Testing the CHEAPEST and LIGHTEST Generator I could find on eBay | Compact & small | Gentrax 800W
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ค. 2024
- In this episode, I’m out to use, abuse, test and review the cheapest, smallest and lightest generator I could find on eBay.
Sure this unit is cheap, but is it junk or can it withstand some of the tests I put in under in this review?
Generator’s are the surefire way to power or charge your appliances and devices off-grid and don’t rely on the suns rays for solar or stored power from batteries. This being said, not all generators are created equal and certainly don’t have a level price tag.
Not everyone needs a huge generator to power massive loads, including air-conditioning units, heaters, induction cooktops and the like. Sometimes we just need to top those house batteries up, or charge a higher demand devices.
This Gentrax 800W generator ticks all of the boxes on paper. It claims some impressive figures when it comes to power output, peak ratings, noise levels and run times, but can it realistically perform and live up to these claims?
We test this unit in a realistic scenario, testings everything from the rated continuous power output, peaks power output, the output power quality and wave formation, the noise level, run time and I speak about my first impressions and considerations that need to be taken into account if thinking about this unit.
Intro - 00:00
Product Brief - 01:17
Physical Specs - 03:41
First Impressions - 05:53
Maintenance - 06:50
First Startup Procedure - 09:13
Testing - 10:05
Power Output - 10:37
Power Quality and Wave Formation - 13:30
Noise Ratings - 16:47
Run Times - 19:08
Negatives - 21:06
Considerations - 23:11
Conclusion - 23:51
GENTRAX GENERATOR:
800W - ebay.us/jfDwN7
1200W - ebay.us/C6YIpK
2000W - ebay.us/AI68Cg
Engine Oil:
Honda 10W30 - ebay.us/MtHHVr
Honda EU10i - www.generatorplace.com.au/pro...
Honda EU22i - www.generatorplace.com.au/pro...
Bluetti EB55 - www.bluettipower.com.au/produ...
Bluetti PV200 Solar Panel - www.bluettipower.com.au/produ...
Testing Equipment:
Watt Meter - ebay.us/YtTATY
Decibel Meter - ebay.us/wQfndb
Oscilloscope - ebay.us/BtK4Q2
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Here is some of the camera and audio gear used to film and produce our videos:
Sony A6400: ebay.us/Vk6dD6
Sony 24-105mm G Lens: ebay.us/317T9c
K&F Concept Tripod: ebay.us/KnDMW9
GoPro Hero 8: ebay.us/RolXxy
GoPro Mic Adapter: ebay.us/TavATp
Rode Videomicro: ebay.us/ZIagAa
Rode Videomic Pro: ebay.us/T8jep7
Rode Videomic Pro Deadcat: ebay.us/WUeLy6
Rode Wireless Go: ebay.us/ptDtzi
Canon EOS 70D: ebay.us/7tb0pR
DJI Mavic 2 Pro: ebay.us/kPIchk
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting XploringOz. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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another great review i cant belive the time it must take to put these together . well done nathan . looks like the ideal unit to charge a battery when the sun is not playing ball ..iam going to get one and see how we go .. on another note i encourage other subscribers to send nathan a $2 thanks even once a month to help with expenses he would have making these videos . and no he didnt ask me to suggest this . . thank you tom
Thanks Tom, appreciate the kind words and the positive feedback. Hopefully your unit will perform just as well 🤞
It looks like there is a bit of interest in the larger units too... I might have to purchase on of these for similar testing, to see exactly what they can power 👍
Thanks again Tom 🙏
Best review ever! My unit has 58 hours on the clock. Run at three campsites in seriously adverse weather, nearing 5 deg temps, in rain and hail. Never skipped a beat. Powering my media laptop and other devices AND my 100AH Lipo for more than 9 hours on a single tank. Great value for money!
Thanks mate! Glad you enjoyed the review and it's encouraging to hear positive reviews on these units too!
All the best, Nathan.
Hey how do you charge your lithium battery up with these
@@shahidjefcoate2122 Plug in a lithium compatible charger
Another excellent review Nathan. Thanks once again for the time and effort you put into your videos. I’m glad you are speaking positively about your new van. Fingers crossed it arrives very soon. 🤞
Thanks mate 🙏
Can't wait for the new van, won't be too long now. Hoping with the next 2 months 🤞
Awesome review mate, so informative giving such detail. I start the video thinking might skip a few sections (as I already have a generator) but always end up watching the whole thing. Can’t wait to see the Tandem van and big trips coming up.
Thanks man, appreciate it 👍 Hope you are keeping well.
Cheers Nathan. This looks like the answer to charging boat batteries on remote trips. Thanks for the effort and detail you put into your reviews!
No problems mate. Glad you enjoyed it, I imagine it would work very well on a boat 👍
All the best
Fantastic review most definitely one of the best I 've seen.
You convinced me. I just ordered one. Another informative review mate. Great work.
Haha, here's hoping you have the same results 🤞
I just went and got one of those Hi-beam lights after you mentioned them... will have to see how that performs 🤔
Cheers 🤙
Thank you for an excellent, comprehensive and well articulated review.
Bravo! Excellent review. A great light weight generator for charging battery/inverter systems.
Thanks mate 🙏
Glad you enjoyed it
I don't remember the last time I watched an Aussie review upload as good as this one 🎉
Awesome, thanks mate, appreciate it 👍
Excellent review, you covered pretty much everything that could be covered. Thank you!!!
Great to hear, hopefully it was helpful. Thanks 🙏
Thanks for a great review.. Looking for a genny to recharge caravan batteries in cloudy weather when solar does not work. Sounds like it could be the go...
As a mater of interest is it possible to add an additional muffler or similar, maybe like the exhaust tube you see on diesel heaters to make the generator produce less noise ?
Really top quality content. Thank you for making it, gives me so much more confidence to go and buy this device. I see it everywhere and I love the portability, will definitely buy knowing that it performs so well and is not just a bunch of empty claims on paper.
Thanks mate, glad this came in handy!
I can confirm that years on and its still performing without issue. Very happy with the value from money in this case 👍
Another excellent video. Looking forward to the follow up.
Cheers mate, appreciate that 👍
Fantastic review. We only want to top up our AGM house battery in our motorhome when we are not plugged into shore power. So this might be a good genie to buy. Look forward to your updated review if you take this on your Lap of Oz
I've had one of these under a no-name brand bought from Ebay for about 5 years now and absolutely no problems at all! I do not use it a lot, but it has never failed me when I did need it.
Awesome, glad to hear some positive experiences in regards to long term use 👍
Thanks olmate excellent review, honest ,could understand every word ❤❤ no bs 👏
Thanks mate, I appreciate the feedback and glad you enjoyed this episode 🙏
Cheers Nathan for the review🍻🍻🍻, been looking at a small compact geni for those "just incase days" out campn. I have the Gentrax 3.2kva model for my caravan but want something for the camper, understanding its limits, think i'm sold 😁😁😁
Cheers Andy 🍺🍺🍺
Same as the popular sportsman generator. I bought one of those (120V US flavor) a few years back when they were around $200. I have many generators and am a tinker type person. The generator was well maintained but lasted only 1.5 years before the inverter failed. They advertised it at 800/1000 and it could not handle the 800 constant. 600 constant was all you could get out of it on a common summer day. Overall I really liked the generator and wished they had higher quality electornics as I would have paid more for the reliability as I liked the lightweight and small cc engine.
Great review and value for money it has stood out well. Being an older person the weight is an attractive point for me and the ease of carrying it makes it an attractive option. Its very possible to be able to construct a small cover to reduce noise more and it wouldn't be hard to fit a 12 volt fan to extract heat from the cover utilizing the 12 volt outlet.
For sure, the box and some insulating material to reduce the noise level is a great idea 👍
I have just found your channel and great thank you.
I have had 2 cheap generators and both have failed inverters but the engines are good. You will need to ensure that you can get spare parts and particularly the inverter. Do you know if they are available? It would be good to carry one or be able to get one shipped.
Thank you for a good video
Thanks very much for the thorough and clear review.
No problems mate, hope it was helpful 🤞
Great review definitely a cheaper alternative then the Honda gen set for just power tools on the property and the back of the ute Chinese brand didn’t even get a look in until your review 👍
Perfect, just what I needed. Thinking of getting one of these to supplement my lithium batteries which won't quite do a night of Air Con load. Plug my AC battery charger into this generator which will take a ⅓ or more of the Air Con at full load, once the van is at temp I'd think it'd nearly take the full load off the batteries. Not the most efficient of energy pathways mind you, converting to AC and then back to DC. Wish they had a high amperage 12v output I could hook up to my DC DC charger.
You convinced me to buy one of these. It has already arrived and is running like a sewing machine. I love it - especially for $279!
Awesome, great news 👍
Hopefully they last the test of time, but I’m certainly happy with my purchase, I hope you are too.
Cheers, Nathan.
Excellent review! I only run a 100ah lithium however have a 120ah deep cycle as well for backup however I’ve been looking at a small generator for backup of a backup lol and looked at this one they do have a Pro version as well with a couple extra outputs for charging devices etc.
An excellent and very comprehensive review.
Thank you 🙏
What a great result !! We're about to purchase one ourselves (Easter 2023) and they're $329 in Aust with free delivery & accessories.
Thank you very much for your comprehensive review ☺ 👍
Ted & Rosie - Nomads
That's a great price. We handed ours on to some family members while we travel full time, but glad to say it's still gong strong 👍
The Gentrax arrived well packed, and after filling the oil & some fuel, started first go. Runs well, and can recommend it.
We connect our 30Amp Victron charger to the LiPO4 battery bank only when needed, the charger draws 470W . The Gentrax 700W (800W max) runs on normal setting, on 'econo' it stalls. So that's 67% of the genny's capacity - good for longevity 🙂
Travel safe & see you at a camp one day 👍
Ted & Rosie 🌹
Brilliant Review. Very thorough testing of performance in realistic conditions. What happens when the unit is set to economy mode and the load suddenly increases above the threshold for econ running ? E.g a surge from a fridge freezer start up ? Does the unit revert to full throttle automatically, does the engine stop or does the overload trip and stop the engine ?
Hi Nathan, grreat review. I just purchased one to run the caravans 30A charger when the solar can't keep up.
Does your Gen intermittently surge even when unloaded? Mine has a hicup every 15-20 seconds.
I'm glad it was you that did a serious test on one of these geny's. I was looking at this little one just for emergency lithium battery charging. I ended up buying the next size up - 1200 / 1000 just to cover the possible need to run a power tool off grid as a tradie. I do have a work site 2.2kva Kubota but it is big, heavy and loud. Thanks for the review and test. One question. At what point should I be switching between economy and full power mode? Half way (500W) or just when it starts to gag ?
Awesome mate, glad you enjoyed the video!
I reckon I might end up testing some more of these units in the different sizes to see exactly how they perform!
In regards to the economy mode, I would personally leave it on, unless the high startup demand is too much for the unit. Leaving it on, the unit will only rev up to the necessary RPM to power the load required 👍
Cheers, Nathan.
I agree with your review I have the 2kw which after 27hrs operates perfectly though it's a little noisy! I have found that the magnetic dipstick (even though shorter) that fits the Honda 22i from EBay also fits the Gentrax and does a good job of removing random metal particles Good review!
Awesome, its encouraging to hear positive reports coming back from this unit! Awesome tip there with the magnetic oil dipstick! Cheers, Nathan.
That's so interesting, a magnetic pickup in the dip stick !!
I'm wondering if I can add a small powerful magnet to the plastic dip stick ??
Hmmm 🤔 another "want to do project ☺ " all the best - Ted
I own one of these and I run it every night for a staggering 9 hours and 12 minutes, unbelievable but very true. Once service regularly you should be just fine with this unit. I'd buy one again anytime. My service issues so far have been, spark plug, Air Cleaner complete and Decarbonization. Clean Muffler mesh after every use and follow the Manufacturer's service schedule, very important. TH-camr did a great job with the above video, absolutely great review and testing. Cheers!
Awesome, that's great to hear other peoples positive experiences 👍
Thanks for the comment and glad to hear that this is working out for you.
I have it’s 3.5kw brother…. Went well on our trip to the Kimberly… not that we used it much, after two or so years it still runs well, body and bits still holding up well (I start it up every 6mths or so for a test and change oil & fuel filter every 12mths )… I fitted a quality spark plug after a discussion with a small engine place
Awesome, glad to hear positive reviews on these units. Sounds like you have looked after your unit too, which would make a big difference! I'll keep my eye out for a new spark plug too 😉
Thank you for this big and amazing test. It confirm my decission to buy it. Exact this model. But made for a higher peak of 1.200 watt. This is the smallest version here.
Greetings from Germany. Middle europe.😊👍😄
Awesome, this is great. Thanks for letting me know and I'm glad this could help with your decision. All the best with your unit 👍
Great vid. Thanks. I have noticed in the user manual it says that an earth stake is recommended but I noticed you weren’t using one. Could you please shed some light on this? Because the unit doesn’t come with one and I’m wondering what I need to use. Cheers
Fantastic review Nathan, mate your view on whether or not this gennie is a good option to simply plug into my van to run a BMPRO HA 35 charger to put 30ah into the batteries when the sun don't shine. I too have a Honda EU22 but the weight and physical dimensional savings on this gennie is a real consideration. Not intending to use for any other task.
Cheers for sure. Its a strange size, but if it works for those small loads then it will come in handy!
Such an amazing review 👏👏👏👏
Thanks, appreciate that 👍
Always wondered about the Gentrax brand. Wonder how the 2kw model would perform. I personally see little benefit in a gen with less power HOWEVER you've made a valid point. This unit is very light and provides the ability to charge a battery bank therefore it could be a good combination. Thanks for your time. Cheers
Yes, I've always been interested by these units too. So far this little unit holds up quite well.
It's an interesting size, but perfect for those low power devices or battery charges 👍
I have had one of these for a little over two years, though it was probably about a year old when I acquired it. It has just given up the goose. Not sure what went wrong, but it burnt all its oil (approx. 12hrs), and had heaps of fluid (petrol) in its combustion chamber, pulling it apart was a total mess, fuel was everywhere. Worked fine for charging my batteries, though I wouldn't trust it with much else. As you said, it struggles to add loads, often becoming bogged down and shutting off. Just purchased the 1200w version, waiting on delivery. For the price, I rate them.
Hmm, yeah that’s a little annoying. I haven’t had any issues like this, but I’d still argue there is some value for money there. I guess it’s the reliability and longevity in question
Great review and perfect for charging butteries on those cloudy weeks
Something not many know on start up the Honda has a blinking light. Each blink represents 50hrs of run time
Mine blinks 5 times
Check if this unit has the same feature
Thanks Michael. Ahh yes, good point. I haven't seen any information regarding this in the documents, however I'll keep my eye out, would be a great bonus!
Cheers, Nathan.
Great review, although I miss my little BMX-20I (2 stroke) and apparently no longer available. :(
What is the "bedding in" time for this unit you reviewed?
Thanks mate, yes there have been some good units in the past and unfortunately it seems that small engines like this are becoming a thing of the past too 😢
A top idea getting a cheap petrol generator as backup to charge your caravan batteries if ever needed whilst travelling full-time Nathan. Like many others, I shall be closely following your 12mth trip with your family around Oz. Looking forward to the part of your series if it takes you up around my neck of the woods in SE Qld.
Just a quick note here about the Bluetti AC200Max and the 3 x SP200 portable solar panels I bought in Apr/Mar 22, I have since had all items exchanged for new after they all kinda went wheels up on me. I had been using the gear fairly regularly to really put them through their paces and first the touch screen on the AC200Max stopped working (still could control it via the App though) then later, one of my solar panels stopped working altogether whilst the efficiency of the remaining two dropped significantly. I have to say though that Bluetti were pretty good about it and they replaced all the items new and paid for the return postage and so, all have since been working a treat for the past several months. Have you had any similar experience with your Bluetti gear? Despite being replaced under warranty, I’m a bit concerned that I might experience similar problems in the future although I note that the replacement 3 x 200W portable solar panels appear to be a different design to my original panels.
Keen to get your thoughts …
G'day Rich, really sorry to hear about that experience from the Bluetti products! Although I'm glad to hear they replaced them under warranty, this is still not what you expect when you pay that much money.
Personally I've had no dramas with any of my units. I don't use them everyday, but between testing and the use I do get from them off-grid I have put them under some reasonable stress. I have worried about the screen on the AC200, as this wold render this unit inoperable, however it's still going strong.
In regards to the panels, do you think they may be the new PV200 panels, rather than the SP200 panels? If so, that is a good upgrade as I have tested both and the PV are much more efficient units with the ability to continue powering in partial shade!
Hi Nathan. Yes, I can confirm that the replacement solar panels are the PV200’s. They seem to work really well but then again, so did the SP200’s when I first got them.
It’s a bit of a concern to have all the gear ‘break’ so soon but Bluetti did replace them new without too much fuss.
I have to say though that currently not having a suitable Bluetti retailer here in Oz is a bit painful. The wait to get an email reply (currently the only means of contacting them) is an absolute horse’s rear end!!!
I have the same generator sold under another name and it is the best generator ever made. 20lbs and powers electric power tools on the go and my PS4 in a blackout. Such a stud for the $160 I paid for it.
Awesome, I agree it sure is good value for money 👍
Perfect review
Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback 👍
great and down to earth review just subscribe
Awesome, thanks mate. Glad you enjoyed it 👍
Thanks, good review.
Glad it was helpful!
what a review! thankyou
Thanks mate, hopefully it helps 🙏
Great review am sold
Cheers mate, glad you found this helpful 👍
that was great mate, cheers 👍
Thanks mate, appreciate it 👍
In the US these were sold as a sportsman, from buffalo tools,can’t find them now.. not bad.
Great video thanks.
Thanks, appreciate it 🙏
Thanks for the very informative review .
I purchased 1 for the sole purpose of backing up my 400 AH lithium battery packs 30 amp charger however it stalls the generator on engage of charger.
I can however increase the resistance of the load by a longer connection which reduces the charge rate to 20 amps.
Is there any better way to do this?
Cheers
I found (a few years ago) it could not start my 40amp 12V charger on a flat leadacid(eco mode off). But it would if the batt was half charged. Moveing to LFP a variable current lithium Battery Charger 50A works if you start it with low current and wind it up.
Thanks for that.
Even if I get it charging at 20 A and then increase it it kills the generator.
I have 400 AH LFP of 2 paralleled batteries .
I think it has something to do with the power factor of my cheap lithium charger .
The fact you can get 50 A out that generator is very interesting and I think I will have to invest in a new charger.
What brand is yours?@@mathewemy
They are great gensets but how about a follow up after considerable use?
Did you see/try its upgraded version? 800W Max as well but looks like a barrel, a little bit heavier and cost $100 extra?
Can't find anything about that model. On paper it is 1-2 dB quiter and they claimed it has been "re-worked for most longevity".
I'll have to have a look into this as the end of my full time travels 👍
Comprehensive gold Nathan, thank you once again. I really thought these cheap Chinese generators wouldn't be up to the task.On behalf of your followers, thanks for taking the time to do these tests. Mate you have an impressive array of electrical testing gear. If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for a 9 to 5?
Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback 🙏
I didn't think they would perform either, however I will admit I was wrong there. Now to see if they stand the test of time.
Haha, yes I'm glad someone recognises the equipment. This testing equipment costs more than the generators... a few times over 🤦♂️
My day job has nothing to do with anything I do on the channel, this is all just a hobby. I work in local Government.... super boring stuff 😆
Nath, long time service leave?!?
But befor you are released on it from the audience = us! You have to show us your van, solare and battery system and your new tps for the van and cruiser!
Yep, that’s a must do…… hahah
You will get a 10 years good luck for it.
Ok, shoot it.
Nearly forgot, super vid again on a even mor interesting subject: affordable light weight back up..
Keep the sunny side up..
Cheers..
Bought something very similar 2 years ago, it lasted about 4 runs before the inverter gave out:(
@@holgermuller2987 Something like that. I've actually sacrificed 20% of my income over a 5 year period but the 5th year of this scheme allows me to have a year off entirely! In the long run I'm loosing a years worth of income, but will still get pay checks while I'm away to help with budgeting 👍
Don't worry, as soon as the vans comes there will be plenty of videos and tech specs coming your way 😉
@@KevinSmith-os5yz Sorry to hear that mate. That is very disappointing. How was the customer service from the seller, did they honour their 12 month warranty?
Thanks!
Thanks Tom, always appreciated mate 🙏
Simulated sinwave will not damag any sensitive electronic. All that equipment has own power supply, which convert AC voltage to DC and DC voltage run thoes devices. Only AC motors may have issues with simulated sinwave.
I bought the Gude ISG 1200 -1 It is an very economical generator it run 7 hours on a tank of gasoline.
But it makes a hell of noise, also in economic mode.
Not to be recommended for camping or boat.
If i need it then I let it turn 8 meters away from my ship.
Yeah, they are a bit noisy, but they provide good value for money for the power they provide 👍
hi hows it going just like to ask a question about your GPS mounting bracket thanks
For sure, ask away. This setup is all part of the Garmin Overland unit. Magnetic GPS mount which also delivers power and a charge to the GPS unit. The mounting is my favourite part of this device 👍
They sell these at big W still they work alright there like any other budget generator they work great but obviously might not last as long as somthing like a Honda but for the price of a Honda you could buy like 5 of these ones for the same price I actually seen a side by side identical caravan test on a Honda and a kings 2000w both ran the ac and everything in the camper but the Honda ran for like 5 hours on one tank and the kings only ran for like 3 and a half hours on one tank and ran like it was under heavy load for half the time they did there test on hot FNQ temps aswell so was a pretty decent real world test and the kings didn't fail but the difference in the quality is noticeable like when it comes to run time and power output but for less then 500 bucks it's a pretty good deal especially If you only use it a few times a year for a few hours each use so I suppose it just depends on what your using it for If you wanna spend the extra money do it but if you can't spend that much the cheaper ones do do a good job so it just depends on your budget and what you want to use it for
For sure, I agree with you 100% here. It depends on the reason you need a generator, if you are not relying on it for important equipment and don't use it that often, the cheaper options can often provide a much better value for money! The quality of the Honda is second to none though and if I really needed something tough, this is always my go to 💪
Hey Nathan, do you think this would be adequate for running a caravan caravan over night or on hot days?
Thanks Joel
Hey mate, are you referring to a caravan air-conditioning unit? If so, I think this would probably overload the unit, unless you had one of those box styled units and generally go into the window of houses (these are generally very efficient).
From the comments there is a lot of interest regarding the larger unit. If there is enough interest, I might purchase one of these and do similar testing to see exactly what it can do 👍
@@XploringOz yeah like the jayco aircon unit in the roof. You think it would overload it?
@@joelvanpamelen6700 Yeah, I think that a roof top styled aircon would very likely overload this little unit. Would need something a little bigger 👍
Hey mate I’ve got a setup in my 4wd with a 120amp agm battery and just recently bought a ac to dc charger to top up power if it’s low at a caravan park or elsewhere. So would this generator work out bush to keep my battery topped up. Thanks mate 🍻
It’s actually the kickass 12v 22amp 9 stage smart battery charger for led acid lithium and agm
Hey mate, yes this should work perfectly for that. Under full 22A load, you should be using the generator at about 60% capacity, so there should be no drama's there 👍
@@XploringOz thanks heaps mate 👍🏼
I was about to purchase a yamaha ef1000si. ..cost about Aud$1699. Plan to use it only for charging battery on a not so ideal condition for solar. No brainer. .. that's about 5 or 6 of this unit compare with 1 yamaha. I'm sure it could reach a 15 years life if it only lasted just 2 year before another replacement. I ordered one.
Awesome mate, well I'm glad this video helped you out!
I'm impressed with the value for money and agree with your logic there 👍
Would the 2kw 1.7kw Gentrax be big enough to run a aircon in my van sorry for dumb questions don’t know about these things
In short…. Depends on what kw and age of air con you have….. if you have a soft start aircon even better…. I had a van with an old style air con…. Needed a 3.5kw unit….. most air cons you should get away with something around 2kw…. Just don’t expect to run much else off it.
@@raybourne5781 thank you Ray for your reply I will how do I check how much power the aircon draws and starting power I have no idea about thing’s like that I’m very grateful for your help thank you 🙏
Hey mate, as Ray said it will depend on what unit you have. I managed to run my Jayco' airconditioner off my Honda EU22i no problem and ran many other accessories too (I have another older video on this).
One way to check is by using one of the watt meters I used in this video to measure the power passing through the ASC cables. There is a link in the description of this video to this product on eBay and it's relatively inexpensive. This device will be able to tell you the live watt draw as well as the peaks. What ever it requires is what power unit you would likely need to get.
Hope this helps, let me know if I can offer any more assistance.
Thanks, Nathan 👍
Great review but u forgot to test 12v charger true volts/amps and the load it puts on the engine
Yes mate, I didn't test the 12V function in this review. Something I'll try and re-visit at a later time 👍
Yeah mine when I was trying to use that function I realized it was only putting out like 1.5 volts so I reckon I got a fault from factory, unfortunately it's out of the two years warranty you get in the UK what's bummer
@@rotormasher Hmm, that's interesting. Something I'll have a look into with my unit 🤔
Can the larger Gentrax power a aircon ?
In short…. Depends on what kw and age of air con you have….. if you have a soft start aircon even better…. I had a van with an old style air con…. Needed a 3.5kw unit….. most air cons you should get away with something around 2kw…. Just don’t expect to run much else off it.
Hi can anyone help me please, i want to charge my ebike on long trips out and am thinking something like this may be ideal. my battery is a 48v 17.4ah battery. would this little generator charge my bike without the worry of damage?
A 5amp charger on a 13S battery should be fine. (MAX load excluding conversion loss of charger is 54.6 X 5 = 273W though you would start chargeing at a lower voltage so less load. Leave eco mode off get it chargeing then switch to eco mode.
Omg brillant review
Thanks mate, appreciate it 👍
Good initail review of this unit . I stupidly bought one of these pathetic things around 15 months ago, solely to power a battery charger to charge my camper battery when there was insuffient sun, I followed all the run in proceedures and all was good for the first few times that I needed to use it. Im in outback WA prospecting and there hasn:t been a lot of rain or cloudy days so over the last 15 months or so I havent had to use it too many times. The few times that I have had to use it I also pluged in my laptop and additional monitor which the unit powered without issue. But recently the unit has lost output power and will now not power the battery charger. It will only provide just enough output to power the monitor and laptop. It also should be noted that there is no fuel filter on the unit. . Running the unit outside in an area like
outback WA which just happens to have a bit of dust every so often , this unit sucks the dust in through the air vent on the top of the petrol tank cap.
Once this dirt get mixed with the fuel it blocks a guaze filter in the carbi and stops the unit from working . To fix it you have to remove the carbi and pull it apart to clean the filter to get it to work again. To get around this problem i installed an inline filter.
AFTER OWNING ONE OF THESE UNITS FOR 15 MONTHS IM ABOUT TO LEAVE IT BY A ROAD SIDE BIN DO NOT BUY DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE THEY ARE SHIT
Good to see a nice clean AC output but what's the 12V DC output like, just rectified or rectified/filtered & regulated as well?. I don't know how well they'll go charging batteries when solar is low?. Does it have to be connected directly to the battery if charging or can it be connected through a battery monitoring system hardware, that lets you know how much power is going in?. Cheers.
Thanks
Thank you mate 🙏 Much appreciated
I have a feeling Gentrax and the Kings generators come out of the same factory with identical internals , can anyone confirm one way or the other please ?
Hey mate, can't confirm as I haven't had hands on experience with the Kings, but the shape and specs look extremely similar!
Can you plug that straight into the side of your caravan to charge the batteries?
G'Day Cindy, this would depend on the charger that's used within your caravan setup.
Some chargers only allow small currents (this generator would work), others use fast chargers and demand way too much power.
If you know what charger you have, I could try and help but it's hard without measuring the exact power demand.
Hope this helps a little 👍
I have a bmpro 35b-l and 2 lithium batteries itec 120x
@@cindycraig9152 Hmm, it's not the most specific there on the website specs.
There's two ways you can check to see if this will work.
1. Send an email to the company and see if they can confirm how many watts the 240V charger will draw.
2. (Recommend) Purchase one of these for about $25 to measure yourself and know for sure. (ebay.us/HDCvgU) If you place this between your 240V outlet and the van, you can measure exactly how many watts the 240V charger is drawing. If it's less than 700W then it will work. This will also measure any spiking and record that. If the spikes exceed the generator, then it might not work. (Generally 240V chargers don't have spikes of power - but it depends on what else might be wired up to that circuit)
👍
After 7 months has your opinion changed, does the unit still work well?
Hey mate, I've still had no dramas with the unit. I have handed it onto my in-laws for more use as I haven't brought this on my trip away.
Speaking with them, they have had no issues either. 👍
@@XploringOz Really appreciate the reply, I'm definitely going to get one. Great review
@@mizkail No problems mate 👍
Wow doesn't get a better review then this
Awesome, appreciate that mate 👍
As most people will agree, buying cheap tools is not recommended. They WILL let you down at the worst possible time. Yes Honda's and Yamaha's are expensive, but they are the best. I DO NOT want to take cheap down the Canning Stock Route.
For sure, I agree with you there. If you are relying on these pieces of equipment, then this has to be taken into consideration, but not everyone is heading ultra remote and 'needs' a generator to survive 👍 They are great for the extra comforts though
That's the same generator as my sportsmen generator
Could I recommend you put more emphasis on the "DO NOT DO THIS" when describing / using the suicide lead. I've seen experienced electrical engineers get serious belts from these things... sooo dangerous. Seems like a nice little genny.
For sure, it is very dangerous, I hope others who may be less aware take note of the warning. I can't see this being a popular test for others to be conducting 🤞
It's crapp why dont you just do Honda v Yamaha it's on your shirt get a real job theres thousands of you out there money is hard to come by stop your influence
Huh? 🤷♂️