[V37]

Onan RV QG 2800 vs Yamaha EF2000iS,...or something else, as a boondocking backup? What's quieter?

http://www.rvpartscountry.com/OnanRVGenerators.html
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Yamaha-EF-iS-Portable-Generator/716349.uts

 

[Chance]

Specs show the Yamaha is much quieter. But you are comparing apples and oranges, so other factors must also be important. The Honda 2000 is probably even quieter if you want a portable inverter generator. The Onan is built in and takes gasoline from van's tank, so refueling is more convenient. It's also hidden under van so more stealth to view, but portable generators can be set away from van if permitted, or in remote locations, so sound in van may be even less.

To do a good comparison regarding noise it's best to determine what load (in watts) the generator will be running at most often, then look up specs for sound at that level (or as close as possible given limited data). Manufacturers' web site have some data.

 

[Zyzzyx]

More panels and a bigger battery bank, that'd be quieter.

 

[V37]

More panels and a bigger battery bank, that'd be quieter.

Can't argue with that,...however, for some serious 14 day BLM stays, the house batteries may run down on some cloudy days.

Both the Onan RV QG 2800 and Yamaha EF2000iS say they run between 50 and 61 db. Yet, even that is noise.

The Yamaha is smaller, lighter, and portable,...and two can be run together.

Also pondering the efoy,..although in North America the fuel is currently only available on the coasts and in Canada. Although 1 ten gallon fuel cartridge is said to last 4 weeks. So, one and a couple spares could keep me going before needing resupply.
http://www.efoy.com/en/

One of my main goals is a super insulated camper-conversion for off season trips towards the artic circle, and aurora viewing. Alcan Highway, Dempster Hwy, Wood Buffalo, maybe even the Mackenzie Ice Road. That far north in winter doesn't get much Sun.

https://images.search.yahoo.com/sea...-?p=Dempster+Highway+and+Aurora&fr=fp-yie10-s

 

[driley]

One of my main goals is a super insulated camper-conversion for off season trips towards the artic circle, and aurora viewing. Alcan Highway, Dempster Hwy, Wood Buffalo, maybe even the Mackenzie Ice Road. That far north in winter doesn't get much Sun.

https://images.search.yahoo.com/sea...-?p=Dempster+Highway+and+Aurora&fr=fp-yie10-s

My wife was just talking off season trips up the Dalton this morning. She wants to see Wiseman in the winter. Ha.

 

[V37]

Can't argue with that,...however, for some serious 14 day BLM stays, the house batteries may run down on some cloudy days.

Both the Onan RV QG 2800 and Yamaha EF2000iS say they run between 50 and 61 db. Yet, even that is noise.

Well, I read that wrong,...the Yamaha EF2000iS is 51-61 db,...but the Onan RV QG 2800 is :

Sound 70 dB(A) (readings at 10 ft (3 m) half load)
- Meets National Park Service sound level requirements (60 dB(A) @ 50 ft) for national park use.

Nevertheless,..I wonder if the Onan was in a compartment with 5sides of 3M acoustic thinsulate, and on vibration reducing feet, if the noise level would be substantially lower,...whereas the Yahama is left,...usually unsecured, outside.

http://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-...+8711017+8711413+3294484314+3294857497&rt=rud

 

[V37]

More on 3m acoustic thinsulate,...mentioned above:

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/794028O/app-profile-3m-thinsulate-acoustic-insulation-au-series.pdf?&fn=TAI%20AU%20Series%20AP.pdf

An important thing about thinsulate is that it's Hydrophobic,...using stuff like wool, recycled cotton, and even house "pink insulation" is likely among the worse things one could do to their moisture/condensation sensitive vans. Using a "low water resistant" product is not good enough, and could translate to a rusted out van within short order.

 

[Chance]

My Onan was 4000 watt unit (larger and older) but was very loud. And it vibrated enough that it could be felt and heard throughout RV. Since then I've rented RVs on occasions all having newer version of 4000 watt Onan and they were all pretty much the same. And for what it's worth, they come with isolating mounts so it's questionable how much more you could reduce vibration.

A few months ago I was at an outdoor RV show in West Palm Beach and they had a few new RVs with Onans running to keep AC going. Under that much load they were loud inside and outside. The 2800 watt size were essentially the same to me -- couldn't tell the difference in noise.

As far as I know Onan/Cummuns markets compact inverter generators but have not expanded that technology to permanently-mounted RV line. And that's unfortunate for people who need much less than 2000 watts on occasions. At low power levels is where the difference in sound and vibration would favor an inverter generator the most by running at lower RPMs. Present Onans seem loud to me even at zero load.

 

[Chance]

P.S. -- I'm aware of the large integrated inverter systems Onan has for larger expensive RVs, but I don't consider that technology the same as, or comparable to, a 2000 watt Honda, Yamaha, or whatever brand inverter generator.

 

[Chance]

From Honda site:

Noise Level 59 dB(A) @ rated load 53dB(A) @ 1/4 load

Rated load for Honda 2000 is 1600 watts.



The Onan site shows the 2800 as being significantly louder than the 4000 watt generator. At 1/2 load it's listed as 72 dbA versus 66 for larger unit.

 

[hatchet]

I had always assumed the EU2000 was the only way to go for a van camper...

 

[Chance]

I had always assumed the EU2000 was the only way to go for a van camper...

The question I have is why Onan, with all their resources, can't build an equivalent to the Honda but as a permanent install so it takes fuel from van's tank.

There is a lot of difference in weight also, which can be explained in part by Onan having steel frame and exterior for mounting under an RV. Onans also have electric start, which smaller Honda's don't.

I'd like to see either Onan or Honda make a 2000 watt inverter generator for permanent RV installations. A compact 12-Volt Auxilary Power Unit would be even better considering most newer vans/RVs already have house batteries and inverter.

 

[BradKW]

Has anyone ever seen a build that makes using a portable generator like a Honda or Yamaha possible as a fixed mount? I assume it would only be a matter of exhausting it properly? What would be perfect is one that can be run inside the van as needed, but also moved away from the van when possible. But I expect there'd be too many problems designing something like that. Any input or links would be appreciated

 

[Budsky]

I assume it would only be a matter of exhausting it properly?

Exhaust is the easy part.
Getting adequate cooling air in and hot air out is the difficult part.

 

[jonsobi]

We have used a Honda 2000 for many years. It was always loaded in the back of the pickup when we toured for months in our many trailers. The primary function was toast and coffee in the morning, and keeping the rv batteries topped up.

The biggest downside for use in a van is handling the gas. There is no escaping the eventual pervasive fumes from fill splash, or heat expansion.

Although fairly quiet, the noise of any generator is still prohibitive in a peacefull environment, if you care about your neighbors.

There is also a fair amount of vibration at idle on the Eco setting. This might be annoying if mounted in a relatively small van.

We will not be using a generator any more. Besides handling the gas, we no longer want the noise footprint. Even the relatively quiet Honda 2000 is overkill just to charge batteries or run a small tv.

Our plan for the Transit is to use the HD alternator to replenish a decent AGM battery bank. I still own the Honda but don't see any place for it in our touring van lifestyle.

Hope this is helpful.