REAL MAN TRUCKWORKS & SURVIVAL
TOOLS, CONSTRUCTION, ALTERNATIVE ENERGY => Hand Tools, Power Tools, Welders, etc => Topic started by: Flyin6 on April 01, 2016, 10:55:40 AM
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So I am looking at the 2K generators...again. In the past I went through the Honda iu2000 and companion. But at $2000, that's ridiculous.
During the winter months, I think I could run the camper on maybe 2000 watts, since it is mostly propane this and that.
Harbor Freight just came up with this little model for $499. Reading about it, the thing seems somewhat competitive, although it does not couple with another like the Hondas and others to make a 4K unit
http://www.harborfreight.com/engines-generators/gas-engine-generators/2500-peak2200-running-watts-47-hp-125cc-portable-inverter-generator-61169.html
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Don take this with a grain of salt as it is only what I have read on the internet.....and you know what that means! ::)
Is the power produced clean enough for electronics? (I am guessing in the trailer you would be running a laptop, TV or similar electronics) One thing I keep reading about/hearing is the fact that the better generators (Honda & Yamaha) are generator inverters so they have "cleaner" (less volatility) power produced which is needed by today's electronics. Now some here may well know more than me about this and I am ready to listen and learn but that's one thing that has kept me from taking the plunge on some of the inexpensive generators that are out there.
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Honda 2k generators are around a grand not 2 grand......
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I think Don was talking the paired setup of two for two grand.
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I can smell the china plastic from here....
....and this tough decision coming from a guy that probably just spent more than the average Joe makes in a year........ you guessed it........ on a shed!
:pokeTheDon
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Maybe he was talking pairing them up but then he mentioned the China junk couldn't be paired & stated he bet 2k would cover his electrical needs. Myself I am buying the Honda & you can get them in tri fuel for under $1500 for a 2k watt model.
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I was at Harbor Freight today. I didn't see a predator. They do have one on sale with coupon for 88 bucks. Just has one 110 outlet. I almost grabbed it just to have but The wife would probably have something to say about that.
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Honda 2k generators are around a grand not 2 grand......
I know, but I would need two of them. The camper needs about 3500 on a day with the AC running, so two Hondas get the job done, barely.
This little chinaman's parrot and squirrel powered unit makes 2200 watts. mo-powerful than the little Honda that could.
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I was at Harbor Freight today. I didn't see a predator. They do have one on sale with coupon for 88 bucks. Just has one 110 outlet. I almost grabbed it just to have but The wife would probably have something to say about that.
I have purchased three of them to date. Good little units. One powers a pastors street church. He runs a couple lights and a amplifier for a mic and a guitar. I have one in my house, and I gave one away as a Christmas present. They def get the job done, but only 900 watts
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Was flipping through my latest northern tool catalog & they have a Honda unit 4500 rated watts for $1699
Edit: now if you wanna go cheap look at northern tools "powerhouse" line and they have a 5500 rated watts for $649
Double edit: they also have a "North Star" line powered by a Honda motor 4500 rated watts for $1099
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Was flipping through my latest northern tool catalog & they have a Honda unit 4500 rated watts for $1699
Edit: now if you wanna go cheap look at northern tools "powerhouse" line and they have a 5500 rated watts for $649
Double edit: they also have a "North Star" line powered by a Honda motor 4500 rated watts for $1099
I own a 5500 watt Generec already. It's a pretty good unit, but not inverter logic. That little Predator IS a inverter unit
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Ive heard good things about these guys. Check the comparison page
http://www.bottomlinetrading.com/BOLIY.html
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Ive heard good things about these guys. Check the comparison page
http://www.bottomlinetrading.com/BOLIY.html
TRN, that is a seriously good link you just gave me!
I wanted to build a generator into the shed, in a lower generator "Room" and wire it into the breaker panel. I'd like to be able to yank the chord and get everything powered up. I've never heard of the Boily Generators, but looking at the comparisons, I haven't seen anything as good as those numbers, anywhere!
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Yeah, I'm looking at them too. Buddy I trust from DF has one. Really like the external tank option.
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Have you thought about a mil-surplus genny? Check out http://www.ironplanet.com/jsp/s/search.ips, hopefully that pulls up the search. If not just type in generator in their search. They've got all kinds of options! If you have looked at this option and already posted somewhere else on here it is bad, I do apologize. I just saw this post and felt the need to share this option.
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Take a look at Generac they have been rated very good and better price than Honda!
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_generators+generac+inverter-generators?seeAll=1
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Hmm. I'm diggin that iq2000. ...and built in the U.S. (with china parts)
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I have a used 6500watt Onan quiet run model I purchased that came from an RV. Coupled with a 12v starting battery and a external fuel tank, it makes for a nice stationary gen set that is not bad on fuel, relatively quiet and reliable. It seem to run laptops and ham radio gear with no problem, as well as keeping freezers cold/furnace running and such for my Mom during a 17 day power outage a few years back. I have considered converting it to natural gas or propane, but it's handy and portable from location to location now, so i have left it alone.
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I am currently using a generic 5500 to run the camper and the construction requirements. A bit thirsty but starts on one pull and dead reliable
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Don, you need a welder/generator down there for those moments when you tear parts off your JD Dozer LoL
Or you could get a ready welder for square D..those are extremely handy. Other than you do have to have the engine running to use them.
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Or you could get a ready welder for square D..those are extremely handy. Other than you do have to have the engine running to use them.
Now that was just plain mean....
haha. ;)
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Don, you need a welder/generator down there for those moments when you tear parts off your JD Dozer LoL
Or you could get a ready welder for square D..those are extremely handy. Other than you do have to have the engine running to use them.
Actually they have those kits where as long as you have two batteries in series you can weld. I think sq d could store the batteries until needed?
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Actually they have those kits where as long as you have two batteries in series you can weld. I think sq d could store the batteries until needed?
Great idea Shawn...he could tow SD to the farm with the batteries protected in the topper, and just drag the tractor (with Sarge) up close to the truck when welding is needed. Volia, stationary welder! :)
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Correct, drop the tail gate on sq d & he has a better welding table than those wooden cardboard covered night stands he uses in his garage at home! Technically with Sarge he can just drag sq d around the farm & call it a portable welder "system"?!? :o
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They had those HF 2000 on sale a couple weeks back for $350, wish I had had the funds. Seen many of their bigger ones returned and hear they throw rods.
I have a Generac 3k in my trailer, runs AC and all just fine.
Also have a Troy built 5500 for home backup, starts first pull and it was a return 10 years ago!
That little HF would be a great portable unit, but there are better for less $ IMHO.
With what you want for the farm, I would look at a diesel 10k unit. All the power you would need, quieter and less fuel.
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Correct, drop the tail gate on sq d & he has a better welding table than those wooden cardboard covered night stands he uses in his garage at home! Technically with Sarge he can just drag sq d around the farm & call it a portable welder "system"?!? :o
Yes would fit the bill of portable.
And heck there's room enough to series parallel quite a few batteries in the box.
Charge via Sarge while moving the portable system.
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Gotta come up with a catchy name for the "final sq d / welder system conversion" thread? I currently have no ideas so let's hear what the DOT nation thinks? 8)
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"The D Cell"
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I like it!
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^^x2!
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That's where Don's gonna put you two, in "D cell" and toss the key! ;D
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That's where Don's gonna put you two, in "D cell" and toss the key! ;D
Negative, if that was possible he woulda locked us up long ago. Think of all the build threads he coulda kept prim & proper!
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That's where Don's gonna put you two, in "D cell" and toss the key! ;D
I'm just takin' notes...
Not going to be pretty for those two, not that it ever has been...
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For the record I never claimed pretty!
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You know I have been doing some research and the Westinghouse units keep coming up.
Rated better than Honda for output, size, sound, weight, and $600 new.
USB ports, 12v auto plug, smart paralleling and runs longer. Just a little more food for thought.
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Link?
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Westinghouse: Some good numbers on those units.
So I have tightened up the shot group some on what i actually need at the moment
Not saying this won't change, but I own this Generec 5500
I think I'll shove it into a generator house enclosure and make it the prime power (backup power in a couple months) for the shed.
It is a bit cumbersome moving the heavy thing back and forth between the shed and the camper. So I think I need a unit for the camper.
I am thinking 3100 ish running watts and maybe 3700 is start up watts should kick that can down the trail some.
That will be a dedicated unit for the camper for now, while I grow the "usability" of the hide. I can see a situation where it is a rainy, muddy mess outside and I am working in the shed then occasionally back to the camper to eat and shower and sleep. SO two gens make sense.
Looking at that HF 3200/4000 unit it comes close to being a nice camper unit. Then I found a video showing how to modify it to throw all its available amperage over to the funny camper outlet, which it has.
But thing is, it sells for $349 at the moment and it is, well, a cheapo chinaman HF unit. Make that $370 with tax.
Looking over at SLOWES, I see they carry a generec 3300 unit for $429.
Now, me being a housewife, who used to be a man, who was once a soldier, makes me entitled to a 10% discount
Thank you berry much SLOWES!
Doin' da math, that equals $386 X KY aid to heroin addicts (Tax) = $409
So the question comes down to isn't it worth it to go with a name brand, Generac purchased from a store which exudes Americana for $39 more?
I mean when I take the M.R.S. out for a spendy dinner, she wastes more than that in food she ordered but can't and never really intended to eat!
Side not there...Every time I see 10 oz of prime rib sitting on the plate, unconsumed. I see that as one third of a spare motorcycle chain going to waste. Not sure why I see a MC chain...Must be a housewife thing...
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That seems like a no brainer, but, I wonder which one is quieter. To me, that would be a pretty big priority. I like "quiet" when I'm in the woods.
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That seems like a no brainer, but, I wonder which one is quieter. To me, that would be a pretty big priority. I like "quiet" when I'm in the woods.
Which one I get this time is getting some DM's (Don Mods) which include an aux fuel tank and a second muffla'
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I have put a gen in an enclosure and it worked very well. Was a big alum truck box on a trailer tongue
3500 electric start chinese special. Ran a flex out the bottom with a 12v fan for cooling. Very quiet and never missed a beat.
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I have put a gen in an enclosure and it worked very well. Was a big alum truck box on a trailer tongue
3500 electric start chinese special. Ran a flex out the bottom with a 12v fan for cooling. Very quiet and never missed a beat.
Good idea kimosabe!
That power enclosure thing is coming right up.
Just talked to the power company about running the underground conduit from the pole to the houtch.
Schedule 80 3" is what they recommend. I'm going for 400 Amp service.
He told me they actually ran 7200 volts directly to my house out there. No problem getting any amount of power I might need...Cool!
Off to get the steel for my electrified shutters!
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Heck, just watching videos of people looking in the windows and getting zapped would make a great weekend.
Electrify the gate onto the property and have it open with a remote,,,,,,,,,,
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This looks good;
http://www.cabelas.com/product/CABELAS-OUTFITTER-GENERATOR/1837234.uts?WT.tsrc=EML&WT.mc_id=email-mt&cmp=EP20160408&eid=13437302&seg=EPP9CSA&cnt=18&ctb=PROD3
And on the subject of wind;
http://www.cabelas.com/product/coleman-reg-400-watt-wind-turbine/1806330.uts?WT.tsrc=EML&WT.mc_id=email-mt&cmp=EP20160408&eid=13437302&seg=EPP9CSA&cnt=18&ctb=PROD4
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You'll want all of about 33-3500 for the camper.
Once the AC gets fired up it doesn't leave any room on a 2000 from experience.
That is as long as the 2000 lights it up.
Somewhere in that ballpark is the running wattage of the AC unit.
So having 33-3500 gives a fair amount of room for other things.
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Yep, my 3000 actually runs my AC and other things just fine.
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Just got an add from HF, on sale for $429 right now. It is a 2500, not a 2000. Heck, I need a trip to Reno since I can't get in Ka.
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I decided on a Champion.
3300/4000 watt. Purchased at SLOWES
$329 List - 10% mil discount = $296 + Tax = 313.86 out the door, and with a warranty
Done!
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This should run the camper perfectly!
Nice touch that it has the RV outlet.
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Ordered a Wen 2000 watt Gen. Just a little heavier than others, but half the price with good reviews.
Plus with discounts via Sears, got it for under $450 shipped and tax. And if it doesn't measure up, Sears is close by.
http://www.amazon.com/WEN-56200i-Starting-Generator-Compliant/dp/B00SMNLF4M
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Don can we get an update on an. Old thread. Lookin at gens for the trailer
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Ive heard good things on the Predator and champion generators from people on the camping forums. I have a brute for a back up that I got from my brother. It works well. I'm happy with it. Could have been bigger.
https://www.menards.com/main/outdoor/outdoor-power-equipment/generators/brute-reg-3-500-running-5-250-starting-watt-gasoline-portable-generator/30634/p-1444425965341-c-10107.htm
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I have been thinking the HF unit or the champion is the way to go, The larger the better since it will back up the home also.
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The timing of this is actually intriguing
Yesterday I picked up a Predator 2000 super quiet gen.
Paid $499 + tax
It is for the camper build I am mid stride in at the moment.
All I can tell you at the moment is it comes in a nice box!
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I have a generac 5500 down at the farm which is hard to kill and runs everything there at the same time if need be
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I have been thinking the HF unit or the champion is the way to go, The larger the better since it will back up the home also.
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Dave, good plan BUT....If you tend to loose power at home often or just want the extra amps for when the power does fail you are not going to be happy when it comes to loading up for camping. The larger ones take lots of space to haul around and weigh more that I want to lift in and out of a rig. Better off setting one up at home with an auto transfer switch or an easy to power up switch for when you are not home and the wife has to change it over. Just bit the bullet, save up some coin and place a generator for home use, especially if you plan on staying there for a few years. Then go buy a pair to use in the RV.
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I have been thinking the HF unit or the champion is the way to go, The larger the better since it will back up the home also.
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Dave, good plan BUT....If you tend to loose power at home often or just want the extra amps for when the power does fail you are not going to be happy when it comes to loading up for camping. The larger ones take lots of space to haul around and weigh more that I want to lift in and out of a rig. Better off setting one up at home with an auto transfer switch or an easy to power up switch for when you are not home and the wife has to change it over. Just bit the bullet, save up some coin and place a generator for home use, especially if you plan on staying there for a few years. Then go buy a pair to use in the RV.
The end goal is to get a propane gen set outside the garage, but the current is to run a cord from where trailer is parked to the power box, 10 feet maybe. The trailer sits right next to the home for ease.
I only have a basic power ran into the home, fridge n freezers and a few inside lights. The rest is on another circuit. Not really much to run. Everything else is gas
Don how many hours are on your generac 5500 ?
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Sounds like you have a good idea of the final setup, and having the genset in the trailer parked next to the house will work too. Good planning
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My Wen fires right up but to small for the Ridge, took the 5500 up there. Probably go diesel later.
Buddy runs a 6k here is town and just plugs into the house when needed, no transfer. You can get a breaker that will only allow single feed, so you can backfeed too. I may look at that as solar only works with power in for most.
Don, those go on sale for $450 all the time. I think the generac costs more and puts out around 2200 vs the 1800 of most "luggage" types.
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Sounds like you have a good idea of the final setup, and having the genset in the trailer parked next to the house will work too. Good planning
dunno, Dave...A couple hundred???
One thing I noticed about it is that bad gas does not seem to slow it down. I left it sit for a year to 18 months once and it started on the first pull.
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Would you make an argument for the generacc vs the predator ?
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Would you make an argument for the generacc vs the predator ?
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They're beasts of a different color. The 2K Predator is small, compact, light, quiet
The Generac are none of that
But that generac has never failed to start during the past 7 years I have owned it