site - or pipe from your high point down to
one - and develop enough head to run a generator?

If I'm mis-remembering, my apologies.

Hm.....

Forgive the seeming impertenance but.....um.....does damming a trout
stream for the convenience of using an electric latte frother REALLY
seem like a good idea? * * *:(

g.
i mean, sucking the sun dry OUGHT TO be just about enough, ainna?

Cripes, he wasn't planning on siting a smelter on the back 40, was he?

He? Um.....just who is it you thought was asking about the
possibility of installing a hydroelectric generator?

It wouldn't take much to manage a tiny trailer. If he does have a stream that
has a decent drop somewhere on his property he might be able to site a
generator that can quietly run his latte frother, a couple of lights, and keep
a set of batteries charged up, without altering the run of the river at all.

Well, you couldn't possibly be more wrong. ANY diversion from ANY
stream (yes, even the great rivers of the world, like the Amazon or
the west fork of the Kickapoo) necessarily alters "the run of the
river" even if ALL of the water is returned, which is almost never the
case. To put it more simply, alterations change things. Sorta self-
evident, ainna? Should be. But then, stupid happens.

Leaving aside the obvious latter observation (for the nonce, anyway)
what do you suppose happens when 100.....1,000.....1,000,000 people
living along a stream decide to divert just a bit to charge up a
couple of lights and keep a set of batteries charged up, without
altering the run of the river at all? Your math says absolutely
nothing happens. How about a hundred million?.....a billion?
Hm.....let's see.....naught times naught is naught.....carry the
naught.....um.....yep, tha'ts right jethro.....NOTHING happens.

See what I mean?

Stupid happens.

g.

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 10, 1:33*pm, personaobscura
wrote:
On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 12:35:10 -0800 (PST), DaveS wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Did I read once that your property is on a river?

If that's true, could you find a site - or pipe from your high point down to
one - and develop enough head to run a generator?

If I'm mis-remembering, my apologies.

Fair question, In my natal NJ a great pleasure was crawling about old
mills and water powered industrial-a-fluvial. Mill ponds and spillways
are rare in the West compared to the rest of the USA. So I am not a
black or white partisan on the riverine environmental affronted
debate. So, yes my place is on a smaller trib river and the gradient
is sufficient to do a small generator,

HOWEVER, this is in a Western ag region where all the water is "spoken
for" in water rights dating back to pioneer days. Consequently, any
pipe even near the water had better have a metered right to be there.
And then there is all that enviro stuff. ;+))

.. . . like, the river has a small run of Steelhead, ditto for a few
of the salmons, cutts and a listed population of Dolly Varden Trout.
(or is it Bull Trout?). To protect fry, each takeout pipe must have
very expensive screens. The Native American Tribes, inland, on the
Columbia, and on the coast all want the fish to get their share of the
water. As do the legions of govt, the contractors, the loggers, the
BPA, most of the farmers, etc etc ME, and the commercial fishers out
on the Coast. Bottom-line . . . it's a non-starter no matter how
trivial. Death from a thousand cuts theory?

Major Wind is a big deal near my place. And there is a little solar
including one setup w/ three big panel banks, in a tilled field, up
about 10' on 3 pylons, and the damn things follow the sun. It looks
like i could get a decent 160 watt panel and electronics for about
$1000.

Portable Generator for Camper
 

DaveS wrote:
On Jan 10, 1:33 pm, personaobscura
wrote:
On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 12:35:10 -0800 (PST), DaveS wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.
Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?
Did I read once that your property is on a river?

If that's true, could you find a site - or pipe from your high point down to
one - and develop enough head to run a generator?

If I'm mis-remembering, my apologies.

Fair question, In my natal NJ a great pleasure was crawling about old
mills and water powered industrial-a-fluvial. Mill ponds and spillways
are rare in the West compared to the rest of the USA. So I am not a
black or white partisan on the riverine environmental affronted
debate. So, yes my place is on a smaller trib river and the gradient
is sufficient to do a small generator,

HOWEVER, this is in a Western ag region where all the water is "spoken
for" in water rights dating back to pioneer days. Consequently, any
pipe even near the water had better have a metered right to be there.
And then there is all that enviro stuff. ;+))

. . . like, the river has a small run of Steelhead, ditto for a few
of the salmons, cutts and a listed population of Dolly Varden Trout.
(or is it Bull Trout?). To protect fry, each takeout pipe must have
very expensive screens. The Native American Tribes, inland, on the
Columbia, and on the coast all want the fish to get their share of the
water. As do the legions of govt, the contractors, the loggers, the
BPA, most of the farmers, etc etc ME, and the commercial fishers out
on the Coast. Bottom-line . . . it's a non-starter no matter how
trivial. Death from a thousand cuts theory?

Major Wind is a big deal near my place. And there is a little solar
including one setup w/ three big panel banks, in a tilled field, up
about 10' on 3 pylons, and the damn things follow the sun. It looks
like i could get a decent 160 watt panel and electronics for about
$1000.


How about an undershot wheel hung in the river on a cantilever arm? Not
real efficient but if you have enough flow they do work.


--
Steve W.
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 9, 9:08*pm, "Steve W." wrote:

For quiet you want either a Yamaha or Honda unit. They are about 20Db
quieter than most of the rest. But you will pay a lot more.


You can say that again. like 300% more.
Ive read somewhere a rare critique of the Hondas' aluminum cylinder
sleeves and various plastic parts, and how cast iron is better and
metal is better than plastic for the alternator frame and casing. Any
opinion?

I am inordinately wary of Chi-Com stuff and find i have to look at
every last thing to cut down on the returns and built in problems, and
even stuff like whether threaded parts actually mesh with reasonable
tolerances and w/out leaks. Ive paid lots for stuff that i have had to
retrofit to make work, and wasted hours and days with crap that won't
work or is broken before it is sealed in shipping plastic. The
corruption of American big-box buyers and inspectors in China must be
rampant. In any case it looks like for example the Chinese set the
automatic screw machine once, and if it goes out of tolerance as the
part run progresses, well, to hell with it, some old imperialist dog
in Washington State will make it work somehow. ;+)) So I lean to stuff
made here when i can find it, or from Taiwan, Italy, Germany or
Japan.

Dave
Weird huh? But then I also will only eat shrimp from the US, Canada,
Japan or Mexico. ;+))

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 11, 4:04*am, "Steve W." wrote:
DaveS wrote:
On Jan 10, 1:33 pm, personaobscura
wrote:
On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 12:35:10 -0800 (PST), DaveS wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.
Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?
Did I read once that your property is on a river?

If that's true, could you find a site - or pipe from your high point down to
one - and develop enough head to run a generator?

If I'm mis-remembering, my apologies.

Fair question, In my natal NJ a great pleasure was crawling about old
mills and water powered industrial-a-fluvial. Mill ponds and spillways
are rare in the West compared to the rest of the USA. *So I am not a
black or white partisan on the riverine environmental affronted
debate. So, yes my place is on a smaller trib river and the gradient
is sufficient to do a small generator,

HOWEVER, this is in a Western ag region where all the water is "spoken
for" in water rights dating back to pioneer days. *Consequently, any
pipe even near the water had better have a metered right to be there.
And then there is all that enviro stuff. ;+))

. . . like, * the river has a small run of Steelhead, ditto for a few
of the salmons, cutts and a listed population of Dolly Varden Trout.
(or is it Bull Trout?). To protect fry, each takeout pipe must have
very expensive screens. The Native American Tribes, inland, on the
Columbia, and on the coast all want the fish to get their share of the
water. As do the legions of govt, the contractors, the loggers, the
BPA, most of the farmers, etc etc ME, and the commercial fishers out
on the Coast. Bottom-line . . . it's a non-starter no matter how
trivial. Death from a thousand cuts theory?

Major Wind is a big deal near my place. And there is a little solar
including one setup w/ three big panel banks, in a tilled field, up
about 10' on 3 pylons, and the damn things follow the sun. It looks
like i could get a decent 160 watt panel and electronics for about
$1000.

How about an undershot wheel hung in the river on a cantilever arm? Not
real efficient but if you have enough flow they do work.

--
Steve W.
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

On the negative side that cantilever arm would take about 6 years to
get the necessary permits. On the positive side the process of getting
the permits etc would provide 6 yrs of well paid employment for at
least a half dozen ArmChair Experts, govt and contractor variety. I am
exaggerating, and I know you are joking, but the truth is I have a
limited taste for "process" these days.

I much prefer to work with enviro NGOs and neighbor farmers, although
FSA is pretty easy to work with on the ag side of things. Virtually
all the environmentally sound things ive done and the income to do
them comes from advise and support of neighbor farmers, a local enviro
group, a state water trust, and the FSA of the DO Ag. The mistakes
have been mine.

Dave

Portable Generator for Camper
 

"jeff" wrote in message
. ..

On 1/9/2011 5:10 PM, DaveS wrote:
On Jan 9, 1:29 pm, wrote:
On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 13:22:24 -0800 (PST),
wrote:





On Jan 9, 12:35 pm, wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Dave,
There are lots of good small motor driven portable generators out
there (Honda generators are well regarded), but they are all loud. If
this is for your set up on the wheat farm, you may want to look at
wind and/or solar solutions. You couldn't find a much better location
for these power sources. There are getting to be lots of setups
developed for smaller applications such as you are envisioning.

Bob Weinberger

Actually, the Honda gensets I've been around (only 3 so far) have been
pretty quiet, when compared to other brands. I could actually stand
within 5 or 6 feet and hold a conversation w/o having to raise my
voice.

There's another, a 4KW unit sold by Tractor Supply, that's quieter
than the run-of-the-mill genset, but it's a bunch louder than the
Honda.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Anybody have experience with the 2000 or 3000 portable Honda
generators?

Dave

i have experience with a honda generator...just can't remember if it was
danl's or asadi/john baker's. in each case, i went to sleep before
either was cut off. quiet, relatively light weight.

jeff



I had the 3000.... and it got to big to lift - for my years ....I could
create a civilization with the Honda 1000 and have plenty of cold
beer....and so quiet you wonder if it is running...


john

Portable Generator for Camper
 

On Jan 9, 4:38*pm, jeff wrote:
On 1/9/2011 5:10 PM, DaveS wrote:





On Jan 9, 1:29 pm, wrote:
On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 13:22:24 -0800 (PST),
wrote:

On Jan 9, 12:35 pm, *wrote:
Suggestions and experience welcome. I need a smaller generator for use
with my camper. The Camper is a lance 825, no AC. I presently cart in
a couple of marine 12 volt batteries. With use confined to lights I am
good for 4 nites on one fully charged battery. I want to be able to
run the occasional power drill, recharge 12 volt bats, and some small
appliances, like radio, dvd , maybe a small power saw, maybe a small
ceramic heater.

Brand and model Suggestions? How to Plug in to Camper panal? Noise?

Dave,
There are lots of good small motor driven portable generators out
there (Honda generators are well regarded), but they are all loud. If
this is for your set up on the wheat farm, you may want to look at
wind and/or solar solutions. *You couldn't find a much better location
for these power sources. There are getting to be lots of setups
developed for smaller applications such as you are envisioning.

Bob Weinberger

Actually, the Honda gensets I've been around (only 3 so far) have been
pretty quiet, when compared to other brands. *I could actually stand
within 5 or 6 feet and hold a conversation w/o having to raise my
voice.

There's another, a 4KW unit sold by Tractor Supply, that's quieter
than the run-of-the-mill genset, but it's a bunch louder than the
Honda.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Anybody have experience with the 2000 or 3000 portable Honda
generators?

Dave

i have experience with a honda generator...just can't remember if it was
danl's or asadi/john baker's. *in each case, i went to sleep before
either was cut off. *quiet, relatively light weight.

jeff- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Thanx. It was Danl. He Emailed me with some useful advise on the Honda
EU2000si

Dave

There are many good small motor-driven generators Honda portable generator has a correct view, but they are safe. If this is your game of the wheat farm, you can see the wind and / or solar energy solutions. You can not find a better place for these energy sources.