Have been advised to by a generator to power the charging of tablet, phone and microwave, and run the aircon/heater,i also have a small 2kg washing machine, i'm so, info overload, do i buy the one that has the 15amp ponts or the 240 v??? I'm so confused. - HELP
Murraman said
05:29 PM Aug 5, 2014
I think all Generators have 15amp power points on them some have two some one. It is the same as your Van. The Caravan and motorhomes mag at the Newsagency has a good write up about generators.
It rates the 2.4 Yamaha and the Honda 3 as the best buys dead heat. These maybe bigger than you planned on but you may need a 2.4 to run the air con.
Wombat 280 said
06:28 PM Aug 5, 2014
Buy Honda ,pricy but worth every penny . If buying others makes sure you get the dealer to demo it with a load on it, not just a light or two, stick a warm fridge on max cool setting into the circuit so you can hear the noise, anything above 70-75 dBA is too loud it will drive you crazy or you will need a long lead to put it down the river bank to kill the noise then there's the risk getting it flogged while it' out of sight. In my view only look at 4 strokes and keep it well maintained for a long life
frangipani said
06:36 PM Aug 5, 2014
Thanks, Wombat 280 and Murraman, apparently I should buy a 2KVA inverter generator, 4 stroke, i've seen some on Ebay, what are ypur thoughts?
Aus-Kiwi said
06:46 PM Aug 5, 2014
Yep as above ^^ Any bigger the Onan is a top generater . Usually built into van, motorhome .. You can charge your tablet, phone off 12v and while your driving ? If you intend to drive for 2 or more hours a day another set of batteries and inverter can prevail without generater. To run your air con ? You will need 240v or generater big enough . Or you'll have to limit what can be run at one time..check the watts on your air con and go from there...
Plendo said
06:46 PM Aug 5, 2014
Frangipani, you raise what is probably one of the most common, and controversial subjects on the forum. Most people are trying to sort out whether to spend loads on a big brand model (Honda or Yamaha), or whether to risk it, and buy a cheap imported model. However I feel your question needs to be explored a little more.
Firstly all of the generators you would be looking at will generate 240V, some will have one output socket, some will have two. BEWARE, given that you would be feeding the power into your RV, you will need the output socket to be 15 amp, NOT 10 amp. The 15 amp has a larger earth pin.
Now the next choice you have is size, it needs to be big enough to power the things you need to power, but remember the more powerful it is the bigger and heavier it will be. If you plan to run an air conditioner, then you will probably need at least 2KVA and probably 3KVA to be safe, they will be heavy (at least 16kg). If you only want to run smaller appliances a 1kva unit MAY be appropriate, and would be lighter and easier to handle.
The best advice i can give you is find someone who can look at your appliances, and work out the maximum power that you would need concurrently (the sum of the devices you would want to run all at once).
Once you have this information the learned people here on the forum will be able to give you much more appropriate advice.
aussie_paul said
06:57 PM Aug 5, 2014
Frangipani wrote:
Thanks, Wombat 280 and Murraman, apparently I should buy a 2KVA inverter generator, 4 stroke, i've seen some on Ebay, what are ypur thoughts?
I bought a 2Kva on Ebay but it would not drive the van aircon. The fine print said it was only 1600 watts continuous!!!! I then bought this one for $580 and it runs the aircon or a fan heater. Sunday I had it running 2656 watts at 11.2 amps and it still had some reserve.
Thanks, Wombat 280 and Murraman, apparently I should buy a 2KVA inverter generator, 4 stroke, i've seen some on Ebay, what are ypur thoughts?
I bought a 2Kva on Ebay but it would not drive the van aircon. The fine print said it was only 1600 watts continuous!!!! I then bought this one for $580 and it runs the aircon or a fan heater. Sunday I had it running 2656 watts at 11.2 amps and it still had some reserve.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Tuesday 5th of August 2014 07:03:25 PM
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Tuesday 5th of August 2014 07:04:00 PM
ooooh, thankyou Aussie Paul, i just needed re assurance its ok to buy one off Ebay, its 28kgs I think i'll be able to lift it, thankyou again.
frangipani said
07:32 PM Aug 5, 2014
aussie_paul wrote:
Frangipani wrote:
Thanks, Wombat 280 and Murraman, apparently I should buy a 2KVA inverter generator, 4 stroke, i've seen some on Ebay, what are ypur thoughts?
I bought a 2Kva on Ebay but it would not drive the van aircon. The fine print said it was only 1600 watts continuous!!!! I then bought this one for $580 and it runs the aircon or a fan heater. Sunday I had it running 2656 watts at 11.2 amps and it still had some reserve.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Tuesday 5th of August 2014 07:03:25 PM
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Tuesday 5th of August 2014 07:04:00 PM
this might sound stupid, but its all gobbledygook to me, do i plug the 15amp lead that goes into my Motorhome to the 240v in the generator?
aussie_paul said
07:38 PM Aug 5, 2014
Yes Frangipani.
Aussie Paul.
frangipani said
07:45 PM Aug 5, 2014
aussie_paul wrote:
Yes Frangipani.
Aussie Paul.
Thanks again
Aus-Kiwi said
07:51 PM Aug 5, 2014
May I ask . Is the washing machine , microwave , aircon . Hard wired ?? Or are you going to run separate leads ??
frangipani said
07:59 PM Aug 5, 2014
Aus-Kiwi wrote:
May I ask . Is the washing machine , microwave , aircon . Hard wired ?? Or are you going to run separate leads ??
only the washer is not hard wired, its just a little bucket with a motor sort of thing i bought at Rays Tent City,
the prevous owners had a twin tub.
It comes in handy don't have to carry coins around with me LOL
shekon said
08:00 PM Aug 5, 2014
Fran, that is funny about the 15amp lead. When I first got Miss Daisy home I could not work out why my lead would not plug into my powerpoint at home. I had no idea there was such a thing as a 15amp lead. I rang the guy I bought it from and suggested he must have given me the wrong lead. I have learnt much since then believe me.
frangipani said
08:10 PM Aug 5, 2014
shekon wrote:
Fran, that is funny about the 15amp lead. When I first got Miss Daisy home I could not work out why my lead would not plug into my powerpoint at home. I had no idea there was such a thing as a 15amp lead. I rang the guy I bought it from and suggested he must have given me the wrong lead. I have learnt much since then believe me.
Ha ha ha thats so funny,
LOL, only reason i know is, every time Sam used a special power point in the shed he would repeat Fran you see this plug its got the longer pin its a 15amp, and i would repeat Yeh yeh yeh whatever, but OMG how grateful I am that he taught me a lot about power tools and how to fix bits and pieces.,
So Sharon if you ever need a car rubbed down or masked up I'm your girl HaHaHa.
Radar said
07:20 PM Aug 6, 2014
It really is not important which generator you buy but where you use it. at the moment I am sitting amongst heap of selfish people wanting to use a generator, there noisy, smelly after they turn them off all you here hear is televisions so loud, no fun yes we were here first but that don't count. First off try to do with out, washing machine try alternatives it is amazing how far you will go with out. Ralph
frangipani said
08:07 PM Aug 6, 2014
Radar wrote:
It really is not important which generator you buy but where you use it. at the moment I am sitting amongst heap of selfish people wanting to use a generator, there noisy, smelly after they turn them off all you here hear is televisions so loud, no fun yes we were here first but that don't count. First off try to do with out, washing machine try alternatives it is amazing how far you will go with out. Ralph
Thankyou Radar, i will be responsible the way i use my generator., being a solo traveller i just need to know that if i need power i have it, most probably won't use it on this trip. - Fran
Phil C said
11:21 AM Aug 8, 2014
Hi all
I started a thread about "do we need 240V" some time ago and got some interesting responses. Suggest you take a look. The only things in my van that use 240V are the microwave electric blanket, heater and the washing machine, at a free camp the electric blanket works fine all night on the inverter.
SO! The thinking here is the microwave can be replaced by gas, butane or fire. The washing machine, well turn the undies inside out when you take a shower in the worst case scenario. OR wait till you hit civilization and use the caravan park laundry or town laundromat.
Our Honda 2KVA generator is only used to charge the batteries (2 x 100AH AGMs) on dull days when the solar cant cut the mustard. We have 12V fans for hot days or we hitch up take the van to a beach and use the ute aircon on real stinkers.
I guess we need to think a bit outside the dots for this sort of issue. Im rapidly learning there is no normal in caravaning. Rules of electricity 15Amps is 3600W at 240V. 10Amps is 2400W. (ignoring power factor)
Safe travels
oldboar said
02:26 PM Aug 11, 2014
Fran, no problems with using a generator for the washing machine, etc provided you consider others. The key is consideration on all sides, a fact Ralph seems to prefer to ignore. As for the aircon, it's amazing how little it is required. A good 12V marine fan plus flow through ventilation works well. We highly recommend a Fanntastic temperature controlled vent but installation could be a problem. Essentially with generators, provided they're only run in daylight hours, say 10 - 4 and only occasionally, very few campers will be upset. We've been independent camping almost exclusively for the past 16 months (very quick to criticise inconsiderate use of generators) but have no concerns with their use as above. In that time, we've only run into one neighbour that became abusive over our generator running for a short while late morning while washing. Became very quiet very quickly, generator didn't.
Darrell & Sandra
frangipani said
10:05 AM Aug 12, 2014
oldboar wrote:
Fran, no problems with using a generator for the washing machine, etc provided you consider others. The key is consideration on all sides, a fact Ralph seems to prefer to ignore. As for the aircon, it's amazing how little it is required. A good 12V marine fan plus flow through ventilation works well. We highly recommend a Fanntastic temperature controlled vent but installation could be a problem. Essentially with generators, provided they're only run in daylight hours, say 10 - 4 and only occasionally, very few campers will be upset. We've been independent camping almost exclusively for the past 16 months (very quick to criticise inconsiderate use of generators) but have no concerns with their use as above. In that time, we've only run into one neighbour that became abusive over our generator running for a short while late morning while washing. Became very quiet very quickly, generator didn't.
Darrell & Sandra
thankyou, yes i will take your advice, - Fran
frangipani said
10:07 AM Aug 12, 2014
Thankyou all for the great input, i have purchased a 4 Kva digital inverter generator, its supposed to be silent, i suppose i'll hear when i try it out. Happy travels Fran
It rates the 2.4 Yamaha and the Honda 3 as the best buys dead heat. These maybe bigger than you planned on but you may need a 2.4 to run the air con.
Thanks, Wombat 280 and Murraman, apparently I should buy a 2KVA inverter generator, 4 stroke, i've seen some on Ebay, what are ypur thoughts?
Frangipani, you raise what is probably one of the most common, and controversial subjects on the forum. Most people are trying to sort out whether to spend loads on a big brand model (Honda or Yamaha), or whether to risk it, and buy a cheap imported model. However I feel your question needs to be explored a little more.
Firstly all of the generators you would be looking at will generate 240V, some will have one output socket, some will have two. BEWARE, given that you would be feeding the power into your RV, you will need the output socket to be 15 amp, NOT 10 amp. The 15 amp has a larger earth pin.
Now the next choice you have is size, it needs to be big enough to power the things you need to power, but remember the more powerful it is the bigger and heavier it will be. If you plan to run an air conditioner, then you will probably need at least 2KVA and probably 3KVA to be safe, they will be heavy (at least 16kg). If you only want to run smaller appliances a 1kva unit MAY be appropriate, and would be lighter and easier to handle.
The best advice i can give you is find someone who can look at your appliances, and work out the maximum power that you would need concurrently (the sum of the devices you would want to run all at once).
Once you have this information the learned people here on the forum will be able to give you much more appropriate advice.
I bought a 2Kva on Ebay but it would not drive the van aircon. The fine print said it was only 1600 watts continuous!!!! I then bought this one for $580 and it runs the aircon or a fan heater. Sunday I had it running 2656 watts at 11.2 amps and it still had some reserve.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4-4KVA-SILENT-GENERATOR-INVERTER-PURE-SINE-caravan-camping-tent-fishing-hiking-/160861456562?pt=AU_Hardware&hash=item25741708b2&_uhb=1
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Tuesday 5th of August 2014 07:03:25 PM
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Tuesday 5th of August 2014 07:04:00 PM
ooooh, thankyou Aussie Paul, i just needed re assurance its ok to buy one off Ebay, its 28kgs I think i'll be able to lift it, thankyou again.
this might sound stupid, but its all gobbledygook to me, do i plug the 15amp lead that goes into my Motorhome to the 240v in the generator?
Yes Frangipani.
Aussie Paul.
Thanks again
only the washer is not hard wired, its just a little bucket with a motor sort of thing i bought at Rays Tent City,
the prevous owners had a twin tub.
It comes in handy don't have to carry coins around with me LOL
Ha ha ha thats so funny,
LOL, only reason i know is, every time Sam used a special power point in the shed he would repeat Fran you see this plug its got the longer pin its a 15amp, and i would repeat Yeh yeh yeh whatever, but OMG how grateful I am that he taught me a lot about power tools and how to fix bits and pieces.,
So Sharon if you ever need a car rubbed down or masked up I'm your girl HaHaHa.
It really is not important which generator you buy but where you use it. at the moment I am sitting amongst heap of selfish people wanting to use a generator, there noisy, smelly after they turn them off all you here hear is televisions so loud, no fun yes we were here first but that don't count. First off try to do with out, washing machine try alternatives it is amazing how far you will go with out. Ralph
Thankyou Radar, i will be responsible the way i use my generator., being a solo traveller i just need to know that if i need power i have it, most probably won't use it on this trip. - Fran
I started a thread about "do we need 240V" some time ago and got some interesting responses. Suggest you take a look. The only things in my van that use 240V are the microwave electric blanket, heater and the washing machine, at a free camp the electric blanket works fine all night on the inverter.
SO! The thinking here is the microwave can be replaced by gas, butane or fire. The washing machine, well turn the undies inside out when you take a shower in the worst case scenario. OR wait till you hit civilization and use the caravan park laundry or town laundromat.
Our Honda 2KVA generator is only used to charge the batteries (2 x 100AH AGMs) on dull days when the solar cant cut the mustard. We have 12V fans for hot days or we hitch up take the van to a beach and use the ute aircon on real stinkers.
I guess we need to think a bit outside the dots for this sort of issue. Im rapidly learning there is no normal in caravaning. Rules of electricity 15Amps is 3600W at 240V. 10Amps is 2400W. (ignoring power factor)
Safe travels
Darrell & Sandra
thankyou, yes i will take your advice, - Fran
Thankyou all for the great input, i have purchased a 4 Kva digital inverter generator, its supposed to be silent, i suppose i'll hear when i try it out. Happy travels Fran