Generators

[MOTORIDER68]

What do you guys use at the track? I am looking for one that will power a small air compresser, radio, 2 4ft overhead lights, and whatever else small to plug in (I have one outlet in the trailer). I am not sure how big of one I need, I would love to get by with a 2000w. what do you guys think? what brands are you using? I have been looking at the cheap ones on ebay. 150-250 for 2000w quiet ones with free shipping...tell me what you think and what you use. not looking to power my house.

[<DRS>GPF]

id just make sure it was continuous duty and hopefully true sign-wave.

[wilkin250r]

I'm not sure of your definition of a "small" air compressor, but figure on 1000W for each horsepower. So a 2hp compressor will require 2000W minimum.

[KH426]

You get what you pay for, a cheap generator is a good wheel chock. I have a power inverter, solar panel and a big Battery. I can run 4 floresant lights 2 cordless battery chargers and a radio and anything else I need.

[MOTORIDER68]

Ok thanks guys, keep em coming if someone else has an opinion. What did the Solar stuff set you back if you dont mind me asking KH426?

[LT80]

IMO, your going to need 3k minimum.
The compressor will be hard to start.

[MOTORIDER68]

Ok thanks LT80, thats what I was afraid of. I wont run the compresser all the time but I figured it would use a lot of volts in the intitial startup. Thanks

[MO-EX-RIDER]

a generator is like a race car.....its better to have to much power than not enough...

and also stay away from "box stores" when it comes to the purchase because you get what you pay for
check out your local small engine shop....you pay a little more up front, but save in the long run because they can service it quick and usually have parts in stock if you need something small

with that said i have only used a snapper 6200w electric start/ briggs unit and it ran around $975 new

[LT80]

I keep dreaming of a 5k Honda.:)

FYI: the 3000 inverter Honda at my dealer is like $1800.

I have a 5k generator (the cheapo-lowes model) has a Briggs motor and has been 100% dependable. I got it back then for $400...I did have to adapt a LT80 pipe to it. It's way quiet now.
:D

[MOTORIDER68]

I am not sure what I am going to do. I would love one of the honda ones but they are just to much. I asked the guy what the compresser was pulling and he said 15 amps so I would need atleast a 2200 peak (i am buying the trailer and the compresser is already in it). A friend of mine has a 5000w coleman for $300 which wouldnt be to bad but I bet it is loud. I think it has the Briggs motor on it also. I will keep looking....the 5000 should power everything for sure right?
I will be putting a microwave in the trailer also for warming up baby bottles, I believe my big one in the house is a 1000w.
Any type of muffler work LT?

[mittman]

we use one up at our camp its a honda or briggs engine not sure but its 3500watts(got it a lowes) and we have about 13, 60-100watt lights plus a 50''tv, small fridge, stereo and water pump we have had it for 4 years and no problems

what r you going to be using the compressor for

[LT80]

The 5k should do anything you need. Mine does.

The pipe thing:: I used the LT80 pipe, well isn't that obvious. LOL.
I do think you would need a small cc pipe tho.
I had to get pipe that fit together, have the bend in it, weld,and mount.
I did that cuz I can.
Whether you can?? If not, maybe you have a buddy that can help.
IMO: The generator offered in the trailer should run things. The Micro isn't a problem. The air and micro prolly won't work.
The air units are advertised at 1300 watts. I think they take a lil more tho.

[MOTORIDER68]

ok guys thanks for the replys...I honestly think I could get by with a 1000-1500 easy if it wasn't for the air compresser. I may never use the compresser other than to air up tires but then again I may need it for the vehicle or an air rachet....you just never know but I would like to have a generator if i do need the compresser I have it. The trailer has the compresser built into the cabinets adn has air lines run to the work bench and one that runs outside beside the side door so it would be convenient if you needed it. LT80 if I do get one of the loud ones I may see if you could take me a pic or soething to see how you did yours. I could do the bending but dont have a welder but will figure out something.

[cbrooks118]

You could just get another smaller air compressor, like a "pancake" one. I bought one at Lowes and its 10amp. We have ran it on my dad's generator, a 1500wt coleman with no problems

[mittman]

heres a pic of the pancake compresser my dad has thats plenty for what your going to use it for

[MOTORIDER68]

Thats a good idea to switch them out but would still be out 300 bucks after buying the new aircompresser and a smaller generator...uh desicions

[mittman]

Originally posted by MOTORIDER68
Thats a good idea to switch them out but would still be out 300 bucks after buying the new aircompresser and a smaller generator...uh desicions


http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95275

i've bought from this place many of times its not going to last 20 years but what you are going to be using it for it will do the job

[MOTORIDER68]

wow the price is right!!!!

[Aceman]

I wouldn't go with that HF compressor. It's oilless and it's Harbor Freight. Nuff said!

Those little Honda generators are QUIET! But probably expensive.

I'd look on Craigslist. You see good sized generators for fairly cheap all the time.

[mittman]

Originally posted by Aceman
I wouldn't go with that HF compressor. It's oilless and it's Harbor Freight. Nuff said!

Those little Honda generators are QUIET! But probably expensive.

I'd look on Craigslist. You see good sized generators for fairly cheap all the time.

for what he is going to be using it for it will be plus not everything at HF is bad. Central Pneumatic is a good company granted its not top of the line but it will do

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00915310000P?vName=Tools&cName=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&sName=Air+Compressors+%26+Inflators

[Rulz]

I bought the Robin Subaru RG4300:
http://www.everypressurewasher.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=SUB1001&refid=FR80-SUB1001
These are the best invertor style generators you can buy. Don't go cheap and buy one of the generators from Lowes or Home Depot. They are loud and obnoxious. The Robin Subaru varies it's output depending on load, unlike the cheap ones which runs at a constant 3600 rpm. This means the RS generator consumes alot less fuel. The invertor style also has a clean sinewave, computer friendly in other words. Plus the cheaper ones are loud, did I mention this before!?? If you camp much, don't piss off your neighbors, buy a quiet generator. If you don't, you may find your generator is not running in the morning when you wake up!!

[LT80]

I've had 2 oil-less compressors. I feel they gave me good service for the cost.

Motorider: you get serious and I'll go get the pipe from the guy. It'll come bent. Surely we can figure out something. :)

[KH426]

Originally posted by MOTORIDER68
Ok thanks guys, keep em coming if someone else has an opinion. What did the Solar stuff set you back if you dont mind me asking KH426?


You can get the hole set up for 700 to a 1000 dollars less if you shop around. I love my set-up flip a switch and run what ever you need.

[MOTORIDER68]

Ok thanks for all the help guys. Rulz I appreciate showing me that generator and if I was rich I would buy it but that is more than my current trailer cost and almost what my new one cost. If I could only win the lottery...i am gonna start playing soon.

LT-80 Thanks for the help. I am going to the Ga. GNCC and I think i am going to borrow the coleman 5000w from my friend to try it out that weekend. Either way I am going with a cheap one but the 5000 atleast I could power some of the house if needed.