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Generator

B

Bunni

Novice
Does anyone have a propane generator? We're thinking it would be a good addition for long trips or stays with no hookups. We also live in Florida. One year we had 4 hurricanes in 6 weeks and could have used it. But I have questions:

Do you use it? or Does it just sit around gathering dust?
Where do you store it when you're traveling?
Does it smell of oil when not in use? I'd have to store it in the teardrop or a Jeep Wrangler.
Where do you store it when you're not at the camp site?

Thanks for your help.
 
I don't have a generator yet, but here is the one I want to get:
It costs about $1,000 but this Yamaha dealer retrofits it to work with Propane, Gas, & Natural Gas. With the retrofit it costs about $1,200.

http://yamaha-propane-natural-gas-generators.com/ef1000is.htm

1000i.GIF

I don't want to have to carry gas cans in my car, so being able to hookup to LP seems like a very good idea.

They also have a wireless remote control accessory available that seems worth the money too.
That way if you are all snug in the cabin and the battery is running low you can turn it on without having to get out.
http://yamaha-propane-natural-gas-generators.com/accessories.htm#wrcs-y3g
wrcs-ypg.JPG
 
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Im pretty sure you can get a honda 2000 watt generator for tne same price maybe a little more i think the weight is about 55 lbs.

Anna&Steve
550 classic #269 :)
 
Did some looking and found the Yamaha EF1000is pictured above for $750 (gasoline only) at Cabelas. With the tri-fuel conversion it as $1079 (not $1,200)
Weight is 27 lbs.
 
The 1000watt is not enough power to start up the air conditioning system in the camper. I recommend the 2000watt for anyone using one with our campers.

Cary
 
Hey all,
There were several questions asked at the begining of this thread. Carey pretty much cleared up what he recomended for wattage use.

Heres my two cents worth:
I've always wanted a " Generator ", but could never justify the expense or use.
So, when I purchased my " Raindrop ", I pondered over whether to go " Solar or Generator " for the following reasons.
1. Emergency / Earthquake Prepardness (2012...?).
2. Boondock Camping.
3. I've always wanted one. (Hey, I'm almost ready to retire .. I deserved one!)

This is how I store,& haul around my " Generator ".
IMG_2727_edited-1.jpg

Wallymart, plastic storage container.
IMG_2729_edited-1.jpg

1 gallon plastic gas can , hoses , etc.

I've never notice any oil or Gas fumes coming from the generator. However, most of my camping trips have been locally (within 100 miles).

Again, the unit works perfectly with " Gasoline ". But, I wanted to primarily use it with " Propane "..I really don't want to cart around any spare gas tanks. Unfortunately , I'm still trying to figure out how to get it running continuously & reliably, with propane.

L.M.
 
Just received a Cabelas flyer in the mail today with the Yamaha 2000 Generator on sale for $999.99....Max 2000 watts, 1.6 gal fuel capacity with 8.5 hrs @1/4 load run time...#02872180.

Also stated buy this item and get $100 Cabela bucks free for next purchase.
 
Cary, it's good to know that the 1000w won't run the AC. Glad I hadn't bought it yet. :)
 
LM,
Thanks for the answers to my questions.

That's the generator we're looking at getting. We don't have the raindrop yet -- probably next May. I'm trying to figure out where to store the generator when camping. My Jeep doesn't have a hard top and the windows just zip open from the outside. So anything in there is easily accessible to anyone. Do you think the generator would fit in the front storage area, if the door was made bigger?

Thanks again.
 
Bunni,

The front storage is not near large enough to be a storage option for the generator. I like L.M.'s storage tub setup. Really this seems to be about ideal.

Cary
 
Hey all,

I like the storage bin myself for the following reasons:
1. Its self contained for everything needed;storage/packed for trip /grab and head out.
2. " IF " anything leaks out , it should be an easy clean-up!!

I've traveled with it stored inside of my sleeping area ,but then move it inside of my " SUV " on overnight stays, when not in use.

Bunni had me thinking... HMMM !
Where else could I possible store the " Generator " for safe keeping (Locked away )???

I usually travel with different items stored inside my cooking pantry area, depending on my needs; Ice Chest / Toaster Oven / etc "
IMG_2739_edited-1.jpg

Example: Toaster Oven/ Folding Table..

Now, would the " Generator " fit in the same space, and be able to lock the hatch.. HMMM ?
IMG_2736_edited-1.jpg

Yes it will.. You must prop it with something sturdy, to clear the " slide out stove ".
IMG_2738_edited-1.jpg

Now, if you don't plan on the " Propane Conversion " ?? It will fit without the prop!

I would also carefully wrap it with towels, etc.. to keep it from jostling around. In particular , " IF " you plan to travel with it stored inside the kitchen.

I personally would not keep any gasoline in the tank, for this " storage / travel" set-up.

Hopefully this was of some help !!

L.M.
 
Thanks -- We're going to see a raindrop in Maryland this weekend. I'm sure I'll understand the size of everything then.
 
Hey Bunni,

Just an afterthought.. If you are just looking to keep the " Generator " stored out of sight, when not in use .. ?

You might consider storing it inside of the " Side Tent " @ your campsite !

L.M.
 
We're going to try solar first and then add the generator later if solar isn't working well for us.

Was that a frig I saw in one of your pictures? How long does your battery last with it?
 
Hey Bunni,

IMG_2828_edited-1.jpg

I don't run my " Frig/Freezer " off my Raindrop Battery.

It's normally hooked up to my " SUV " (12V)on the road, and directly to a power source (AC )Shore power @ my Campsite (Orange Ex Cord ).

I haven't done any " Boondocking " as of yet! So, I can't tell you how long the batteries will keep running, without a outside power source.

However, I've done a bit of research on the " Solar Power ".

If I can remember correctly (?) You will need a minunum of a " 40 Watts Panels " (in Good Daylight/Sunlight hrs)just to keep the " Frig/Freezer " running in good order.

Thats why most will recommend an " 60/80 Watt Solar Panel " to keep the Batteries fully charged as well, without draining your Tear battery @ night.

Maybe " Cary " could add some insight on the subject ?

L.M.
 
I've ordered an 85w panel that I'm going to mount to the roof of my 560. I will be posting photos and results once I have them...
 
Hey Evan,

I'm still interested in the " Solar Option ", and look forward to seeing your set-up.

I'll post some info over on the " Solar Panel Project " thread,to share my thoughts or wish list item.

L.M.
 
Hey all,

After all of this discussion of " Solar & Generators ", along with a few questions asked by " Bunni ", regarding the " Fumes ".

I haven't used it much & ran it bone dry , before storing it , inside my garage tucked under the " Raindrop ".

I've read somewhere(??)that it should be run every so often to keep all the internal part lubricated.

So , I decided to fill it up with " Gasoline " & crank it over at the Range on Sunday ( We had a 4-H Shoot/Postal Match & BBQ ).
IMG_2903_edited-1.jpg


I was also curious to see " IF " they were any noticeable fumes built-up , while storing it inside of my " TUB ".

Well, I'll have to say, upon opening up the lid & sniffing around .. Yup , it smelled like " Gasoline "..

So, I would be very careful, storing or hauling it around in an enclosed space,on a full tank of fuel.. !

L.M.
 
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