Varg charging from generator.

[Chadx]

I have a generator question.
I have seen generators with 220v plugs that will fit the Stark charger (like the harbor freight predator 5500). Are those “really” 220V? They still say 120V in the description . Is there some other generator that is about $1k that I should look at? I’m in CA so happy to drive to Reno if I need to get one there. I just want to be able to charge about 1% per minute. Thanks In Advance.

Typically there are no small/light/economical generators that are 240v in the USA. 240v generators are heavy and expensive (compared to 120v generators) because they are sized for typical large capacity 240v loads. The 3,300watt 240v draw of our Varg chargers is quite a small load for a 240v draw.

As for Predator, i don't see a 5500. I see a 5000 and that is 120v only per the labeling on the generator outlets (120v 20 amp outlets and then the larger 120v 30amp RV outlet). And the 240v Varg plug is not the same, and will not fit in, any of those predator 120v outlets. You need the 240v to 120v adapter to use the varg charger on 120v outlet.
Edit: Just saw the 6500 generator and it has a 240v outlet.

On any 120v generator, you'll be able to charge at a max of about 1650 watts. On 240v, you can charge up to a max of about 3,300watts.

 

[skomarmy]

Thanks! Yeah it was predator 5000 that I looked at.
If anyone has a link to what they think the best generator is for charging a stark in the woods/camling please let me know.

 

[Chadx]

I edited my above post because I saw the Predator 6500 has a 240v outlet.

"Best" depends on your priorities. Quiet, great quality, last forever, 240v are much more expensive than Econo 240v generators which are heavy and loud, but cheap. Some prefer battery/inverters or power stations (I'm one of those) but they are expensive and don't recharge fast if you are using solar, so they are better for a one day trip and one recharge.

If buying a generator, as long as it has a 240v outlet and can output a sustained 3500 watts, it will work. Be careful because most generators are named for their "start up/surge" max wattage and the sustained wattage is much less.

Just make a list of the 240v generators that provide sustained wattage of at least 3500 and then pick the one that meets your most important criteria. To me, it's worth paying extra for quiet and quality. Nothing worse than listening to loud generators hour after hour (for you, everyone with you, and any other groups within earshot). Long after the pain of the extra cost wears off, you'll be thankful for something 10 decibals quieter than the cheapo generators. Huge sound difference between the two.

 

[EDR1]

I got the Briggs & Stratton QS6500 lots of Alta owners recommended (not sold in CA so I bought it used, had it shipped, and threw a few hundred into it to bring it back up to factory specs and added a mechanical hour meter). ~100bs and charges the Varg at full power at 50% load. If I ever have to replace it - I would opt for a electric start. and not mess with used again. This one looks super nice and is CA compliant, gas or propane for campers, quiet, 93.7lbs and list price is $760.:

WEN DF500iX 5000-Watt Dual Fuel 120V/240V RV and EV-Ready Electric Start Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Vehicle Charging Ports​

. Slowly building up my diesel truck to incorporate a 7.5KWH 48V battery pack, high power alternator for recharging, and a 5KW 240V Victron inverter, and leave the generator at home and silently charge.

 

[FYR]

As long as the generator is capable of single phase 220v at 16A, you should be fine, the factory charger will work. And, I applaud you for your willingness to cross state lines to make it happen

 

[EDR1]

As long as the generator is capable of single phase 220v at 16A, you should be fine, the factory charger will work. And, I applaud you for your willingness to cross state lines to make it happen

If I recall correctly, my Varg charge monitor consistently displays current power at 3100 watts even though I set it to the max 3300 watts... so unless they do not include other things that get power like the computers and the cooling fan, etc... 3100Watts / 240VAC = 12.91 Amps.

 

[FYR]

https://www.harborfreight.com/8750-watt-open-frame-inverter-generator-with-co-secure-technology-epa-71340.html

When I charge, my Varg shows 3.3kw

 

[Philip]

If I were in the market for 240V generators, this Maxpeedingrod 6250IE would be near the top of my list:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B747WH4V/?tag=sce0f-20

 

[AL_V]

I have a generator question.
I have seen generators with 220v plugs that will fit the Stark charger (like the harbor freight predator 5500). Are those “really” 220V? They still say 120V in the description . Is there some other generator that is about $1k that I should look at? I’m in CA so happy to drive to Reno if I need to get one there. I just want to be able to charge about 1% per minute. Thanks In Advance.

If you see a twist-lock AC receptacle on a generator that has 4 prongs it should be 240V.
There are 120V twist-lock AC receptacles but they only have 3 prongs.
Here is the cheapest Harbor Freight generator (that I could find on their website) with 240V:
EDIT: https://www.harborfreight.com/6500-...ator-with-co-secure-technology-epa-59205.html

 

[skomarmy]

You guys are the best! Thanks.

 

[Beagle]

If I were in the market for 240V generators, this Maxpeedingrod 6250IE would be near the top of my list:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B747WH4V/?tag=sce0f-20

Curious, what's up with the "noise level at 23 ft", is this some kind of industry standard or just some commercial nonsense?