How big is this cabin? What are your specific electrical loads? I ask because a MEP 002/003 may be overkill if our only talking about 1 or 2 small window air conditioners a few (probalbly CF ) light bulbs, maybe a refrigerator, etc. If this is a remote cabin, then fuel economy will be a major concern, the closer to right sized unit the better, also diesel generators don't like running on light loads for long periods of time (wet stacking) Another thing to remember is the MEP-002/003's are LOUD if not in the relatively rare sound supressing housing. The reason I mention this is I recently bought a 3 kw diesel MEP701A (MEP-16B in sound suppressing housing), it provides plenty of power to run the 12x24 ft shed in my back yard with a 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner, lights, small air compressor, assorted power tools, etc. (again the 3kw is military rating, 3.6 kw if you use commonly accepted 1.0 PF math, and would probably be marketed as 5-6 kw on the civ. market). The big downsides to the 701A is it is a 3600 rpm 2 pole unit, not the slower spinning 1800 rpm like the MEP 002, parts are also hard to find (another obsolete Onan engine). On a positve side they are lighter 500 vs 900 pounds (light enough to hoist into the back of a small pick up / small utility trailer, heavy enough not to grow legs too easy when left outdoors), cheaper (I paid $400) and quieter (similar tone, but not as loud as a push mower).
Ike
p.s. as to buying strategy it seems big generators buyers are buying all they can from the large lots lately, the week before I bought my 701a in a sale where it was the one of 2 units, at another relatively nearby location had a couple of dozen 701a's all went to the same buyer for $750-1,500. I suspect resellers buying all they can at one sale makes it easier for them to justify paying freight or sending their own trucks for pick ups.
