View Full Version : generator for caravan
Thomas-the-Terrano2
07-08-2009, 11:22
ok, despite my comments about them being heavy and smelly, atleast when
transporting I'm starting to come round to the idea that faced with the cost
of some juicy solar panels would be well on way to any time any where use
of a genny. thinking for charging battery(ies) and supplying light use mains
equipment.
seems there are some really cheap 2 strokes, then some 4 strokes and finally
atleast in a portable sense the suitcase elctronic invertor types. the latter
are dearer per kW but generally lighter and more suited to running computer
and sensitive devices.
the overal price range from 2 stroke via 4 then invertor 4strokes around 1kW
output seem to be £80,£150, and £250 respectively, any thoughts guys.
oh and the invertor types tend to be quieter too presume down to enclosed
cases and maybe the invertor as a genny?
i know a few caravanners and they tend to go for the jenny, solar panels are to expensive, and the jenny has more handy uses, ie down the garden, in garage. most of all there cheaper.:thumb2
extreme-4x4
07-08-2009, 12:17
you wont want a 2 stroke. its twice the noise of a 4 stroke.
id go mad if i was camping and someone turned a generator on
unless you go for the silent ones . but the price goes up then
Got a generator from Muzz abit back, used it once on site & stoped using it cos of the noise, if your going to get one shop around for a realy quite one, use ours in the garage now or when at the storeage yard for topping up the batt & using 240 volts.
Machine mart got some 65db at 7M £80.48 850w :
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/petrol-generator-850w-2-stroke/path/petrol-driven-suitcase-type-generators
CaptLimey
07-08-2009, 20:30
Hi again TTT02
Capt Limey here again and I've also been down the generator road!
I bought a Honda 2kw suitcase genny while sailing and found it absolutely superb. It was quiet and even powerful enough to run a small air conditioning unit. I used it to run power tools and to charge my boat batteries on the rare occasion that the sun wasn't shining enough to power from the solar panels. Honda are good but expensive.
I've found a Honda 2kw look-alike in the U.K. called a Kipor Sinemaster IG200 digital inverter/generator. It is almost a straight copy of the Honda 'suitcase' type genny.
If you want more than to just boil a kettle don't get the 1kw go for the 2 kw. The price is not significantly more, the sound output is about the same but you will welcome the extra power. An Google search will get you the best price, I can't remember what I paid but it was much less than the Honda 2kw. I understand that there is an ongoing patent infringement case between Kipor and Honda, so get one while you can!
Regards CL
Deleted account DD
07-08-2009, 20:46
I dont know the ins and outs of it but you can get sound absorbing "jackets" for some generators, so logically the material is out there to make some kind of box or container to stand it in.
We have a van at work with a lot of electrical kit on board and its generator is in the back in a "jacket" the reduction in noise is significant :thumb2
zippy656
07-08-2009, 21:15
:lolMachine mart got some 65db at 7M £80.48 850w :
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/petrol-generator-850w-2-stroke/path/petrol-driven-suitcase-type-generators
i picked up one for free...
:clap:clap
only trouble is i got to give it back...
but then i dont think the person know my address or phone number..
so i could KEEP it!!:lol:lol
Deleted account DD
08-08-2009, 00:18
:lol
i picked up one for free...
:clap:clap
only trouble is i got to give it back...
but then i dont think the person know my address or phone number..
so i could KEEP it!!:lol:lol
Is that whats technically known as a straight cough.............:D
Is that whats technically known as a straight cough.............:D
Its known as lending to a friend, (hopefully getting it back :lol)
Let me know when your done Zip :thumbs (Have now got address :thumb2)
zippy656
08-08-2009, 19:19
will be done on sep 6th, you could have it beck then if you want.
or come to the carnaval, and take it home on the 5th
the cheap two stroke ones are usually unregulated and you may find that outpiut varies too much - even if only used to charge the 12V. Sometimes volts can be in excess of 20V is not set right. AC current can still be as hit or miss. Use them only for lights/fans etc - anything that is voltage sensitive will fry.
Inverters are the way to go but expensive.
Solar panels are coming down in price, but you should go for the highest wattage available and then remember to get a good quality charge controller - the best ones are nearly as dear as the panel.
Regards
Lee
Thomas-the-Terrano2
09-08-2009, 17:54
chers guys, yes seen the kipors, been watching some on the bay, 1kw 239, 2kw 339. suspect would start thinking only nee small output then need more and a kipor dealer
says thats about only thing you cant do upgrade power...
do seem quiet, seen a rally marshall with one infact lent it to inlaws to test fridge on
rally as wasnt working on gas. kettle etc likely stick with gas, thinking more charging
batterys, lcd tv, 700w microwave.
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