Generator Advise

[wingnutken]

I will be picking up my new Ice Castle soon and I also want to outfit it with a generator. I will be using a small microwave,TV,laptop,lights,radio and I will want to charge the deep cycle battery also. Do I need a generator that is also an inverter? 2 cycle vs 4 stroke? I have seen many brands and a big difference in price. Some 2 strokes are nearly as quiet as the 4's. The generators with inverters also are far more expensive,what would be the advantage of an inverter? Honda and Yamaha are very expensive compared to Generac and other no name brands. Please help me make a decision, Thanks Ken

[LaZyDayZ]

I would go with the Honda EU1000 or EU2000

I have a coleman and while it does the job my pickup idling is quieter. I was next to a big (dont remmber what size) but big honda generator a few weeks back and it was whisper quiet.

I have seen the EU2000 as low as $800.

[freezdried]

I have a Kipor 3500TI it is a 3000W generator it is as quiet as a Honda and Yamaha but cheaper. They also have a 2000W one and a 1000W. Mine has the smart throttle the generator idles at low load and picks up speed as the load increases I don't think this option is available on the 1000W version. These are inverter type generator, I would recommend you stick to this type of generator if you are going to plug a laptop in. I also just got a new Ice Castle this summer and I am looking into a wind generator to keep the batteries charged

[End of the Line]

If your going to use a microwave, even a small one, you might need more generator. I am thinking by what you described that you should be in a 3000-3500W continuous. Start up draw on a microwave or even a toaster is high and my damage your computer if you dont have enough juice. I also like the idle feature on the generators, saves on gas and keeps the noise down. As far as brands go, I have one with a Vanguard Briggs and Straton. Noise is slightly higher than a Honda, but 1/3 the price.

I have an converter (not inverter) from an old camper in my ice house to charge batteries, and therefore I have all 12 volt lighting and just use the power off the converter which is hooked to the batteries all the time. When the generator is on, the converter charges the batteries too.

[CraigM]

I use the 2000w Honda for my house. Tried the 1000w but if you use a micro or automatic coffee pot it is not enough. The 2000 handles it fine. I also have a converter to run all the 12 volt stuff.

[fishinalot]

If you go with a gas generator, I would go with a Honda or a Yamaha. They are both great manufactures and you will get what you pay for.

[Loogie]

Kipor is the way to go. You can pick up the 2000watt version for $550 and is all of what a Honda is. Same sound output at 59db. Just about the same weight-Honda 46.3lbs vs Kipor 48.4lbs.

It is a inverter type generator and has a very clean output just like the Honda. It has a 12vdc output as well as the standard 120vac or even 240vac, in case you bring a small welder . There is no need for a converter to charge your batteries because of the 12vdc output. I like mine a lot.

All that and $200 cheaper.

[wingnutken]

Great advice everyone Thank You. Loogie, where can I buy one of these? How can it charge the battery without over charging. Thanks,Ken

[SomethingFishy*]

Quote:

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I would go with the Honda EU1000 or EU2000

I have seen the EU2000 as low as $800.

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I would go with either of these generaters. the guy we rent our permanents from on Red has 1 eu2000 running 4 16ft Ice castles. We had full electricity. He said it is extremely fuel efficient and it was ultra quiet. Also you can';t go wrong with a Honda product.

[Turkeynate1]

Something Fishy,

If you don't mind me asking, who do you rent your shacks from? I'd like to rent an Ice Castle sometime. Thanks!

[SomethingFishy*]

We rent from RUSS AND JUDY, they are out of AVON, MN but place there houses on Upper Red. He buys 4 new houses every year and sells them at the end of the season.

Do a Google search for RUSS AND JUDY and it should easily find there HSOforum.

[diesel]

I have owned numerous generators over the years from gas, diesel and LP up to 7.5KW models. I currently have a Honda EU1000, EU2000 and EU3000 and for your application there is simply not a better model around. Check on your specific microwave regarding it's juice needs. Most tlikely the 1000 unit will not be enough. Better to spend a few extra bucks and get the 2000. I would recommend the 3000 without a doubt unless you need to move it around by yourself quite a bit. It is a bit difficult for one person.

[GRAND DAD]

The EU2000 about how much can I guy pick one up for and are they super queit I have allways done the battery thing but that's getting old having to lug around 5 battery's

[GRAND DAD]

Ok never mind I just read page one!