Generator Capacity Help

Discussion in 'STT Northern' started by Brian C., Aug 4, 2015.

  1. Brian C.

    Brian C. Rides with no training wheels

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    I'm looking for a new generator, and wanted some help in sizing it. I will be running tire warmers, a large fan, and a smaller fan. Maybe a few other items like a radio.

    Would a 2000 watt inverter do the trick, or do I need more power?

    Thanks!
     
  2. TwoBrothersBusa

    TwoBrothersBusa Team Gixxer Racing
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    You'll never say I bought too much generator...A set of warmers uses 1200 or so watts. Fans and radios are no more than 200 or 300 more. With that said, see the first line. My biggest comment would be invest in quiet. Yamaha or Honda for track duty. The Yamaha EF3000is would never let you down.
     
  3. gsxrvette

    gsxrvette What's an apex?

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    Charlie hit it right on.
     
  4. Brian C.

    Brian C. Rides with no training wheels

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    Thanks, just what I needed.
     
  5. eE jeremy

    eE jeremy Rides with no training wheels

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    2000w will handle ya, the bigger Yamaha's are really nice but also pretty big. I like the Honda 2000 for hauling around in my limited space vehicle
     
  6. ineedanap

    ineedanap What's an apex?

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    Yes!!!

    If you are "that guy" with the loud generator, your neighbors might pretend not to care, but they secretly wish you would go somewhere else. :)
     
    #6 ineedanap, Aug 4, 2015
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2015
  7. corvettechris

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    Two things I'd add.

    One, if you are thinking about buying a trailer/toyhauler, you'll want a generator that can run the A/C and microwave at the same time. Or at least tire warmers and the A/C.

    Definitely try to find the quietest you can. There are also aftermarket exhaust silencers available.

    I found that there are some brands that shake a lot in the frame and make more than just exhaust noise.
     
  8. Brett

    Brett What's an apex?

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    Yamaha EF2400iSHC
     
  9. PitDad

    PitDad Crew chief Wera #49

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    I use a Honda EU2000i for tire warmers and a large fan and it struggles to keep the fan at speed. Suggest at least a 3k unit. But it's definitely quiet.
     
  10. Liquidsilver

    Liquidsilver What's an apex?

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    Well spoken, sir. :nod:
     
  11. R/T Performance

    R/T Performance found track bike
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    I am not having any issue running warmers 1 set, 2 fans,2 boot/helmet glove dryers and even a crockpot. with my Yamaha ef2000is

    only down fall to the Yamaha is the extended run tank is not as simple as the 2000 watt Honda and running warmers it is ramped up most of the day and you will need to remember to fuel it at lunch.

    My knockoff Genny I have forsale UST2400 watt would run fans and two sets of warmers.
    in hind sight I would have bought the Yamaha 2400 since it has a larger fuel tank
     
  12. sheepofblue

    sheepofblue Rides with no training wheels

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    Yep I put zero change on my RV one and yet have dropped the sound 50% on the driver side with damping material. The new Onans are better but not Honda better.
     
  13. gkotlin

    gkotlin What's an apex?
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    Oh, it won't be secretly wished. :)
     
  14. Gonzo511

    Gonzo511 Rides with no training wheels

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    I'm one of those guys with a loud genny, but I know this so I tend to pit away from the main pits. Some of us are budget weekend warriors and can't afford expensive super quiet generators. Sorry! :sorry:
     
  15. dlockhart

    dlockhart Grid Filler

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    You didn't seem to mind when it was powering multiple ACs for sleeping at NCM a few weeks ago.


    10Kw plus in a onan would be nice but not in the budget for most folks.
     
  16. ineedanap

    ineedanap What's an apex?

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    A loud generator at night is the worst!!!
     
    #16 ineedanap, Aug 6, 2015
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2015
  17. vw151

    vw151 Rides with no training wheels

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    You can always do the honda 2000 and see how it does, if you need more you can get another honda 2000 and run them in parallel. This is the set up I see most people with AC units run.

    Oh, and agreed, for the love of god invest in a quiet Geny, don't be that guy.
     
  18. JBowen33

    JBowen33 Rides with no training wheels

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    Cheaper gen with a homemade quiet box works wonders. Plenty of plans online for it. Plus 400 bucks is better then 4000 just my input. Made one for my already quiet for what it is champion and I was impressed with the set up. Yes it is more to lug to the track but again 4000 dollars is a lot. You can buy a bike for that much.
     
  19. R/T Performance

    R/T Performance found track bike
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    long cord and pointing the exhaust goes a long way.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    This is my old generator I have for sale.
    I built extra muffler(couple pieces of pipe and some exhaust packing) for it over the winter its pretty quite. but doesn't have eco idle where the Yamaha and Hondas blow them in the weeds. Less fuel consumption and way less noise when its just powering tv and some lights at night.
    I have $750 in my used Yamaha and remember you can rent one from STT/apex if you want to try one for a day or weekend.
     
  20. cjc

    cjc Rides with no training wheels

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    I think the real cost of the smaller Honda or Yamaha inverters is actually pretty close to the cost of the "cheap" generators, when you consider how much you can get for Honda/Yamaha if/when you want to sell.
     
    #20 cjc, Aug 7, 2015
    Last edited: Aug 7, 2015

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