hi everyone, we are in Gladstone and it is really hot. We would like to run our air conditioner, fridge and lights. We would like your input as to what brand, how big a generator and the quietest one we will need. also, any ideas on the best place to buy it. thanks.
-- Edited by the rocket on Sunday 5th of January 2014 10:09:58 AM
Roving-Dutchy said
10:32 AM Jan 5, 2014
To get an accurate reply, What are the amps required to run all these appliances and lights.The more info you can supply will help with the answer to your query.
If you stay in National Parks usually you cannot run a generator.
Cheers
David
Kiwi-as said
12:58 PM Jan 5, 2014
I bought a Genny especially for that purpose. Got one off E Bay $ 550. 3.7 kv. Does the job with no problems.
Could not justify two grand for a Honda to be used occasionally .
Just be aware what ever one you get, it will be working hard, so will make a bit of noise.
KFT said
01:23 PM Jan 5, 2014
Most generator's will be a bit noisier when running an aircon.
generally a bigger genset of say 3-3.5 KvA will run aircon easier and should make less noise
Jaycar have one for around $1495(from memory) which may suit your useage.
If you can run your fridge on gas-much more efficient IMHO.
The big Japanese brands are excellent, but the thieves are more determined to get those brands above others.
Landfall said
03:20 PM Jan 5, 2014
You can try the rest, but most people end up with the Honda eventually.
Ken
Hylda&Jon said
03:31 PM Jan 5, 2014
When we were traveling and, as we had a small Honda Gennie ourselves, we sometimes camped in one of those generator only sites which, I think, are more common in WA. When we did we always went looking for a site where we spied other vans with the familiar red Honda genny as we knew from past experience they were quieter than the rest.
Cheers
Jon
exa41 said
05:42 PM Jan 5, 2014
yep , its a 4.4kw , Different name but looks the same, bought it of Ebay 6 weeks ago for $520 seems to handle the equipment Ok runs 57Db and they say about 6to8 hrs on fuel.
oldbobsbus said
07:02 AM Jan 6, 2014
Be very careful of some of the cheaper gen sets as they are just what their price indicates.. Where a Onga or Honda have roller and ball bearings the cheaper ones run in the machined casting and after running loaded for a time the surface wears and the unit fails.. I have a friend who had his Honda stolen and bought a GMC from Bunnings, he lives in the bush and sometimes needs to run it for 5/6 hours a day.. The first one lasted around 2 days so he took it back and they willingly gave him a replacement, that lasted a day and a half.. Back he went and they gave him his money back saying that there must be something wrong with the batch they had...lol.. He bit the bullet and the new Honda is now 2years old and still going strong..
She ll Be Apples said
05:21 PM Jan 6, 2014
Hi
I to have had only Honda gennies 1 and 2 kva suitcase models would leave in shed for 12 months fill with fuel and would start first or second pull I have now gone to the Yamaha 2.4 while travelling to run aircon (split system) because they can handle the heat up north better than the Honda. Buy the best quality you can afford some times the lowest purchase price doesn't work out to be the cheapest
Cheers
Mick
aroundthetraps said
11:05 AM Jan 9, 2014
We bought a Fuji 3.5kva with 59db which is the same as Honda 2kva, its a bit noisier once you put the aircon on, probably goes up to about 70db but for $450 on Ebay......dam good value, also has 12months warranty.
Golddetectornomad said
11:36 PM Jan 9, 2014
I carried a new Chinese blue Kipor 2 Kva for just over two years in the front of my Jayco without using, first time I did it dropped its piston and not repairable and being just out of Warranty I blew the initial cost of approx.$1,500. Fresh fuel and I always had filled with fuel stabilizer..started O.K. when I originally purchased.....garbage item IMO....now have Honda 2 Kva which I use quite often..perfect generator to use...the equivalent Yamaha has only one power point and the Honda has two.....which was the main reason I chose the Honda...glad I did....with the Kipor I found you don't get what you pay for, as they are not cheap inverter gennies to purchase...I cant see myself trusting a Chinese made again, when I'm independent camping.....Hoo Roo
sandsmere said
07:15 AM Jan 10, 2014
the rocket asked about the quietest generator . Without a doubt . . . Honda .
They are not the cheapest but they are good . We have a 30iu ( about 3 kva ) . Starts first go and runs everything easily .
We were camped in Lincoln NP recently and a bloke had a Fuji ( or Fuju ) . Had it running , switched the hot water system
on , and it died . Had that burning smell about it . Said he only paid around $600 for it .
Cheapies will let you down eventually .
Big Gorilla said
07:17 AM Jan 10, 2014
If you want the quietest generator, you can't go past the Honda. But do you really need to spend around $2,000.00 for top of the range. Also, do you rally need a generator ? If you set up a suitable solar system for your requirements, you will probably never use a generator. A lot of cheap generators today come out of China. While some will argue they are good quality and do the job, it's only a matter of time before they give you trouble. In my 3 years on the road, I've never had the use for one. Get some professional advise on installing or upgrading a solar system in your MH or caravan. Solar panels, controller, batteries etc.
Now I haven't overlooked the fact you want to run an aircon, refrig. etc. If your frig is 240 volt only, you're in trouble if you only have solar ! Doesn't your frig. have the option of running on 12 volt and/or gas ?
Admittedly we all want aircon on days when we are experiencing these extremely hot days and nights. These weather conditions don't last forever so I'm suggesting that when you need 240 volts, check into a Caravan Park for a few days. That's what I do. The cost of the CP for a few days will be a lot less than purchasing a reliable good quality generator, which you will use infrequently.
hi everyone, we are in Gladstone and it is really hot. We would like to run our air conditioner, fridge and lights. We would like your input as to what brand, how big a generator and the quietest one we will need. also, any ideas on the best place to buy it. thanks.
-- Edited by the rocket on Sunday 5th of January 2014 10:09:58 AM
If you stay in National Parks usually you cannot run a generator.
Cheers
David
Could not justify two grand for a Honda to be used occasionally .
Just be aware what ever one you get, it will be working hard, so will make a bit of noise.
generally a bigger genset of say 3-3.5 KvA will run aircon easier and should make less noise
Jaycar have one for around $1495(from memory) which may suit your useage.
If you can run your fridge on gas-much more efficient IMHO.
frank
www.toughland.com.au/lectron-generator/lectron-le3500-digital-display-240v-pure-sine-wave-key-start-portable-silent.html
The two years warranty seems OK.
The big Japanese brands are excellent, but the thieves are more determined to get those brands above others.
You can try the rest, but most people end up with the Honda eventually.
Ken
When we were traveling and, as we had a small Honda Gennie ourselves, we sometimes camped in one of those generator only sites which, I think, are more common in WA. When we did we always went looking for a site where we spied other vans with the familiar red Honda genny as we knew from past experience they were quieter than the rest.
Cheers
Jon
yep , its a 4.4kw , Different name but looks the same, bought it of Ebay 6 weeks ago for $520 seems to handle the equipment Ok runs 57Db and they say about 6to8 hrs on fuel.
Be very careful of some of the cheaper gen sets as they are just what their price indicates..
Where a Onga or Honda have roller and ball bearings the cheaper ones run in the machined casting and after running loaded for a time the surface wears and the unit fails..
I have a friend who had his Honda stolen and bought a GMC from Bunnings, he lives in the bush and sometimes needs to run it for 5/6 hours a day..
The first one lasted around 2 days so he took it back and they willingly gave him a replacement, that lasted a day and a half..
Back he went and they gave him his money back saying that there must be something wrong with the batch they had...lol..
He bit the bullet and the new Honda is now 2years old and still going strong..
I to have had only Honda gennies 1 and 2 kva suitcase models would leave in shed for 12 months fill with fuel and would start first or second pull I have now gone to the Yamaha 2.4 while travelling to run aircon (split system) because they can handle the heat up north better than the Honda. Buy the best quality you can afford some times the lowest purchase price doesn't work out to be the cheapest
Cheers
Mick
We bought a Fuji 3.5kva with 59db which is the same as Honda 2kva, its a bit noisier once you put the aircon on, probably goes up to about 70db but for $450 on Ebay......dam good value, also has 12months warranty.
the rocket asked about the quietest generator . Without a doubt . . . Honda .
They are not the cheapest but they are good . We have a 30iu ( about 3 kva ) . Starts first go and runs everything easily .
We were camped in Lincoln NP recently and a bloke had a Fuji ( or Fuju ) . Had it running , switched the hot water system
on , and it died . Had that burning smell about it . Said he only paid around $600 for it .
Cheapies will let you down eventually .
If you want the quietest generator, you can't go past the Honda. But do you really need to spend around $2,000.00 for top of the range. Also, do you rally need a generator ? If you set up a suitable solar system for your requirements, you will probably never use a generator. A lot of cheap generators today come out of China. While some will argue they are good quality and do the job, it's only a matter of time before they give you trouble. In my 3 years on the road, I've never had the use for one. Get some professional advise on installing or upgrading a solar system in your MH or caravan. Solar panels, controller, batteries etc.
Now I haven't overlooked the fact you want to run an aircon, refrig. etc. If your frig is 240 volt only, you're in trouble if you only have solar ! Doesn't your frig. have the option of running on 12 volt and/or gas ?
Admittedly we all want aircon on days when we are experiencing these extremely hot days and nights. These weather conditions don't last forever so I'm suggesting that when you need 240 volts, check into a Caravan Park for a few days. That's what I do. The cost of the CP for a few days will be a lot less than purchasing a reliable good quality generator, which you will use infrequently.
you covered everything
frank