generator help

[cjm]

i just bought a camper and am interested in buying a portable generator to charge trolling motor, charge camper battery, etc.
any advice on how big and what brand. i am new at this camping scene so really have no idea what i need. how about honda? are they worth the money, i haven't looked at them yet but know honda is good quality. thank you very much in advance.

[Rod builder]

If all you want to do is charge batteries you can save money by buying a five horse horizontal engine, and an altrenator from a mid 80's chev which has an internal regulator, this will crarge your batteries much faster than a generator with a battery charger hooked up. The alternators are about 35 to 65 amps depending on what you get, and usually cost about 45-75 dollars. Have a welding shop make a frame for you this set up should cost about $400 total and will charge much better. A/C generators don't provide consistant power, and sometimes can wreck a good charger. Good Luck!

[Kaz]

CJM: I bought a Honda 1000 watt "Inverter". I don't know why they call it an Inverter and not a generator. I paid about $700. for it and it is very quiet and doesn't burn to much fuel. I use it for running my microwave in the ice fish house. However I just used it for a 24 hr period where we were drawing 750 watts continueous. Worked flawless. A little costly but if you are camping you may want power for more than just charging a trolling battery. I've found a 1000 is a great plenty for me. Good luck FISHING...Kaz

[mckoz]

Ditto on the problems generators and chargers have. You will ruin a charger if it is the only load - can't tell you why it happens only that it does. I've had this problem at work as well with 18 and 24 volt battery chargers.

Mike

[Phil T.]

Honda's are so dependable they are used in remote sites in our "oil patch". 55 gallon drum for a fuel tank, and someone stops by every few days to refuel and change the oil. I think they are worth the extra money.