Generators

Mike Harding · Guru

RE: Generators

Tony LEE · Guru

Putting a generator in an insulated box without carefully considering engine cooling and ventilation is a good way to wreck the generator

fwdoz · Guru

Mike Harding wrote:
Radar wrote:
but I do hear them there generators running and disturbing the camp areas, that is annoying.
I can understand that but if you camp in a spot where generators are permitted you really should not complain when people use generators.
One thing that drives me (further :) ) around the bend is others playing music which intrudes into my silence - no rules against that though - and that, and similar, is another reason I camp remotely.

Also add to that the lovely peaceful spot you have when up rocks another car & van with acres & acres to go set up.

But no, they must set up right next to you...

or even worse again, the vanners that argue just as you are about to nod off...

yobarr · Guru

Tony LEE wrote:
Putting a generator in an insulated box without carefully considering engine cooling and ventilation is a good way to wreck the generator

".....good way to wreck the generator". Sounds good to me! Cheers.

Whenarewethere · Guru

Tony LEE wrote:
Putting a generator in an insulated box without carefully considering engine cooling and ventilation is a good way to wreck the generator

Obviously.

Whenarewethere · Guru

I have done further work, actually an ongoing project, on my car. It is staggering how much quieter you can improve things. The engine hasn't died after lining the engine bay, or the car as a whole for that matter as I have filled every gap.

A box for a generator, will need air intake for cooling & the engine & exhaust for both, not difficult to design something simple.

Mike Harding · Guru

yobarr wrote:
Tony LEE wrote:
Putting a generator in an insulated box without carefully considering engine cooling and ventilation is a good way to wreck the generator
".....good way to wreck the generator". Sounds good to me! Cheers.

No, no, no Yobarr one doesn't need to go to those lengths... simply buy a Honda.

Whenarewethere · Guru

fwdoz wrote:
Mike Harding wrote:
Radar wrote:
but I do hear them there generators running and disturbing the camp areas, that is annoying.
I can understand that but if you camp in a spot where generators are permitted you really should not complain when people use generators.
One thing that drives me (further :) ) around the bend is others playing music which intrudes into my silence - no rules against that though - and that, and similar, is another reason I camp remotely.
Also add to that the lovely peaceful spot you have when up rocks another car & van with acres & acres to go set up.
But no, they must set up right next to you...
or even worse again, the vanners that argue just as you are about to nod off...

Many years ago there was a neighbour who was a "screamer". It did quite quickly get a bit tedious. Was glad that she moved as the novelty had long worn off!

Mike Harding · Guru

Whenarewethere wrote:
I have done further work, actually an ongoing project, on my car. It is staggering how much quieter you can improve things. The engine hasn't died after lining the engine bay, or the car as a whole for that matter as I have filled every gap.

You are, of course, doing a regular full engineering analysis on the engine and other heat sensitive components for accelerated wear?

And no doubt you did air tunnel tests before and after your modifications?

You know... the sort of thing the vehicle designers do when they design a *system*.

A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing... but, hey, it's your car....

Whenarewethere · Guru

It's worked so far in outback Australia in the heat.

I have had the car running for an hour with the air conditioning going in January in North Flinders Ranges, no issues, also in Mildura at 47°C, car was fine. So we're we when we got back in.

yobarr · Guru

Mike Harding wrote:
yobarr wrote:
Tony LEE wrote:
Putting a generator in an insulated box without carefully considering engine cooling and ventilation is a good way to wreck the generator
".....good way to wreck the generator". Sounds good to me! Cheers.
No, no, no Yobarr one doesn't need to go to those lengths... simply buy a Honda.

Hi Mike....still persevering with the Honda,or have you upgraded? Cheers

Dick0 · Guru

yobarr wrote:
Dick0 wrote:
Hi Graeme,
I will assume that you are a free camper.
Also, depends upon your camping needs.
Firstly, when the sun doesn't shine and the clouds and rain keep coming, and the batteries are being depleted...yep, you will need a generator. Not at all.I have no gas appliances on board,run my AC if and when I want,use microwave,frypan,diesel heater,air fryer,slow cooker,compressor fridge as wanted,and have only Solar power.....not even hooked up for charging from the car.
If you get up in the morning and like an espresso coffee and toast and need to warm up milk quickly for breakfast...it's handy to have one.
I run mine for 5 mins in morning to get a quick breakfast...no great discomfort for neighbors for a few minutes. "..no great discomfort for neighbours..." you say! This would be all well and good if said neighbours were awake when you chose to run your generator!
If I need to run the gennie for a longer time due to unexpected battery charging or running the aircon on unusually hot days, then as a free camper, I have no hesitation running the gennie under those circumstances.
Also, these days gennies are quieter than they used to be.
And......like Dougwe, I normally prefer to run the gennie at about 2.00am when campers are asleep.

It's all good yobarr... smile

I obviously don't have the battery capacity and/or the quality that you have.

And...nobody has complained to me using the gennie at 11:00am for 5 mins to knock up my breakky. Yes, that's right, I have my breakky at 11:00am.

If you know the Greens site, then you will know the generous distancing between campers, and that many campers at Greens do use gennies.

As a matter of noise nuisance...the V8 power boats and jet-skis from 7:00am to 8:00pm are the only engine noises that you will hear at Greens.

Always happy to read others opinions to my posts.

Mike Harding · Guru

yobarr wrote:
Hi Mike....still persevering with the Honda,or have you upgraded? Cheers

The Honda EU20i is staggering into its grave.

I have been unable to purchase a Yamaha EF2800i recently because of C19 supply issues, hopefully that will change soon.

The Honda is now only producing around 1kW for a few minutes before the engine cuts out. Yesterday, after I used the 1400W microwave for two minutes, the generator cut out and the pull start indicated zero compression (as it has before). However after about six hours I was able to restart it and it's back to producing the 1kW or so, at least I can keep batteries charged with it. I am guessing that a valve (probably exhaust) may be sticking when it gets hot thus the lack of compression which later returns, dunno?

For readers: this is far from the first problem I have had with this expensive generator but, suffice it to say, I shall never buy another Honda generator. I'm sure they are great if you only use them for 100 hours a year, as do most campers, but I've put 1200+ on this one over three years and it does not like it.

Edit: typo

-- Edited by Mike Harding on Friday 25th of September 2020 03:02:08 PM

Whenarewethere · Guru

This was an interesting experiment, 3mm acoustic foam on the ridges & 6mm in the valleys. I was surprised how much of the "edge" of outside noise it knocked off. Couldn't do thicker on the ridges.

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the rocket · Guru

Horses for courses. Some need them some do not. But here is my 2 bobs worth. Have been full time travelling for 6 years. Have solar and a genie.
and last year free camped about 200 days. IN that time used the genie twice Because of rain And clouds. Cost 2,200 i think from memory. All up probably only used it 10 times in 6 years. I think now, if it is raining or very hot just pay for a showgrounds stay, lot cheaper than 2,200. Good luck. Enjoy your travels. Strop

KJB · Guru

I had this happen on one Honda that I had and all I had to do was grind a smidge off the bottom of the Exhaust valve stem and it never gave me any more problems - the stem was expanding with heat when worked hard and not letting the valve close properly. I have owned and used Honda industrial engines continually for 55 years in my work as a Farmer and Civil Contractor and the the exhaust valve problem with one motor has been the only problem ever encountered . Many of the engines worked under full load and revs. for many hours not just ticking over. Currently I have a 2Kva (in Slide on Camper ) and a 3 Kva (remote start, in Fifth Wheeler ) Honda Gen sets. , both enclosed, permanently connected and work in situ without any problems .

-- Edited by KJB on Friday 25th of September 2020 03:19:22 PM

-- Edited by KJB on Friday 25th of September 2020 03:20:11 PM

fwdoz · Guru

Whenarewethere wrote:

Many years ago there was a neighbour who was a "screamer". It did quite quickly get a bit tedious. Was glad that she moved as the novelty had long worn off!

Had that once in a time share motel complex. Left a note for them under the door suggesting a gag.

Was no more noise after that one night.

Whenarewethere · Guru

fwdoz wrote:
Whenarewethere wrote:

Many years ago there was a neighbour who was a "screamer". It did quite quickly get a bit tedious. Was glad that she moved as the novelty had long worn off!

Had that once in a time share motel complex. Left a note for them under the door suggesting a gag.
Was no more noise after that one night.

Some open the window purposely so the entire suburb can get involved.

vince56 · Senior Member

One of my mates wives was a screamer, "You lazy mongrel! put the bins out!, mow the lawn!, clean out the car!!!!! etc etc

yobarr · Guru

fwdoz wrote:
Whenarewethere wrote:
Many years ago there was a neighbour who was a "screamer". It did quite quickly get a bit tedious. Was glad that she moved as the novelty had long worn off!
Had that once in a time share motel complex. Left a note for them under the door suggesting a gag.Was no more noise after that one night.

Hmmmm...wonder what he used to gag her? Cheers

fwdoz · Guru

yobarr wrote:
Hmmmm...wonder what he used to gag her? Cheers

I deliberately did not go there! Have no desire to get sin binned!

Old and Grey · Senior Member

Ventura wrote:
Hi all we want to do some semi off-road travelling,have solar and 210ah battery capacity,do we really need to be carrying a generator and petrol on these trips

Hi Ventura,

We travel off -road remote camps, the smell of gum trees since we too were in a pram.

Then comes along a pair of &%$(@ who have the whole world to chose a free camp spot. So they back up under our annex for security. Bugger off.

No one for 30km around.

Out comes my EU2000i.

Hi mate comes the call. Will you be shutting the Gen down at dusk.

Nope. will be going all night, having problems with the house batteries. wink

Thats very inconsiderate of you comes the reply.

Its a big country bud.

You want security, Go parkup in the caravan park 120km up the road.

Instead you just park under our windows and whistle.

Go figure.

Old & Grey

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Its not the generators fault some people are idiots . Hes driven all that time and his batteries are low . Just dont park beside anyone else ! Get a decent charger either 240v or DC-DC charger set up properly !! Even tug engines can be a pain running shagging hours .

travelyounger · Guru

Ventura wrote:
Hi all we want to do some semi off-road travelling,have solar and 210ah battery capacity,do we really need to be carrying a generator and petrol on these trips

Another good aspect of owning a generator is to proudly display your form of personal power generation at your campsite to make others aware within campsite rules as everywhere has their own rules that if I want to use then I will use it.

Cheers

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Bit like carrying a spare tyre ? You dont need it 99% of the time !!!

bgt · Guru

If generators aren't a problem, for some, then tell me why those who use a generator use the longest cord possible and take them as far as possible away from their own RV?

Mike Harding · Guru

bgt wrote:
If generators aren't a problem, for some, then tell me why those who use a generator use the longest cord possible and take them as far as possible away from their own RV?

Fair question.

I always put a chain around my Honda and a tree but if a suitable tree is not available I chain the gen to one of the stabiliser legs of my van. I find my brain filters out the consistent noise of the gen in much the same way people who live near freeways don't hear the traffic. The brain is very good at filtering constants.

What really pisses me off is music or TVs played by others; this is continually changing and I have no option but to pay attention to it, indeed it's doubly annoying because the brain often strains to hear something it thinks may be important - part of the "fight or flight" reflex.

It's currently 8.05am and I started the gen 10m past to charge some stuff... there is no one within at least 3km of my forest camp, I think it's OK to run the gen here at any time.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I'm pretty much the same as you Mike. I find other some other people very inconsiderate out in the playground. It doesn't seem to change much between 'freedom' camps or some CVP. I have found if the CVP has a lot of workers in it nothing seems to be said to them about their behavior or noise. I have come across it both situations. Sometimes the ones making the noise are not the sort of person you could actually ask if they could lower the noise source either. Being a solo traveler as you are, we can't take too many risks in that department.

I am very conscious of my neighbors and limit any noise as much as possible. To the point I use ear plugs with my TV at night if someone is close to me.

Now, if I was camped next to Dmaxer, it would be a different story all together. I would run my genie all day and night cos he loves 'em.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

DMaxer · Guru

I don't have a generator and I don't think I will ever buy one. Having said that, I can understand if people go out into the back of beyond then who cares if they use a generator out there.

I recall several encounters with the generator set and most were bearable. I recall that where I was camped the people approached me and asked if it would annoy me if they had the generator on for an hour or two to charge batteries and whatnot. I didn't care, they were polite and obviously cared about other people's enjoyment of the area. What I utterly detest is the pig ignorant ones that just pull up and crank it up, completely oblivious to others in the area. They have the "if they don't like it, they can leave" attitude. This lot usually travel in force to make them more of a formidable target. The other clowns I detest are the ones that arrive in a spot first of all, get the generator out as a sign to all that follow that they have set the rules.

I recall on one occasion one of these pig ignorant ones took home a little present courtesy of one of the long suffering neighbours to him at a camp. A few cubes of sugar in the petrol tank of his generator. Just imagine the hysterics when he cranked that up on his next sojourn into someone's peaceful rest.

There is my whinge for today. I feel good now.

By the way, how is your hair salon going Doug. Is it turning a quid?

-- Edited by DMaxer on Sunday 27th of September 2020 09:01:54 AM

travelyounger · Guru

DMaxer wrote:
I don't have a generator and I don't think I will ever buy one. Having said that, I can understand if people go out into the back of beyond then who cares if they use a generator out there.
I recall several encounters with the generator set and most were bearable. I recall that where I was camped the people approached me and asked if it would annoy me if they had the generator on for an hour or two to charge batteries and whatnot. I didn't care, they were polite and obviously cared about other people's enjoyment of the area. What I utterly detest is the pig ignorant ones that just pull up and crank it up, completely oblivious to others in the area. They have the "if they don't like it, they can leave" attitude. This lot usually travel in force to make them more of a formidable target. The other clowns I detest are the ones that arrive in a spot first of all, get the generator out as a sign to all that follow that they have set the rules.
I recall on one occasion one of these pig ignorant ones took home a little present courtesy of one of the long suffering neighbours to him at a camp. A few cubes of sugar in the petrol tank of his generator. Just imagine the hysterics when he cranked that up on his next sojourn into someone's peaceful rest.
There is my whinge for today. I feel good now.
By the way, how is your hair salon going Doug. Is it turning a quid?

-- Edited by DMaxer on Sunday 27th of September 2020 09:01:54 AM

That would be a nice thing to happen if the person running a generator for maybe health reasons was relying on the generator you don't have to camp near them its s big country and plenty of other spots to go considering you can hardly hear them over 50 metres away.

Maybe the ones that have one out are not pig headed and arrogant and just letting you know to be aware that it is not just for show.

Cheers