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Old 01-03-2012, 04:06 AM   #1
oldgeezor
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Generators - Preference

As a newbie, I have been reading alot about generators for my RV and while I understand the diferrences between boondocking and park connections, I want to be in a position to run my airconditioning if required.(we have pets). I have seen on the site folks have installed the Honda EU2000I and the Companion,I aslo understand Yamaha has a quiet generator called an EF30ISEBH -$2292 (3000 Watts), there is the built in ONAN 5500Marquis Gold (Over $3000)and most recently I was at an RV store that is selling a product called Engery Storm by LIFAN. (This seems like a reasoable investment $1777 for a 3000watt with inverter). Without the inverter you can get it for a little over $500.
Apparently all of these generators are the quiet. I wouls apprecite your comments. Thanks
 
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Old 01-03-2012, 04:39 AM   #2
mhs4771
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Dual Hondas will run you just about $2000 and give you more than enough to run a 15K AC with some left over, if you don't need the AC one Honda will run most of the other appliances. Plus the dual Hondas will give you "More Power" than a single 3000 Watt Gen and by your own number would be less investment. We have the two Hondas, but we already had one we used with our TT before we got the Monty, so it was a No Brainer to just get a Companion for it. Others will be along to voice their opinions.
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Old 01-03-2012, 05:02 AM   #3
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I have had the Yamaha 3000 for over 7 years. It is very quiet, and has a boost feature which raises it to 3500 watts when an air condnitioner starts up, etc. On the plus side - lowest db level I know of, runs on a low speed until demand ramps up rpms, and handles my air conditionner, microwave, etc. without any hiccups. I am still on the original battery(it has electric start). It uses very little gas. People frequently come over and comment on how quiet the generator is.

On the down side - it is heavy. I need to get a friend to help me lift it in my truck. I keep it chained/locked in the bed of the truck, so can use it on the road when necessary. I usually do not unload it, and simply run the cord to the bed of the truck. Thus, the people who like the Honda 2000's, since you can only take one if you don't need the air conditioner, and one person can lift the 2000's.

I bought it when I had a 31 foot TT. Now with the large fifth wheel, I guess if money were no object I would go for the Onan installed in the trailer, with an automatic cut-over. I can't bring myself to spend the big bucks while the Yamaha continues to perform so well. So....if it ever craps out I will probably make the investment and have one installed in the trailer.
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Old 01-03-2012, 05:06 AM   #4
Tom S.
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You need to ask yourself what kind of camping you plan to do. If you think you'll be running your ac a lot, then I would consider the 3000 watt generator for convenience. If on the other hand you won't need the ac a lot, seriously consider the dual Honda's. That's what we went with (5 years ago) and we've been very happy.

Whatever you decide, stay away from the cheaper 5KW units as they make enough noise that I was getting complaints from the local cemetery.
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Old 01-03-2012, 05:18 AM   #5
pineranch
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I am in the generator for the RV thinging stage. I've looked at many and cannot for the life of me understand why everyone does not own the Boliy. Can someone explain it to me. I understand that most have the honda's or Yamaha's and is that because the Boliy wasn't available.
Mike
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Old 01-03-2012, 08:40 AM   #6
Tom S.
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by pineranch

I am in the generator for the RV thinging stage. I've looked at many and cannot for the life of me understand why everyone does not own the Boliy. Can someone explain it to me. I understand that most have the honda's or Yamaha's and is that because the Boliy wasn't available.
Mike
Besides the fact that Honda's reputation is golden, I've never heard of the Boliy. Upon Googling the name, I see they are made in China. That's enough to scare me away.
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Old 01-03-2012, 09:13 AM   #7
tyler_bustos
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We mainly boondock when we camp. I have yet to hook my Montana up to anything other than my generators. We have two Yamaha EF2000iS with a parallel cable. It gives me 30amp power to run my 15k AC plus a couple other items. I like this setup so that I can run just one if not using the AC. They are super quiet and extremely reliable. Basically we get 4000 watts for about $2000. We first purchased two Champion 73536i 2,000 Watt generators with parallel because of the price. Found that they did not do what I needed them to do. I would highly recommend the Yamaha Generators.
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Old 01-03-2012, 10:20 AM   #8
Captain Joe
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Most if not all are made in China. Boliy is my choice. I am trying to encourage them to link two Boliy's together to power a 50amp (two air conditioners) RV. Sent a few emails to the dealers and the company and just waiting.
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Old 01-03-2012, 10:46 AM   #9
8.1al
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I like Honda for reliability and the availability of parts and service. Some brands claim to be quiet but at a farther distance than Honda
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Old 01-03-2012, 11:20 AM   #10
mhs4771
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Already had one Honda prior to the Monty and before Boliy was on the market, so it was a no-brainer to just buy a Honda Companion to make a matched pair. Don't use them a lot, but they are there when we need them.
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Old 01-03-2012, 11:26 AM   #11
Fire5er
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Two Honda 2000w linked together for us. Never heard of the Boliy before now.
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Old 01-03-2012, 12:01 PM   #12
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I have the Boliy and am pleased with it, 3300 watt model and it is a quiet unit. Works for us since the generator budget was a little tight.
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Old 01-03-2012, 01:27 PM   #13
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We recently bought our Boliy and LOVE IT!!! We bought the 3600SiE (electric start). It is very quite and we have in one unit what the two Honda's linked will give you at half the price and it has the 30 amp receptacle. The distributor located in Austin, TX (Tommy) is extremely helpful and goes above and beyond to answer any questions you may have. We couldn't be happier with our choice.
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Old 01-03-2012, 01:30 PM   #14
snfexpress
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We use two Honda eu2000i's frequently. So much so we made a carrier for them...

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Old 01-03-2012, 01:47 PM   #15
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We carry one Honda 2000i. Even with 100° heat, we have found that we didn't need AC as long as we used our Fantastic fans. We have three of them and they create a small "gale" as they draw air in through the windows.

Orv
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Old 01-03-2012, 04:58 PM   #16
BrokenElbow
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2 x hondas here also.
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Old 01-04-2012, 03:44 AM   #17
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We also recently bought our Boliy 3600SiE(electric start) have only used it in tests and so far very pleased with the performance and noise level.
Bob
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Old 01-04-2012, 04:20 AM   #18
Lee F.
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Two Hondas.
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Old 01-04-2012, 11:09 AM   #19
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One Honda, we were going to buy the second one, but have never needed it.
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Old 01-04-2012, 11:35 AM   #20
Art-n-Marge
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We have two ER2000 Hondas (non-companion, so we use the addon 30amp). Have used them especially because of campground problems. I will eventually get the long-run fuel parts for longer run times. We picked Honda for their reputation, quietness size, and weight and they were the only solution at the time.

If we ever get a 2nd A/C in the Monty, then I'll buy a 3rd EU2000 and the new addon box to plug all three together for 50 amp capability.
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