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xcoldgrimjimx Samba Member
Joined: November 18, 2011 Posts: 254 Location: CA
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Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 12:33 am Post subject: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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Hi guys
I wanted to ask for your input and pictures if you have em. When my bus is ready for the all important family camping trip I want to take up some extra power. Meaning a small generator I have been thinking of ways to put it in the bus and brands since there is 1 million different generators out there I was wondering if you guys could show me your set up and what kind of generator you prefer with specs ,wattage ,runtime ext ... I was thinking of the Honda EX 1000 here's a pic [/img]
Ya..so if you guys could please show me your generator set up in your bus to give me some ideas I would much appreciate it thank you!! _________________ ya it's rusty...but it's MINE!!!!! |
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aa390392 Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2007 Posts: 3602 Location: So.Cal
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Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 7:50 am Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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Thanks for posting I to am curious. Please do share.
Thomas _________________ .
getting grumpy & less tolerant!
55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
56 Kabriolet |
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cdennisg Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004 Posts: 20271 Location: Sandpoint, ID
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Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 10:19 am Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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The Honda generator line is pretty much the best you can get. I have used several of them over the years, and a I know many people living off the grid that use them for their homes. To pick the needed size, add up the power consumption needs of all your stuff, add another 20%, and choose the generator that will work.
I am considering the EU2000 for a backup home generator. I can run a few lights and keep the fridge and freezer working as necessary during a power outage with that one. Also works great to run my small table saw and a few tools on job sites that do not yet have power. We have done that a few times over the years.
But I have to ask, why the need for a generator for camping? I thought camping meant getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, including the need for the instant gratification of electronic gadgetry. _________________ nothing |
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amishman Samba Member
Joined: March 09, 2004 Posts: 3217 Location: California
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Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 10:52 am Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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Seems to be many sub $300 invertor based 1000w generators available these days. Plenty of 1000w to 2000w between $300 and $500 range. Tempted to get one someday but for home use but could come in handy for extended long camping sessions.
I like the compact size and less weight of the smaller 1000w units. Normally around 30 pounds. Easier to carry around. May be suitable for small power needs.
The 2000w would be more useful though. The Harbor Freight has a small compact Predator model that can be had between $400 and $500. Two can be paralleled together too for 4000w.
But something to run the home fridge in a power outage would be nice.
TJ _________________ tj (the Amishman)
Come visit my web site!
http://www.vwhippie.com |
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williamM Samba Member
Joined: August 07, 2008 Posts: 4333 Location: southwest Arizona
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Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 11:14 am Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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amishman wrote: |
The Harbor Freight has a small compact Predator model that can be had between $400 and $500. Two can be paralleled together too for 4000w.
But something to run the home fridge in a power outage would be nice.
TJ |
I have had a few of those HF 800w / 2stroke- and 3 outta 4 isn't bad. Hey- they were $89.00---
One had a poorly installed main brn.-- any way- found out the little devil would run a med sized swamper--(everything else is gravy)-- BUT- you had to start the fan spinning first.
Then I like the 2 stroke as when it runs out of oil/gas it quits.
But to upgrade I got the Dometic 2800 (I think)- It was electric start inverter model- That works still- but the designers put in a 12vt looking 6vt battery and that died on the charger.--New battery was $67- But still run it at the storage. Hope it last the summer running an air conditioner.
Contemplating the HF gen and a 3 gallon boat gas can and a lay down propane 5 gallon tank to fill the storage on the Rivi- we'll see. _________________ some days I get up and just sit and think. Some days I just sit.
opinion untempered by fact is ignorance.
Don't step in any! |
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amishman Samba Member
Joined: March 09, 2004 Posts: 3217 Location: California
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Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 11:32 am Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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williamM wrote: |
amishman wrote: |
The Harbor Freight has a small compact Predator model that can be had between $400 and $500. Two can be paralleled together too for 4000w.
But something to run the home fridge in a power outage would be nice.
TJ |
I have had a few of those HF 800w / 2stroke- and 3 outta 4 isn't bad. Hey- they were $89.00---
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this is the one i had meant.
http://www.harborfreight.com/2000-peak1600-running...62523.html
good reviews too.
tj _________________ tj (the Amishman)
Come visit my web site!
http://www.vwhippie.com |
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esde Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2007 Posts: 5966 Location: central rust belt
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Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 11:57 am Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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Generally, the Harbor Fright generators are not repairable, and 1 out of every few seems to die an early death. Keeping one for "emergency backup" wouldn't be my first choice. _________________ modok wrote:
Bent cranks are silent but gather no moss. I mean, ah, something like that. |
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xcoldgrimjimx Samba Member
Joined: November 18, 2011 Posts: 254 Location: CA
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Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 1:04 pm Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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cdennisg wrote: |
The Honda generator line is pretty much the best you can get. I have used several of them over the years, and a I know many people living off the grid that use them for their homes. To pick the needed size, add up the power consumption needs of all your stuff, add another 20%, and choose the generator that will work.
I am considering the EU2000 for a backup home generator. I can run a few lights and keep the fridge and freezer working as necessary during a power outage with that one. Also works great to run my small table saw and a few tools on job sites that do not yet have power. We have done that a few times over the years.
But I have to ask, why the need for a generator for camping? I thought camping meant getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, including the need for the instant gratification of electronic gadgetry. |
Hi, to run :to run my flood lights, electric stove, radio, mini fridge when parked for long periods of time ac unit ext... & most of ALL! Pice of mind knowing that I have good strong BACK UP POWER ! Just In case of dead battery ext... you never know! ... I'd rather HAVE IT and not need it VS NEED ONE and Not HAVE ONE! NOTE: on a just weekend 'basis' I WOULD NOT BRING ALL mentioned above ! that is stuff I would bring ( amongst other things ) for a trip consisting of a weeks time or more ...like when I go to AZ,MEXICO,COLORADO ext... _________________ ya it's rusty...but it's MINE!!!!! |
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Daddybus Samba Member
Joined: June 15, 2000 Posts: 1653
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Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 3:06 pm Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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Noise level also needs to be considered, especially when camping. At full power some of those generic brands are wakeup-the-entire-neighborhood crazy loud. The HF model is 66dB, almost as loud as a vacuum cleaner and 25% louder than the Honda at full power. Over twice as loud as the Honda when the Honda is at 1/4 power (53dB).
[/quote]
this is the one i had meant.
http://www.harborfreight.com/2000-peak1600-running...62523.html
good reviews too.
tj[/quote] |
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velvetgreen Samba Member
Joined: August 17, 2004 Posts: 2745 Location: Canada
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Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 3:18 pm Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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I have heard very good things about this Ryobi generator and they are about 50% or less the cost of Honda. Also come with wheels so you don't have to lug it with the handle. You can buy them at home depot
RYOBI Model # RYCI2001 | Store SKU # 1000783343
2000 Starting Watt Inverter Generator
https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.1000783343.html...wAodo00OLA
I have the Honda EU2000 and it is whisper quiet when running on Eco mode. That being said I was surprised that when it has sat for a month it is a PITA to start. Honda blames crappy gas (stabilizer etc etc) but I also have a Yamaha 7200 watt generator (a beast both in size and performance- not to be lugged in your car) and it doesn't seem to care if it has been sitting months. I wish I could say I was more tickled than I am with the Honda but I would be lying if I did. Great when it runs but having had other Honda products I can't say I am super thrilled with it. If you do get the EU2000 make sure to drain the gas when not in use and use a fuel stabilizer! |
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Nubby Samba Member
Joined: August 28, 2010 Posts: 605 Location: Down by the river
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Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 3:27 pm Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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Honda EU2000 is the way to go. I would suggest listening before you buy. Many tool rental spots rent generators. Try them before you buy. My .02 |
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xcoldgrimjimx Samba Member
Joined: November 18, 2011 Posts: 254 Location: CA
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Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 12:58 am Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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Anyone with a pic of there set up in there bus? location, wiring ,sound proofing? Ext... _________________ ya it's rusty...but it's MINE!!!!! |
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Abscate Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014 Posts: 22648 Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 3:55 am Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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You can't setup a generator in a Bus. It's an internal combustion engine full of fuel. You don't want it near your Bus while camping as its hot and spews CO.
I'm not sure where generator camping fits in between tent camping and an RV Park. _________________ .ssS! |
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Craig Samba Member
Joined: August 09, 2004 Posts: 766 Location: Chapel Hill, NC
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Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 5:31 am Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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xcoldgrimjimx wrote: |
Anyone with a pic of there set up in there bus? location, wiring ,sound proofing? Ext... |
Nothing to it (no pics, though):
Open the cargo doors, set generator on the floor with your stuff, arrive at the campground, take it out, set it on the ground, pull the cord, plug in your floodlights, and irritate the fuck out of other campers with light, noise, and smell.
If you want to run it inside the bus, skip steps four and five, turn the muffler toward a cracked-open cargo door. |
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xcoldgrimjimx Samba Member
Joined: November 18, 2011 Posts: 254 Location: CA
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Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 2:30 pm Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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bump _________________ ya it's rusty...but it's MINE!!!!! |
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Randy in Maine Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2003 Posts: 34890 Location: The Beach
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Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2017 5:35 am Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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If you need a generator while camping, just stay home.
If you can't run it off a camping battery you don't need it. |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32598 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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cdennisg Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004 Posts: 20271 Location: Sandpoint, ID
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Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2017 10:24 am Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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djkeev wrote: |
the potential to become an unsecured projectile and kill you.......
IMHO
Dave |
So, secure it. Straps are cheap. _________________ nothing |
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Mike Fisher Samba Member
Joined: January 30, 2006 Posts: 17970 Location: Eugene, OR
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Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2017 10:41 am Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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I'd rather fold out 5 solar panels like on this Recon as the quieter option for camping & leave the generator home.
https://www.reconcampers.com/packages-options _________________ https://imgur.com/user/FisherSquareback/posts
69 FI/AT square Daily Driver
66 sunroof,67,70,71,71,71AT,72,72AT,73 Parts
two 57 oval ragtops sold
'68 Karmann Ghia sold
Society is like stew. If you don't keep it stirred up you end up with a lot of scum on the top! - Russ_Wolfe/Edward Abbey |
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mark tucker Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2009 Posts: 23937 Location: SHALIMAR ,FLORIDA
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Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2017 5:50 pm Post subject: Re: Generators for your bus and camping trips!! set ups & Brands ? |
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Ive seen the expensive ones take a shit way too soon, and the cheepo ones last long time. Ive got 3 ( living in herbicane ally you need a few) my HF 5000 watt works just fine, the old Kawasaki works just fine but is only about 1600 watt as ai recall, might be 2000. then there is the yamaha suit case ef600 it will run a refrigerator but not a coffee pot....it's super quiet. but the main jet is so fricken small you have to remove it and clean it every time you want to use the dam thing if it's not run for 2 weeks or more.I mean it's tiny Ive never seen a idle jet that small. if I were gought to get one I would figure what I needed and get at least the next size up...or 2 sizes up if you can. and run it for about 30 min then change the oil!!! then again after 1.5 hours. I put synthetic in mine after the 4 th oil change. and make sure you use the right size extension cords!!!!!! romex 12 ga is a pain in the ass but it does make good ext cords and put a box on the end. I need to get them all out and run them...been a few years, but they always start right up...execpt for that dam yamaha....( and I was a yamaha certified tech )Ive tried every thing.same results. |
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