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I am totally uneducated (SHUT UP, Vickie AND Barbie) about generators. If I buy a Honda eu1000i, can I plug an extension cord in one of its outlets and run something in the trailer with said extension cord?

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Yes, Mitch, I believe that is how you would use a portable generator. You might even be able to run a couple of things off it at the same time.

Mitch you are more edikated then I, but double check and see if you need the 1000i or the 1000. One of those allows you to run stand alone and the other one serves as a "doubler" I tink, I do not know for shure! Yakn1 would know.

Birdie wrote:Mitch you are more edikated then I, but double check and see if you need the 1000i or the 1000. One of those allows you to run stand alone and the other one serves as a "doubler" I tink, I do not know for shure! Yakn1 would know.

Don't put this in the bank, but I understand that the "i" is for inverter technology, which allows for "clean" power to run electronics (sans surges)...
But I don't really know nothin'.

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I don't know that generator, but what you really want, is one that you can plug the cord from the trailer into - so it goes to it instead of to an electrical box. Then you don't need an extension cord - as everything in the trailer will work. Just remember how much output the generator has and don't use everything at once. Microwaves and electric heaters, for example (running and hiding before Liz sees this ...)

I don't think a 1000 will run either a microwave or an A/C. Generators in motorhomes are much larger like 3000 to 4000. Yakn just bought a 1000 because she knew she would be able to lift it (about 50 lbs, I think). If she eventually wants to run the A/C, she will get a companion generator that hooks up to this one. The 3000 would have run either but I think she said it weighed about 150 lbs so way to heavy to handle.

You might PM Yakn as she is very knowledgeable about the portable generators a trailer gal would use.

This link might help with what each size Honda generator can do.
http://powerequipment.honda.com/product ... egory=play

And, yes, you could do what you're asking with a small generator. I was just thinking you'd want one that would let you use everything. Duh - you have choices

I think the trick is not what each generator will run but what can it run all at the same time I often stop myself and remind myself of what I run directly off the 120 outlet in the wall....I just can't run everything off of one circuit. But small rigs don't need much.

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I just looked closely at the Yamaha and Honda. Both only have your typical household outlets. But I can use an adapter to hook it into the trailer directly, right?. Thanks, Beth...DUH on me - I wouldn't have thought of that.

I am limited in my choices by:

1) allowable weight in my rig (I'm replacing G's weight with the generator, gas, and an icemaker. Poor George...)
2) what I can lift.

I really only want to keep the batteries charged. Don't need the microwave or the a/c. So, my plan will work, right? (note to self: get a new battery for the trailer...)

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Do you have room for two batteries? A few LED light bulbs would also reduce electrical needs.

longdog2 wrote:Do you have room for two batteries? A few LED light bulbs would also reduce electrical needs.

I change out from regular bulbs to LEDs as the situation allows. I don't want to add the weight of a 2nd battery, but I'm hoping the generator will serve my needs. George would never dry camp, so it's time I spread my wings into the World of Boondocking!

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Excellent plan. Good for you, wingspreading is always good.

I've managed with just one battery for all these years. A 2nd would be a treat - but one does what I need. When boondocking a lot, I use a lantern inside instead of the lights - and I have switched out the lights I use most often - but why drain the battery when I don't need to. I have a booklight I use when reading - and no other light on at all when doing that. My one battery does a great job of keeping the fridge going and running the furnace as needed. I do sleep with it cold inside, but then kick in the furnace big time in the morning. And if I'm on the road like going through AK, my battery charges while driving - so it's only the days you stay in one place that you'll want that generator to charge the battery. Like you, I don't care about the micro, etc. They are just a bonus when I do have electric ... or on an occasion when my generator is on. My genie is "down" AGAIN - and depending on the estimate I get to fix it - might get rid of it - am adding a solar panel - so just have to hope I get enough sun on the down days to charge my battery. Maybe someday I'll have a 2nd battery - but you'll be fine with one in good shape.

mitch5252 wrote:..

I just looked closely at the Yamaha and Honda. Both only have your typical household outlets. But I can use an adapter to hook it into the trailer directly, right?. Thanks, Beth...DUH on me - I wouldn't have thought of that.

I am limited in my choices by:

1) allowable weight in my rig (I'm replacing G's weight with the generator, gas, and an icemaker. Poor George...)
2) what I can lift.

I really only want to keep the batteries charged. Don't need the microwave or the a/c. So, my plan will work, right? (note to self: get a new battery for the trailer...)

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If all you want to do is charge the battery, then yes a 1000 would do the trick. Any more items, then I would opt for at least the 2000i. the weight of the gennie is 49 lbs.Linda

Actually Mitch, I bought a Honda 2000I companion. The 2000 is big enough to run most stuff but probably not the a/c.
I think it is only 47 lbs., makes life easier on my poor old achy back! This one can be parraleled with another one which would run everything. I don't expect to boon docking when I would need a/c, but who knows...If I find myself doing that I will purchase a second one.
Now as I say all of this, the 2000 would take care of everything in little bitty Tillie, but she is for sale, and I have "up graded" to a 1979 Airstrem Argosy. Molly B. will be pictured here if I can ever figure out "how to".
Good luck on your search!

Vicki