Caravaners, which generator?

(RIP) PLANK · 08-11-2011, 16:12

I'm buying a new generator this week and have narrowed it down to two. The Clarke IG2200 or the Kipor IG2000 what are your thoughts and experiences? Answers before Thursday please.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/pr...rter-generator

http://www.towsure.com/product/Kipor...nerator_200KVA

rustic · 08-11-2011, 18:02

Like all choices, it needs to be a compromise. I have no experience of either of these units.

The Clarke only has domestic 13 A sockets, the Towsure has Blue sockets, so it depends if it is likely to get a rain shower.

The Clarke has 7 hours running, the towsure is half this.
The Clarke can charge 12 volt batteries, the towsure can't.
Either way you will need to padlock it down.

I have a Briggs and Stratton powered generator, with the alternator bolted on the end.

Very simple, but with a 1500 watt output, doesn't power the power washer, but is happy with the Vax and all my power tools.

It is very noisy, but also has 110 volts output (never used).
It does hunt especially on low load, but in the event of a home power cut, it easily copes with the heating, TV, computers, but doesn't like the inductive load of the fridge or freezer.

So choice is down to application.
Certainly a sine wave generator is the best type of inverter, as normal inverters are actually square wave, and produce harmonics ( ie high frequency electrical noise), that can damage some sensitive electronic equipment.

You also need to decide where it will be stored while in transit and use.
Also you will need an earth rod and RCD device to help protect the system and people.
On my boat I link into shore power, as I already have an RCD and circuit trips in place. Also the option of using my 800 Watt inverter.

Hope this helps.
Best regards, Richard

(RIP) PLANK · 08-11-2011, 18:10

Cheers Rustic, The caravan has RCD's so no problems there. I currently have a large Honda (3.2 kva) frame which had 110v 240v and 12v. and a small 650 watt suitcase, I am looking for something more practical than these than can run anything I need when out and about. I am leaning toward the Clarke as it is quieter, more economical and more powerful ( I can also get one at a very good discount). I agree about the blue sockets though, they are appealing on the Kipor and to be honest the 12v outputs on my other generators are unused and relatively pointless. The caravan has a built in charging system and you can always plug a battery charger in the generator which would be better for the battery.

choices, choices ...

rustic · 08-11-2011, 18:29

Clarke products are aimed at serious DIY and small businesses, where as the towsure brands are aimed at occasional domestic use.

I think I know which one I will choose.. Clarke,

They are probably both made in China, so it depends on quality control.

When I am unsure, I often ring their support department and see how they handle it.
Eg ask them which spark plug does it use as you want to carry a spare etc....

(RIP) PLANK · 08-11-2011, 18:38

Interesting that you say that!
As the Clarke will be supplied by my local farm suppliers who deal with Clarke products and cover the warranty and service work, they don't carry this model though they do stock the IG100 . They will get on for me and will also give me £100 off the list price

Towsure don't even stock them they are to order only

So I think it will be a Clarke

CaptLimey · 08-11-2011, 20:18

Hi Plank
Re the Kipor I have one which I'm very happy with and can thoroughly recommend. I bought it because I previously has a Honda EU2000 which performed exceptionally, even running a small air conditioning unit. The Kipor is almost an exact copy of the Honda but considerably less expensive. It performs as well as the Honda did. I'm surprised that it's claimed to only runs for three hours on a full tank, whereas the Clarke claims to give seven hours - a major difference and serious consideration. If you can get a Clarke discounted and from a supplier you know and trust who will guarantee and service it, that sounds like the most favourable option. Incidentally my Kipor does have a 12 volt charging capability.
Rgds CL

(RIP) PLANK · 08-11-2011, 20:25

cheers CL, is yours the ig2000 then?
I have noticed the spares for them seem widely available on ebay.
out of interest have you ever found the 12v output useful?

Thomas-the-Terrano2 · 08-11-2011, 22:44

lot of cc club members i know have kipor,

was looking at them myself, though didnt
know TS did them - I was looking at ebay
traders.

Clarke are good historically and perhaps even
supported by toolmart? shops.

was on a rally at weekend, had pleasure of
listening to others gens, thought might as
well have one too and enjoy its output....

mind still looking at a big solar panel to keep
battery topped up. and try to keep things 12v

solarman216 · 09-11-2011, 01:25

just a small point but to generate 240 then charge bats at 12 volt is very inefficient, much better to generate 12v to do the same, accepted that there may be no charge control but this will only really come into play over long charge periods, if you have deep discharge bats then high amps are good as long as bat temp is monitored, but will depend a lot on what sort of bat you have, Rick

(RIP) PLANK · 09-11-2011, 13:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarman216

just a small point but to generate 240 then charge bats at 12 volt is very inefficient, much better to generate 12v to do the same, accepted that there may be no charge control but this will only really come into play over long charge periods, if you have deep discharge bats then high amps are good as long as bat temp is monitored, but will depend a lot on what sort of bat you have, Rick

but! If you are running a 2kva generator and only using 1000 watts effieciency doesn't really matter

CaptLimey · 09-11-2011, 20:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by PLANK

cheers CL, is yours the ig2000 then?
I have noticed the spares for them seem widely available on ebay.
out of interest have you ever found the 12v output useful?

Hi Plank
Yes mine is the IG 2000 Sinemaster. I haven't needed to use the 12 volt charging capability, now that I'm a landlubber, I generally use 'shore power' for that stuff. I bought it as a stand by when in the Hobby, if we ever had the opportunity to do some 'wild camping'. Fortunately I haven't needed any spares yet! I have used it on the odd occasion that we've had power cuts here in the French outback and it has never failed.
Regards CL

(RIP) PLANK · 16-11-2011, 00:06

had a bit of a rethink on this!

I have found a small frame generator that does the job I need and is quieter and lighter more economical and no bigger than either of the above.

and it is less than half the price of the cheapest! has to be worth a go

http://www.rhyas.com/D/D53371.pdf

CaptLimey · 16-11-2011, 19:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by PLANK

had a bit of a rethink on this!

I have found a small frame generator that does the job I need and is quieter and lighter more economical and no bigger than either of the above.

and it is less than half the price of the cheapest! has to be worth a go

http://www.rhyas.com/D/D53371.pdf

Hi PLANK
Nice looking piece of kit. Probably a lot cheaper because it hasn't the pretty 'suitcase' surround and is not as powerful or as sophisticated as the other two you are comparing it with - BUT - if it'll do the job for you go for it.
Rgds CL

(RIP) PLANK · 16-11-2011, 20:52

when you compare the actual output, opposed to the output the name implies, there isn't a lot in it. 1.83 kva versus 2kva? something like that. The most powerful single item I need to run from this is 1350 watts so it should do that. I'll let you know how it goes there should be one in the post tomorrow.

(RIP) PLANK · 17-11-2011, 16:22

It arrived today, looks good, feels good enough quality, runs the equipment no problem, just on issue - 60db at 7 meters my ar*e!

More like 90 at 30 meters!

I have called the company (in Leominster) and complained I am now waiting for them to call back, the generator is deafening me.

08-11-2011, 16:12	#1
(RIP) PLANK Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central England, in the Heart of the Black Country Vehicle: T2 2004 TDI SE LWB Posts: 7,740	Caravaners, which generator? I'm buying a new generator this week and have narrowed it down to two. The Clarke IG2200 or the Kipor IG2000 what are your thoughts and experiences? Answers before Thursday please. http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/pr...rter-generator http://www.towsure.com/product/Kipor...nerator_200KVA

08-11-2011, 18:02	#2
rustic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Staffordshire Vehicle: Maverick Mk I 2.7 TD LWB Posts: 7,825	Like all choices, it needs to be a compromise. I have no experience of either of these units. The Clarke only has domestic 13 A sockets, the Towsure has Blue sockets, so it depends if it is likely to get a rain shower. The Clarke has 7 hours running, the towsure is half this. The Clarke can charge 12 volt batteries, the towsure can't. Either way you will need to padlock it down. I have a Briggs and Stratton powered generator, with the alternator bolted on the end. Very simple, but with a 1500 watt output, doesn't power the power washer, but is happy with the Vax and all my power tools. It is very noisy, but also has 110 volts output (never used). It does hunt especially on low load, but in the event of a home power cut, it easily copes with the heating, TV, computers, but doesn't like the inductive load of the fridge or freezer. So choice is down to application. Certainly a sine wave generator is the best type of inverter, as normal inverters are actually square wave, and produce harmonics ( ie high frequency electrical noise), that can damage some sensitive electronic equipment. You also need to decide where it will be stored while in transit and use. Also you will need an earth rod and RCD device to help protect the system and people. On my boat I link into shore power, as I already have an RCD and circuit trips in place. Also the option of using my 800 Watt inverter. Hope this helps. Best regards, Richard __________________ Ford Maverick GLX 1995 2.7TD LWB in illusion silver, 98k miles. Owned since new, for 22 years. Best car I have ever owned. Just wish I could drive it more.

08-11-2011, 18:29	#4
rustic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Staffordshire Vehicle: Maverick Mk I 2.7 TD LWB Posts: 7,825	Clarke products are aimed at serious DIY and small businesses, where as the towsure brands are aimed at occasional domestic use. I think I know which one I will choose.. Clarke, They are probably both made in China, so it depends on quality control. When I am unsure, I often ring their support department and see how they handle it. Eg ask them which spark plug does it use as you want to carry a spare etc.... __________________ Ford Maverick GLX 1995 2.7TD LWB in illusion silver, 98k miles. Owned since new, for 22 years. Best car I have ever owned. Just wish I could drive it more.

08-11-2011, 22:44	#8
Thomas-the-Terrano2 Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hackenthorpe Sheffield Vehicle: Terrano2 R20 lwb 2.7TDi Posts: 5,234	lot of cc club members i know have kipor, was looking at them myself, though didnt know TS did them - I was looking at ebay traders. Clarke are good historically and perhaps even supported by toolmart? shops. was on a rally at weekend, had pleasure of listening to others gens, thought might as well have one too and enjoy its output.... mind still looking at a big solar panel to keep battery topped up. and try to keep things 12v __________________ M6YTB / 20YTB '60' 2010 Ford C Max Zetec 1.6i, black '56' 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0TD, silver 2021 Bailey Pegasus Grade SE Turin caravan Smile, its more likely to confuse. One Life, Don't Just Live It, Drive a Nissan, or ...... a Jeep. Owner of Nissan 4x4s 2005 to 2019, and maybe in the future too!

08-11-2011, 18:10	#3
(RIP) PLANK Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central England, in the Heart of the Black Country Vehicle: T2 2004 TDI SE LWB Posts: 7,740	Cheers Rustic, The caravan has RCD's so no problems there. I currently have a large Honda (3.2 kva) frame which had 110v 240v and 12v. and a small 650 watt suitcase, I am looking for something more practical than these than can run anything I need when out and about. I am leaning toward the Clarke as it is quieter, more economical and more powerful ( I can also get one at a very good discount). I agree about the blue sockets though, they are appealing on the Kipor and to be honest the 12v outputs on my other generators are unused and relatively pointless. The caravan has a built in charging system and you can always plug a battery charger in the generator which would be better for the battery. choices, choices ...

08-11-2011, 18:38	#5
(RIP) PLANK Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central England, in the Heart of the Black Country Vehicle: T2 2004 TDI SE LWB Posts: 7,740	Interesting that you say that! As the Clarke will be supplied by my local farm suppliers who deal with Clarke products and cover the warranty and service work, they don't carry this model though they do stock the IG100 . They will get on for me and will also give me £100 off the list price Towsure don't even stock them they are to order only So I think it will be a Clarke

08-11-2011, 20:18	#6
CaptLimey Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South of France Vehicle: '03 LWB MK.4 3Ltr T2 Posts: 421	Hi Plank Re the Kipor I have one which I'm very happy with and can thoroughly recommend. I bought it because I previously has a Honda EU2000 which performed exceptionally, even running a small air conditioning unit. The Kipor is almost an exact copy of the Honda but considerably less expensive. It performs as well as the Honda did. I'm surprised that it's claimed to only runs for three hours on a full tank, whereas the Clarke claims to give seven hours - a major difference and serious consideration. If you can get a Clarke discounted and from a supplier you know and trust who will guarantee and service it, that sounds like the most favourable option. Incidentally my Kipor does have a 12 volt charging capability. Rgds CL

08-11-2011, 20:25	#7
(RIP) PLANK Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central England, in the Heart of the Black Country Vehicle: T2 2004 TDI SE LWB Posts: 7,740	cheers CL, is yours the ig2000 then? I have noticed the spares for them seem widely available on ebay. out of interest have you ever found the 12v output useful?

09-11-2011, 01:25	#9
solarman216 Off road maniac Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bexhill on Sea Vehicle: Y60 Patrol Me, 3 ltr Mrs Posts: 17,432	just a small point but to generate 240 then charge bats at 12 volt is very inefficient, much better to generate 12v to do the same, accepted that there may be no charge control but this will only really come into play over long charge periods, if you have deep discharge bats then high amps are good as long as bat temp is monitored, but will depend a lot on what sort of bat you have, Rick

16-11-2011, 00:06	#12
(RIP) PLANK Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central England, in the Heart of the Black Country Vehicle: T2 2004 TDI SE LWB Posts: 7,740	had a bit of a rethink on this! I have found a small frame generator that does the job I need and is quieter and lighter more economical and no bigger than either of the above. and it is less than half the price of the cheapest! has to be worth a go http://www.rhyas.com/D/D53371.pdf

16-11-2011, 20:52	#14
(RIP) PLANK Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central England, in the Heart of the Black Country Vehicle: T2 2004 TDI SE LWB Posts: 7,740	when you compare the actual output, opposed to the output the name implies, there isn't a lot in it. 1.83 kva versus 2kva? something like that. The most powerful single item I need to run from this is 1350 watts so it should do that. I'll let you know how it goes there should be one in the post tomorrow.

17-11-2011, 16:22	#15
(RIP) PLANK Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central England, in the Heart of the Black Country Vehicle: T2 2004 TDI SE LWB Posts: 7,740	It arrived today, looks good, feels good enough quality, runs the equipment no problem, just on issue - 60db at 7 meters my ar*e! More like 90 at 30 meters! I have called the company (in Leominster) and complained I am now waiting for them to call back, the generator is deafening me.