Generators, what do you have and electrical mgt.

[Ozarker]

I'm in the market for a generator. I'd like a portable so I can run the fridge and freezer and TV if the power goes out at home. Needs to be at least 2kw, probably no bigger than a 5kw.

I'd be charging 12V batteries. I have a sine generator/regulator gizzmo to keep a constant voltage for the HAM radio gear and computers.

While I'd have a fridge, radios, TV, computer, lights and a small A/C, all won't be pulling juice at the same time.

If anyone has any electrical management ideas, auto switching to batteries, sure like to see and hear about it.

Oh, I need gasoline, not diesel or multi-fuel (probably a mistake, but my vehicles are gas).

Any good brands, quiet would be nice too.

 

[G35Vortec454]

. . . I'd like a portable so I can run the fridge and freezer and TV if the power goes at home . . .

You still could use a non-portable (ie mounted in your vehicle) for powering your home just the same, if your vehicle is parked next to your house.

 

[McZippie]

Here's our DIY Motor Home's Generator/Charger/Inverter/Transfer Switches

Tail pipe and gasoline fill for Onan 2800watt RV generator.
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Gasoline fill for generator.
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120 volt Transfer switch for shore or generator power, generator starter switch, circuit protection for generator, battery monitor gauge for generator.
This is a modified simple transfer switch used for a residential furnace.
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120 volt 15 amp shore power and 12 volt battery jump start or charger ports.
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Controls for inverter and on-board charger/UPS.
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Under passenger side sofa/bed from left to right: Red 3000 watt inverter, Blue Samlex 40 amp charger/ups with dip switch setting for 3 stage charging or 2 Stage UPS settings, Black automatic transfer switch for inverter or shore/generator power.
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On side of black transfer switch, is a simple single circuit, 120 volt protection resettable fuse. This switch box/circuit protection distributes 120 volt power to outlets.
Bussmann SSU.

 

[wirenut]

For portable generators you can't beat a Honda or Yamaha. They both make excellent, quiet, fuel efficient generators in the sizes you mention. A good generator is kind of expensive. Don't get fooled into buying a $500 5 kW generator form the hardware store. They will be noisy, use lots of gas, and shake them selves to pieces in short order.
If you want one mounted on a vehicle then I would recommend an Onan RV generator. I have an Onan 2500 watt in my truck camper. It's been a good generator, it's not very loud but it is louder than a Honda or Yamaha.
I have a transfer switch in my house and a cord set up so I can plug my house into the camper and run some things during a power outage. I used a step up transformer to make 240 volts from the generator's 120 volt output to run my well pump.

 

[Ozarker]

G35, LOL, yep, you're absolutely right, I guess it doesn't need to be so portable and bolting it down might keep it from walking off!

There is the issue of noise, I guess I'd just cut it off at night, the protable issue was having it away from the sleeping area, probably not an issue come to think about it, thanks!

McZippie, wow now that's a system, very nice.

I failed to mention it would be on a trailer build so all my electrical needs will need to be in some box componet and hooked up.

Onan is a top of the line unit, most popular with yachts/boating quiet and durable.

Another issue is grounding and isolation, my vehicle is grounded with 12V DC and certainly don't want 120V AC grounded to the trailer frame, I suppose it would be best to keep it isolated and drive a rod?

 

[G35Vortec454]

. . . my vehicle is grounded with 12V DC and certainly don't want 120V AC grounded to the trailer frame, I suppose it would be best to keep it isolated and drive a rod?

Yes, you do want to use the frame for ground both 12V and 120V, all RVs do. You can ground the frame to the earth but it's not an absolute must.

 

[Ozarker]

I can see that, but what happens if my 120 shorts out to the neutral, seems it would fry the 12V systems? Now that I recall, my old camper (TT) was grounded with both, I just thought mixing the two might cause a problem, but guess it's SOP, thanks!

Wirenut, I have not seen a Yamaha, I have the little Honda and it is pricey. I'd think yours wouldn't be cheap either, as I said it's a top of the line jobber.

Does anyone use the old Army 5kw portables? Briggs and Straton I think, wasn't too bad on gas.

And, I could go totally 12V and use a converter. A vehicle generator/alternator set up with and small engine? Probably not too efficient electrically, but could tie in solar as well. I have a 12V hot plate and coffee pot.....never used them long term. The only issue then would be the fridge. I have an apartment or dorm room type with a freezer I'd like to use....I know it's not "off road" rated, but I think I can protect it sufficiently with some tweeking and mounts (and more inulation).