Outbacktourer replied:

Tony, I bought a Honda 20i for this type of use. It was the smallest an lightest thing that would start the Air Conditioner (Coleman Mach 3). About $2000. Very good unit.

flappa replied:

My parents bought a Honda E10 (I think it is) , to supplement their batteries and solar.

The good thing with these is they have an inbuilt pure sinewave invertor I believe

Ray Bates replied:

Hi Tony,
I once had a genny to drive my aircon. I had to have a 5kva set. I was very heavy and took two people to lift it. My presant genny is a 650va set. I can run all of the stuff that I have in the van, Electrolux fridge, Engle fridge, Television, pumps and lights and a bit to spare but I can only run the fan on my air-con.
You have to make a choice. 5kva sets are heavy, baulky and require two people to lift them. A 650va is not.
All generators should be worked hard and if you don't you will soon glaze up the cylinder/s and you will be up for a major overhaul.

Coops (Ex-Pilbara) replied:

Honda EU10 is currently $1399 from Honda Shop and EU20 is only $600 additional. The extra bucks gives you a whole lot more bang but it's dependant on how much room etc you have for transportation. I don't have air con to worry about and need genny to fit in my car for other camping trips so have opted for EU10 but most others are spending the extra six hundred is what I'm led to believe.
Honda's are very quiet and efficient and would be just what you need I'd imagine.
One thing to consider though is that the power outlet is only 10 amp but I know there's ways around that too. I've made up my own ext cord for home with 10A plug and 15A socket for campervan and this is what I use at home when pre-cooling fridge etc before using van.

Member - Luxoluk replied:

Go the Honda. Should only need to make one purchase!! Cheers

Farmer Jones (ret) replied:

been down the generator line and have solar for 7 weeks
installed 155w panel and will install another panel near winter
for the times you use your air con the convenience of solar outweighs the couple of hot nights
Mrs bought a portable evaporative cooler and run from the 240 inverter
also bought a Freedom Air 30 cm 12 volt fan is quiet and good air
if you are going to spend $2000 on a generator from experience and long time generator user I would say spend $2000 on solar panels

dont miss having to buy petrol roll out extension chain to tree start fill with petrol again service unchain roll up extension cord clean down put away
bugger the generators

pjchris replied:

If you are considering the Honda units I would give THESE a look. They are almost identical to the Honda's in terms of capacity, loudness, running time and weight but are somewhat cheaper. Particularly above 2kva where they are about $300 less.

Peter

rash replied:

Tony....check out "AGM BATTERIES" before bying your trogens. There is a thread on the subject sometime last year....i think...check out the archives....also have a look at their info on battery monitors

Mike-TS replied:

There are two generators taht are top shelf: Yamaha and Honda. After seeing them both I'd recommend the Yamaha as its quieter. Both are good engine makers.

hedevil replied:

Hi we purchaced a honda 20i at the last caravan and camping show in brisbane 2004. From the honda dealer for $1800. Have used it a few times and is quiet and efficiant, I believe the 20i will run the air con.While away last nov we saw a caravan with a split system fitted motor mounted on a bar at back and head unit on wall inside, owner said costs of $500 compared to $2000 plus fitting for roof model. sounds like a good alternative for our motorhome, wonder anyone else had this expierience ..... max