Generator enquiry
Submitted: Sunday, Jun 11, 2017 at 15:42
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Member - Jan Z (QLD)
Looking to buy a 2.2KVA inverter generator for van and am looking for your recommendations and experiences with the cheaper models, or is it a case of you get what you pay for. Briggs and Stratton have been reliable in our lawnmower, but don't know about generators. Thanks for any tips
Reply By: Supersi - Sunday, Jun 11, 2017 at 18:04
Sunday, Jun 11, 2017 at 18:04
With generators the adage "you get what you pay for" is the key.
My preference is Honda or Yamaha.
Have you confirmed what you want to power from the generator.
If the generator is 2.2kva deduct 20% to work out the total wattage of the appliances that you can continuously run. 2.2kva = 1760watts.
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Reply By: Macquarie - Monday, Jun 12, 2017 at 19:26
Monday, Jun 12, 2017 at 19:26
I have a 2.4 Yamaha but have no first hand experience with the cheaper versions. Our generator has no problem running the air conditioner (Dometic 3200) concurrently with the micro wave and/or small washing machine plus the van battery charger.
The downside is the weight. A Yamaha 2.4 weighs 37 kg with fuel while the Honda 2000 weighs 24 kg with fuel. If you have to manhandle them on and off vehicles this can be an issue especially the Yamaha. If you can fix them in their own battery box or slide, it is not a problem
My observation of the cheaper brands in action is that they seem noisier than the Honda/Yamaha duo and of course when they break down you are on your own, usually up the proverbial creek without a paddle
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Follow Up By: Member - Racey - Tuesday, Jun 13, 2017 at 16:49
Tuesday, Jun 13, 2017 at 16:49
Macquarie, the Yamaha is 32kg not 37kg, with a handle at both ends it's not difficult and I'm in my 70's.
Cheers
Jon
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Follow Up By: Macquarie - Tuesday, Jun 13, 2017 at 17:52
Tuesday, Jun 13, 2017 at 17:52
Yes Jon, The dry weight of the Yamaha 2.4 kva is indeed 32 kg. However by the time you add the oil and 6 litres of fuel the weight comes up to 37 kg.
I am also in my 70's and can also move the generator around a ground level; but lifting it into the back of my utility up onto the top of a set of drawers takes a lot more effort , which is the point I made in my post.
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