RV Generator learnings

[92xj]

I am in the market for a generator and have no idea of the path to go down.

The main thing I will want to make sure this generator runs is a 15,000 BTU AC unit.  According to the internet, I will need a 3300-3500W generator.

With that number in mind I am thinking of purchasing 4000w and having plenty to run anything at anytime for the most part.
4000w generators are heavy and big and I will be dealing with this thing alone some of the time.

Do I buy a single 4000w or do I buy some sort of package deal with 2 2000w generators?

The 2 2000w will be a lot cheaper than a single 4000w.

In my simple uneducated generator brain, 2x200=4000. Fire them both up, hook them up however someone smarter than me tells me to and they(both running) will run a 15,000 btu ac, if I ever have the need or want.

They will also power a microwave, coffee pot, tv, the outlets and recharge the batteries (not necessarily all at the same time).
Please help with a path forward.

If money was no object, is honda the route to go?
If money is an object (which it is), is there a brand somewhat comparable, quietist and worth buying for my needs?

Thanks.

[BNAElkhntr]

Hondas Have just been More reliable  for me Long Term

[bornhunter]

Double 2000's. You dont need both of them at all times but when you do you got em. I've never looked back.

[Mudman]

We have been running the Champion 3500-4000w since 2010ish.  $299.  Runs our TT with AC lights, TV and coffee(Which uses lots of watts) and microwave.  3500watt is needed.  I also use it to power the house if elec goes out.  220v/110v so I feed the house at 220v to run well house, fridge and light and tv.  Win win.  It is 96lbs and quiet compared to other similar brands of value.

[KFhunter]

I had the same things running though my head for my RV

I don't use the AC that often, so I opted for (2) 2000w generators from Costco.  They're Yamaha powered iPower generators and so far they work great.  Together they run my AC fine, I'm not sure the BTU but it's a 30 foot TT with double slides so it's probably a good size unit.

I like that I can take one out to the old Dodge CTD and plug in the block heater and charge the battery at the same time, let it run a couple hours and it's warm, charged, and ready to start. 

When I'm camping and not needing the AC I like to alternate between two generators if I don't feel like gassing one up in the dark. 

The price did go up, I paid less, got mine soon as they hit the shelf, I was walking by and whoa!  snapped up two of them for less than $500/ea
https://www.costco.com/A-IPower-1600W-Running--2000W-Peak-Yamaha-Powered-Gas-Inverter-Generator.product.100343958.html


edit:

Oh and the nice thing about these is they're complete stand alone units..with the Honda you need the main generator then a companion generator that has limited use by itself, and you need that weird plug thing they got going.   With this you just plug the RV plug in either generator and when you need them both just plug in the two wires = done.   

The RV plug can be in either generator it doesn't matter. 

[HntnFsh]

I would definitely go with 2 2000s. Way easier to handle and lots of options. Heres a link to a thread on Ifish that is ongoing.
https://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?p=15939723#post15939723

[birddogdad]

I would definitely go with 2 2000s. Way easier to handle and lots of options. Heres a link to a thread on Ifish that is ongoing.
https://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?p=15939723#post15939723

if your going to be there for long time, i have 2 of these 2000's plumbed to a marine 5 gallon tank, lasts running continuous several days.. The beauty of having 2 connected is most times you only need the one and other can just stay off in reserve as well.. gas consumption reduced a lot that way... make sure and bring extra oil to add, i use a restaurant catsup squirt bottle, they can use and most have a low pressure oil shutoff.. This setup is used by me for 6 weeks every fall to run power to a camper, 2 tents lighting, a small chest freezer and an outhouse lights, most of the time, the one gen is enough as long as AC/microwave isn't run in the camper if you run LED lighting.

[Sandberm]

I bought the 2 Honda 2000w generators because I THOUGHT I was going to be running the air conditioner on my travel trailer. Ive NEVER used the ac, as I mostly camp in the spring and fall.

1 Honda 2000 will run the microwave in my tt and heat the hot water tank, but not at the same time.

[CoryTDF]

Funny that this just popped up. I just spent like 5 days researching generators and after reading about a million reviews I settled on this one. It was on $776 when I bought it last week??

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-4-500-Watt-Super-Quiet-Gas-Powered-Inverter-Generator-with-LED-Display-Push-Button-Start-and-Remote-Start-iGen4500/303364199

Not sure it was a good choice as I have not used it yet but the other Westinghouse Inverters I have used worked well.

I never even thought about buying two smaller ones??? Now I am second guessing myself. I do like the idea of only have to worry about one engine though. I bought a 26ft trailer last year as I plan to use it while following my daughter's softball tournaments. I plan on using the AC often as it will be hot and awful in the summer.
 

[BDildine]

Put a soft start on your AC and your generator will be much happier and won’t bog/risk popping the breaker when your compressor kicks on
https://www.microair.net/collections/easystart-soft-starters/products/easystart-364-3-ton-single-phase-soft-starter-for-air-conditioners?variant=30176048267

[kirkl]

Depending on where you camp watch some of these bigger gennys, they are LOUD. My dual fuel one for home is LOUD. I wouldnt want to be camped by you running a 4000-5000 watt genny. Id go the two HOnda or Yamaha 2000 route myself. The other ones are heavy if you dont have help and you can just take one if you need it.

[Mudman]

2 Predators in parallel is what my future holds but if on a budget a $300 champion is good buy and quieter then most but not quiet like inverters.  2 gives you option of using one at times and if breakdown occurs 1 still works!  Dual fuel is good idea for some..

[CoryTDF]

I wonder why none of you are not selecting a dual fuel unit. For a few dollars more you can run propane and not have to issues of a unit that won't start if fuel is left in the lines. You are hauling extra fuel so what is the difference in a propane cylinder. My rollie house has a remote propane outlet. Just hook up a longer hose and you are golden.



https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-4-500-Dual-Fuel-Gasoline-or-Propane-Portable-Inverter-Generator-with-LED-Display-and-Remote-Electric-Start-iGen4500DF/308134845

I believe the propane is far less efficient and more expensive than gas. It is also not near as easy to fine places to fill propane as it is to get some gas. I like the idea of it but i just did not see myself using it. 

[300rum]

You need to check if 2 2000's or 2200's will run what you want it to before buying them.  Many times they will run the AC but sometimes it won't.  For instance, on one of my trailers I had to flip the breaker on the microwave before the parallel units would run it.

Best way is to find someone who has them and try it first to make sure it will do what you want it to.   

[92xj]

Thank you all for your advice and opinions. I can admit I am new to this power stuff and know nothing of it. I like wood and fire but with the growing family and babies, a travel trailer is the choice and we look forward to spending many nights in it.

I honestly don't think we will run the AC more than once a year and that trip might even be in a hookup location, so the generator won't even be needed. All the other nights will be dry camping in the middle of nowhere high in the woods where an ac most likely won't be needed.

The smaller units appeal to me because of ease of moving alone. I honestly think I'll run a generator for powering a microwave when the kids get super hangry super quickly and I need to get food in them ASAP. Rainy day tv/DVD. Noise machines during naps and to charge the batteries for cell phone charging and noise machines at night without the generator running.

Fridge, grills, stove and furnace all propane with no need for the generator, I believe. The lights are all LEDs and I'll get the trailer set while hooked to the truck to hopefully use the truck power to set Jack's, roll out the awning and the slide out, keeping the trailer batteries as full as possible once disconnecting.

All that being said, if money allows twin 2000-3000s seems to be the way to go. Any brands to avoid? Those Costco ones look good.
I'm thinking I need to stay sub 1k per unit budget wise.

As I never used or been around a generator, I just fire it up and plug in the cord coming out of the travel trailer. When needing the extra watts I fire up the second and I'll be able to purchase cords to run them together?

Thanks again everyone.

[KFhunter]

I think you got the basics

Whatever you buy make sure it's an inverter.   They have different circuitry that's magical, it allows the generator to run lower speed then kick up when more power is needed.  Older style generators run full blast all the time.


It sounds like you just need one 2000w generator 99% of the time, you could space out the purchases (one now, one later) just know that AC is off limits until you have both units. 
If you buy from Costco I'd get them both at the same time  because you know costco, you go back to find something and its gone! 


Always Always Always use a little bit star tron fuel stabilizer so you never have an issue with the generator fuel system.
 
https://www.amazon.com/Star-Tron-Enzyme-Fuel-Treatment/dp/B001VMNHX8/ref=asc_df_B001VMNHX8/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242122067968&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14858459895442883850&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007525&hvtargid=pla-684030185232&psc=1

I've gotten the same advice from a boat dealer for treating fuel in the several new outboard engines, then I got the same advice from a local small engine repair shop selling lawn mowers ec, and I got the same advice from a Sthil chain saw shop. So I always use it without exception.

[Mudman]

Yup.  Keep in mind you have to buy kit to connect 2 genny's.  $100 or less.  Microwaves use more then most 2k genny can provide.  Coffee pots draw lot also.  If you can be 220v/110volt switchable its a bonus imop.

[300rum]

If you have babies you will use it more than you think.  I can remember when my kids were little and would take naps in the afternoon, you will use it, trust me!

We also like to take big road trips where we will leave late in the afternoon on big holidays.  My kids are home schooled so we will leave the in the afternoon of labor day for a week or so.  The weather is still hot, even in the mountains.  Sometimes we will pull over in a parking lot and spend the night and I will leave the generators hooked up and running in the back of the truck.  With the tailgate closed, the sound goes straight up and they can barley be heard.

The coffee pot is another good reason to have a parallel.  One generator will run it if hooked directly to the generator but not if plugged in to the trailer.   

[92xj]

Thoughts on this guy?
Price seems right for my budget.
2 hooked up together would power everything I could throw at it, I think.
Con is it is heavy and just under 100 lbs.
But, cost vs power vs sound (db) seems to fall in line with everything I need and I'll deal with the weight.


https://www.costco.com/Firman-Power-Equipment--2900W-Running--3200W-Peak-Gas-Inverter-Generator.product.100367440.html

[KFhunter]

some of them you need a kit, with the costco ones I got there is no kit, it's all included. 


You can plug the RV in either generator, there is no expensive companion generator like the Honda or a goofy harness like the Champion generators. 


I have a red and black wire that connects the two generators and that's it, has a nice plug n play don't even need a screwdriver,  each generator came with a set or black/red wires plus each came with 12v battery charger clamps.   Mine's a tad different in that it has a cigarette lighter style plug instead of the DC plug shown in the video.

[CoryTDF]

Thoughts on this guy?
Price seems right for my budget.
2 hooked up together would power everything I could throw at it, I think.
Con is it is heavy and just under 100 lbs.
But, cost vs power vs sound (db) seems to fall in line with everything I need and I'll deal with the weight.


https://www.costco.com/Firman-Power-Equipment--2900W-Running--3200W-Peak-Gas-Inverter-Generator.product.100367440.html

That is the exact one I was going to buy before I settled on the Westinghouse iGEN4500.

I know that my microwave in my trailer will not work with a 2000 watt gen. Also, if you have the refrigerator on it will kill the generator. I looked at all the options and the Westinghouse iGEN4500 has wheels and a handle so I can move it myself. It looks to get good fuel economy and if necessary it will run everything on my trailer at once. Has some pretty nice features and the reviews from several sites are all 4 star and above.

So, it all sound good and I hope that I am one of the many that give it a 5 star review. I have not used it yet though so this is all just hopes and dreams.

[92xj]

Thoughts on this guy?
Price seems right for my budget.
2 hooked up together would power everything I could throw at it, I think.
Con is it is heavy and just under 100 lbs.
But, cost vs power vs sound (db) seems to fall in line with everything I need and I'll deal with the weight.


https://www.costco.com/Firman-Power-Equipment--2900W-Running--3200W-Peak-Gas-Inverter-Generator.product.100367440.html

That is the exact one I was going to buy before I settled on the Westinghouse iGEN4500.

I know that my microwave in my trailer will not work with a 2000 watt gen. Also, if you have the refrigerator on it will kill the generator. I looked at all the options and the Westinghouse iGEN4500 has wheels and a handle so I can move it myself. It looks to get good fuel economy and if necessary it will run everything on my trailer at once. Has some pretty nice features and the reviews from several sites are all 4 star and above.

So, it all sound good and I hope that I am one of the many that give it a 5 star review. I have not used it yet though so this is all just hopes and dreams.

As in this one?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-4-500-Watt-Super-Quiet-Gas-Powered-Inverter-Generator-with-LED-Display-Push-Button-Start-and-Remote-Start-iGen4500/303364199

and dang it, you have now thrown off my buy two thought because this one is as quiet or quieter, sub 100 pounds so I can manhandle it when needed.  Powerful enough to know it will run the AC by self and everything else in the trailer when needed (when AC is off)  and under the cost of 2 of the 2000 units. 

[92xj]

This would have been a sweet set up, but doesnt look like the kit is sold anymore or in stock 
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-5-000-Watt-Super-Quiet-Gas-Powered-Inverter-Generator-Combination-with-Parallel-Cord-iGen5000p/302874558

[CoryTDF]

Thoughts on this guy?
Price seems right for my budget.
2 hooked up together would power everything I could throw at it, I think.
Con is it is heavy and just under 100 lbs.
But, cost vs power vs sound (db) seems to fall in line with everything I need and I'll deal with the weight.


https://www.costco.com/Firman-Power-Equipment--2900W-Running--3200W-Peak-Gas-Inverter-Generator.product.100367440.html

That is the exact one I was going to buy before I settled on the Westinghouse iGEN4500.

I know that my microwave in my trailer will not work with a 2000 watt gen. Also, if you have the refrigerator on it will kill the generator. I looked at all the options and the Westinghouse iGEN4500 has wheels and a handle so I can move it myself. It looks to get good fuel economy and if necessary it will run everything on my trailer at once. Has some pretty nice features and the reviews from several sites are all 4 star and above.

So, it all sound good and I hope that I am one of the many that give it a 5 star review. I have not used it yet though so this is all just hopes and dreams.

As in this one?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-4-500-Watt-Super-Quiet-Gas-Powered-Inverter-Generator-with-LED-Display-Push-Button-Start-and-Remote-Start-iGen4500/303364199

and dang it, you have now thrown off my buy two thought because this one is as quiet or quieter, sub 100 pounds so I can manhandle it when needed.  Powerful enough to know it will run the AC by self and everything else in the trailer when needed (when AC is off)  and under the cost of 2 of the 2000 units.

That is the one. No idea why it went up to $949. I bought it last week for $776 from HD.

[kirkl]

Ive had two new trailers in the last 5 years and niether microwave stopped my Honda 2000W.  Wonder what size microwaves you have in your trailers. Its makes her snort a little but doesnt throw the breaker on the genny.

[Crunchy]

Quiet is important to me.  Honda makes some really nice quiet 3-4kw gennies but they wont be cheap.

[Mudman]

Its about amps and surge.  The Honda(20amp?) inverter does better job than some.  My old TT would have killed a Honda, newer one probably not.     A 30amp Genny does the job but a 25amp would be perfectly fitted to most RV's.

[BDildine]

Its about amps and surge.  The Honda(20amp?) inverter does better job than some.  My old TT would have killed a Honda, newer one probably not.     A 30amp Genny does the job but a 25amp would be perfectly fitted to most RV's.

thats where a soft start comes in nice, you can buy a smaller sized genset, because it has a capacitor and controller that starts the compressor at a controlled rate rather than a sudden shock/slam on the system. Most  TT a/cs are able to run off a 2k, they just blow the circuit when starting, past initial startup the amperage needed is greatly reduced

[Mudman]

Please provide a product or link to "soft start".  Or is it just a capacitor wired in direct?   

[BDildine]

Please provide a product or link to "soft start".  Or is it just a capacitor wired in direct?   

i provided it earlier, but here it is again
https://www.microair.net/collections/easystart-soft-starters

if your savvy, you can buy just the board and the capacitor for less $$ and just mount it up in the a/c enclosure (cheaper, just doesnt come in an enclosed unit)

[92xj]

So, as of right now I am thinking about going this route.

2 of these
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-2-500-Watt-Super-Quiet-Gas-Powered-Inverter-Generator-with-LED-Display-iGen2500/304312161

1 of these
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-WHPC-Inverter-Generator-Parallel-Cord-WHPC/301999182


Also, remember I am stupid when it comes to electrical stuff....
If I run only one generator, I can still use the parallel cord as an adaptor to my travel trailer, since the generators only have the normal household receptacles and not an RV plug hookup.  Leave one end of the parallel cord unplugged and the other plugged into the generator and into the RV cord.

[Buckmark]

So, as of right now I am thinking about going this route.

2 of these
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-2-500-Watt-Super-Quiet-Gas-Powered-Inverter-Generator-with-LED-Display-iGen2500/304312161

1 of these
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-WHPC-Inverter-Generator-Parallel-Cord-WHPC/301999182




Also, remember I am stupid when it comes to electrical stuff....
If I run only one generator, I can still use the parallel cord as an adaptor to my travel trailer, since the generators only have the normal household receptacles and not an RV plug hookup.  Leave one end of the parallel cord unplugged and the other plugged into the generator and into the RV cord.

You can buy an adapter to plug the rv cord into a standard outlet...

[hiway_99]

I have a yamaha ef2800i.  It ran my ac no problem on my tt.  It also has a fuel shutoff unlike a honda 2000.  And its light enough for one person to move around.  I would consider selling or trading it as i dont have a trailer anymore.  PM me if intrested.  You could try it first if you want even.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[92xj]

So, as of right now I am thinking about going this route.

2 of these
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-2-500-Watt-Super-Quiet-Gas-Powered-Inverter-Generator-with-LED-Display-iGen2500/304312161

1 of these
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-WHPC-Inverter-Generator-Parallel-Cord-WHPC/301999182




Also, remember I am stupid when it comes to electrical stuff....
If I run only one generator, I can still use the parallel cord as an adaptor to my travel trailer, since the generators only have the normal household receptacles and not an RV plug hookup.  Leave one end of the parallel cord unplugged and the other plugged into the generator and into the RV cord.

You can buy an adapter to plug the rv cord into a standard outlet...

But couldn't I just use the parallel adaptor cord as my adaptor when only running one unit or when plugged in at the house and not have to buy an adaptor

[92xj]

I have a yamaha ef2800i.  It ran my ac no problem on my tt.  It also has a fuel shutoff unlike a honda 2000.  And its light enough for one person to move around.  I would consider selling or trading it as i dont have a trailer anymore.  PM me if intrested.  You could try it first if you want even.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Where are you located?
I'll do some research and reading and see if it as a stand alone would work

[WSU]

I bought a 3500 predator.  It's relatively quiet.  I haven't run the AC with it yet, so don't know if that would work.  I did use it this fall in some temps in the teens, and it ran 2 space heaters, microwave, and lights pretty well.  It did help cook things in the microwave to turn the space heaters off for a bit.  I ran the space heaters to supplement the propane over the course of 5 days in the woods.  The cost of one 3500 rather than 2 separate units was attractive.

[hiway_99]

I have a yamaha ef2800i.  It ran my ac no problem on my tt.  It also has a fuel shutoff unlike a honda 2000.  And its light enough for one person to move around.  I would consider selling or trading it as i dont have a trailer anymore.  PM me if intrested.  You could try it first if you want even.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Where are you located?
I'll do some research and reading and see if it as a stand alone would work

Bremerton

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[92xj]

I have a yamaha ef2800i.  It ran my ac no problem on my tt.  It also has a fuel shutoff unlike a honda 2000.  And its light enough for one person to move around.  I would consider selling or trading it as i dont have a trailer anymore.  PM me if intrested.  You could try it first if you want even.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Where are you located?
I'll do some research and reading and see if it as a stand alone would work

Bremerton

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Gotcha, a little too far to give it a shot but I appreciate the offer!


I am still thinking about going is route in a few weeks unless someone talks me out of it.

So, as of right now I am thinking about going this route.

2 of these
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-2-500-Watt-Super-Quiet-Gas-Powered-Inverter-Generator-with-LED-Display-iGen2500/304312161

1 of these
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-WHPC-Inverter-Generator-Parallel-Cord-WHPC/301999182


Also, remember I am stupid when it comes to electrical stuff....
If I run only one generator, I can still use the parallel cord as an adaptor to my travel trailer, since the generators only have the normal household receptacles and not an RV plug hookup.  Leave one end of the parallel cord unplugged and the other plugged into the generator and into the RV cord.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Funny that this just popped up. I just spent like 5 days researching generators and after reading about a million reviews I settled on this one. It was on $776 when I bought it last week??

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-4-500-Watt-Super-Quiet-Gas-Powered-Inverter-Generator-with-LED-Display-Push-Button-Start-and-Remote-Start-iGen4500/303364199

Not sure it was a good choice as I have not used it yet but the other Westinghouse Inverters I have used worked well.

I never even thought about buying two smaller ones??? Now I am second guessing myself. I do like the idea of only have to worry about one engine though. I bought a 26ft trailer last year as I plan to use it while following my daughter's softball tournaments. I plan on using the AC often as it will be hot and awful in the summer.

My thoughts are with anything mechanical it will break at sometime? Two is better than one. I always like redundancy in anything we rely on.

[elksnout]

Picked up a Champion 3100 new in sale in Oregon two years ago at Cabelas. Used my Cabelas bucks for an overall great price. Works great and powers my A/C perfectly on my 21' travler trailer.

Elksnout

[CoryTDF]

Funny that this just popped up. I just spent like 5 days researching generators and after reading about a million reviews I settled on this one. It was on $776 when I bought it last week??

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-4-500-Watt-Super-Quiet-Gas-Powered-Inverter-Generator-with-LED-Display-Push-Button-Start-and-Remote-Start-iGen4500/303364199

Not sure it was a good choice as I have not used it yet but the other Westinghouse Inverters I have used worked well.

I never even thought about buying two smaller ones??? Now I am second guessing myself. I do like the idea of only have to worry about one engine though. I bought a 26ft trailer last year as I plan to use it while following my daughter's softball tournaments. I plan on using the AC often as it will be hot and awful in the summer.

My thoughts are with anything mechanical it will break at sometime? Two is better than one. I always like redundancy in anything we rely on.

Might go that route if this iGEN4500 ever fails. I was able to get a fantastic deal on it through HD so I had to roll the dice and give it a shot.


Ran it today and it is awesome! really quiet.

[follow maggie]

I wonder why none of you are not selecting a dual fuel unit. For a few dollars more you can run propane and not have to issues of a unit that won't start if fuel is left in the lines. You are hauling extra fuel so what is the difference in a propane cylinder. My rollie house has a remote propane outlet. Just hook up a longer hose and you are golden.



https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-4-500-Dual-Fuel-Gasoline-or-Propane-Portable-Inverter-Generator-with-LED-Display-and-Remote-Electric-Start-iGen4500DF/308134845

Generators make 10% less power on propane vs gas, and they’re loud. The Onan propane generator runs at 70dB while the comparable sized Honda runs st 59dB. I think that means the Onan is twice as load as the Honda.

[Kc_Kracker]

you need to look at the ac unit specs and see what the MAX watt draw is, thats what it needs when it first turns on, thats the size gen you need. under the cover will be a sticker. if you lack watts or amps (caused by too small a cord or hookup) then you will fry the large Cap in the ac unit. i was an RV tech for many years i had to match these up all the time.