Diesel Generator suggestions

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Daehawc

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Mar 30, 2014
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I'm looking to pickup a diesel generator for boondocking / emergency power on my 369RL. As much as I would like a Onan integrated into the camper, that sort of cost is not in the budget. I do have a 6x10 that we pull as well and am looking for something I could roll out and plug either 50 or 30 amp cord into so I can minimize my wiring work.

Does anyone have any experience or suggestions with something that could run 1 or both a/c units? Hopefully in the $1-2K price range. Thank you.
 
I'm not using diesel generators but maybe this will be an option for you as it was a relatively cheap option. And much cheaper than a comparable Honda genitor setup.

My system is composed of two 2000 watt Champion inverter generators (1600 watt continuous) and a Champion Inverter Parallel Kit only cost me $1200. The parallel kit ties the 2 generators together to generate 4000 watts (3200 watt continuous) and the inverter panel provides standard 120vac outlets and a 30 amp power outlet. Total power available is 3200watt/110VAC = 30 Amps approx (36 Amps peak). Not sure if that can run 2 A/C units. Check if your A/C units requires 13 or 15 Amps each. I only have 1 A/C unit and I can run that with other items in my Solitude.

Price offsets inconvenience of carrying spare cans of gasoline and diesel and space required by ONAN. More importantly, these generators are light enough for me to move in and out of the front bay whee its stored. There are larger inverter generators from Champion and other companies if you really want to run both A/C units.
 
Northern Tool has 2 listed, but remember they are going to be about twice as heavy as a gas generator. The one at Northern tool is 368 Lbs. and has a noise level of 65db. Best of luck finding one you like.
 
"My system is composed of two 2000 watt Champion inverter generators (1600 watt continuous) and a Champion Inverter Parallel Kit only cost me $1200. The parallel kit ties the 2 generators together to generate 4000 watts (3200 watt continuous) and the inverter panel provides standard 120vac outlets and a 30 amp power outlet. Total power available is 3200watt/110VAC = 30 Amps approx (36 Amps peak). Not sure if that can run 2 A/C units. Check if your A/C units requires 13 or 15 Amps each. I only have 1 A/C unit and I can run that with other items in my Solitude."


I just got back from a week in Sequim, Wa. It was pretty warm there (about 85 deg in the afternoon). That's warm for western Washington. I was on a 30 amp pedestal and decided to try running both A/C's. It worked fine. I did make it a point to leave any other big power drawing stuff off while both were running. Voltage stayed at or above 108.
 
ACDW,
How loud is your setup? I was looking at at Honda 6500, but would prefer to spend less if I could.
 
I currently have two 2000I Honda Generators that I parallel together. Can run most things just not both air conditioners. It has an inverter so all the outlets and such work. Just have to watch power consumption but it works for emergencies.
 
I was surfing around today and found this in the Aurora generator web site......Many generator companies would have you believe they sell a quality product. Without some quality assurance company and certification backing them up, the claims are meaningless. Electrical devices must have UL, CSA or ETL laboratory testing for safety and to insure performance requirements are met. Without approvals buyers have no guarantee of quality. Certification is also required by law in most jurisdictions.
Here is there web site http://www.auroragenerators.com/gen...generators/agi6500sde#!/~/product/id=13323984. Made in the USA and very reasonable $ wise.
 
My Fil had one of those Aurora genies for an office backup system. Worked OK, but was not at all quiet or very smooth running. He has since sold it and is using his honda eu3000 for backup.
 
dloase said:
ACDW,
How loud is your setup? I was looking at at Honda 6500, but would prefer to spend less if I could.
Click to expand...

Its not very loud at all. Its hard to measure of course, but listening to other generators at the campgrounds, including the famous Honda's (which I was going to buy), I found mine about the same noise level. They might be a tad louder than the Honda's but definitely not worth spending double the money. There is also an "eco" mode on them so that they will run quieter when there is less draw.

I like that these are stackable for easier storing or setup and have easy grip handles which is where I loop a cable to secure them from walking away ;)

Aaron
 
Thanks Aaron. Looking at website and reading company blogs isn't quite the same as talking to people who actually use equipment.
 
Hey Aaron this is off subject but is you're Dodge short bed or long bed, we just bought a new solitude and have to upgrade my Dodge not sure what bed size is best?
 
Hi Paul!
I have a short bed with a manual slider hitch. I find the cut-outs on the front cap allow me to make tighter turns without having to pull the hitch but you have to be careful because one mistake and "crunch", the cab corner get mashed in (allows tighter turns ;) is or worse "shatter" and there goes your back glass. I always recommend a long bed because of my mashed-in cab corners experience (they're fixed now :). You can PM me for more info
 
Since the outdoor power equipment shop I work at services diesel engines, I would not advise anyone to use that type of engine to run a generator. And yes, I know the military all use diesel powered generators. But they have the budget and man power to service those things. As pointed out, they're heavier than a gas engine. The method of delivering fuel is waaaaay more complicated than a gas motor and they don't tolerate water in the fuel. That's why there's typically two fuel filters. A simple service on a gas motor is gonna cost you way less as well. I could go on & on about correct fuel rail pressures and injectors and other things, but I hope you get my point.

Tom
 
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