Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > MOC Technical Forums > Solar, Charging Systems, Batteries and Electrical
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 12-01-2021, 01:01 PM   #21
twindman
Montana Master
 
twindman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 2,925
M.O.C. #5651
All of these 4500 gennys are HEAVY. Saw one at dealer today and it was 121 lb. Also the same for a Harbor freight and the northern tool one.

The dealer one had wheels on the back end, but I could barely lift the other end off the ground. Don't know how one (old) guy could lift it into a truck.


Also, years ago I bought a Boily that is 3000 watts continuous for $1000 or so. It will power my a/c if needed. I think it weighs in around 70-80 lbs so I can barely lift it into the truck bed. The drawback is it was a Chinese thing before there were any others out there. It has leaked oil since day one! I rarely use it so just add oil whenever I need it. Live and learn.
 
__________________

Tom and Gail
2013 Mountaineer 362
2012 Silverado 2500
twindman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2021, 01:20 PM   #22
DutchmenSport
Montana Master
 
DutchmenSport's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Anderson
Posts: 2,544
M.O.C. #22835
Quote:
Originally Posted by twindman View Post
... Don't know how one (old) guy could lift it into a truck.....
I'm no spring chicken any more either. The Cummings Onan P4500i come with a built in telescoping handle, making it very easy to move around. This is how I get them in the back of my truck:

__________________
Who you are right now is a sum total off all you use to be.
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Silverado Duramax, 6.6L Dually
DutchmenSport is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2021, 01:28 PM   #23
Sharmanclan
Established Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 25
M.O.C. #23552
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rogdeb View Post
How large of a portable generator does everyone run?
What brand?

I have a 2021 3813MS with a residential fridge.
I understand we can only run 1 A/C unit(if we run one at all). But we do like our coffee and use the microwave a lot.

All suggestions welcome folks!

Thank you!
We boon dock quite a lot and changed from 2 x Honda 2000 to a Hyundai 3200HY. Very happy as its reliable and efficient. Also about half the costs of an equivalent Honda.
__________________
Andrew & Yvonne
2019 HC 330RL with Reese Airborne Pinbox
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD SRW with Curt Q20 using GM Puck System
Sharmanclan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2021, 01:28 PM   #24
BobStack
Montana Fan
 
BobStack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: BUZZARDS BAY
Posts: 113
M.O.C. #25753
I have a 3781RL and I run a Wen 3800 with soft starts on both AC’s and she runs BOTH AC’s, the residential fridge and lights with no problem. If I use the microwave I turn off one AC and she runs everything without an issue.
BobStack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2021, 01:39 PM   #25
laverdur
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Albany
Posts: 407
M.O.C. #11972
Honda 2200 or a pair in parallel, depending on how much power you need.
__________________
2012 3150RL. G614 tires. Hardwired surge protector. Level-Up Hydraulic leveling.
2013 F-350 Lariat 6.7 PSD SRW SC LB 4X4 OEM hitch, air self-leveling on rear. 57-gallon replacement fuel tank. DieselSite water separator/fuel filter.
laverdur is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2021, 01:43 PM   #26
bcrvman
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Qualicum Beach
Posts: 665
M.O.C. #26399
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rogdeb View Post
How large of a portable generator does everyone run?
What brand?

I have a 2021 3813MS with a residential fridge.
I understand we can only run 1 A/C unit(if we run one at all). But we do like our coffee and use the microwave a lot.

All suggestions welcome folks!

Thank you!
A pair of Honda EU2200 will run everything a 30A service will. To run both AC's add soft start kits to both AC's.
__________________
2018 Keystone Montana 3811MS
2017 Ford F450 diesel dually
600AH Battle Born Lithium Batteries, 1,080 watts solar
3,000 watt hybrid inverter with 120A charger
bcrvman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2021, 02:31 PM   #27
ojo123
Seasoned Camper
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Bellvue
Posts: 64
M.O.C. #21516
we moved away from the Honda 3000 as it was just a bit underpowered with our 2021 295RL HC with residential fridge. We went with the cummins 4500 and it works just fine with just a hint of increase decibel over the Honda. Two third the price of the Honda 3K with more features.
ojo123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2021, 04:08 PM   #28
CraigB in FL
Established Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Niceville
Posts: 38
M.O.C. #29201
I bought a Westinghouse iGen4500, based on advertised noise level, gauges, remote start and expectation it would easily power everything up to one of my 2 a/c units. It has met all those expectations. Portable so I can use it at the house if the power goes out.

After having to load/unload it from the truck a couple of times, I think on a do-over I would think more about having two smaller ones to run in parallel.

My iGen4500 has been plagued with some quality issues.

Out of the box, the choke would not engage. Found a YT video that ID'd a wire that either doesn't get connected during the build, or it works loose during shipment. Removed a couple of panels and had it running in about 15 minutes.

With about 50 hours on it, while dispersed camping near the Grand Canyon in October's 30-40F temps, it suddenly sputtered like a fuel problem & quit. Pulled a panel to check the choke & throttle and found a bolt & spring in the bottom of the casing. Three bolts holding the electronic actuators on the choke & throttle had vibrated loose. The one completely loose in the bottom of the casing, a second completely unthreaded, but still in the upper portion and the third that was almost completely unthreaded. Very little room to work, had to use an offset screwdriver. Spring keeps actuator posts engaged with choke & throttle linkages. I wasn't sure if the actuators required a particular alignment with their linkages so I called WH tech support for advice. After 20 minutes holding, I got a live person to only be immediately disconnected. Another 20 minutes hold, I found out WH's tech support is only an answering service, to pass a message for eventual response. Needing an immediate answer to get back in operation, I told them to forget it and gave reassembly my best shot. Fortunately it worked and we had all the power we needed for the duration.

While travelling we stopped to boondock overnight one rainy 40F night in Abilene. While running the generator running I leveled things and opened the bedroom slide. I noticed the generator wasn't changing with load demand so I double-checked my connections. Discovered I wasn't getting and power to the 5er, I worked my way back and learned the generator wasn't putting out any power. Called WH tech support, gave them all my info & got a case number assigned, expecting a callback the next morning. My 2+ year old batteries weren't enough to bring in the slide or raise the jacks, so I was stuck, at least for the night. Bought 2 new batteries so I could get back on the road the next day. Several days went by with no callback from WH, so I called again & using the option for an already assigned case #, I got to a live person after about 15 minutes, only to find it was still just the answering service & she had no way to escalate my call. Fortunately we had several days with hook-ups and then only one more boondocking night before we got home. Once there I took it to a WH authorized service center, but it was a week before WH gave them the OK to begin diagnostics under warranty. Two weeks later & I'm still waiting to learn what broke & how long it will be down for repairs. Initial ballpark was 8-10 weeks. Not helpful for my holiday travel plans! Trying to decide if I can borrow/rent a small generator somewhere or if I now need to go buy a small one for backup.
__________________
Craig & Sharon, Niceville, FL

2015 Montana 3582RL
2015 Ford F-350 DRW, 6.7 diesel, Anderson Ultimate Connection Gooseneck Hitch
CraigB in FL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2021, 04:22 PM   #29
AZ Traveler
Site Team
 
AZ Traveler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 3,898
M.O.C. #20477
Craig,

Two smaller gennies are much easier to move around and provide redundancy if one will not run.
__________________
Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL

"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
AZ Traveler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2021, 05:24 PM   #30
mlh
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,528
M.O.C. #2283
I hinted that this before. All of these companies have different policies concerning warranties Northern Tool doesn’t replace a defective unit they repair it. Harbor Freight replaces the unit. Their problem is they offer a short 6 month warranty that can be extended to 2 years for $150. If you buy one of these generators ask about the warranty. Can you live with a 6 months warranty? Are you willing to purchase an extended warranty? Can you be without your generator while it’s being repaired? I can live with a 6 month warranty. If my generator breaks I’ll buy another. I’m willing to gamble.
Lynwood
__________________
www.harrellsprec.com
Lynwood Harrell
323 RL HC 2008 F250
mlh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2021, 05:59 PM   #31
Route66Rambler
Montana Fan
 
Route66Rambler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 170
M.O.C. #23433
We installed the Onan 4500. Powers two ACs and everything else. Quiet and lighter than the Honda. Has remote start/stop too. Great price.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	F4CD6C80-78B6-4C52-9C74-88FFEFCEA38D.jpg
Views:	46
Size:	216.7 KB
ID:	10701   Click image for larger version

Name:	BF73D5B6-2DDD-4CDD-BAE3-90F11E14B301.jpg
Views:	44
Size:	215.5 KB
ID:	10702   Click image for larger version

Name:	AF47F7AD-B7E6-4E18-B169-8C6DC6CCEA91.jpg
Views:	43
Size:	182.9 KB
ID:	10703  
Route66Rambler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2021, 07:57 PM   #32
Mikendebbie
Montana Master
 
Mikendebbie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Austin
Posts: 2,390
M.O.C. #21044
Route66Rambler - thanks for the pics of your genny install.
Did you use wood+plywood to build mounting structure for the slide brackets?

I bought a Onan P4500i and I would like to build a slide mount like yours.
I have been taking some measurements of my front compartment.
I have a 3.5" PVC drain pipe that might be in the way a bit. I think it is a gray water drain from the front bathtub. You can see it in the pic below. I will try to determine if it gray water or black this weekend.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	front storage compartment.jpg
Views:	38
Size:	264.3 KB
ID:	10704  
__________________
MikenDebbie Aggie ‘77 in the sticks near Austin TX
2019 Chevy 3500 High Country DRW
2018 Montana 3921FB
Aussie Gus + Texas Heeler Jimmy
Mikendebbie is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 12-02-2021, 07:17 AM   #33
Sparky55
Established Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Richland
Posts: 13
M.O.C. #25383
Quote:
Originally Posted by AZ Traveler View Post
Roger,

Honda is the gold standard when it comes to portable gennies but there are others that are less expensive and do a decent job. A pair of the 2200 watt units are easier to handle and give you options to run one or two depending on how much power you need at the time. If you install soft starts on your a/c units you could run two a/c units with the pair of 2200s but little else.
Exactly what I did. Soft start with Bluetooth on your smart phone. I can run both a/c ‘s with power to spare with my champion 3400 inverter generator Awesome !
Sparky55 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-02-2021, 09:37 AM   #34
ojo123
Seasoned Camper
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Bellvue
Posts: 64
M.O.C. #21516
How did you exhaust it out? I didn't think you could run it with out exhausting it out the bottom of the front compartment?
ojo123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-02-2021, 10:03 AM   #35
jsb5717
Montana Master
 
jsb5717's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Posts: 1,455
M.O.C. #23668
I carry this one. Adequate power to run the coach with it's 30a RV outlet. Will run the AC (I also installed the Microair Easy Start to reduce load), Furnace, Microwave, coffee pot, etc...though not all at the same time. It's not too heavy. It's inexpensive. It starts on the first pull. So far I've only needed it one time when the park we were in lost power but it did it's job. It's a little louder than the suitcase gennys but better for me than the extra weight and cost. We don't boondock so this is purely for backup.

https://wenproducts.com/collections/...rter-generator
__________________
Jeff & Sandi (and Teddy - 7lb Schnorkie)
2018 Montana HC 305RL / HW Progressive EMS
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 DRW / Demco Recon Hitch on RAM Puck Ball
jsb5717 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2021, 09:02 AM   #36
DebNJim B
Montana Master
 
DebNJim B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Northville, NY
Posts: 807
M.O.C. #21158
I have the Champion 3400 dual fuel. It will power our heat pump/ac ok, but it weighs in at 105 lbs. We don't boondock and I bought this for back up power or truck stop overnights as we have a residential fridge. I went dual fuel so I wouldn't have to carry gas cans around. We carry a 20lb LP tank for the grill anyway. Other than running it once a month or so to keep the battery up we haven't needed it for two years. Just carrying all that weight around and it's just about all I can do to get it in the truck. I don't unload it unless we actually need to use it. Since I installed a 200 amp battery we don't even need it for boone-nights.

Long Long Honeymoon folks has done a lot of field testing on gens and they had one small non Honda 2000 watt one that could run the a/c even. If I can find it, I'll come back with the link.
__________________
Jim B
2017 Lariat F-350 FX4, CC, SB, 6.7 PSD 4WD
2018 MONTY 3731FL, at our private winter site in GA

DebNJim B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2021, 05:59 PM   #37
mlh
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,528
M.O.C. #2283
My Honda generator isn’t running so I have it tore down to find the problem. It’s been a truly great generator for 20 years so this isn’t Honda bashing. I’ve been looking to see why it’s more expensive and heavier than my Harbor Freight unit.
I think I have several reasons for both. First the case is heavy gage steel where the HF unit is aluminum castings and thin molded plastic. An example, the handles on the Honda are steel with 4 blots each holding them on heavy steel frames. The HR handles are aluminum with the ends stuck back in a light weight aluminum casting. The ends of the Honda are heavy molded plastic again the HF ends are light weight molded plastic. When you take the ends off the Honda you find molded fiber sound deadening caps not found on the HF.
All this adds up to a heavy expensive generator. If you are going to rough one up get the Honda. It will hold up to much rougher use.
These are a few of the differences that make the Honda more expensive and heavier.
Lynwood
__________________
www.harrellsprec.com
Lynwood Harrell
323 RL HC 2008 F250
mlh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2021, 07:05 PM   #38
Montana Man
Montana Master
 
Montana Man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Carson City
Posts: 2,017
M.O.C. #21963
Quote:
Originally Posted by mlh View Post
My Honda generator isn’t running so I have it tore down to find the problem. It’s been a truly great generator for 20 years so this isn’t Honda bashing. I’ve been looking to see why it’s more expensive and heavier than my Harbor Freight unit.
I think I have several reasons for both. First the case is heavy gage steel where the HF unit is aluminum castings and thin molded plastic. An example, the handles on the Honda are steel with 4 blots each holding them on heavy steel frames. The HR handles are aluminum with the ends stuck back in a light weight aluminum casting. The ends of the Honda are heavy molded plastic again the HF ends are light weight molded plastic. When you take the ends off the Honda you find molded fiber sound deadening caps not found on the HF.
All this adds up to a heavy expensive generator. If you are going to rough one up get the Honda. It will hold up to much rougher use.
These are a few of the differences that make the Honda more expensive and heavier.
Lynwood
I've had mine for who knows how many years. I generally care for my stuff but this Honda has been treated like a red headed stepchild. Which, is why I have so much respect for the brand. This thing runs, period. I've had off brand equipment with small engines and they just can't keep up. Engine components such as valves and carburation are not of equivalent quality. The unseen components are where corners are cut to achieve such low costs. I will admit that I have a few HF hand tools and some are held together with duct tape, but my mission critical equipment doesn't come from there.
__________________
2016 3160, Legacy, Sailuns, Splendide 2100 xc vented, 1 1/2" axle lift blocks, disk brakes. 2014 Ram 3500 SRW SWB 4X4 6.7 Aisin Mega Cab, EBC slotted disks and brakes, Titan fuel tank.
Montana Man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2021, 07:13 PM   #39
mlh
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,528
M.O.C. #2283
I’ve had mine for close to twenty years, maybe longer. I paid a thousand dollars for it I think. This is the first time it has failed to start. Like I said this isn’t Honda bashing but at the current price of $2200 I wouldn’t buy another.
Lynwood
__________________
www.harrellsprec.com
Lynwood Harrell
323 RL HC 2008 F250
mlh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2021, 09:22 PM   #40
DebNJim B
Montana Master
 
DebNJim B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Northville, NY
Posts: 807
M.O.C. #21158
OK, found that video. Best prices I see are $750-800. Not great but an impressive performer.

__________________
Jim B
2017 Lariat F-350 FX4, CC, SB, 6.7 PSD 4WD
2018 MONTY 3731FL, at our private winter site in GA

DebNJim B is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
generator

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:29 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.