Hi Simon, bought one slightly lower kva for exactly the same purpose, charging my 2 van batteries when in inclement weather and the solar panel will not work. However with a recent 8 hour power cut at home, used it to power my home refrigerator successfully and amazed to get almost 6 hours running from the tank of fuel. Although only 4 amps output @ 12 volts, it is enough to top off the van batteries when needed via an anderson plug that I have wired in. Thanks for the great review - Alex
Alex Berkuta Hello Alex. Great news that you can power your batteries from your generator. Recently we stayed at the Argadelles (North of Quorn) A friend who is very serious about keeping his caravan batteries had camped under trees and couldn’t use the solar panels mounted to the top of his van. He borrowed my generator and it worked perfectly.. Thanks for watching my RU-vid channel and writing to me. Regards. Simon
Hello Eden. When I have used it whilst camping, the noise hasn’t been that noticeable. I think making the video with the generator on the table made it sound noisy. I don’t use it that often but when I’ve needed it it’s worked very well. In the end I think it’s good value for money.
Hello ottoswinebar. Thanks for watching and commenting. Greatly appreciated. Ah! the autofocus. Yes I have learnt to turn it off or to pause when moving so that I can edit out the sound of the motor. Thanks again.
Anybody thinking of buying a generator to top up 12V batteries should consider using an Ebay special used server power supply to convert down to 13 to 13.5 volts as they will typically have a very good power factor which will allow you to get the full benefit from the available kw and va ratings
Hi Simon, Great review, thanks. I was just wondering how the generator is going these days and if it's still a goer?? I need something similar for our caravan i.e. just to charge the batteries when there's no sun and I'm curious about the longevity of these generators. It's been nearly 4 years now so that is a fairly good test time. These can be bought for $399 from the same place as you got yours. Greg.
Hello Greg. I rarely use it because as you mention its used to top up my batteries when there's no sun. I haven't used it for a year or so. However every time I have used it, its worked perfectly. I would buy it again. Additionally I take the view that this is not essential equipment. I do buy expensive gear if i think something is essential. eg recovery straps, batteries, jacks, Good luck
Howdy m8...My 800w Gentrax Blows shit loads of smoke 2nd time used it..??..Pushing oil thru back into inlet...wtf... Like piston problems... Does the 40cc engine have piston rings..???..cheers.👍
Agreed, a 240V/30A charger is what I'm using (Victron IP22 12/30). I figure ~450W max load. I have bought the 800W model as I figure I do not need a 2kW gennie if my 3kW inverter can drive the rare high powered 240V load. Basically for emergency use to charge the batteries when the sun is weak (overcast for days), just like the Peter reasoned..
Hi Simon, was wondering what would happen if I did not turn the knob to the on position on the fuel cap? I am running a couple of lights for a film shoot and the genie keeps surging and turns itself off. The only thing I haven’t done is turn that knob to the on position. Thank you in advance
Hi Simon, I'm going to buy one of these generators for the exact same reason. I'm wondering if it's still going and how many hours you have run it for ? Any help would be greatly appreciated regards Andrew
Your camera is out of focus and you have been given this genny. Can you tell me how many hours you have used this as the video is from 2018 so you should have give it a good test by now????? results please............???????
Probably not as loud if tested on solid ground not on a table. I too wanted to find how loud it was. I think the fact that it was demonstrated sitting on a timber picnic table which would have caused vibration and the hollowness under the table acted like a loud speaker.
Actually it is a 1kva continuous rating so in reality it is only a 800 watt gen. I use a old dunlight 600 watt for (4wd) camping, works fine for fridges, lights and battery recharge and is light, the 2.8kw I use at home as too heavy to carry. What he got is fine for portable use and light work, but good luck if he wants to drive Aircon, heaters, kettle. I would have gone 2.8kw for a caravan.
Today I ran my small 1100w generator..I cooked a great curry in my rice cooker . Also charged my mobile phone and a battery all at the same time. Using clever low wattage appliances you would be amazed how much you can do with around 750watts. This logic of "it can only run a few light bulbs " is very poor understanding of what can actually be achieved.
