Super centre generator

[Stevo51]

Hi all wondering if anyone here has one of these 2kva generators if they are any good as I'm tossing up weather I should get one for our trip next year. A Honda is about 3 times the price and may only need it a couple of times  over trip. I am gating a 160watt portable panel and have 2 x 100 amp batteries in van but if we need air con super centre may be ok..
Steve.

[My Names Earl]

Don’t know anything about the 4WDsupacentre generator.

One thing to remember with these Chinese generators they are quoting Chinese watts, when you convert them to dinky die Australia watts it’s significantly less.  I have the Fuji generator (link below) for about 3 years, it’s rated at 2.5kVa continuous, but in reality, it can only just achieve 2.2kVa continuous.

Mines done just over 300 hours with no issues, got it on an ebay group deal for around $480.  Use it for weeklong camping trips, but mainly use it to charge up deep cycle batteries for fridge and deep cycle battery for electric motor on boat.  Lent it to friends in Rocky last year after the cyclone for a week.  Have been told by small motor mechanic to change oil regularly and to start it regularly (which I did today). Apparently, they have chrome bores and if they aren’t started regularly they can seize???


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-FUJI-MICRO-2-7kVA-Max-2-5kVA-Rated-Generator-Inverter-Portable-Camping-/400560676299?hash=item5d4346ddcb

[thezoo]

The power factor of your load will reduce the power (KW) available. Are you saying it only provides 2.2KVa or 2.2KW? There is a difference.

regards

[My Names Earl]

Thanks Zoo, my bad.

Mine can only achieve 2.2KW continuous

Just watched the video for the King generator on the Supacentre web site.  And I quote “It will run a power hunger angle grinder”, a 4 inch angle grinder is only 750w and the microwave looked to be 800-900w. 

An easy way to test a small generator is to see if it can run a 2000w variable heat gun. Turn the heat gun to its lowest setting and then slowly turn it up. Need to be aware most of these smaller Chinese 2 to 3kVa generators can’t get a 2400w kettle to boil, mine included.

[Stevo51]

We will only need it to get cool with air con in van I realise the start up is draining but will it run the air and maybe charge battery's if needed
Steve

[Isuzumu]

Even my 2kva Yamaha has trouble running the aircon in the van.

[Cruzeoverland]

Try Mickyblu.com.au.  Brilliant 4kva that will run air conditioning. $1699 of the top of my head. 


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[Cruzeoverland]

Sorry it's this ... http://www.mickeybluaustralia.com.au/


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[wintrmute]

I've messed around with a few small petrol and diesel generators as part of putting on events in the bush.

The really cheap ones are generally pretty awful. They'll work a lot of the time, but they'll fail when you really, really wanted them to work, and they're louder and thirstier on petrol too.

If you can afford it, go the Hondas, and be careful you're getting a genuine one, not a Chinese rip-off with a Honda sticker on it. (Happens, google for discussion on AGR Machinery as an example of the bad guys)

Of the cheaper but kinda decent generators, Kipor are a good brand to get. I've heard some people say the Kulkyne yamaha clone is alright too.

[wintrmute]

PS. If you do want a dirt-cheap generator, then you can get them even cheaper than Supacentre -- the aforementioned AGR Machinery (:spit:) are now called Edisons, and while they have an utterly stinking reputation for warranties and returns, they do sell 2kva generators for pennies. And I'm 90% sure those generators are coming out of the same factories in China as the ones SupaCentre sell. (And Supercheap Auto and BCF and so on -- all those own-brand generators are close to the same, poor, quality)

Those MickeyBlu generators mentioned earlier -- pretty sure they're identical to the GenTraxs from Edisons/AGR/Myutopia and a lot of the other budget ones going around. Wouldn't recommend them myself.

[muddy mux]

I've got a small 770 kipor generator from bunnings. Had it a few years now and has always been good. Just keep a spare spark plug on hand just in case.

[Wal]

Buy a well know  brand. Personally wouldn't buy anything but Yamaha or Honda

[Cruzeoverland]

Honda in series to run an ac is ridiculous expensive. My mickyblu. 4.8 Kva. Quieter than Honda. Great value. Love it.


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[Stafkel]

Totally agree Cruzeoverland mickyblu are a great generator, I got the 4.8 kva  no issues

[Q8160]

Just moching around the forum for something to do and came across this thread...
I have a Stanley 3000w unit which is reasonable quite and runs everything in the van including the aircon.

But, if you are looking at generators the latest Hondas can be  piggy backed (coupled together) meaning 2 1000w generators can be coupled for 2 kVa..... not bad..