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Post by hastashasta on Jan 7, 2011 18:36:46 GMT -5
I have a 26ft(?) Layton 'bunkhouse' trailer on my somewhat remote piece of property in NH. For power, I use a 3.5KW gasoline generator, a 400W wind turbine, and an 80W solar panel. The turbine and panel mainly keep the batteries charged while I'm away. I plan on having a mini version of this setup for my Shasta. I have a small 30W solar panel and a 1KW generator, but would like to find an even smaller generator. Anyone know if there is such a thing as a 500W portable generator? There won't be a wind turbine as the cost would be prohibitive. The 400W on my big trailer was $600 and doesn't produce enough power to justify itself. In a windier environment it would be ok. At my place in NH it is seasonal and simply supplements the solar panel. Maybe if I can find a smaller, cheaper one. Not sure if I'll keep the 30W solar panel stored in the trailer until needed or mount it somewhere on the outside, possibly doing double duty as a window cover. It is an 'expedition' grade panel on a solid aluminum backplate, so it is very rugged compared to open-back panels. Will post a picture when I dig it out of storage. Attachments:
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Post by 61shastacompact on Jan 7, 2011 21:54:52 GMT -5
Anyone know if there is such a thing as a 500W portable generator? Honda made some nice little 4 stroke units around 20-30 years ago that ranged from 350 to 650watt output. They pop up from time to time on CL. Look for models such as EM-400, EX-350, EM-600 etc. I use to use a EM-400 for cell tower crane tests and once my co-worker had the test basket lifted towards 100 feet WITHOUT tying the the generator off and it fell out of the basket. It ran all the way down till it hit the ground...... just had to bend back the shroud and it fired right back up. My step dad still has this unit and it always runs great. Here is an example of the same unit. www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsnt747QQ5Y&feature=relatedJim
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Post by hastashasta on Jan 7, 2011 23:02:34 GMT -5
That's exactly the kind of generator I was looking for. I could have sworn I'd seen a 400W Honda in the past, but could not find even a reference to one on the Honda powersports site. Was the EM-400 in any way 'quiet'? I currently have one of the Honda 1KW quiet inverter models and love it. Thanks for the reply. Time to go CL shopping!
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vikx
3K Post Member
Posts: 3,556
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Post by vikx on Jan 8, 2011 0:56:19 GMT -5
I have a 30+ year old Honda; 2200 watts. It isn't big, but you know it's running. Great little unit, still starts on one pull.
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Post by hastashasta on Jan 8, 2011 1:24:56 GMT -5
Ooof, I almost hate to show this because I haven't 100% decided I don't want it, but here's a nice match for someone wanting to add to their retro-looking '70s trailer. If it were turquoise I'd be all over it! cgi.ebay.com/HONDA-ER400-GENERATOR-/110631319748Attachments:
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Post by sunpowerport on Jan 8, 2011 8:48:31 GMT -5
I love sharing an interesting thing like this www.sunpowerport.com especially when it is related in solar power.
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Post by 61shastacompact on Jan 8, 2011 20:36:30 GMT -5
Was the EM-400 in any way 'quiet'? They are relatively quiet, but not quite as quiet as the new Honda units. Good luck on your search! Jim
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