Portable generators - advice

I bought one of the GMC 600w. Chinese two stroke generators in 2004 for $99. It performed flawlessly until recently when a bearing in the alternator side failed. I had a vibratory hour meter on it for a bout 4 years which recorded 700 hours use. I then had another application for the meter and removed it. Too small to start the domestic fridge/freezer but we have used it during blackouts to run lights and TV on the 240 volt outlet.

I gave it to a mate to use for spare parts for his and bought a 900 w. four stroke which has so far only been used on 12 volts for camping.

As to those precious campers who object to generators that can't be heard two car lengths away, I say "suck it up". This is now the way of the world. If you want to live like a 19th. century drover then it is your right to do so but don't try to tell me how to run my camp. I like a bit of comfort.

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Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

I bought one of the GMC 600w. Chinese two stroke generators in 2004 for $99. It performed flawlessly until recently when a bearing in the alternator side failed. I had a vibratory hour meter on it for a bout 4 years which recorded 700 hours use. I then had another application for the meter and removed it. Too small to start the domestic fridge/freezer but we have used it during blackouts to run lights and TV on the 240 volt outlet.

I gave it to a mate to use for spare parts for his and bought a 900 w. four stroke which has so far only been used on 12 volts for camping.

As to those precious campers who object to generators that can't be heard two car lengths away, I say "suck it up". This is now the way of the world. If you want to live like a 19th. century drover then it is your right to do so but don't try to tell me how to run my camp. I like a bit of comfort.

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i doubt you know the words 'being considerate'..........

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Originally Posted by weeds

i doubt you know the words 'being considerate'..........

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Funny that. I thought "inconsiderate" applied to those who object to generators they can't hear. As I said most small generators can't be heard more than two car lengths away.

I object to those who carry on about generators and then sit up all night drinking, talking loudly and playing overloud music.

firstly i reckon your two stroke generator would be heard more than two cars lengths away at night.....and secondly it appear you dont have generator at the moment to so guess there is not chance of you being inconsiderate

I always turn it off about 9.00 pm and I now have a 900 w. four stroke which, it turned out, is louder than the much maligned "cheap Chinese" two stroke.

The sounds I find objectionable in camp grounds are loud music and squealing uncontrolled children. A mild murmur from a small generator is nothing in comparison.

When buying one, take weight into account. Make sure the least strong person who is likely to have to lift/carry the machine is able to do so. My wife was unable to lift any of the small diesel generators we found available so we still have to carry unleaded for the generator. A one gallon can holds a week's fuel for the Coleman stove but not enough for the generator. At least with the four stroke we don't have to carry dedicated premixed two stroke fuel.

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Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

As I said most small generators can't be heard more than two car lengths away.

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Just my experience, but no generator I've ever heard is that quiet. There must be some flash units out these days.

Brian, without getting into a slinging match

A quite generator is successful at the beach where there is plenty of back ground noise. Or fill the boots if they are allowed, but why knowingly break the rules made for all to enjoy in a NP.
Any generator in a bush setting can be heard for at least 50m, and perhaps 100+ at night. And yes thats the Honda as well.
I agree people's music are like generators. Non of us go camping to listen to anthers noise. But if you had your jenny on till 9pm, and it was only you and me in the camp ground, you'd be hearing some of my favourite tracks loud and clear from my car.
And nosy children, we'll you were a child once. Seen not heard went out a while a go.

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Originally Posted by newhue

Brian, without getting into a slinging match

A quite generator is successful at the beach where there is plenty of back ground noise. Or fill the boots if they are allowed, but why knowingly break the rules made for all to enjoy in a NP.
Any generator in a bush setting can be heard for at least 50m, and perhaps 100+ at night. And yes thats the Honda as well.
I agree people's music are like generators. Non of us go camping to listen to anthers noise. But if you had your jenny on till 9pm, and it was only you and me in the camp ground, you'd be hearing some of my favourite tracks loud and clear from my car.
And nosy children, we'll you were a child once. Seen not heard went out a while a go.

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Yep beach is fine, won't hear it more than a few meters away, but in a quiet bush campsite if anyone in the campsite has a genny you can hear it everywhere. But I also agree about the music, I don't mind someone playing a guitar quietly till a reasonable hour but I can't stand people who have to bring the boom box with them. I like a bit of quiet chat around the campfire and to hear the crackle of the fire and the noises of the bush.

PM Fluids re generator purchases, he does a good deal on a good genny.

Just out of interest, are there any decent LPG generators on the market?

I would have thought these would be have been a big seller as LPG is quite versatile (for cooking and lighting etc) so why not use it to power a generator?