Generator Choices & Info

[Ken Schilling]

I'm starting to investigate generators.

I'm looking for one that:
- Could be used in an emergency at home to power appliances, lights, etc... but also:
- Small enough to be used at the track.
- Not too loud.
- What about being run on propane rather than gasoline...? I also thought about tying it into my natural gas line at the house. In earthquake country here in California, I don't think that would be a good idea as the gas lines may be shut down or broken.

Thoughts and/or recommendations?
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Ken Schilling
#21x / S4 / ProKart Challenge (PKC)
SKUSA Data Administrator

Good luck is where preparation and opportunity meet!!!

The opinions I express are mine alone and do not reflect those of any organization of which I am a member.

[Dan Gefis]

Ken,

I was in a similar situation last year. I went with a Honda eu6500 which was $3600. It is extremely quiet and will power everything in my house at once except the hot tube. It is heavy, about 300#'s but does have wheels. It has a built in inverter and produces a very clean sine wave which is a must if you want to use a computer. I have a disconnect switch running to my main breaker in case of a power outage (don't forget to turn of the main to the utility).

Another option is the Honda eu3000. It weighs about 120#'s. This also has an inverter and is extremely quiet. One of the nice things about the eu3000 is you can purchase a sync cable and put two eu3000 in parallel mode for a total 6000 watts. You can add as many together as you need. I don't think they are 240 VAC though, only 120 VAC.

Another thing to consider about the Honda is parts availabilty. alos the running RPM. Typically a gasoline / propane generator runs at 3600 RPM which is syncronous speed. A diesel runs at 18oo RPM due to higher low end torque. The Honda eu series will vary the RPM as the AC power is coming from the inverter. It makes the engine last forever.

Running on propane is okay but depending on the load, how much fuel will you burn. If the power is out, it may not be easy to find propane. Propane is also an issue at the track as you would need to bring along the 5 gallon tank. To use natural gas, you will need to change the regulator on the generator.

I am in Laguna Hills if you want to see and hear the eu6500. Feel free to email me with any questions.

Check with Wise Sales in Chicago for the best pricing.

Dan kapdan@cox.net

[Joe Brizzolara]

Hi Ken,

I have this propane generator. Used it for my rv and in emergencies at home. Runs for about 16 hours on a 20# propane tank at at the house. Powers the AC in my trailer.

Not the quietest generator out there but not too loud. Had to replace the fuel hose almost immediatlly. They used something not compatible with propane. Other than that it is pretty reliable.

http://www.generatordepot.us/gentron-pro2-3500p-propane-generator.aspx

It is out of stock here but you may be able to find it somewhere if you are interested. Let me know if you have any questions.

Regards,
Joe

[Todd Renaud]

Ken, +1 on the Honda 3000. Definitely a great one for the track, quiet and with the daisy chain ability, you can connect two when needed for that extra power. That being said - a 3000 might not be enough at the track if you are trying to run a trailer AC or more than a few items in a trailer. We use 4500 and 5500 watt generators that do everything fine in a trailer and a house - but they are LOUD because we don't use the Hondas. I also have a Honda 2000 that we use for small needs and it works incredibly well also. Also less expensive...I believe they can be chained together also.

Can't speak to Propane uses but would submit that if you are going that route - you need to look at getting a diff generator for the track.

[Ray Chiappe]

A friend has one of these. Quite as a Honda & about a grand less.
http://www.rvstuffusa.com/rvgeneratorsinemasterig3000bykipor.html

[Kerry Matthews]

Another +1 on the Honda eu3000. I have one in my race trailer. Very quiet. I run it all day at the track. It powers the AC unit I have it there.
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Play now, work later!

[Craig Diller]

i use a honda eu3000 for my trailer its great but if you are looking at something to also use for you house i would sugest getting one of the bigger honda eu generators. If you go to a honda dealer you would be surprised to see how much lower the price is then list.

[Roger Miller]

[Ray Chiappe]

When I called them, they said that there is a "Carb" unit also avail. Wasn't worried since I live in the silver state. Think they said about $100.00 more.?

[joseph hollinger]

One thing to keep in mind: the really small units can't run an A/C (or they can't start an A/C). That could be of interest in the future. And if you're not going to run an A/C then its hard to understand why you would waste money on a generator.
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A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on. -- Winston Churchill.

[Racer Johnson]

as a poor bastard that works on generators all the time...honda all the way
-Eric

[Kerry Matthews]

[Jeff DeMello]

I wanted a Honda eu3000 but I was at a super modified race in Ohio and saw a used kipor 3000 for 600$$.. It powers my a/c and my compressor.. It's as quite as the Honda. If I was to buy new I would go with the Honda
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Jeff DeMello
Emmick F125 Pavesi

[John Cleveland]

I would say the Honda is worth the investment. I am still using the honda that we got back in 90 when my dad was running SCCA. We have used it from everything from power outages to weekends at the track, camping etc. Well worth the extra $$ for the longevity and reliability.
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"Commitment isn't the time you spend its a line you cross"

[joseph hollinger]