Generator? What do you all use? Single or dual fuel

[kurt535]

Hey all,

Am wondering whether to research dual fuel or single fuel generator for my new van. I know Honda petrol gennies are v good for this sort of stuff so wondered which other makes out there I should consider.

Dual fuel definitely interests me for its flexibility.

Ty in advance!

[smifffymoto]

Petrol every day of the week.It is also available everywhere in the world.Noise is the most important factor for me where generators are concerned.

[kurt535]

Ive seen hyundai dual fuels...surely worth a look?

[Kenty]

A friend of mine and myself use generators quite a bit at events/steam rallies/shows and had experience of Hyundai and Honda.
Hyundai is cheap, can do dual fuel but are unreliable, prone to oil leaks,noisy, thirsty and heavy.
Honda are all Hyundai are not, reliable, quiet,economical and easy to move about but are a bit pricey.
My friend uses more power than me and has his Honda converted to gas and it really is very quiet and economical.
I am not sure of the cost for conversion but if you use it a lot it seems the way to go. Gas cylinders are available
widely but more awkward to store/transport - a light user is probably better off with petrol.

[chasingracecars]

What do you want to use it for? and where

I went through this about 6 months ago on here and people kept telling me to get inverters and solar panels. Generators are noisy you see.

I wanted a Generator as for the same reason I don't drive an electric car. I do a lot of motorsport where I am off grid for a large amount of time. There is rarely hook up and demand is short burst of 1-2 hours of mains required. Also I tend to be around a number of others using one so noise a real problem.

So what do you want to power? and where can often dictate the best option.

I wanted a 2kW but ended up with a 1kW that does the job fine and got it for £145. Its a Clarke generator and starts every time, yes pull cord but saves £800 on a Hyundai or Honda.

[kurt535]

chasingracecars said:

What do you want to use it for? and where

I went through this about 6 months ago on here and people kept telling me to get inverters and solar panels. Generators are noisy you see.

I wanted a Generator as for the same reason I don't drive an electric car. I do a lot of motorsport where I am off grid for a large amount of time. There is rarely hook up and demand is short burst of 1-2 hours of mains required. Also I tend to be around a number of others using one so noise a real problem.

So what do you want to power? and where can often dictate the best option.

I wanted a 2kW but ended up with a 1kW that does the job fine and got it for £145. Its a Clarke generator and starts every time, yes pull cord but saves £800 on a Hyundai or Honda.

Useful feedback from you all. Ty.

Have reached 50 so the caravan gene sprung up and made me buy one! The hot water needs 240v to work - dealer said it won't run off battery so either hook up or a generator. Truma heating will be run off LPG mainly .

Id like to set up solar so as to be able to get off grid but the hot water system looks to be an issue (shhhhh, don't tell my new boss of 2 months though )

[chasingracecars]

Hot water should run on gas too? They certainly have for years.

Do you have a vent nearby the water heater, usually under the seats at the front or under a fixed bed. If there is a vent directly by it on the outside then it also runs on gas.

You have to remove the cover before lighting but it’s the fastest way of getting hot water.

[kurt535]

TBH,

I collect the van in early January. The official spec is as follows:

POWER SUPPLY
Electric connector to the towing vehicle, 13-pole Jäger Interior lighting completely in 12 V
230 V outside socket outlet
Fi breaker
240 VA transformer
Various socket outlets inside
GAS / WATER
Gas heating: Truma heating S 3004 up to body length 550 (Truma S 5004 on 740 UDF) with Piezo ignition
Gas regulator
15 l fresh water tank
Water supply system with 12 V immersion pump
Central waste water conduit, one outside drain under the floor
KITCHEN
3-burner cooker and sink made of stainless steel, with glass cover 107 l Dometic refrigerator, 12V, gas, 230 V

The van dealer advert blurb only mentioned electric water heater though:

Spec includes : Fixed Bed, Fixed Bunks, 12v Power, Electric Water Heater, Skylight, Shower, No Smokers, Mixer Taps, , Mains Electric, , Lined Curtains, On board water tank, Integrated Appliances, Hot And Cold Shower Unit, Hob, Heki Rooflight, Heavy Duty Corner Steadies, Hob, Gas Heater, Large Fridge, Awning Light, Freezer, External Battery Locker, Free Standing Table, Flyscreens and Blinds, External Storage Locker, Exterior Gas Bottle Locker, Double Glazing, Cassette Toilet, Blown Air System.

[chasingracecars]

Is it a non uk spec van? Might be more practical to get a carver Cascade system or similar Installed. Will cost less then a high end generator and then you could operate it from inside 24 hours a day.

Edit.. now Truma systems

http://www.olearymotorhomes.co.uk/truma-ultrastore...

Edited by chasingracecars on Sunday 31st December 18:56

[kurt535]

Ty Chasing.

Yes, defo UK spec. Infact designed for our market so no worries there.

Your link will be great to read.

Ty

[Thurbs]

If trying to heat water you will probably need a 3kw gennie. I also use a clarke one 3kw and has been great. I am also a motorsports user so have no concerns around noise.

[kurt535]

ty thurbs