Fabricate onboard generator using Honda GX-25?

[Californio]

We do a lot of solo camping in our Syncro, often way out in the middle of nowhere, and I'm always thinking of emergency solutions if and when we get stuck on top of a mountain someplace. I've been thinking about making a generator out of a tiny Honda GX-25 engine mounted to the old spare tire clamshell (my spare is on the rear lid) and connected (with a piece of heater hose?) directly to a 12v 90 amp alternator. This would provide power for the Propex in the event the batteries wore down.

The Honda is rated at 80+ decibels, so for sure not for campground use.

The one I really want, the Honda EU1000 (59dB), is way too high to fit in there. By contrast, the GX-25 engine is only about 9" tall, probably less without the gas tank. So it could be permanently installed under there. A long piece of metal tube connected to a t before the fuel pump would supply gas. To use, just drop the clamshell and pull the starter.

Anybody done something like this? Any reason it wouldn't work?

[Alaric.H]

I belive 90amp needs about 3hp .

[madspaniard]

a great idea in concept but if you get stuck there is also a chance you will run out of gas eventually, why not go the renewable energy route? a 135w solar panel coupled with nice aux battery will serve as well.
_________________
1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD

"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali

[Californio]

Maybe so, looks like the 1000 w generator uses a 50cc motor as opposed to the GX-25cc.

Back to drawing board. Smaller alternator maybe.

[Californio]

Only problem with solar is when there isn't any/enough sun. As in winter camping at night. Yes fuel is an issue but these engines would run full throttle for a week on 5 gallons of gas. They're tiny.

[GWTWTLW]

Why spin an alternator? Why don't you just use a 110 generator and feed your outlets with a charger connected?
_________________
89 Syncro Westy - GW 2.5, now with a double knob job
@gwtwtlw

[Californio]

There's only about 10" between the clamshell and the shifter box, IIRC. The usual generators are higher than that. I'd like it to be permanently mounted so the boyz in the hood don't steal it. Where else to put it? The Honda EU1000's are way too big for example.

[buildyourown]

I would look at your power requirements and decide what your goal really is. A good sized house battery will keep a Propex going for a long time. Maybe look at just adding battery capacity. It will be useful all the time (vs only in emergencies). It will also be silent, cheaper, and easier.

If your goal is to stay warm for a week in the winter, propane and a battery will solve that problem. If you are looking to stay alive if your car breaks down, a down sleeping bag will do the job.

[andy syncro-nutz]

A costomer of ours is working on this idea just now,
http://gardenequipmentreview.com/reviews/landscapi...rator.aspx

[PDXWesty]

http://gardenequipmentreview.com/blog/post/12-Volt-Mini-Generator.aspx

That's pretty cool, but I normally just idle my engine for 40 minutes to charge my batteries. I usually want a generator to provide 120v ac so that I can run other higher powered 120v things. That's pretty sweet though!
_________________
89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[andy syncro-nutz]

[Californio]

That's it! Way more ambitious size-wise than my idea, but the same basic notion. I wonder what he does about the exhaust.

[Californio]

The only problem with idling to recharge is the gas usage. I'm talking about an emergency device that could save your butt in the snow for a week. RIP James Kim...hard to forget that story.

[PDXWesty]

I'm sure he just stores it in the battery box and takes it out for use.
_________________
89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[TheBusBarn]

why dont you just get the EU1000i, I have a set of them (EU200i's) in tandem and they can power my whole trailer. You could just carry it as cargo, and then pull it out and run it aside your van and run your shore power to it. Or, you could do a Jerry can rack off the rear end for a rack solution. These are amazing little machines and you can run em anywhere.

[andy syncro-nutz]

[Californio]

Why not get the EU1000? It's too big (17" tall IIRC) to fit into the clamshell. Yes I could stick it on the roof rack but in my neighborhood it wouldn't be there the next morning. Where else to store it? NOT inside the van...

I want something permanently mounted so the enterprising young lads around here can't walk away with it.

The EU1000 would be my first choice except for the size.

[j_dirge]

[Californio]

I usually go out with 10 days + of food, full water tank, 6 gals of propane, three house batteries aside from the starter battery, down bag, and a few bottles of my favorite zinfandel. The latter, to greet rescuers when and if they arrive.

But a generator that would run for a week or so on a few gallons of gas would supply heat and light way beyond what the batteries can do, esp. in cold weather.

The Kim story is pretty extreme but it illustrates to all us city boys how nature doesn't f..k around. Easy to forget when you aren't out there.

I was up in the Sierras a couple years ago, early December, me and the dog, way back on a snowy road in Toyaibe Nat Forest, 11* at night. A day later back home the throttle cable broke. Coulda stranded me up there. Us I should say.

[GBA 88West LA]

if you have electricity you have heat if equipped w/ portable heater.
_________________
88 Westy GL Vanaru 07 2.5 EJ25/AA Trans/oiling plates, 1.14 3rd-.77-4th..solar powered cabin