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Sportsman Generator with A/C Air Conditioning Supco SPP6 SPP5 Van Build Camper RV SUV Vanlife AC
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- čas přidán 2. 08. 2024
- Panorama Van Build - It's time to add a 1000 watt Sportsman quiet generator to our high efficiency 450 watt Air Conditioner to this Panorama van that has a full bathroom with Shower, Dining for 4, Mobile office, Queen size bed. I test the unit without and with the Supco SPP6 SPP5 Pow-R-Pak Solid State Relay & Hard Start Capacitor installed to allow the generator to run in economy mode. I also take a look at the 12 volt battery charging feature of the generator and test it out with a solar charger.
Video to build window insert: • Reflectix Insulated Cu...
Amazon quick links:
Sportsman Generator: amzn.to/2IjNS7a
Supco SPP6 Capacitor: amzn.to/2JtuA4A
A/C Unit: amzn.to/2MtZJ5Q
Propane Hot Water Heater: amzn.to/2J2Oq5N
Water Pump: goo.gl/LbtNBf
Water Tank 2.5 gallon: amzn.to/2rBe47N
Shower Curtain: amzn.to/2J9epIF
Dometic Fridge/Freezer: goo.gl/bGuu8T
Camplux Stove: amzn.to/2rBkT8s
Microwave: amzn.to/2ItsnoC
Desk Chair: amzn.to/2Lx6R0X
Paint: amzn.to/2IPtUCa
Caulk: amzn.to/2KWHhkH
Mattress: amzn.to/2KWzEL7
Links to videos in this series:
Panorama Van Build Part 1 Inception: • Inception: Panorama Ca...
Part 2 Design: • Design: Panorama Campe...
Part 3 Bed and Bathroom: • Bed & Bathroom - Panor...
Part 4 Dining & Office: • Dining & Office - Pano...
Part 5 Shower: • Shower - Panorama Camp...
Part 6 Hot Water: • Propane Hot Water Heat...
Part 7 Toilet Review: • Camper Toilet Review -...
Part 8 Air Conditioning: • Air Conditioning - hig...
Part 9 Generator: • Sportsman Generator wi...
Part 10 Home Theater: • Sportsman Generator wi...
Part 11 Security System: • Surveillance Security ...
Part 12 Insulated Surround Curtains:
Links to my other camper build videos:
Prius Stealth Camper build video: • Prius Stealth Camper B...
Land Rover Camper Build • Land Rover SUV Camper ...
Water System Build: • 12v Pressurized Water ...
Tiny Kitchen: • Tiny Kitchen Tiny Cook...
Excellent video. Informative and helpful. I appreciate your approach to the evaluation. I especially appreciate the fact that you never point the camera at your face. I will never understand why so many are determined to impose their physiognomies on the world.
This generator is awesome . Been sitting here for the last 2 hours watching it work perfectly.
It's a great little unit. I notice the prices have been varying a lot. Glad you are liking yours!
One needs to understand all this. You have the knowledge and skills to understand the technology. 👍
Thank you! I enjoy learning about gadgets and sharing what I have learned with others.
thanks for the video - on idea for charging your 12v batteries: a lot of the RC / hobby chargers let you limit the input power consumption so as not to trip any breakers etc. i know the 500W ISDT charger i have does have that setting. It also lets you charge many other types of batteries.
Thank you for the informative video. I used a Sportsman 1000/800W inverter generator on Normal mode to run my 18 cu ft refrigerator/freezer & 7 cu ft freezer alternating for 4-1/2 days after Irma caused power loss I also used 12 ga extension cord from the generator outlet to the appliance. Using the "hard start" capacitor on your window AC will indeed help with the surge when the AC cycles its compressor on & "theoretically" you could run the Generator in ECO mode but IMHO you are asking a lot from this small generator & sooner than later it will show the over draw. Once again, IMHO, I don't have any qualms running my Sportsman 1000/800W in normal mode to accept the surge when my refrigerator compressor kicks on with its 5 Amp draw; after its starts it draws 1.76 -1.70 Amps. I used just about 5 gal of gas in 4-1/2 days running the generator about 16 hours / day. I could also run several 40W 12 inch fans along with several LED lights drawing 7 watts each. Now I know that if I had had a 5000 btu window AC I could have put it in the rotation with the refrigerator/freezer & 7 cuft chest freezer. Power outages make me want an old style non frost free refrigerator that just run a cooling compressor to bring the cabinet to set temp & then kick off whereas the frost free cycles through its "defrost" cycle that can't be circumvented.
Older video but maybe you'll see this or others will and it'll help. Assuming you did your testing between various modes (Standard and Econ) with the air conditioner at the same time. You will be pulling more amps the second time the compressor turns on because it has already built up pressures on the low and high side that the compressor will have to overcome as it turns up to speed. I agree with another poster saying use a heavier gauge extension cord, 10awg would be best because of voltage drops and current draw. Nothing wrong with smaller cords on the short term but its possible with the voltage drop and current draw on a smaller cord being enough to trip the overload on the generator. Also your own idea of turning the fan on before the compressor is the premise behind larger systems load shedding or in this case using a larger load on a smaller generator. I have seen soft start capacitors for R/V roof units, but hadn't considered you could also use them on window units, which makes sense, so I thank you for that. Happy trails.
Were waiting for you to finish the build before we start ours. Right now were taking out wire we dont need like coax cable and n64 stuff lol. Looking forward to the electrical. Thank you for posting this great info. It is giving us some great ideas.
Cool! I would really like to gut mine but my budget prevents me. I work on the projects as funds will allow. I keep postponing the electrical video as I keep adding more electrical equipment. I am working on the 4 camera security system (Episode 11) and that added a lot of wiring (the projection home theater did too - Episode 10). I think by the time I make the electrical video, I will have a horrible wad of wiring!
I'm really enjoying these videos! This was a good set of tests, nicely done. Cheers
Glad you liked it - thanks for your great comments!
@@timdillen could you tell us what gauge and length of extension cord you are running that does make a difference. I'm wanting to put a 5000 BTU air conditioner in the back window of my 4-door truck. just for traveling at times and the generator in back in a sealed box. I have the Sportsman 2200 watt dual-fuel I only run it on propane. And I just ordered about three days ago the Sportsman 1000 it's on sale right now for $149. Today's date July 14th 2019. The Lowe's website was such a mess. I had to go into the store and luckily I took my payment and ordered it for me. And they're sending it to my house and not the store which is a little more convenient.
The 12v output feature would certainly come in handy for maintaining low voltage systems from 5v to 9v.
This unit only needs the addition of an 18v output to really make it rock. Then one could easily charge a 12v battery at 15a, using a similar charging device, on top of the 120v appliance.
Really great content! I'm doing a bunch of similar stuff with a Jeep and your complete start-to-finish approach is much appreciated. Love the home theater idea BTW. Thanks!
Awesome! A Jeep would make a great go-anywhere camper. Glad you are finding the video helpful. Thanks for your comments and for watching!
Big thank you
I love your choices. Prius, van , window ac. May have to check the generator.
very helpful, thank you
Excellent thanks for the video.
Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!
Nice video 👍✌️
wow I like this
Thanks! Love having a/c anytime - amazing cheap generator. Thanks for watching!
Great work!
Glad you liked it - thanks for watching!
Thanks! Did you study engineering or electrical engineering in school or anything like that?
Went to college for computers but I think I have learned much more from CZcams!
Looks to me like part of your problem might be that long skinny extension cord. I use a 12/3 extension cord at 25 feet max. 10/3 would be even better. For the battery charging, have you thought about using an external voltage regulator for a 12 volt alternator?
Now this same gen is $260 + most places ! The corporations in America are really taking care of us here.
On sale at home depot for $199, just got two!
You might add a resistor in the DC to limit the current and save having to carry the charger. Also, if someone came up with a circuit that would shut off the fan for a few seconds every time the compressor kicks in it might run on Eco all the time.
Just saw this new posting. Went to Amazon -generator at $204, searched for Buffalo distributor, came back in 1 minute to Amazon, generator now $229. Expect it will be around$3000 by this evening at that rate.
I saw that - crazy - maybe running up the price for the summer/4th of July campers.
Walmart dot com or home depot, ok?
Thanks for the video, I put the same AC in my sailboat. It shut off almost instantly. I figured I would give it try with new gas and spark plug. It died again so just for the hell of it, I put it on economy mode. It started right up and didn't stop. I just can't figure out why economy worked and normal setting won't work, should be the other way around.
Dear Justin . It will keep running if you stop using it for an anchor. Have a nice day .
Your good friend Vinny in good old Fla.
I noticed that the dc charging thru solar charger works but only on economy no matter what when you get closer to full battery charge haven't ran a.c or anything just noticed that on economy it limits it to about 3.8 amps or close too was even able to run my ps4 and tv while it was charging
No matter how “quiet,” the continuous noise from those little generators is annoying. Glad your objective was to run it on Eco.
I have to wonder if the engine in your van turning its alternator might make less noise.
Appreciate your methodology.
First a laugh, I have seen that ac set up some where before.... Oh now I remember, "The Flying Nun TV show!" Now my observations; Be aware running that load on the economy setting is going to foul the spark plug and spark arrestor quickly. A 10 ga 15 foot extension cord also might help on start up. Or perhaps a relay that energizes high mode on start up and then switches back to lo after compressor start? Better yet a time delay on the fan so compressor gets the maximum starting current. As always great video!
Chester ... I am with you on the subject of it being a great video. It was an inspiration to me, personally. I bought myself the same generator but, because of the room size it will go in, I bought a 6000BTU a/c. It was a no go. When I added the slow start up condenser, it was still a no go. Finally I realized that because of a lack of suitable space inside the case, I had mounted the condenser upside down. That is verboten. Right side up, everything works like a charm. I had to add some length to the condenser leads and with the help of some industrial strength velcro and a quick disconnect, I now have the condenser mounted on the outside of the case. When I have access to 110, I disconnect the condenser and take it off. When at the cabin, where the a/c runs on the generator, I put the condenser back on. The a/c runs just fine either way. However, I would love for you to share some more information on the time delay on the fan idea. My A/C has an energy saver feature that insures that the fan and the compressor start at the same time. On 110, that is no problem and probably does save energy. Otherwise, with that feature turned off, the fan is running all the time and the compressor starts against that draw. It would be perfect, and help the little generator, to have a delay feature on the fan to start after the compressor is fully in, not to mention the fact that a person would not have to listen to the fan run all the time. How about some suggestions on how to do that?
To: John M. Washbush, Based on your comment, I would wire the fan switch in parallel to the compressor relay (which appears to be controlled by the thermostat). Then break one of the fan wires with a "delay on make time delay". That way the fan will only run when cooling is called for, and the compressor has already been energized by the thermostat. Test 1) Room hot; thermostat calls for cooling. 2) Compressor and fan relay energizes. 3) Compressor starts. 4) Fan timer times out and fan starts. 5) When temperature is satisfied compressor and fan shut off until the next cycle. This is a feature on many residential heating and cooling systems in use today aka pre cooling or heating (on heat pumps) the ductwork. Hope this helps!
chester doodlevich
1 second ago
To: John M. Washbush, Based on your comment, I would wire the fan switch in parallel to the compressor relay (which appears to be controlled by the thermostat). Then break one of the fan wires with a "delay on make time delay". That way the fan will only run when cooling is called for, and the compressor has already been energized by the thermostat. Test 1) Room hot; thermostat calls for cooling. 2) Compressor and fan relay energizes. 3) Compressor starts. 4) Fan timer times out and fan starts. 5) When temperature is satisfied compressor and fan shut off until the next cycle. This is a feature on many residential heating and cooling systems in use today aka pre cooling or heating (on heat pumps) the ductwork. Hope this helps!
Really appreciate the info. Have the 2200 sportsman generator. It wouldnt start our ac. I was thinking whether to try adding the very same capacitor. So you video is extremely helpful. Thx u.
Thank you! I have run my a/c with the generator for a total of about 5 hours so far in economy mode and no trouble. I hope the addition of the capacitor solves your problem. I love this little generator - if it dies after a year I got my money's worth. Thanks for your comments and for watching!
One other thing - I think it helped to have a shorter extension cord that is heavy duty from the generator to the A/C.
When I look this generator up on amazon it’s $204. How much did you pay for it?
I got it for $190 on Amazon with free ship. I just looked at that was the best price I could find too.
I have the Sportsman 2200 watt dual fuel I've only run it on propane only. I can run my 200-amp battery charger and engine starter to start big diesel equipment, diesel engines and cars with. I'm pretty sure I run it on economy setting. But I definitely run the new 2200 watt Sportsman dual fuel generator on propane only. I won't put gasoline in my new generator because I put it inside my truck at times. I can go out and work more than a whole days work and run the generator at half a load on a full 20 lb BBQ tank it will run 18 hours. My 2200 watt sportsman also run the digital 5050 btu window ac just fine plugged right into the generator. but I for got to put it on the 10 gauge 50" extension cord I have. I need to do that real world test on the extension cord. My old 1850 Watt Coleman on gasoline would rattle the valves running the 200 amp battery charger and starter. It didn't have economy setting and no dual-fuel. If you want to know what else I've ran on this new Sportsman generator just message me. I may do a channel one day. I was pretty shocked at some of the things I run on this little 2200 watt generator.
You need to be looking at the volt amps ( not watts ) to see what's happening. Most likely huge line loss thru the cords happening. You will see the input voltage drop, leading to lost power and increased heat generation.
Line loss is measured in % and is decreased by lowering the load and/or increasing wire capacity and shortening its length.
See Powerstream's site for an easy to use line loss / voltage drop calculator. You're shooting for max. 3% loss, ideally. And be sure to enter length as one way trip only, so the length of your cords. Pick the most suitable voltage... doesn't have to be exact. Like the points on Whose Line is it Anyway?, the voltage don't matter ;)
Great information - thanks for posting!
Gr8 vid... thanks for sharing
Glad you liked it! I really love this generator.
Have you done additional tests at higher elevations and higher ambient temperatures? Both can have a sig diff in nec starting amp draw. Just curious. And great video btw, I happen to have two of those sportsman’s 1kw. Funny thing is one is listed at 800max watts but has same exact components less a USB port.
Make sure you use a quality extension cord, on with a low gauge. The lower gauge cable will have a lower resistance and will help reduce the voltage drop when the compressor kicks on.
Agreed! Cheap cords can be a problem. Thanks for posting this.
YES! It's very important to use a heavy duty cord and to have it be no longer than necessary. I have a Honda EU2000, it can start a 12,000BTU AC while on eco mode, but only if you use a heavy duty 10 gauge cord.
@@THX..1138 10 gauge and as short as possible. That's my moto. When using a cheapo flux core welder on
for the generator popping the breaker, you can just run it on eco and it wont make more than 4 amps i have the same generator with the same issue, eco fixes the problem
It really is great in the Eco mode, really low noise. I think maybe i was my battery charger that would cause the popping of the breaker when the a/c was cycling on.
You hooked up the hard start up to the wrong terminal on the capacitor. You need to hook up to the C and herm terminal. I've done hvac for 15 years
Hello, i like your series of videos! Great ideas, and we're starting our van build soon! Im looking for the video with the final wiring for the generator, inverter, batteries and etc... are you planning to use any solar panels? How are you charging your batteries? is the wiring video done yet? Thanks and again, everything looks great! Rob V.
Thanks! I ended up not putting solar panels on the roof as the shape just would not fit a decent size panel or two. If would have really drawn attention if I added a roof rack and the built off that. If the roof was flatter I would have gone that way. I have a temporary 200 watt folding panel that I can put on the dash or on the windshield. I ended up not doing the electrical video but should have done one for the viewers. I just recently sold the van and am converting an ambulance. it has a great flat roof! Thanks for your comments and for watching!
Be careful some of those capacitors hold a charge
Hi, could you please show in more detail how did you connect the spp6 capacitor to the ac's run capacitor?
I could see only one wire from the spp6, but couldn't see the point the other spp6 wire was connected to the ac's run capacitor.
Thank you very much
Ya a hard start capacitor is not going to bring down the current draw infact it is probably a little higher for a shorter amount of time
This video has shown me that my Honda 1000 can actually power my 5000 btu ac unit that I will be putting my 12ft. TravelMate camper. I hope it doesnt overload the gen. Would it be better to have a cable made to go from the gen to the ac unit instead of an extension cord? Excellet video...thank you for any input.
Good questions. I would start with a heavy duty extension cord with a reasonable but not too long length. The Sportsman generator was very good at shutting off when the load got too high. The Honda one is way way better so I am sure it will have no problems protecting itself. Different 5000 btu a/c's draw different amps/watts so if yours doesn't work then find one similar to mine. Make sure it is all manual and no digital buttons. Just look for one that has the same front controls as mine (I think it is sold under different brands). I built this one into my Ambulance conversion and have used it for 6 months more and that little unit just keeps going after multiple projects and bouncing down the road.
Yeah, use an extrention cord made of heavy guage wire. The cord will be thicker than the average cord. Even walmart has the thick cords.
I get so lost, Watts is a city in California and amp is an energy drink but that lil gennie can do what's needed. Have you considered a thicker and or shorter cord for better electric flow? Building contractors usually have a thick cord that runs to a junction. A circular saw will run fine on a standard 100' cord but run 3 cords for 300' and the saw slows..just a thought
I was thinking maybe I should try a shorter more heavy duty cord and see if that helps. Thanks for the tip and for watching!
Extension cord is to thin of wire. Go thicker and see if that helps.
That's a great idea! Thanks for posting and for watching!
With small generators, the elevation definitely has an impact. What is you elevation there? Great video.
I wondered about that. I am at 2,000 ft. Is that better or worse for making power with the generator?
PriusStealthCamper Adventures It is my understanding that all generator capacities are rated at sea level. From there the power is reduced a certain percentage for each 1000 feet in elevation. Don't have the numbers in front of me but it's an easy look up.
Good to know. Thanks for posting this info.
Google - "Given the reduction in air density at higher altitudes, engine and thus generatoroutput will be reduced. The typical rule of thumb is 3% to 3 1/2% for every 1000 feet in elevation. In the Denver Area you could be 15 to 20% of your capacity."
Hey man, have everything hooked up the same minus the the solar controller and circuit tester. Plus a 30a cord. Throws the load limit when I try to switch the cold level up. Mine won’t get the compressor started so far. I used double male blade connectors and extended some ancor wire mounted all the same. Have any ideas? This unit specs the exact same as your unit. In addition this unit does have circuit breaker 3 prong plug. It’s not popped when the overload takes place upon attempting the compressor start up.
Have any ideas? Thanks man, awesome channel
I switched wires around a few times and finally got it. Compressor wire was different on this one. All good though. Gonna be real nice with ac this weekend in st. Augustine
Glad you figured it out. Hope your trip goes well and you stay comfortable!
unfortunately generator's going for $330! Too bad, the A-iPower 1500w-1200w inverter for what 300?
You really don't need a charge controller. The voltage coming out of the generator it's high enough to over the battery. When the battery comes up to the 12 to 13 volts coming out of the gen it basically stops taking charge.
I did not know that - thanks for the great tip!
You confused me on the hard start wiring. Did you connect one of the wires to the fan connector?
So from 1-10 How happy are you with this Sportsman Generator?
Great Video :o)
I just picked one up Sportsman GEN1000I-SS This model is Black and Beige. I think the only difference is that this model is EPA and Carb Approved and can be sold in California. I don't really see any difference between the Sportsman Gen1000i and Sportsman Gen1000i-SS Unless you know any different?
Glad you liked the video. The Sportsman is holding up well but I don't use it terribly often. Mostly just for backup but do run an hour or two at a time. I take the gas out and run dry when storing for more than a couple weeks - I think that will help in the long run. I did not know they had another version. I would guess yours has a bit more smog items and a bit more cost. I will have to look that one up. Thanks for posting this info.
Hi. Just found this video. I am looking for an economical way to get AC in my rig to live in Louisiana. How loud is the generator? Can you cage it on the exterior? Can you provide the plan of what is needed for this set up? Thanks very much.
My setup was very temporary and not the best way to do it. I think a good way to go is to remove the rear window and build something better but I worried about it falling out when I drove. The lock on the rear window can pop off so the window swings all the way up so some type of wood insert that could be removed while traveling would be good. The generator would be fine in a cage. If you run in eco mode it is quiet. A cage would be a good way to keep it from being stolen. This generator and a/c combo work well together. I did another install in the Ambulance series where I place the unit under the floor that you might find interesting.
So to confirm what you proved in this video is that it is indeed possible to run a 5k btu ac on this generator with high cool and fan without the hard start on non economy mode? I was unable to see which modes you had on the ac.
That is correct. Just one thing, not all 5K a/c units will work. Make sure you check the watts as some units are more efficient than others. This particular unit seems to be made under more than one manufacturer but you can spot it by the dials and vents.
@@timdillen well, that appears to be a GE ac. I have 2 5k btu ac units and one is that brand with the same switches. One ought to work with this exact generator i have coming in soon. Thanks for the info!
Whatever you do don't take the side cover off while the generator is running or don't take the oil side cover off while the engine is running. Some people are even drilling holes in their side oil cover panel. They think this is helping the generator but it's not it's the opposite it's hurting the generator. What this is doing it's not forcing air through the generator to cool it off with holes in the side panel or the side panel removed.. Most of these suitcase portable generators suck air in through the front or the bottom and push it out the back where the exhaust is. These small suitcase portable generators have an internal fan that runs whenever the generator is running. And it absorbs Noise by having the cover on. When you open the panel up with a whole or the whole panel removed it's like drinking a drink with a small hole in a straw. It's not going to be as efficient and it will make the generator room hotter which will shorten the life if not cause early failure possibly if you're running it in the hottest of heat. Even with a box fan on the side of the generator with a cover off is not a good idea it's still not forcing it through the generator box when you think about it. Why this guy drilled holes in his oil cover side panel is because he said when it was running air is being forced out. Of course it is because air is being pushed through the generator enclosed box.
Good information. Thanks for posting. I had seen where people were drilling holes in the side.
@@timdillen I just got my new Sportsman 1000 a few days ago. I've got it running on a 20 lb propane tank and a dial regulator on it for fuel efficiency. Couldn't find one so I just put one together.
@@timdillen one of the propane conversion companies said yesterday a Honda 2200 that has the 118cc engine on propane would run 22 hours on a full BBQ tank at a half a load. My Sportsman 2200 with a 80cc motor will run 18 hours on a half a load. I'm almost wondering was this a full BBQ tank or one of the trade-in tank exchange at the stores with a gallon or a gallon and a half less propane. Anything's possible but I would have to see those results. to see that the bigger 38 cc Honda engine is that more efficient. My 2200 watt Sportsman is they say 15 amps Max. The Honda 2200 watt generator is 18.3 amps Max for start-up only. And then the Honda kicks down to I think it's 15 amps. You can't run 18.3 amps solid behind the Honda 2200. If the Honda is really that much more fuel efficient I might have bought the big Honda 2200 RV plug generator.
So this AC is actually 12 volt DC ? I'm confused here ? Whats all this talk about chargers ?
About $.5 per kwh in gasoline (assuming $2.6 per gallon).
Cool - thanks for the info and for watching!
So if my math is correct...If it ran the generator for 8 hours using 500 watts = 4,000 watt-hrs. 4,000/1,000= 4 kwh. 4 kwh * $0.50 = $2.00 to run for 8 hours?
I also assumed that the manufacturer was relatively honest about the specs (I'm a dreamer:)
btw the ice machine/ AC was nothing short of inspired.
I nominate myself leader of all those that have contemplated low wattage stealth small space cooling, and ask that you repost your ice machine/ AC videos.
before that video I had seen your channel before, after that video I went through every video you had
I will consider your request on the ice machine. It is just people get quite hateful when I post projects and they try them and they don't like the results. I make sure no one else sees those but I still get them. The videos are still live they are just not listed. I'll give your the links and you are welcome to share them, it was a really neat project.
Part 1: czcams.com/video/XBrNr7DkEwY/video.html
Part 2: czcams.com/video/EdeMB51QTvw/video.html
Part 3: czcams.com/video/81Qky5l_pU0/video.html
May I ask update on this system 2019
I also purchased the same generator under a different brand name “dirty hand tools” just last week for $199 with free shipping. Maybe the other manufacture was hoping to cash in on some of the popularity of their product. The other company is based in Colorado
@@maxakabill Oh, I see that quite often. Something will test well on a Utube, Then " Poof " then all of a sudden its more expensive soon after.
I really love your videos but a lot of the power info is way over my head.
Thanks for your kind comment. Glad you are enjoying the videos.
Mine too Nancy. Don't give up. I am a granny and have been struggling but don't give up. I am getting a Gold Zero because of my InstaPot which needs 750 in surge on startup. Also knowing that I will be in Ehrenberg and may run into grey skies, I am also looking for a very small generator for those days. Help anyone!!!~!~!~!~
Good luck Nancy. I am giving up sticks and bricks for nomadic living. Be well.
I bought this genetator and tried to convert it to propane and keep the gasoline too. But the carburetor studs were already touching the side cover there was no room simply for a propane adapter plate between air filter box and carburetor. I've converted two other suit case portable generators to propane - duel fuel. This generator I just had to take back to the store.
I hate to throw Sportsman Buffalo tool under the bus but I asked them several technical questions and they did not know what amp is the Sportsman 1000? What cc is the Sportsman 1000? And I asked them on the Sportsman 2200 watt dual fuel does it have a propane regulator inside of it? Does it have a manual override propane bleeder valve? I was shocked they couldn't answer these and other questions I had. it was way over their head. These young ladies at Sportsman Buffalo tool just seem to answer the phone and try to do technical and customer service. And they wouldn't let me speak to the guy in the back that works on stuff that would probably know. I bought the Sportsman 2200 watt dual fuel suitcase portable generator. I had a problem with it and luckily they did want to send me out a call tag to fix it but. I fixed it myself permanently and better than ever where it will never give a problem again. And I couldn't be without the generator that long. I made a manual propane bleeder valve so I would have an immediate start up when I put propane right into the engine.. And I wouldn't have to pull start it around 22 times to get it to start on propane. That is the problem I had and I was going to wear out the pull start cord trying to start it that many times. I know these are all Chinese made units but they need to know their technical better to sell. Thank goodness they have CZcams videos of unboxing these different generators and things and I have a very strong mechanical ability or I would be in a mess.
They definitely are cheap Chinese products. I don't use mine a great deal but so far it is doing OK. If I was in the middle of nowhere living I might want to invest in a bit better unit.
Mine lasted about 2 years with around 12 hours of light use before the inverter failed. I am an electronics designer by trade and this generator was babied with mostly 600 watt or less with only 800 watt attempted a time or two. When it went it cooked a surge protector. Looking up parts for it there are several rebrands of this generator overseas and they are all 700/800 watt rated. From what I can tell the inverter is identical and the sportsman rating of 800/1000 is just blatant lie. The inverter online cost about $150 and you can buy the whole genset for $200 right now from Home Depot's website so it didn't make sense to replace it. Instead I bought a Wen 1250 watt unit. Unfortunately its not small and lightweight like I hoped as its almost the same size as my eu2000i but the build quality is miles ahead of the sportsman and its only 1db louder than the honda so imperceptible to the ear. At $375 to my door it was still a decent deal but that won't be proven until enough time and use have passed. The engine on the sportsman did run well for me and I did like the size. If they could put a better inverter in it and charge a little more they would have a descent genset on their hands.
Generator no longer available.