Generator Size?

I would reccommend getting something just a bit bigger. Most warmers are pulling around 1100 watts, plus if you have a fridge or other gear you might want to power, when the warmers turn on the generator won't be able to handle all of them at same time. I would shoot for around 2500 watts, plus if you have power someone else wants to use it too! LOL I guess it really all depends on your budget tho.

I use a sound deafening Generac 6500w plenty of power to do anything but damn its loud! I have to park it faaaaaaaaar away for fear of pissing everyone off LOL

 

1000 not enough

1000 wont do it, i have a 1750. if you have the cash the yamahas are insane.

 

Another thing to keep in mind when searching for a generator. If your actual need is let's say 1500Watts, don't buy a generator that is capable of producing 1650 Watts.....buy one that is oversize by at least 50%. A couple of reasons why......
1. A little bit of room for expansion
2. A generator, like many devices, when run at or near their capacity, will run hotter than if it doesn't have to work quite as hard. A good analogy would be having a 5000lb trailer and buying something to tow it with that has a rated towing capacity of say...5200 lbs. That tow vehicle is going to be working it's little ass off trying to tow something that is close to maximum. During the summer months when the temperatures are maybe in the upper 90's trackside, and that generator is running at peak capacity because it isn't really big enough, it will get very hot. And remember, heat is the enemy or electrical circuit longevity. Also, try to stay away from the cheaper made (read Chinese) generators. I've had three of them in the last 7 years and finally decided that enough was enough and bought a 6300Watt Yamaha generator last year.


Oh, I almost forgot to mention one other thing. Generators are rated in Peak capacity and continuous capacity. Example......4400Watts peak............3750 Continuous. What that means is that generator is capable of providing a load that is rated at 3750 Watts continuously. If it sees a higher load, say 4300Watts, it is capable of providing that for a short period of time........like maybe several seconds. Anything longer than that and most like the circuit breaker will trip on overload.

Hope this helps a little.

 

I just got a Honda EU2000i for only one set of warmers, the price difference between a 1k and the 2k was only $200, but a 2K to a 3K is $1000. I am referring to the ultra quiet models though.
Good luck!

 

Buy a Honda EU2000i. it is plenty for one set of warmers. if you decide to get something else you can always but another and use the kit to connect them together. or, just have a buddy with one! The Honda's are the best all around. Yamaha and some others make some like it but there is more support and better accessories for the Honda. my 2 Honda's will run my 15k btu a/c unit on my trailer and power one set of warmers.

Do keep in mind that the advertised output is not what the generators will put out continous. also remember that tire warmers are resistive and not surge, meaning that they don't have a starting surge such as a a/c unit or something with a motor. you don't need to buy more generator than what is needed unless you just want to. just don't exceed the continous output of the generator.

 

I have a Yami 2000 and it works great.

 

I have the honda EU2000I generator. I can hear it cycle between super quiet and working a little harder, as the tire warmers cycle around the peak temperature. I would not go with anything but the Yamahas or the Hondas at 2000 watts or more for reliability. The quiet models are awesome and you won't piss off everyone around you at the track. Plus you can connect two of the hondas together to make 4000W.

 

I've been using a Honda EU1000i for a couple seasons now. Works ok for one set of warmers but I'd recommend the Honda EU2000i or Yamaha 2000.

I'm likely going to sell the Honda EU1000i and buy the Honda EU2000i instead.

 

One other thought: if you buy a Honda 2000i, you can always buy another one later and link them together should you need more power for an RV, trailer, etc...

http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/generator-parallel-capability

 

I have run two sets off my Honda 2000. However I had to plug one set in then wait a short time before plugging the second set in or it would pop the breaker. Also the fan was a no go. Based on that I think you would regret getting a 1000

 

2000 watts minimum.

Bigger is better but within reason unless you don't mind paying or lugging around a big genny. If you get the generac open type by a 50-100 ft. 10 or 12 gauge cord to put it away from yours and OTHERS pit areas.

 

+1 for the Honda EU2000. I run 2 sets of Chickenhawk warmers off mine occasionally w/o problem. Plus the Honda's are safer on sensitive electronic stuff like laptop computers.

 

And here we goop:

 

Chinese made generators (many times are name brands...Coleman, etc) are always considerably cheaper than a quality genny. You get what you pay for. As I stated in my earlier post, I went through three of them in about 7 years and finally said.."enough is enough" and bought a Yamaha 6300Watt Inverter type. That one is large enough to power my heat pump (not the electric backup portion though), and some lights at the house if the power goes out during a storm. There are guys out there that have had Honda generators for better than 20 years and they are still doing just fine. I would put the Honda and Yamaha on equal terms regarding quality.

 

I have a Honda EU2000I and it's enough for a pair of Chicken Hawk warmers, helmet fan and another box fan. My warmers draw 1100 watts. Honda's and Yamaha's are expensive but well worth it. Another great option is the Ryobi generators sold by Home Depot. My brother has one and is almost as quiet as the Yammies and Honda's.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...rd=ryobi+generator&storeId=10051#.US620zCG2E4

 

Ya the old man has a Honda 5000w that's at least 25yrs old that he bought in the 80's for his construction company.

Another point for the hondas is that you can buy the 2000w for about $900 and sell it in a couple of years for damn near $700.