Generator

[Trevor]

We have a 2020 Montana 3761fl. I’m looking for a generator that is big enough to run the camper if the power goes out at home. Electric start and duel fuel isa must. What’s your suggestions?

[Foldbak]

Built in or portable? If built in then you need the trailer gen prepped. If portable there are a lot of options. I'm in the same boat at the moment. Taking possession of my Montana in a week. Mine is gen prepped. But the Onan 5500 is out of stock with a minimum of 40 weeks delivery. I'm considering an Onan 3600 until the the 5500 is available. Or a portable


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westingh...00sc/318061518


The Westinghouse is only 134lbs where as the Cummins is 200lbs



https://factorypure.com/collections/...%3E%20A058U967

[DutchmenSport]

I think you need to provide a bit more information. How much are you willing to spend? Are you planning on traveling with this generator, or just using it at home? Are you looking for a portable (on wheels), or one permanently fixed in your camper?

[Trevor]

I’m thinking about a portable and would like to stay south of $1000, of course less is better.

[mlh]

That limits your choices. Dual fuel naturally cost a little more. There are a few and others can be converted to dual fuel. It looks like you will be limited to about 3500 starting watts. Running watts will be less about 3000 watts. I have a Harbor Freight Predator 3500 watt unit. It’s $900 and sometimes goes on sale for about $50 less. I’m very pleased with it but there are several other generators in the same price range. These are all Honda clones made in China. A generator running on propane really likes fuel and there is a reduction in watts. Are you going to carry enough propane to run one for the time you have in mind? Gasoline is easy to find and carry propane not so much.
Lynwood

[bleedmichigan]

Originally Posted by Trevor

I’m thinking about a portable and would like to stay south of $1000, of course less is better.

Get a dual fuel Wen Df400i

It’s a great gen set.

[mlh]

The Wen look like a really nice generator. It’s an inverter that is a must have, 58 DB, has a fuel shut off that is really nice, and comes with a 3 year warranty. All you need to do is find out what they do in case you do have a problem. Will they replace the generator or take time to fix it. And if so how long will that take.
Lynwood

[bleedmichigan]

Originally Posted by mlh

The Wen look like a really nice generator. It’s an inverter that is a must have, 58 DB, has a fuel shut off that is really nice, and comes with a 3 year warranty. All you need to do is find out what they do in case you do have a problem. Will they replace the generator or take time to fix it. And if so how long will that take.
Lynwood

Warranty is 3 yrs or 500 hrs. You can send it in on your dime for warranty repairs and they will send it back no cost repaired, you can take it to a service center or repair shop that does Wen service, or for some repairs they will send parts and have you send the bad part back. I’ve had great experiences with 3 Wen gen sets. Just got the dual fuel and it works great for both the RV and house use when the power is out.

[Trevor]

I’m looking at the Westinghouse WGen 5300 from Lowes. It’s $800 duel fuel and wireless remote start.

[Trevor]

I’ve also found a 4500 watt rv portable generator from ETrailor for less than $600. I’ve had good luck with e trailer in the past.

[bleedmichigan]

Originally Posted by Trevor

I’ve also found a 4500 watt rv portable generator from ETrailor for less than $600. I’ve had good luck with e trailer in the past.

Is the etrailer an inverter generator? If not I’d pass.

[Trevor]

It does not say anything about inverter, but it does say it’s rv ready and does is rv 30Amp plug ready. Why do I want one that is an inverter? ( that’s a serious question I really don’t know).§

[bleedmichigan]

Originally Posted by Trevor

It does not say anything about inverter, but it does say it’s rv ready and does is rv 30Amp plug ready. Why do I want one that is an inverter? ( that’s a serious question I really don’t know).§

Inverter gen sets are more efficient, quieter, and offer cleaner energy.

[Trevor]

Ok thanks.

[jimcol]

Originally Posted by bleedmichigan

Inverter gen sets are more efficient, quieter, and offer cleaner energy.

Just to add to bleedmichigan's post, that cleaner energy is really important for any solid-state electronic equipment. I've have witnessed newer more sophisticated HVAC systems in a stick and brick that would not run on non-inverter generators. An ice storm is a hell of a time to figure that out even if it wasn't my house.

[mlh]

Why an inverter? So your neighbors won’t be saying I wish that SOB would cut that blank blank generator off. An inverter runs so quiet you can stand beside it and talk. An inverter is safe for all your computers and you have them every where. Don’t even consider a regular generator. An inverter puts out power just like your power company a regular generator not even close. Google pure sine wave and you will see the difference.
Lynwood

[432bartman]

We just bought the Westingtonhouse iGen4500DF. On Amazon it's $1,099.00, and was delivered within 6 days. Remote start, RV 30amp ready, dual fuel, digital gauge readout, 3.4 gallon gas tank that allows 18 hours of operation. So far, we're loving it.

https://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-...719186577&th=1

[Trevor]

I’ve looked at that one,but I am really wanting one that is 50amp compatible. Portable and inverter is also a must.

[432bartman]

Originally Posted by Trevor

I’ve looked at that one,but I am really wanting one that is 50amp compatible. Portable and inverter is also a must.

Yeah it's only 30 amp, but an inverter one too. It's super quiet. I have the soft starts on both my A/C units and the size should suffice for my rig.

[bleedmichigan]

Originally Posted by Trevor

I’ve looked at that one,but I am really wanting one that is 50amp compatible. Portable and inverter is also a must.

You won’t find a 50amp portable inverter generator for less than 1k.