I remember reading a post by Sam Shields. He said that he uses a 12volt winch to get his generator up into his truck bed. I would like to see a picture description of this. Harbor Freight caries winches.

So the Honda 2000 will run the Hi-Lo 13,500 AC, but you're considering the Lifan 2600?

What about carrying the genset in my pickup, and what about remote-start options?

Thanks,
-Haig

The Honda 2000 will not run the 13500 AC on my 2209 trailer, it only puts out 13.3 amps., I don't think I every said it would, if I did it was a mistake. I got the Lifan 2600 watt, 22 Amps. and it will not start the 13500 AC either. The 13500 AC requires a lot of amps to start, more than I thought and more than the max on the Lifan.. The manual says it needs a 3500 watt Generator, if it is and inverter generator, I would say the manual is right. A reg generator will take an overload better than an inverter will, as soon as an inverter generator goes just over max amps it kicks out.

__________________
Rich
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(215TL) - 1995 21' TowLite
(2209T) - 2009 22' TowLite
99 Ford Explorer 4DR 4X4

I looked at the Lifan 2600 and the next higher one, with remote start.

Sorry if this is a too-long question for this thread. We are downsizing from a 22 foot 2001 Rialta, on which we put an after-market 2000W inverter/charger.

Looking for a nice 17 foot Hi-Lo which we can put in our garage, which is 18'5". Yeah, I realize I might have to take the spare tire off to get it in, based on comments you made in another thread.

Looking at the Honda Ridgeline as our tow vehicle.

Here's my question -- I realize that inverter/charger in the Rialta is not adding to its resale value. We kept the original charger and it still works. We added switches so we could isolate each one and not use them both at the same time, even turn them both off if the shore power was left plugged in too long. I spent about $1,500 for the inverter and installing it, or more.

Would there be any conceivable use in mounting this inverter along with a bay of deep-cycle batteries in my pickup bed, along with a generator?

Yes, I realize the 2000W inverter is not enough power to run the 13,500 roof A/C. Maybe no inverter is -- not sure about that.

My thought was -- there would be times when the need for 110V would be low, and no need to run the generator. Is this realistic besides for long periods of boondocking?

The auto switch on this 2000W inverter is smart enough to go direct from generator when the generator is running, to running everything else off the inverter when the generator/shore power is off. But that requires the idiot inside to know not to turn the A/C compressor on. The plug to switch from gen to shore power is manual.

Thanks for your thoughts.

-Haig

The Lifan 2600 is a nice generator with battery start and a lot more amps output and as quite as the Honda 2000 but it weights 78lbs., also a lot cheaper. It will not run the 13500 AC. Both generators are inverters, and only use as much power as needed, in idle mode. In answer to your question, I don't know what you plan on running on 110 while boondocking. I mounted a 400 watt 110 inverter in the 95, with only one deep cycle battery, I could watch a full length DVD and sometimes 2 before the inverter would shut off, from low battery. The 12" TV had a picture tube and the DVD played also played VCR tapes, the 2 pcs took around 140 watts, if I remember correctly. We used candles no lights at night. I use only an 80 watt 110 inverter in the 2209, with a 19" flat screen and a DVD player only, the 2 pcs only take 65 watts. I also have 2 deep cycle batteries. I can watch as much TV as I want, and we use lights if needed but I run the generator the next day, or my 100 watt solar panel to recharge the batteries.
A 2000 watt 110 inverter would run a small micro wave or a toaster, but if we need either one I just run the generator, but you can't run after 8:00 at most camp grounds.
Keep in mind a 17 ft HI-Lo is not light, just easier pulling do to reduced wind resistance. They did make the smaller trailers with a 2 foot fold up hitch for putting in a garage but I have never saw one.
Everything in a Hi-Lo runs on 12 volt DC except the AC. or if it has a Micro wave instead of an oven.

__________________
Rich
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(215TL) - 1995 21' TowLite
(2209T) - 2009 22' TowLite
99 Ford Explorer 4DR 4X4

I purchased the Lifan 2600 because of the low price, and because Home Depot backed it (unlike other made in China Inverter Generators). I thought it would run the 13,500 btu generator after installing a hard start capacitor, but it does not. The transport handle has broken (how the Chinese engineer thought a plastic mount would carry a 78lb generator is beyond me). Even though it has electric start the last few times I have started it at camp sites the internal battery was almost dead and me out of hope before it finally started. I have subsequently tried "engine start fluid, also known as ether) and it fires up right away. It has now developed a seeping oil leak that oozes onto my garage floor. It is beginning to not look like the bargain I had originally thought it to be, but I can't afford a Honda EU3000iS at about $2,700.00 which is what it would take to power the Hi-Lo and everything else in it.

__________________
John

2007-22T TowLite 50th Anniversary, Valley Towing Equalizer Hitch
2008 Nissan Frontier SE 4X4 Crew Cab, Snug Top & McKesh Mirrors
Cooper AT3 LT265/70R16 AT w Slotted Rotors, Ride-Rite Air Springs

I bought the 3500 Lifan electric start at Home Depot for $416 with 3yr warranty and have been using it for the last 3 months in state and national parks and have had good luck with it and no complaints. It will run everything in the trailer except the microwave along with any kind of heater or coffee maker, but by themselves, fine. I don't use the electric start, as the generator starts second pull everytime. I have it on a rack on the back bumper and has been doing fine. Have even been running it there without putting it on the ground and the only complaint is it transfers the vibration of the engine to the trailer, so I might try to put one of those foam rubber garage floor pads under it to isolate the vibrations.

__________________
Bob "N8ANV"
Deanie "N8ANW"
2007 28 Classic
2011 Toyota Sequoia

The Lifan 3500 you purchased is NOT approved for National Parks use in that it's noise output is way above what they permit ... you will get away with using it until a Ranger or fellow camper complain then you will be without power. The only stand alone generators that qualify run under the 58db sound limit are the various Inverter Generators which also have the advantage of clean sinusoidal power that will not adversely impact your delicate electronics gear like laptops and digital televisions. Good luck staying under the radar!

__________________
John

2007-22T TowLite 50th Anniversary, Valley Towing Equalizer Hitch
2008 Nissan Frontier SE 4X4 Crew Cab, Snug Top & McKesh Mirrors
Cooper AT3 LT265/70R16 AT w Slotted Rotors, Ride-Rite Air Springs