View Full Version : Which Generator for Charging Deep Cycles??
I have a 2631 Guest charger and am looking to purchase a generator to charge the batteries when at the lake. Many don't have 110V available out here in the sticks(Montana). I'd like to hear any suggestions on what capacity of generator I would need to effectively charge through the 3 10amp banks of the charger. I would like to be able to get a decent charge back on the deep cycles in 4-6 hours if possible but I don't know if a portable generator will accomplish this. I am assuming I will be starting with about a 50% charge on the batteries. Also would like a fairly quiet unit as most of the charging will be taking place in the evening or through the night after a day of fishing. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, RJ in Montana.....
Sparky
04-12-2001, 04:07 PM
LAST EDITED ON Apr-12-01 AT 06:08PM (CST)[p] With a 30 amp draw on a 12 V system you're only looking at about 360 watts. I've see small 600W generators that would fit the bill if you didn't start adding too many things like a TV and other camping requirements. There may be one that has a 12V outlet for starting your vehicle, just in case. There are a lot out there so take your time and buy the features that you want.
Sparky
MIFISH
04-12-2001, 04:08 PM
The 1000 watt Kawasaki will do just peachy keen.
What would I need for charging TWO boats at the same time?
RJ: I have a Honda four cycle 1000 watt, they call an "Inverter" I call it a generator, but it is differant. Extremely quiet. The cost is around $750. It's is very light weight and also has a 12v output. Low oil cut off and runs about 4 to 6 hours, depending which mode you have it in. Check it out, I think I saw it on their web sight. I throw it in the boat and use it on the islands for power when needed. Good luck....Kaz/MSP
vetspet(ind)
04-13-2001, 01:55 AM
i bought a coleman 1850 last yr...did a little research asking local campers at a non-electric campground which has great panfishing but only elec motors on a rather large lake so people use a lot of batteries their...one guy had the coleman and said he used it for 10 yrs w/o any problems..ran his furnace with it one yr when we lost power for several days in nw ind.....it has an integral .9 gallon gas tank which runs for 6 hrs or so..maybe 8 hrs and an integral 10amp battery charger plus two sockets... i bring my portable 10 amp charger and charge two batteries easily with a plug left over to clean my fish!...i do this in the parking lot for trailers so as not disturb the campers...one guy had a 1000watt honda when i was there and it did not seem to be much quieter than mine altho i have heard they are supposed to be so....maybe his was needing a tune-up....my unit costs ~$350 dollars which is half the honda and so far no complaints...it will run my truck camper and charge the batteries if i do not run the a/c....steve
Kaz,
Can we borrow it for TCFMC Field Day? ;-)
I'll be sure to give it a thorough coating Ti2O.
Hans
Hans: I had them both there last year, but I missed the meeting a week ago and Gale didn't say anything last night at the hamfest meeting. I don't know if they want the fish house either. Heard you this AM but you jumped out at work before I could say HI. 73s Kaz...Dick... PS I is already treated for UVB and UVA.