Originally Posted by TurnerFam
...we started out full-timing, in our first ever RV, in a fairly new fifth-wheel bunkhouse 40' and a big dually diesel Ram pulling it... felt like I had to 'run out' and buy the Honda EU2000i and Companion generators 'just in case' I every needed them. I don't think I used them but once, and that was to test them : /
...traded in the fifth-wheel and truck combo for a brand new Georgetown XL. Quickly listed and sold the two Honda generators on craigslist, for not much less than we paid for them. And, I also don't know that in the several months we owned the new Georgetown that I ever once started it's generator : /
...traded in the George for our brand new diesel Palazzo 33.3 bunkhouse coach - and even at first didn't know really what to 'make' of the generator...it was there, obviously, but not knowing much about them, I was still a little anxious in trying it out - thinking of it almost for only as a 'last resort' power source, to be used only 'sparingly', as though if you used it too much it might 'explode'(!) or something. Crazy, I know.
but, after a LOT of travel, which we didn't do much with the first two, I learned pretty quickly how great having a very capable generator can be... it's your lifeline for 120v power for those hungry roof air conditioners in the summer months, additional electric heaters in the winter months, both while traveling, and a great alternative to 'having' to always be 'hooked up' at an rv park or campground.
I also found that my initial aversion to running the generator was only because of my lack of knowledge of it's power, and easy usability, especially when you have a coach with an included AGS(automatic generator starter) to automatically start the generator to keep the House batteries charged.
Also, because the generator uses the same fuel tank as the main engine, there's nothing to do to power the generator - just crank it up and make use of it - it's there for you, anytime, anywhere, even while driving. And, it's amazingly efficient and cost effective.
You can pay $30 to park somewhere, on their electricity. Or, you can spend $5 to $10 on fuel to run the generator, parking anywhere you wish. You can wake up in the morning after your generator has run as much as it needs to overnight, and you'll still probably not see any noticeable movement in the fuel gauge.
The generator is really just like a lawnmower engine, except instead of turning wheels and a blade, it turns a motor that turns that energy into 120volt power.
You crank it to use it. You shut it off when you're finished. And you might exercise it monthly if you have your coach in storage, just to keep it 'ready' for when you need it.
enjoy! : )
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