When we realize our insignificance in this world,
it some how relieves the pressures from society to succeed - Cindy Bonish 04/07

Coleman Powermate 1800watt Generator

We had made it a full year on our solar set-up alone.  We always knew we would need a generator at some time or another, but so far, we had enjoyed great weather and moderate temperatures and didn't have the need for one.

That was until the first week of January 2008. We went for 4 straight days of either clouds or rain, and two of those days I wasn't paying attention while running our 2000watt inverter for long periods at a time trying to update the website.

It was then that we noticed our battery levels getting very low, and the forecast only called for more rain. This was when we knew the time had come to purchase a generator.

Since we knew we had made it for so long without one, we realized that we didn't need to go overboard and buy some 5000 watt monster that would run everything in the camper including the A/C. Somewhere between 1000 and 2500 watts would be fine. Just enough to top off our batteries when the sun would stay hidden for long periods of time.

We looked at everything from very cheap 1000 watt 2-cycle models, to the big, heavy contractor models. While searching, I found a Honda EU2000i that was for sale on Craig's List, but it would be a day or two till we could pick it up. So I figured we could grab something now to get our batteries brought back up, and test it for the night to compare it with the notoriously quiet Honda.

We found a Coleman Powermate Pulse 1800watt generator at Home Depot for only $300. Home Depot has a 30 day return policy, so if we liked this model better, then we could just pass on the Honda and save some money.

The Coleman said that it was Florida State Park Approved, and was campground friendly. It wasn't much larger than the Honda EU2000i, but was considerably heavier. Being as it was $600 cheaper than the Honda, we thought if it met our needs, we wouldn't mind a few more pounds for a $300 savings.

We brought it back to the campground and unboxed it. It came with oil in the motor already, and after checking the fluids, I put some fuel in the tank and gave the rip cord a pull. It started right up on the first pull. Very nice so far.

But on that first pull, it also brought forth a noise that woke the entire neighborhood. There was only a handful of fellow campers in the rustic site we were parked in, but I don't think any of them would have trouble know Cindy and I had just bought a new generator.  I honestly think we only left the little generator running for no more than five minutes before we killed the motor. It was just that embarrassing!

At one point, while I was filling the Coleman up with fuel, one of the neighboring campers had come over to see if I needed to borrow his generator because he knew we had been out looking for one. When Cindy told him we had just purchased one, he came over to take a look.

It was at this time that I had fired it up.  We both looked at each other and started laughing.  We couldn't talk over the noise, and neither of us could believe this little electricity maker could make so much noise. 

I have no idea where they tested the generator, but no where I've ever camped would a generator this loud be approved.  You certainly wouldn't be making any friends in the campground.

Maybe if you were boondocking by yourself, and didn't mind having a jet engine idling beside you, then this would be the generator for you. For us, we took it back first thing in the morning and went to buy the Honda.

PROS:

* Cost - It did only cost $300
* Small Package - It's only a bit bigger than a HondaEU2000i
* Ease of use - It came with oil in it, and started on the first pull of the cord
* Comes with a little set of cables for charging a battery

CONS:

* Noise!!  Think contractors generator
* Weight - For such a small package, it weighs in around 80lbs.
* False Advertising - I cant imagine this being campground friendly

Conclusion - If you don't want to make any friends, or are completely deaf, the Coleman Powermate 1800watt generator should only be used on the work site and not while camping.
 

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