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Old 08-23-2010, 08:10 PM   #1
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Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

I was looking at one of these. I know its a cheapy. I really only need about 5500 watts. But this has the 50 amp range plug on it that I can really use. Is it a true 8000 watts continuous? Maybe not. But I don't need that much anyway.

I don't believe the lower wattage ones have the capability for 50 amp service.

It also has a electric start. I was thinking if I mount this under the bus. Maybe I can run the ignition and wires all the way to the dash so I can start it in the bus.

Any thoughts?

Dan

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Old 08-23-2010, 08:46 PM   #2
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

Whoops. Forgot the link.
.http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-QUIET-PORTABLE- ... ltDomain_0
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Old 08-24-2010, 10:07 AM   #3
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

If you're planning to spend that kind of money and get a generator of that size, you might consider getting a diesel. I've heard there are 5500W chinese-made diesel generators for $800-$900.
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Old 08-24-2010, 06:16 PM   #4
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

I havent seen or used a generator like that, but I have checked them out on ebay, I must say , for the price it should be a good , I wouldnt be scared to buy one, but here in canada the frt would be to much. Im looking a 7000 electric start generac. How would you mount it? its big in size and weight., also ot run the starter switch, you may have to run something to operate the choke as well, most electric starts iv seen you have to pull the choke out by hand.
Im thinking out mounting my genny on a rear deck, may 2.5 ft wide.

all in all I dont think you can go wrong with that one, unless you win the lotto and can buy a honda!!

just my two cents
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Old 08-24-2010, 07:30 PM   #5
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

DD, that would be awesome to get a diesel. Then I could tie it in to my fuel tank.

gbstewart, I was wondering about the choke. MMM.. That generator you are looking at probably weighs around 300 pounds. I will weld together something sturdy and mount it to the frame under the bus. I just need to figure out how I want to make it accessible. A slide mount would be nice. But I don't even know where to start with something like that.
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Old 08-24-2010, 07:42 PM   #6
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

I know what you mean about building a slide out for the genny, thats why I thinking about building a small deck at the back, this will give me a place to other stuff, like fire wood , gas cans, etc, it will make it more accessable, and can take it off during the winter, Im going to think about more and see what happens, will post

let us know what you get for a genny, Im not a fan of cutting into a spliceing into the fuel line, so im sticking with gas for a generator but thats just me.

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Old 08-24-2010, 09:38 PM   #7
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

Realize that having a 50-amp, 240-volt OUTLET does not mean that it puts out that much power, only that your plug will fit. 50 Amps x 240 volts = 12,000 watts. In order to get the FULL 50 amps, you would need a generator with 12 kW continuous, probably 15 kW peak.

Now, most of us don't need anywhere near that much power, 8 kW might be plenty enough to power 2 or 3 of our buses, I'm just sayin'.

I would not be afraid to buy that generator at that price. For reference, I pay many thousands for a commercial 8500 watt liquid-cooled gas standby generator with a propane carb, outdoor cabinet, transfer panel, battery charger, and NO installation.

My main concern is considering the cooling air when you plan your mount. Getting it too hot will shorten its life. I noticed a low oil shutdown but not an over-temp one, unless I missed it. If you planned to drop it on the ground and run it next to the bus, instead of hiding it in a compartment, you would probably have a greater danger of it "growing legs" than failing.

In order to make 60 Hertz (cycles per second to us old-timers), non-inverter generators need to run at either 1800 or 3600 rpm, depending on the windings. A rule of thumb is to expect a gas 3600 rpm genny to last about 1000 hours without a rebuild. A diesel is more likely to run at 1800 tpm, multiplying the reliability.

If you get 1000 hours out of it and throw it away, figure it had cost you 90¢ per hour to run. The three quarts of gas per hour burned at 8 kW continuous output will cost you more.
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Old 08-25-2010, 10:55 AM   #8
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Iceni John
... If you have space for it, and if you can make a hefty slide-mount for it (you'll need something much beefier than the Accuride 4034 slides I used for mine)...
You should have used Accuride 9301's for your slides. 4034's are only rated for a 150LB load.
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=1491

This page will show you what the load ratings for Accuride slides. The loads are generally figured for a 24" wide drawer NOT WIDER (check the tech sheets to make sure about your loads for the width you want).
http://www.rockler.com/articles/accu...ison-guide.cfm
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Old 08-25-2010, 09:51 PM   #9
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

Thanks for the info guys!
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Old 08-26-2010, 05:02 PM   #10
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

The configuration and being air-cooled (and probably 3600RPM) make me think this one will be raucous. If you boondock alone, fine...probably not welcome in a campground. I'd bet it's a Chinese-made genset and part/repair support will be nil within a year.

Although, 1000 hours for even a cheap genset is pretty low!

Personally, I'm going diesel (once I find one)...for gas, I'd haunt eBay & the like for a Honda EU series. Reliable, silent, and bulletproof.
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Old 08-28-2010, 06:42 AM   #11
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

Hello.

Good genset discussion. We went with a used RV gas type genset because:

1. It has downflow cooling by design for engine and generator head
2. It is underbody mountable by design
3. It runs at a lower (and quieter) RPM. Most portables are 3600 - many rv types are 1800 - 2500 rpm
4. RV types are remote start ready by using a simple control panel which normally includes an hourmeter
5. They seem to be available from motorhomes that have bit the dust - you can check craigslist

We had to make a platform mounted gas tank on the opposite side of the bus to supply the genset. We just have to remember to excersize (start and run under load) the unit so it is at the ready as we use it for home backup as well.

We currently use a generac 55g but also have an Onan 5.0 cck.

I also see Florida Church Bus has a website with a video of a portable genset that they mount underbody on buses you could chk that out -
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Old 08-29-2010, 11:33 AM   #12
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

Yeah, i would really prefer a RV style generator. I've been looking on Craigslist in a couple states around me and haven't really found anything decent. I don't know.. I think I will keep looking.
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Old 08-30-2010, 08:00 PM   #13
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

I was wondering... Has anyone used a portable generator for 50amp service on their Bus? It seems most portable generators only have a 30 amp twist lock outlet. (except the one I was looking at).
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Old 09-16-2010, 05:55 PM   #14
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

I bought a Kipor 3500 which is an exact clone to the Honda Eu3000. It is super quiet runs everything on my bus including the 13,000 btu a/c unit. Now I do have to shut the air down if we use a hair dyer when the misses is aboard other then that it works great. Will run 24 hours without the air and 10 with it on between fill ups weighs about 120# and has been going strong since I bought it 5 years ago fo a 1000. I see they know have a 6000 watt deisel model for about 1800. As of know i just set it on the ground when we are camping and strap it to rear deck while driving down the road.
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Old 09-16-2010, 08:32 PM   #15
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

Quote:
Originally Posted by moerules
I bought a Kipor 3500 which is an exact clone to the Honda Eu3000. It is super quiet runs everything on my bus including the 13,000 btu a/c unit. Now I do have to shut the air down if we use a hair dyer when the misses is aboard other then that it works great. Will run 24 hours without the air and 10 with it on between fill ups weighs about 120# and has been going strong since I bought it 5 years ago fo a 1000. I see they know have a 6000 watt deisel model for about 1800. As of know i just set it on the ground when we are camping and strap it to rear deck while driving down the road.
what modle is your 3500? Im thinking of going that way for a replacement jenny
tks
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Old 09-17-2010, 09:18 PM   #16
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

Kipor - IG 3000w Sinemaster Gasoline Inverter 120V Rated Voltage Model 65788 paid just under a 1000 delivered to my door
But for the price differance of about 4-500 you can get one that is 6000 and they make gas one and a diesel model
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Old 09-18-2010, 10:31 AM   #17
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

Quote:
Originally Posted by moerules
Kipor - IG 3000w Sinemaster Gasoline Inverter 120V Rated Voltage Model 65788 paid just under a 1000 delivered to my door
But for the price differance of about 4-500 you can get one that is 6000 and they make gas one and a diesel model
tks, Im checking them out, I think the 6000 would be the way to go, also looks like it would be easyer to install I have a 8000 btu portable ac for the front ofthe bus, and a 5000 btu in the back, my 5000w contractor homelite runs them both, but you can here it 2kms away . the kipor is about 1600. cd dollars not sure if I can swing it, but well see.

other modles im looking at are hyundai 7200w electric start $850. wallmart
and 6000w champion at canada tire $999. goes on sale for $599. with elecric start.

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Old 09-18-2010, 04:53 PM   #18
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

those sound like some good prices Im just thinking they are going to be pretty loud. You can stand right next to mine and hold a conversation with it running with little load , and its only 65 decibels running wide open. That was the selling point for me
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Old 09-19-2010, 10:19 AM   #19
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

Quote:
Originally Posted by moerules
those sound like some good prices Im just thinking they are going to be pretty loud. You can stand right next to mine and hold a conversation with it running with little load , and its only 65 decibels running wide open. That was the selling point for me

your right about the noise, I heard the hyundia its about 76dbs havent heard the champion yet, my buddy just got one on sale for 500. at canada tire, no electric start, I want one with e start just because where it may be mounted.

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Old 09-19-2010, 08:02 PM   #20
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Re: Thinking of this generator. Opinions?

just to let you u know found prices for kipor inverters

IG3000 watt $1500.00 cdn
IG6000 watt $2200.00 cdn
diesel 5000 watt $2100.00 cdn

plus frt
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