Recommendation for a Portable Generator

[WesternFordGateway]

Hi There — I tow a lightweight trailer and am looking for a portable generator. Something quiet and lightweight. Would love to get some feedback. Thanks!

 

[Occidental]

I recommend a Jackery solar generator. It's very quiet (no noise at all), doesn't require stinky messy fuel, can also be charged as you drive, holds the energy it captures in a battery, has a variety of power outputs, and is fueled by renewable energy.

 

[craig333]

If you have to go the generator route be sure to check the decibel ratings. A nice Honda runs much quieter than some Home Depot cheapie.

 

[ckent323]

My recommendation based on personal experience is to buy the largest rigid solar panel that will fit on your camper or trailer, ideally 360 or more watts, coupled with a Victron (or equivalent) solar controller and battery monitor and a 100Ah or larger lithium ion house battery. A single large solar panel is cheaper, lighter weight and less expensive than any combination of small rigid panels. I recommend rigid panels because to date they have proven much more robust and longer lived than semi-flexible panels. I have read recent reports that one or more of the newer semi-rigid panels will last many years but frankly there is little data I have seen to support that assertion.

Our camper was electrically disconnected from the truck while I was installing a Blue Sea ACR between the truck AGM starting battery and the camper dual 6v AGM deep cycle battery bank.

However, the 360w solar panel on our camper has kept the camper house battery from dropping below 50% for years , even during long multi week trips, so I never completed the truck to camper connection.

The caveat is that we do not exclusively camp in dispersed sites so we do get periodic ability to recharge from shore power.

I bought and have never had to use a Honda 2200i generator. I quit carrying it. All the wiring for the ACR is in place, so I do have the ability to connect the truck and camper battery bank together should I need to jump the truck battery or to recharge the camper house battery bank.

If you have a newer truck and a lithium ion battery then I recommend a Victron (or equivalent) DC-DC charger between the truck battery and camper house battery bank.

I recommend doing the Solar system before deciding that you need a portable, space needing generator.

A well designed solar and storage battery system should preclude the need for a generator of any kind (indeed, it is an electrical generator - just size it appropriately for your needs).

I hope this is helpful,

Craig

 

[DesertDog]

The Honda EU1000i or EU2200I are probably the best in terms of an affordability and quiet. Run it in economy mode at end of a 50' extension cord and you'll won't hear it running. Get one of the aftermarket propane conversion kits and leave the gas can at home.

But as others have pointed out, the generator, extension cord(s), gas can for the generator and whatever electric appliances you want to run take up a lot space that can be used for other things. I've carried my EU2200 on 2 or 3 of my tent camping trips and have since left it behind ever since as I found it to be more hassle than worth plus fear that some stranger would permanently "borrow" it from my campsite.

 

[JWL]

I have been using (when I can) an Alps propane generator. Since I already carry the propane tanks and I don’t have to carry an extra fuel can it’s been great. Plus no worries about fuel leaking. It runs my 3000 btu AC and is quiet!

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[Sagebrush Reconnoiterer]

I agree with going with a unit that can run on propane if you choose to run a generator. Clean and no old gas to gunk up the carb. No worries for long term storage. Claims to be quieter as well; though mine sitting side by side with a Honda is like an drag racing funny car parked next to a Tesla.

 

[fish more]

Honda 1000, I use it mostly on longer trips to charge my trolling motor batteries. But it works well for charging the Hawk batteries if needed.