MH generators

LG whizz

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Hi all, we are going by buy a generator for ( Gladys) has any body got any recommendations for type and size and what KVA is best, thanks in advance.
happy days ahead.(y):thanks3:
 
Hoping to offer some constructive thoughts, the type and size of generator depends on what you need it to do. For topping up leisure batteries and running smallish AC items or lighting, a 1 KVa generator will be ample. If you want it to run bigger items such as a powerful hair dryer, microwave oven or similar, then a 2 KVa model or larger might be required. Bear in mind though that a 2 KVa model is quite heavy and a good quality one can be costly.
A Honda EU10i will run a 900 watt load continuously; the EU20i will run 1800 watts.
Perhaps I might tempt you with the classified ad I have listed for an EU10i?
 
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Regarding generator's being anti-social we have been to several sites and generators could be heard however so could dogs barking couples arguing after a skinfull and doors banging at night on van conversions. We are looking for a small generator for our motor home not one as big as a shed to run a big general hospital....We are new to this site yes however we all have to learn from the beginning and irritating smug comments really do not help albeit if you are a life member....Thank you....
 
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Unfortunately, some on here view the subject of generators as sport and those that use them as pariahs.

If anyone who is pro generators (or pro freedom of choice), dares to retort to the ‘banter’ or ask for respondents to stick to the topic, it is all put down to ‘fun’.

They argue that using generators is anti social, it’s not. Things that may be considered anti-social include:
  • Barking dogs
  • Large gatherings outside adjacent motorhomes drinking, playing music, laughing, and singing
  • Children running around and banging into vehicles
  • Inappropriately loud generators
  • Running of generators for inappropriately long periods
  • Running of vehicle engines as a means of putting a boost charge into batteries
But hey, it’s all just ‘fun’.

A little tolerance goes a long way but it seems that we all are happy to tolerate some things more than others. It’s a little like breaking the law; we all do it but are happy to berate others who happen to choose to break different laws from those that we ourselves choose to break (think middle lane hoggers!).

Ian

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Guy using a generator near us during the week. Ran his generator for over an hour around 6 and 7 then put it on again at 2145. There were only 2 other vans about. He only appeared to be charging a laptop. When queried he said it would be finished by 2230hr. Go solar :)
 
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Hi, NickNic, thanks for your reply, i don't give a f**k how long I have been on this site/club, I was asking a general question and was hoping for a general response as we have a motor-home, not a block of flats but some of the smart-arsed comments were a waste of time. I call a dog barking all day anti-social not a silent generator running for a short time.

Hi @LG whizz. Sorry that you seem upset about some of the posts but if you were to do a search for other threads you would quickly see that it is an emotive discussion subject. However I don't believe anybody on this forum deliberately sets out to annoy or upset, unlike other forums we could name.

But have you honestly considered the alternatives? As a first thought it would have been helpful if you stated why you thought you may need a generator - we have a friend who has a medical condition that needs a reliable continuous power supply but he manages fine with extra batteries, solar panels and an inverter. There is very little these days that could be considered as "essential" that cannot be powered from 12v. Even the wife's hairdryer can be accommodated by the use of a suitable inverter, although a microwave is probably going to be a different proposition as is habitation aircon. But there are always alternatives.

Starting from scratch, an additional leisure battery (or two, depends what you're trying to do) will cover many situations. Add a solar panel or two and that will extend the availability. From there a B2B charger will top off your batteries much faster than the normal van charger. An inverter chosen to suit your requirements should then be all you need, unless as I have intimated, you have some special need. It is really not necessary to eat into your payload with something that is only going to be used infrequently and, judging by comments that have been seen on the multiple discussions about generators, will often be left gathering dust in the garage at home. Yes you can argue that the items I have suggested all affect payload too, but I would respond that they are much more use generally e.g. they will mean you don't need to worry about flat batteries when your van is not being used, and overall shouldn't cost any more than a good gennie.

This thread would appear to have started off on the wrong foot. I do hope that you have the good humour to accept that not everybody thinks or feels the same as you, can ignore the sillier responses and don't write us off as a bunch of (add your own description :whatthe:).

Whatever you decide to do, try to keep an open mind and most importantly enjoy your motorhome. That's why this forum is called MotorhomeFun. :Grin:
 
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@LG whizz , if only you had known the steps to take before you had the audacity to ask a straightforward question. I mean, it’s verging on inciting the anti-brigade - how very dare you ask about generators!

@TerryL , A valiant attempt at excusing other members indiscretions, just a shame that it’s necessary.

Hi @LG whizz. Sorry that you seem upset about some of the posts but if you were to do a search for other threads you would quickly see that it is an emotive discussion subject.

Having undertaken this search, I’m unsure how you might have re-phrased your question that would have allowed the anti-brigade to have desisted from their compulsion to leap in and derail your thread.

However I don't believe anybody on this forum deliberately sets out to annoy or upset, unlike other forums we could name.

Yes, when they leap in trying to derail the thread they don’t really mean any harm do they, it’s just ‘fun’!

But have you honestly considered the alternatives? As a first thought it would have been helpful if you stated why you thought you may need a generator.

@LG whizz - if only you had known the protocol!

This thread would appear to have started off on the wrong foot.

Nope, this thread, like many other similar threads, started of with a simple enquiry but the anti-brigade pretty much make it their mission to upset members who dare to indicate any interest in buying/using a generator.

I do hope that you have the good humour to accept that not everybody thinks or feels the same as you, can ignore the sillier responses and don't write us off as a bunch of (add your own description :whatthe:).

You’re not alone @LG whizz , there are plenty others who get pi**ed off with the anti-brigade.

Whatever you decide to do, try to keep an open mind and most importantly enjoy your motorhome. That's why this forum is called MotorhomeFun. :Grin:

Good advice!

Ian
 
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After careful consideration we elected to go down the route.
Fab bit of kit ,Unfortunately a little out of our price range, so if anyone wants to start a crowd funding page for us LOL:D
 
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Fab bit of kit ,Unfortunately a little out of our price range, so if anyone wants to start a crowd funding page for us LOL:D

You can check what’s down the back of our sofa when we come to sling it out.
You will of course have to dispose of said sofa as well.

Look forward to meeting you :D

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I have a Yamaha 2.0 which I converted to gas. I can run it on both gas or the petrol substitute, https://aspenfuel.co.uk/find-out-more/faq-testimonials/
Despite having comparable dB to the Honda it can still be heard. I bought it when we only had 160 watts of solar, now with 340 its use has become less frequent. However it is a nice insurance policy, a bit like my air con!
 
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I have a Yamaha 2.0 which I converted to gas. I can run it on both gas or the petrol substitute, https://aspenfuel.co.uk/find-out-more/faq-testimonials/
Despite having comparable dB to the Honda it can still be heard. I bought it when we only had 160 watts of solar, now with 340 its use has become less frequent. However it is a nice insurance policy, a bit like my air con!

You need to be careful with your comparisons. It may well have shown the numerical dB rating but was it measured at the same distance?

Those marketing people know all the tricks you know!

Ian
 
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How easy/hard was it to convert?
Easy job, getting the conversion kit was more difficult as I wanted one that did not require any modifying of the basic hardware, casing and the like. I actually got the kit from the US in the end. But there are many suppliers now that will sell you the Genny already converted. Useful as I can run it from the BBQ point.
 
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You need to be careful with your comparisons. It may well have shown the numerical dB rating but was it measured at the same distance?

Those marketing people know all the tricks you know!

Ian
It was 3 years ago now, but I know what you mean and although I cannot remember specifics I did compare apples with apples.
Useful advice to those beginning an investigation however.

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Easy job, getting the conversion kit was more difficult as I wanted one that did not require any modifying of the basic hardware, casing and the like. I actually got the kit from the US in the end. But there are many suppliers now that will sell you the Genny already converted. Useful as I can run it from the BBQ point.
Thanks
BBQ point was what I was thinking too
 
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Starting from scratch, an additional leisure battery (or two, depends what you're trying to do) will cover many situations. Add a solar panel or two and that will extend the availability. From there a B2B charger will top off your batteries much faster than the normal van charger. An inverter chosen to suit your requirements should then be all you need, unless as I have intimated, you have some special need. It is really not necessary to eat into your payload with something that is only going to be used infrequently and, judging by comments that have been seen on the multiple discussions about generators, will often be left gathering dust in the garage at home. Yes you can argue that the items I have suggested all affect payload too, but I would respond that they are much more use generally e.g. they will mean you don't need to worry about flat batteries when your van is not being used, and overall shouldn't cost any more than a good genie.

Thanks. This newbie found that really helpful information.

We hired an RV in SW USA for three weeks a couple of summers ago - paid $200 extra for the generator. We turned it on once for about 30 mins, and were horrified by the noise - even if no one else was around it spoiled the silence for us.

Good to know there are alternatives, as we are not the greatest fans of sites with hook-ups (although suspect we will be frequenting a few when we pick up Blodwyn in 3 weeks time.
 
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Explain please- why Blodwyn?

It's a nice Welsh girl's name, and we live in North Wales. It's the second big vehicle we've got, after Angharad the tractor... and one has to proceed alphabetically.

It also irks She Who Must Be Obeyed who would prefer something more genteel... :-)
 
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