Generator Discussion

Mark · 04-01-2007, 04:30 PM

I was surprised there was not much discussion on this forum about generators. Usually, there are about a million posts on this subject.

When I bought my first trailer in 2001, I bought the Honda EU2000. I doubt that it will power my new (to me) AC on the 2003 Solaris 2553. I still haven't made it through the manuals to check teh exact size of the AC.

I have recently heard good comments about the Kipor brand (Chinese knockoff of the Honda). To me, the generator market needs to strike a balance. 2000 watts are not enough (at times), and 3000 is too heavy and pricey (for me).

Anyone here have a Kipor?

Trailblazer · 04-01-2007, 06:53 PM

I have read many discussions about generators on other forums and see that many recommend the heavy 3000 watt generators. I have heard the Kipor 3000 watt run and it didn't sound all that noisy, but then I did not have either a Honda or Yamaha 3000 watt generator to compare it to. Like you I want to be able to run my A/C with the generator, but I don't want the weight of the big 3000 watt units. I have recently purchased the Yamaha 2400is which is suppose to be able to run most 13,500BTU A/C units. It weighs only 74 pounds and so far it has been able to run everything in my trailer, although I have not yet had a chance to try running the A/C unit. I am hoping it will warm up enough in another month I will be able to try and run the A/C with this unit. So far everything I have read about the Yamaha 2400is seems positive and many have been able to run their A/C with this unit. From what I have read, if the generator can't run the A/C as it currently sits I will need to get a soft start capacitor installed. I will let you know what results I get when I get a chance to try it out with the A/C.

kanyonkitty · 04-01-2007, 08:08 PM

I didn't want the hassle of lifting, connecting and securing portable gennies and yet another type of fuel to deal with, so here is a link to my solution:

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/...44476533icGHCJ

Mark · 04-01-2007, 09:02 PM

Now that's an impressive modification.

Was that the original storage area, or was the opening added too?

kanyonkitty · 04-02-2007, 05:21 AM

The genny is located in part of the pass-thru storage area. Sunline prepped the compartment by fully lining the side walls and top of the compartment, ran the LP line, put the supports on the bottom of the open compartment, and had the holes for the genny to be bolted in place. They also installed the interior on/off/hour meter switch inside the coach. I had a "local" dealer install the Onan once I decided that was the way I was really going to go. When I ordered the coach, I was still undecided about "what" type of genny I would use, so had the compartment installed incase I decided to go that way. I am glad I did the installed genny, it's so convient, no gasoline to haul, (truck is diesel), no power cord to drag out. While heading to Glacier NP and the Mt. Rushmore area it was so nice to be able to stop for lunch, push a button and be able to turn the AC on to cool off the coach. Mind you, it was NOT a cheaper way to go, but I wanted convience and ease of use. I'm not able to lift what a big Honda weighs, and didn't want to mess with 2 smaller ones. Yes, I lost some of the storage compartment, but I still have a lot to use.

Kitty

SanDimasJoe · 04-02-2007, 01:19 PM

Kitty,
That's a great soulution to the generator problem. But my 2553 doesn't have a pass thru storage compartment. A portable generator would be my solution for my model.
Joe

264SRinPA · 04-02-2007, 05:05 PM

I have a Yamaha 2400. Great generator. Runs our A/C with no problem. Also use it at home for a back up when the power goes out. Runs our furnace,refrigerator, and some lights.

chriseck · 04-02-2007, 06:07 PM

Mark, mounted one of the cheap 5000w generators on the trailer tongue.Added a extra muffler,heat shield,larger fuel tank and routed the exhaust to the ground.Its a pull cord start but it powers everything in the camper with backup for the house refrigerator.Added 110 lbs to tongue wt.Total cost less than $500.00

emam · 04-02-2007, 09:11 PM

I planned on buying one of the Honda 2000i's for our 2499, but so far we've been able to run our A/C and eveything else with our 2000watt inverter which is powered by our batteries.

If a 2000watt inverter can run the A/C, then I would think the 2000i would be able to run it also. I was recently talking to someone who told me my inverter uses a few hundred watts of power just to run, so I really should have upped it to a 2500watt or a 3000watt, but so far, so good!! Knock on wood

I also found it funny you said a Chinese knock off to a Honda.....LOL

Thats like saying a Ford knock off of a Chevy.....LMAO

Mark · 04-02-2007, 09:21 PM

Emam, I know its sounds funny, but its true:

http://www.allproducts.com/manufacture98/kipor/

Kipor is a Chinese manufacturer. And I don't think their designs are that original:

http://www.hayesequipment.com/images...c_redsmall.jpg

I spent a LOT of time in China last year---but that's another campfire story really, so I know about about the Chinese R&D.

And I also know a little about the relationship between the Chinese and the Japanese

It was nice to make you laugh though