Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Cheap Generators
| [GMCnet] Cheap Generators [message #361166] |
Sun, 27 December 2020 11:24  |
Oliver Moore
Messages: 21
Registered: March 2018
Karma: 1
|
Junior Member |
|
|
I have the 2,000 watt Harbor Freight Predator alternator generator. It
starts easily and operates flawlessly. It ran continuously for five days
when we lost power here in NC because of Hurricane Florence. It has run for
a day at a time since then when we had intermittent outages. I have also
used it at the boatyard to run power tools. I wanted a portable power
source but didn't want to spend the money for the Honda. I happened to
notice that a local auto detailing shop had vans outfitted with the
Predator. The owner told me that the generators were used to power
polishers etc for off-site jobs. He reported that he had not had any
problems. Based on his recommendation, I bought mine on sale for $412. I
have no regrets.
Oliver Moore
1973 Kingsley
Patterson Stage II engine
Thorley Headers
Alcoa Wheels
Honda 6kw generator
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Cheap Generators [message #361172 is a reply to message #361166] |
Sun, 27 December 2020 15:18  |
hertfordnc
Messages: 1164
Registered: September 2009
Location: East NC
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Oliver Moore wrote on Sun, 27 December 2020 11:24I have the 2,000 watt Harbor Freight Predator alternator generator. It
starts easily and operates flawlessly.
Is it electric start?
Also have to consider the consequence of failure and the options for a solution.
If the Onan puke a circuit board in the middle of a cross country trip in a place where i need the roof air, that is a big problem.
If i can walk in to harbor freight and replace non-working junk with working junk, that may be a better option.
Dave & Ellen Silva
Hertford, NC
76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021
It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Cheap Generators [message #361174 is a reply to message #361172] |
Sun, 27 December 2020 15:26 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
|
Senior Member |
|
|
The ONAN can lose a circuit board, and run like nothing happened. But, one
of those "inverter" 3600 rpm gensets lose a control board, and you are out
of business, unless you throw the whole baby out with the bathwater and buy
a new one. That Onan will outlive us both, properly maintained.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Sun, Dec 27, 2020, 1:18 PM dave silva via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> Oliver Moore wrote on Sun, 27 December 2020 11:24
>> I have the 2,000 watt Harbor Freight Predator alternator generator. It
>> starts easily and operates flawlessly.
>
>
>
> Is it electric start?
>
>
> Also have to consider the consequence of failure and the options for a
> solution.
>
> If the Onan puke a circuit board in the middle of a cross country trip in
> a place where i need the roof air, that is a big problem.
>
>
> If i can walk in to harbor freight and replace non-working junk with
> working junk, that may be a better option.
> --
> Dave & Ellen Silva
> Hertford, NC
>
> 74 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Cheap Generators [message #361176 is a reply to message #361166] |
Sun, 27 December 2020 16:15 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I had my almost new (was new nov. 2019) Yamaha 2200 coil pack die this summer on my trip.
Yamaha dealers of zero help. All were out at least two weeks for service.
When back home I dropped it off at yamaha and they took 2 weeks to diagnose coil pack bad. (I already was pretty certain it was a bad coil and let them know when I dropped it off). 2
Weeks to order it in and another week to install it. I hD
To call
And bitch the last two weeks.
I personally like champion. They make a 3100 watt, dual fuel. With remote(wireless) start
For under $1000. I had a non-dual fuel one for a little while. Calling them I bet they would send you a part in a few days if needed. I sold it and bought the yamaha. Because the champion was a little big size wise. And the controls were on wrong side for where i wanted
To mount it off bumper. I figured 2200 yamaha was a better bet, but I was wrong.
I think you need minimum of a 2800 watt generator now.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Cheap Generators [message #361178 is a reply to message #361176] |
Sun, 27 December 2020 16:31 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I still have my 6000 watt ONAN. I put a flywheel triggered solid state
ignition on it a couple years ago. Starts readily, just purrs now. 1800 rpm
twin cylinder just idles. It never flinches.. Not enough stuff in our coach
to even make it break a sweat. Judy has a coffee maker that makes expresso
latte's etc. It makes the ONAN change engine note, but that is it. I worked
on lots of those engines in welders and garden tractors, etc. They just
keep on keeping on.
I know some of you guys yank those ONAN's just because you can. I
personally just like to drive my coach, not work on it constantly.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Sun, Dec 27, 2020, 2:16 PM Jon Roche via Gmclist
wrote:
> I had my almost new (was new nov. 2019) Yamaha 2200 coil pack die this
> summer on my trip.
>
> Yamaha dealers of zero help. All were out at least two weeks for
> service.
>
> When back home I dropped it off at yamaha and they took 2 weeks to
> diagnose coil pack bad. (I already was pretty certain it was a bad coil and
> let
> them know when I dropped it off). 2
> Weeks to order it in and another week to install it. I hD
> To call
> And bitch the last two weeks.
>
>
> I personally like champion. They make a 3100 watt, dual fuel. With
> remote(wireless) start
> For under $1000. I had a non-dual fuel one for a little while. Calling
> them I bet they would send you a part in a few days if needed. I sold it
> and bought the yamaha. Because the champion was a little big size wise.
> And the controls were on wrong side for where i wanted
> To mount it off bumper. I figured 2200 yamaha was a better bet, but I
> was wrong.
>
> I think you need minimum of a 2800 watt generator now.
>
>
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Cheap Generators [message #361180 is a reply to message #361178] |
Sun, 27 December 2020 17:25 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I was in the GMC today for another reason and decided to try starting the
Troy-Bilt generator's Briggs & Stratton. It had been several months,
perhaps over 6, since it last ran. It turned over 10-15 times before it
finally caught -- then ran perfectly (even though sorta loudly through its
two mufflers).
Ken H.
On Sun, Dec 27, 2020 at 5:32 PM James Hupy via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> I still have my 6000 watt ONAN. I put a flywheel triggered solid state
> ignition on it a couple years ago. Starts readily, just purrs now. 1800 rpm
> twin cylinder just idles. It never flinches.. Not enough stuff in our coach
> to even make it break a sweat. Judy has a coffee maker that makes expresso
> latte's etc. It makes the ONAN change engine note, but that is it. I worked
> on lots of those engines in welders and garden tractors, etc. They just
> keep on keeping on.
> I know some of you guys yank those ONAN's just because you can. I
> personally just like to drive my coach, not work on it constantly.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
> On Sun, Dec 27, 2020, 2:16 PM Jon Roche via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org>
> wrote:
>
>> I had my almost new (was new nov. 2019) Yamaha 2200 coil pack die this
>> summer on my trip.
>>
>> Yamaha dealers of zero help. All were out at least two weeks for
>> service.
>>
>> When back home I dropped it off at yamaha and they took 2 weeks to
>> diagnose coil pack bad. (I already was pretty certain it was a bad coil
> and
>> let
>> them know when I dropped it off). 2
>> Weeks to order it in and another week to install it. I hD
>> To call
>> And bitch the last two weeks.
>>
>>
>> I personally like champion. They make a 3100 watt, dual fuel. With
>> remote(wireless) start
>> For under $1000. I had a non-dual fuel one for a little while.
> Calling
>> them I bet they would send you a part in a few days if needed. I sold
> it
>> and bought the yamaha. Because the champion was a little big size wise.
>> And the controls were on wrong side for where i wanted
>> To mount it off bumper. I figured 2200 yamaha was a better bet, but I
>> was wrong.
>>
>> I think you need minimum of a 2800 watt generator now.
>>
>>
>> --
>> Jon Roche
>> 75 palm beach
>> EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
>> St. Cloud, MN
>> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Cheap Generators [message #361198 is a reply to message #361166] |
Mon, 28 December 2020 08:15 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
|
Senior Member |
|
|
The Predator 7.5KW I put in the 23' was the smallest with an electric self - commencer which is why I chose it. The way the Predators are built, the install will leave the yanker cranker accessible if you open the hatch. If you don't mind pulling you could use a smaller model. I wouldn't replace an Onan in a GMC, I'd fix it. If like KenH and me you have or had one of the Junkerac variable speed sets, the Predator is a good idea.
The smaller Predator units use the same basic engine design, which is cast for an electric starter. You could take one apart, machine it, and have it electric if the engine manufacturer doesn't offer one already set up.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Cheap Generators [message #361231 is a reply to message #361198] |
Tue, 29 December 2020 08:28 |
Justin Brady
Messages: 769
Registered: April 2015
Location: Bell Buckle, TN
Karma: 11
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I have a predator 3500 watt inverter, it's virtually silent and I added an external gas tank and literally ran it for 100 days straight (24 hours a day) with one oil change. (dehumidifier and temporary power while building a house)
It still starts runs and puts out power like brand new.
If they would come out with an permanent mounted version I would put one in my coach in a heartbeat.
Justin Brady
http://www.thegmcrv.com/
1976 Palm Beach 455
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Cheap Generators [message #361246 is a reply to message #361231] |
Tue, 29 December 2020 14:33 |
hertfordnc
Messages: 1164
Registered: September 2009
Location: East NC
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Justin Brady wrote on Tue, 29 December 2020 08:28
If they would come out with an permanent mounted version I would put one in my coach in a heartbeat.
Seems like that would be pretty simple. Looks like there's lots of videos on it.
Dave & Ellen Silva
Hertford, NC
76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021
It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Cheap Generators [message #361265 is a reply to message #361246] |
Wed, 30 December 2020 09:21 |
Justin Brady
Messages: 769
Registered: April 2015
Location: Bell Buckle, TN
Karma: 11
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Eh debatably.
It needs cooling, a remote start, a fuel pump etc.
Maybe a fun project but I don't have time for it at the moment. I'd rather just install one that's made for it at this point.
My EV6010 works fine, it's just loud and obnoxious.
Justin Brady
http://www.thegmcrv.com/
1976 Palm Beach 455
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Cheap Generators [message #361267 is a reply to message #361265] |
Wed, 30 December 2020 10:08 |
hertfordnc
Messages: 1164
Registered: September 2009
Location: East NC
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Justin Brady wrote on Wed, 30 December 2020 09:21
My EV6010 works fine, it's just loud and obnoxious.
Really? I thought those liquid cooled hondas were the holy grail. Not quieter than the Onan?
Dave & Ellen Silva
Hertford, NC
76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021
It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Cheap Generators [message #361268 is a reply to message #361267] |
Wed, 30 December 2020 11:07 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
|
Senior Member |
|
|
The decibel level does not tell the whole story. We get into subjectivity
fairly quickly when it comes to sound levels from a variety of sources. An
1800 rpm hori zontally opposed twin cylinder engine vs. a 3600 rpm single
cylinder water cooled engine as an example. One might actually be less
decibels than the other, but may be objectively disliked because of the
pitch.
I remember in my military days standing on the firing line of 10 ea.
90mm tank artillery pieces all firing at once, watching the canvas tarps
covering the trucks full of ammunition blown back from the concussion and
snot running out of my nose from that same backblast, and not thinking very
much about it as being "too loud" but the decibel level must have been
absolutely off the charts. Same deal with stereos in cars or motorhomes.
Can't tolerate very much of that today. Booming stereos in "Rice Grinders"
just set me into nearly the road rage level of extreme dislike. But some
don't mind it at all. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Wed, Dec 30, 2020, 8:09 AM dave silva via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> Justin Brady wrote on Wed, 30 December 2020 09:21
>> My EV6010 works fine, it's just loud and obnoxious.
>
> Really? I thought those liquid cooled hondas were the holy grail. Not
> quieter than the Onan?
>
> --
> Dave & Ellen Silva
> Hertford, NC
>
> 76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
>
> Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021
>
> It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Cheap Generators [message #361275 is a reply to message #361267] |
Wed, 30 December 2020 13:09 |
Justin Brady
Messages: 769
Registered: April 2015
Location: Bell Buckle, TN
Karma: 11
|
Senior Member |
|
|
hertfordnc wrote on Wed, 30 December 2020 10:08Justin Brady wrote on Wed, 30 December 2020 09:21
My EV6010 works fine, it's just loud and obnoxious.
Really? I thought those liquid cooled hondas were the holy grail. Not quieter than the Onan?
If you read this forum they are.
I disagree. The onan is quieter in my opinion, less high pitched and lower RPM.
I have 2 mufflers on my 6010 and it's still loud. At this point most of the noise is not exhaust but a ridiculous amount of fan noise to cool the radiator.
To my ears the Onan is similar to an idling diesel engine, it's not quiet but it's not unpleasant either. The honda runs at 3600 rpm and I find it much more irritating more like standing beside a throttled up lawnmower.
They are both to my ears 3-4 times louder than my predator inverter genset.
Of course these are all real world impressions I don't go around with my calibrated mic taking measurements of them haha. Everyone's ears are different.
Justin Brady
http://www.thegmcrv.com/
1976 Palm Beach 455
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Cheap Generators [message #361278 is a reply to message #361166] |
Wed, 30 December 2020 19:40 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Jason, here's the install I did in my 23'. Wasn't hard at all, could easily be done in a day if you had the necessary stuff on hand.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6827-new-genset.html
I'd do a couple of things differently next time. The muffler would go inside the bumper at bumper level. I'd remote the air filter box for easier filter maintenance. Id take the valve cover off and fit it with a bayonet for the pulse hose. I'd electrify the choke.
By the time I paid the welder for the exhaust connectors and bought the other parts I was a bit over 600 bucks for the install. Genset was on sale, and some fast talking got me a military ten percent off.Had I kept the coach I would have redone the power panel instead of cutting up the supplied one but I was headed for a dog show and I wanted the A/C on the road. Note that in a 26' you wouldn't have to move the air filter, just put the genset two inches back. The fan on the door was already there so I left it. I don't think it is/was necessary at all.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Sun Oct 06 09:23:05 CDT 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.01135 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
