Determine what you want, then check out Ebay. I bought a heavy, but
"carriable" Coleman 1850W in like new condition for $200.
Richard Ruff
MHKitchen@aol.com wrote:
>
> Thom:
>
> Here are my thoughts on the subject, having had one for a while:
>
> 1. What do you plan to run? I was mainly interested in running flourescent
> lights in the trailer, a small air compressor, an electric impact wrench, and
> misc. small tools and TV.
> 2. Is weight an issue for you?
> 3. Is sound level an issue for you?
>
> I ended up with a Honda 675 Watt model, their smallest, lightest, and
> quietest unit.
>
> It would run the lights and tools just fine. I found it wouldn't provide
> enough start current for most small air compressors. So, I found a VERY
> small compressor (like the type used to power airbrushes) that it would run.
> It pumps up my portable tank in about 15 minutes, which is fine. Its also
> very small and light which is a plus.
>
> The small size is a plus, and the low weight means less towed weight. By
> keeping it portable, I could move it further away from the pit for less
> noise. It was so quiet, no one ever complained about it, where other larger
> generators were totally obnoxious with their noise (keeping your neighbors
> happy is important too!).
>
> I installed a shop cord reel near the floor of the trailer and ran the wire
> out underneath. Then, I could just reach under the trailer and pull out the
> cable to a suitable length and put the generator there (had to change the
> plugs on both ends of the cord reel for this).
>
> By keeping it small and portable, you can also use it for other needs when
> you're not racing. Small also means less gas, so you don't have to carry a
> big fuel supply for the generator too.
>
> I see Honda has a newer model now, that's smaller and more powerful than the
> one I had...I'd check that one out.
>
> But, I sold that generator wiht my old trailer. I'm now just using an
> inverter that I hook to the trailer or tow vehicle battery. I have a 300W
> model that runs everything I mentioned above. Sometimes, inverters do have
> trouble with flourescent lights, though. And you have to remember not to
> completely run down the battery you're powering from. It does run my impact,
> air compressor, and tools. I have a solar panel to add to the trailer to
> help charge the battery. Does this mean I'm an environmentalist-racer???
>
> Regards,
> Myles H. Kitchen
> 1965 Lotus Cortina Mk1 #128
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