One of the great joys of RVing is that you can get away from it all. But that doesn’t need to include electrical power. Lightweight, compact generators are your power answer when your alternative is plugging in to a tree.

Honda
Honda’s EU2000i is a portable, 2,000-watt generator that can provide more than enough juice to run a wide variety of electronics around the a campsite. It incorporates what the company calls Honda Inverter Technology, a system designed to produce a clean wave of energy without surging, so you can run a computer (plus a printer), small power tools or kitchen appliances like a blender or food processor. The EU2000i features Honda’s unique Eco-Throttle, which incorporates a load-dependent speed control governor offering excellent fuel economy by automatically adjusting engine speed. In addition to being able to run for up to 15 hours on a single tank of gas, the quiet unit cranks out less than 59dB of sound when running at full power, and has low exhaust emissions to meet the most stringent government emission standards. It weighs in at just 46.3 pounds and features an Oil Alert function that shuts the unit off in the event it runs low on oil. It even has a DC terminal for charging 12 volt batteries.

For more demanding applications, Honda offers the larger EU3000i, with enough power to keep the party going well into the night.

Yamaha
The EF1000iS inverter generator is just one of three units in Yamaha’s inverter series and comes ready to charge with its clean four-stroke power that meets the strictest emission standards. The EF1000iS measures a trim 17.7x9.4x14.9 inches and weighs just 28 pounds, making it ideal for small trailers or truck campers. Its 3.8 liter fuel capacity provides power for up to 12 hours and a signature sound that’s rated between 47-57dBA. With its rated AC output of 900 watts and maximum output of 1000, plus a maximum current of 8.3 amps, this unit can handle a wide variety of electronics and appliances.

Yamaha also offers its larger EF3000iSE that provides more current than the Niagara River. This unit utilizes an OHV air-cooled four-stroke, single-cylinder engine offering a displacement of only 171cc, making it portable to bring along on any trip. In addition to its rated AC output of 2,800 watts and a maximum AC output of 3,000 watts, this powerhouse can offer up to 25 amps and has a continuous operation rating of 20.5 hours. Some other added bonuses include a 13 liter fuel capacity, a noise rating between 51-57 dBA and DC output of 12 amps. Add the four built-in wheels, easy access control panel and effortless electric starting provide considerable convenience around a campsite.

Coleman has been pleasing outdoor enthusiasts with reliable gear for more than three decades and that reliability continues for 2005 with the Pulse 1850 and Pulse Sport 1850 generators. Housed in a fully enclosed casing to reduce noise, these units come complete with rubber feet to minimize crawling and vibration, a 1.3 gallon gas tank and either two (Pulse Sport) or four (Pulse)120V AC outlets with circuit breaker protection. Both provide up to seven hours of power at a 50 per cent load, generating 1,850 watts and 120 amps – enough to power a variety of tools and electronics. Both models weigh in at a relatively 70 pounds and accept a broad range of optional accessories, including a cover, spark arresters, wheel kit and a tune-up kit that includes an oil filter, air filter, a set of spark plugs and a spark plug wrench.

Onan
Onan is well known for its diverse line of generators, but perhaps the most interesting model in its 2005 lineup is the Camp Power 2500 LP, a quiet and compact unit designed specifically for travel trailers, truck campers and folding camping trailers. The 2500 LP has a rating of 2,500 watts, offering more than enough zip to operate an air conditioner with current to spare for a variety of electronic appliances. Its lightweight, compact design houses an automatic choke, adjustable mechanical governor, an electric starting system plus an easy-to-use mounted control panel. It produces just 71 decibels at 10 feet, so you’re not likely to disturb the neighbors. With a weight of 107 pounds, the 2500LP measures 19.6x16.7x12.3 inches and accespts a veriety of optional accessories, including the choice of three muffler kits plus Onan’s Energy Command, a new line of remote power management panels designed to provide worry-free control.

For bigger power demands, consider Onan’s Camp Power 3600 LP, which shares many features with the 2500 but offers a whopping 3,600 watts. It boasts a microprocessor control with diagnostics, sealed connectors and is claimed to be quieter than U.S. national park sound minimum level standards.

Briggs and Stratton
Briggs and Stratton’s 900 watt Elite Series portable generator sports a 2.5 hp OHV engine and a 1.2 gallon fuel tank, to provide about six-and-a-half hours of operating time. In addition to its 900 watt capacity and 1000 watt starting capacity, there are three power outlets plus a 12V battery charger for added convenience. It can offer up to 120 volts to power most electronics or appliances, while some safety features include a low oil warning system plus circuit breaker protection in the event of overloading. It has a compact design measuring 18x13.5x14 inches and weighs just 55 pounds.

Kohler
The 88-pound Kohler 5ERKM measures just 27x19x18 inches yet produces 5,000 watts of power. The air-cooled unit boasts state-of-the-art features such as solid state ignition, automatic choke, single-side servacability and an electric fuel pump. A captive vibration-isolation mounting system and quiet operation give it manners, while voltage regulation of plus/minus two percent prevents surging. A smaller 4 kw model is also available, along with diesel and LP models. (Page Top)