Generator for travel trailer

[RobertE]

Two part question, really.

1) Just looking, researching in anticipation of boondocking out west in the future.

I have one AC and I guess the microwave is the only other major draw. Fridge and hot water heater propane capable.

So I'm reading about start up amps and soft start devices. I've read some people using a 2000W generator and some saying it's not enough.

My choices would be governed by the weight, the ones weighing less than 50# are very appealing and of course, the 30 A RV plug. The two I've considered the most are Champion and Predator. Honda is not out of the question, but based on some reviews, I'm not sure the extra cost is worth it.

2) I've run the AC off a standard 120V outlet/20A circuit/25' 12 gauge extension cord, but I've had a couple people tell me I shouldn't do that. I'm only doing if it's hot and I've got the fridge running just to help with that.

What say the experts? Do I really need a 30A outlet in my carport if that's all I'm doing?

 

[joerone]

Do you have a soft start on your AC, if not a 2k watt generator may or may not be good enough. Also with only 2k watts, you won't run it for long

 

[Boat Bum]

Get the Honda.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

2000 will run some air-conditioning, but that is a close call. This is what you need to consider!

Running watts: the true Running watts for a 2000w generator is 1800w.

Noise level: a "quiet", generator is only quiet when not running at full bore. (One friend purchased a Honda 2000 to charge his lithium solar generator, only to find it nessissary to set the system limits to 1400w, or the Honda would kick out). At that rate the Honda was loud!

If you don't mind dissapoinment, the Honda 2000w generator has the advantage of an overhead cam engine. That advantage is better fuel economy. The dissapoinment will come at higher elevations, via lower output capability, that may prove the generator unable to power the A/C. Remember Honda makes larger "quiet" generators. And when lower wattage generators are coupled, they are not quite!!!

I use a 3500 predator, when I need a backup. I never take it out of the pickup bed. There is no comparison to my friend's Honda 2000w generator when we try to compare.

Running the scale of Noise/watt output. The predator can hardly be heard all the way up the power curve until the Honda can no longer compete.

I like the Honda 2000w generators, but they are a different fruit. A 2000w generator just can't compare to 3500w.

 

[turbopilot]

Two part question, really.

1) Just looking, researching in anticipation of boondocking out west in the future.

I have one AC and I guess the microwave is the only other major draw. Fridge and hot water heater propane capable.

So I'm reading about start up amps and soft start devices. I've read some people using a 2000W generator and some saying it's not enough.

My choices would be governed by the weight, the ones weighing less than 50# are very appealing and of course, the 30 A RV plug. The two I've considered the most are Champion and Predator. Honda is not out of the question, but based on some reviews, I'm not sure the extra cost is worth it.

2) I've run the AC off a standard 120V outlet/20A circuit/25' 12 gauge extension cord, but I've had a couple people tell me I shouldn't do that. I'm only doing if it's hot and I've got the fridge running just to help with that.

What say the experts? Do I really need a 30A outlet in my carport if that's all I'm doing?

Forget about a stand alone generator. Just get an F-150 PowerBoost HEV with the optional 7.2 kWh Propower on Board Generator option. You can even configure your tow to be fully powered with the air conditioners running in motion with minimal impact on MPG performance of the truck.

The PowerBoost completely changes the experience towing an RV trailer. You have full shore power whenever the truck and trailer are together.