Honda Generators

Regarding the generator - We've been back and forth about buying one, but still remain at at "NO" ... in part because we don't stay long-term anywhere, so we usually charge either driving, or at a MCG, which are all over and frequent enough to stay and charge when we need it, usually. And we shop and wind-down for a few days. Ten years RV camping, and still of a mind, no generator.

But, we have only a TC and one RV battery, so easy to drive and charge on the road. If anyone has a larger RV and multiple batteries, it might not work so well unless you have an auxiliary alternator to charge only the RV batteries.

The problem with charging on the road - and I haven't figured a way around it, because it's not been so relevant - the truck charging system only charges the truck battery 'full', then it only trickle charges the TC battery, so takes several hours instead of one hour or less.

Next time, next truck, I'll have a dual battery and a duel alternator, separate systems. So, will have two batteries and a separate charge system on each. Not sure exactly how yet, but will figure it out when the time comes. This truck is too high mileage (204,000) for the investment.

Thanks for all your good ideas and advice. Appreciate it!
Happy, safe travels, everyone,
Jackie

We stayed in KW several years ago. I do have a generator but it's not big enough to run the AC. But we didn't need AC anyhow in February. I did run it a little in the evening so we could charge the batteries and watch a movie on TV. No antenna reception there. So I think it depends on your personal need for AC or if you're there later and need AC as the weather gets warmer. But for most RV air conditioners I read that we would need to have at least 3000w generator. Mine is a 2500w and just not enough. Check the spec's for your unit and make your decision accordingly.

For a good inexpensive gen go to camp world and look at the champions. They are 4K and have an RV connector. 67 db so not loud. Problem with honda or other name brands are they are name brands, thus the big $$ costs for even little ones. If nothing else go to harbor freight, they have a little 1000 size for about $100. It will charge the battery if that is all you need, but if you want to run ac and stuff you will need min of 4K. Mine is a champion remote start model we bought but have not used. I do have the manual start 4K and it will run the ac and seems to be able to carry the microwave at the same time. If you need to run both at same time again look for min of 4K or larger.

In general the champions are about 70db when running.

I forgot to add the champions with the RV plug are supposed to be safe for electronics per the company, that is why you do not see the 30 amp plugs on many of the contractor style. Also COSTCO has some gens, champion and I think Hondas

Be advised that Sigsbee is in a incremental process of clamping down on generator noise. Do yourself a favor and (1) Check on the Db level of your chosen generator, and (2) give the CG a call to see if it is acceptable. I think nearly every Honda will be ok. Not so sure abt the Yamaha's.

Champion generators are quiet, but not THAT quiet.. we have a Champion 3500/400 and it is hands down the best $300.00 generator made..

But in 2012 at Trumbo we were the "Ugly Neighbors".. our Champion was the loudest generator in the field, by far the loudest..

We now have a Yamaha 2400..

And.. had a bad experience with Wise Sales, just FYI ..