Generators
I want to get a generator as I go to dog shows in the camper van with no hook up it will just be used to watch the telly or top up the battery. I have looked at Honda which seems very good and quiet but expensive. I wont use it that much so doesnt warrent
spending loads can anyone advise a cheaper quiet one which is lightweight.
Comments
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You’re probably better off with a solar panel for what you describe, cornishpixi. It would be cheaper and more sociably acceptable. There’s a very long thread on this discussion <here>.
Allow plenty of time to work through it and, hopefully, your time will be rewarded.0 -
Have a look at generators at Machine Mart.
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If you MUST buy a generator, whatever you do DON'T get one of those horid 720w 2 stroke £59 things! (usually made in India). Noisy/Heavy/Smokey/VERY unsociable.
Solar best, but if its only for telly over a few days what about just carrying an extra 110Ah battery which you charge at home?
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Generator, Aaaaaah. I did once go to a dog show and the level of noise from hundreds of dogs barking was unbelievable, and the noise didn't seem to bother the caravanners who were having a great time with the BBQ's and the dogs going bananas. Each to his
own, just not my cup of tea.0 -
I have a Honda generator but am very wary of upsetting others when using it. It can make some noticeable noise when under full load, so I’m glad I didn’t get a cheap one. I think that many of those making a fuss about them might simply be jealous that someone
has something that they do not.As Dave says, a dog show environment is rather different and there may already be others about running cheap gennies. However, for the small amount of ‘leccy that you require I rather like the suggestion that you consider getting an extra battery.
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I have a Honda EU10i which I inherited from motorhome owning and now late father.I seldom use it because my OH regards it as an unnecessary,neighbour annoyer.It will charge the batteries and run a small caravan kettle but not a microwave nor the electric
elements on our Truma unit.Our TV will run on 12v as well as from the mains/generator.our fridge is a Waeco which runs off the batteries.We have a roof mounted solar panel and two 110ah batteries;to be frank the generator is not something I would have chosen
to own if the old man had not bought it new just before he died.I use it at most three times in a year and mostly to charge up my MH batteries if the MH has been locked up in my garage during a spell of poor weather,when sunny and dry I back it out and let
the sun do the work.All of this is to back up Rogher's advice that a good roof mounted SP might be a better use of your money.0 -
Accepting that in the OP application generators have not the issues they have on tranquil campsite and are the norm, can I suggest they look to purchasing specifically a used second hand Honda. These often are resold and if my Honda is anything to go by
it has been very durable if looked after, it is now 25 years old. Buying SH takes a huge chunk out of the new cost and with care a little used well looked after machine can be found.0 -
cornishpixi, A cheap generator will drive you and others mad. I've got one I use for emergencies at home and on the farm, and it's noisy. The Honda ones are quieter, but at a price, and you can still hear the wretched thing
drone on in the background. I, and many others use solar, and very happy to do so. Its also cheaper than a honda or about the same as a noisy cheapo. A generator can be the fastest way to make enemies on site.0 -
I am in the solar panel cheap gas camp - by cheap gas - I mean using a Safefill refillable cylinder - I have no trouble with the TV and lights on the solar panel even in winter time - well not many lights as I prefer candlelight. Another huge down point
to the genny for me is the smell of its fuel unless you have a seperate outside locker to keep it in when travelling. Hope you can make the right decision for you!0 -
I use an LPG conversion to avoid the need for petrol. Beware that some of these still need petrol to get started, though. I didn’t want smells, nor the need to mess with yet another fuel type. I bought it when I was about to get a Brit van with fixed microwave
(but small battery bank and no inverter). I changed my mind but kept the generator. Even though I can run the microwave though an inverter, I’ll use the genny when wild-camping to give the battery bank a rest. Generators are not a very cheap source of electric
power, whether from cheap LPG or petrol. I would not recommend using one to heat water except in emergency.0 -
SDMO make a nice generator but they are not cheap, as with most things you get what you pay for, the other problem is modern petrol doesn't store that well and gums up the carburetors,
The noise level affects the price the lower noise level the dearer they tend to be.
If you're not too bothered about noise then the open frame ones are a lot cheaper , and if you are only running it for a short while surrounded by yapping dogs then it shouldn't be too much of a problem.
If you can put a screen around it that will help absorb / deflect some of the noise away.
If you can get a second hand honda that would be the way to go, Take a fan heater or a kettle with you to test it.
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If you must have a generator may I suggest the Honda. They are well worth the expense. They are among the quietest but even then, can be irritating to campsite neighbours.
Remember you have to carry petrol in a can (to top up) either in the car or caravan, can be smelly and some might say dangerous.
For the price of a decent generator you could have a solar panel fitted. Keeps the leisure battery well topped up.
K
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I regularly assist with the set up of horse shows, so I'm in a similar situation to you. As I run a laptop and printer and recharging power tools when onsite, I need a genny (solar and an inverter just won't cut it) and recommend the Honda 10i. Provided
you are not trying to put high loads through it (kettles, microwaves etc) and revving the do-dos out of it, it is suprisingly quiet.0 -
You pays your money and takes your choice.
If you must h ave a generator make sure it's four stroke.
Most are advertised with the noise level measured approximately 7 meters away, so close oil service up it will be noisier.
I have seen homemade ventilated cover to try to reduce the noise but as the generators are usually fan assisted air cooling this can lead to overheating.
If you could borrow one to try first it will give you an idea of how nosy they can be, and most places will have a cut off like for generator use in which case you will still be using battery power in the evening/nights.
The advantage of modern solar panels is the fact that the power can still be supplied when the sun is not out, and power is generated from dawn to dusk.
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We do quite a lot of off site camping so I fitted a 2nd 110amp battery in parallel with the existing one so it gets charged as you drive and gives plenty of power for the TV etc. If you are staying in one place for any length of time just run your engine
for a while to recharge but 2 x 110amp batteries should last a few days with no problems.Make sure you use a cable the same size as the existing battery cable [or heavier]and ensure the battery is secure. Asealed for life battery is best and then you should not have ventilation problems.
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I don't use geny's nor solar so I wont deign to tell anybody which to buy
BUT a good friend bought a brand new Honda & had it converted by the retailer so that it ran on PROPANE GAS. !! Thus he only needs to carry a small quantity of engine oil but no petrol.0 -
You’re probably better off with a solar panel for what you describe, cornishpixi. It would be cheaper and more sociably acceptable. There’s a very long thread on this discussion <here>.
Allow plenty of time to work through it and, hopefully, your time will be rewarded....I agree absolutely having spent an horrendous couple of days on a CL where someone parked next to us and used a generator from around 3.00pm till midnight.
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I have two 110amp batteries which I keep charged when at home. They last for at least 4 days [in the summer] when camping without EHU. The second battery cost me £95 including free fitting. Batteries are heavy and need to be located in a properly designed
compartment so are not the easiest thing to fit into some motorhomes.An alternative is to consider whether you can simply have a single higher rated battery.
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