Forestgal wrote:Carolyn, they're very similar and there's really not enough difference to worry about. What you need to consider is what you'd be using it for. If your fifth wheel comes with a space for a generator you might be limited to what can go there. For those of us with little trailers we usually get the smaller generators that are good for giving us basic power and running the microwave but not enough to run the AC. I have a Honda eu2000i and love it. It weighs just under 50# and I can haul it in & out of either the back of my Explorer or my trailer. It's not big enough to power the AC, but if I wanted to camp where AC was needed I'd be sure to have hook-ups. I usually take it when I'm going to dry camp at the beach for 2-3 nights to keep my batteries topped off and run the microwave.
The next size up is considerably heavier but will power an AC unit just fine. I don't want to mess with anything that large and there's nowhere in my trailer to store it. If I really wanted that much power I might get a second genny like mine & run them in tandem. But it just isn't practical for me at this point. The other good thing about having a more powerful generator is the ability to use it at home in case of power outages. I could use the one I have now but it probably wouldn't power my fridge (has something to do with the surge the fridge causes whenever it cycles on). But having 2 in tandem would take care of everything at home as well.
Hope this helps.
Laura
Laura,
I don't have an area for a generator on my Fiver.
Wish I did, it would make things easier.
Not having a secure place for one while using it is one of my concerns, how do you keep yours secure?
Thinking out loud: Another concern is the use of a generator if want to stay over in a Walmart parking lot or truck stop (never done this), especially if you would need ac. Again, I am concerned for the security of the generator. I guess using a generator in this scenerio would not be a good idea. Have any of you used your generator in a situation as described above?
I like the idea of two in tandem (if needed), which could run my ac on Fiver. I like the idea the 2000i is easy to handle and stow. I have a home propane generator for my home, so I would not be using the portable generator at home.
Maybe one is all I really need and forget about having ac. I guess that would mean no boondocking, unless the nights are cool.
Just trying to think this out, without spending money, if not needed.