Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11-08-2014, 09:02 AM   #21
Senior Member
 
ironj's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,368
Yup...my champy 4500 is marginal on my 15k ac at over 2000ft or 90 degrees.....and thats WITH a hard start cap.....
__________________
2015 F350 Platinum Fx4 6.7 Diesel Dually. B&W turnover, B&W Companion, air bags and wireless controller.
2015 Heartland Road Warrior 420 Rt
2012 f250 Fx4 6.7 Diesel crew cab tinted n tuned
2012 lacrosse 318bhs touring- sold
ironj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-2014, 09:01 PM   #22
Senior Member
 
SKnight's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,428
Wow, my Honda EX4500 has never had a hard time running my AC, sea level to as high as 5,400 feet. At my home on a hot day, 830 ft altitude it barely even grunts as the AC would fire up and I don't recall it having issues at altitude.

I just tried my EU2000i pair, now it was a cool day but they fired it up with ease. Got me wondering how they'll hold up at my favorite spots.
__________________
Now-2014 Sierra 346RETS 5er BUB
Then-2002 Keystone Springdale 286RLDS TT

Nights camped in 2014-28, 2015-127, 2016-10
SKnight is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2014, 09:53 PM   #23
Senior Member
 
Boss Hoss's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 155
Champion is my choice.Good quality-low price.
__________________
2013 Palomino 30ft. of Pure Bliss at 5400#-and then we have this 14 ft.Sea Eagle that I tote around for my wife and son.Michigan State Parks are The Best !:thumbsup
Boss Hoss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-2014, 09:43 AM   #24
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 337
Quote:
Originally Posted by paluka44 View Post
What size generator would I need to run my 2015 Columbus 320RS comfortably and what is the minimum size...
The 320 is a 50 amp 5er with dual a/c plants. Even dual Honda 2000s would have trouble running the entire the RV.

However, you could certainly run it on one a/c plant with dual Hondas without much problem.

You could also look at a Boliy (may have the spelling wrong) 3000 which is an inverter styled genset. It is about as heavy as a open frame genset (maybe a little lighter) certainly quieter.

There is a thread about them here: http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tor-10691.html
__________________
Foard County News & Sassy Schoolmarm
with Lady & Chloe, 2013 39 days, 2014 59 days
2017 GD Imagine 2800BH
'07 GMC Sierra 2500HD Diesel 4x4
Why I got into RVing & More Fun
ng2951 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2014, 06:51 PM   #25
Member
 
ShutterBugBev's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 43
Yay! So glad to find this thread!!

I am heading to Arizona for the winter and I want to boondock. I have six dogs and trying to find an RV park that will let me stay is impossible.

I am looking at generators and my first question is - does the generator have to have an inverter on it? I have a 2011 Forest River Rockwood Ultralite 2604.

Second - I can't afford two Honda 2000 watt generators, so I am also looking at the Champion Power Equipment 2800W / 3100W Inverter Generator unless I don't have to have the inverter. In that case I'm looking at Champion Power 3500/4000W Gas Generator. I can either carry it in the bed of my truck with some permanent fastening or I can have it mounted on the back of the trailer. The first one weighs 83.3 lbs. and the second one weighs 97 lbs.

I only need to make coffee in the morning, toast bagels and heat up something in the microwave for 5 minutes tops. The only other reason I'll use it will be for the lights and my computer. I also have solar in this rig but it's not enough to use the computer. The batteries drain pretty fast and of course it's useless if it's cloudy.

I tend to follow mild weather so there's usually no reason to need the AC unless it's hot in the desert and there are high winds so I have to close myself up in the TT. I hate using propane so I have a little space heater and I'd like to be able to use that as well.

The whole solar/battery thing drives me crazy because it reads to not let the batteries drop below 50%. Why? As long as I don't completely drain the batteries, why - at night when I can't run the generator or have any sun to charge the batteries, why can't they get lower than 50%?

As usual - thanks for all the fantastic information that you always give me!
ShutterBugBev is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2014, 07:45 PM   #26
Senior Member
 
Boss Hoss's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 155
Bev-you don't need to spend the money on a Honda-which is way over rated and over priced.What you need is a 4000 or 5000 watt generator.Unless you're running 2 air conditioners-it'll do just fine for you.I like the Champion brand (Camping world and Cabela's carry them).If you want to splurge get one with electric start-you won't regret that for an extra $100 prox. .$400 should get that bought.
Take the extra money that you saved and spend it on dog food and Booze.
PS-when you plug in that generator-the inverter(which you already have) will charge up your trailer battery.Another thought-check to make sure that you tow unit is wired up to charge your battery(Through the plug to the trailer)when you're driving.Most newer trucks have them installed from the factory.Works well to arrive at camp with a charged battery.
__________________
2013 Palomino 30ft. of Pure Bliss at 5400#-and then we have this 14 ft.Sea Eagle that I tote around for my wife and son.Michigan State Parks are The Best !:thumbsup
Boss Hoss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2014, 08:12 PM   #27
Senior Member
 
Jerry01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Valencia, Ca
Posts: 200
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boss Hoss View Post
Bev-you don't need to spend the money on a Honda-which is way over rated and over priced.
I don't know if I would say they are overpriced. Yes, I am sure the Honda name does add some $$, but they are EXTREMELY reliable, not to mention, quiet. I have had mine for over 11 years, and all I do is change the oil and add gas (which is not much because it is very fuel efficient. Probably since it is a Honda). Jerry.
__________________
2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD, Duramax CC/SB
2022 Rockwood 2613 BS
Jerry01 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2014, 08:24 PM   #28
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 1,174
Put a Champion and a Honda (or Yamaha) side by side and you can really!!! hear the difference.We had a Yamaha fall off one of our trucks at work doing 60, other than some scratched paint it worked perfect.
__________________
2014 Forester 3051s
2016 Nissan Pathfinder SL
2012 Sonic toad
wana65stang is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2014, 09:14 PM   #29
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Saint Louis
Posts: 1,458
Wife and I just bought a 1700/2000w from Cabela's. After Tax it was 510 delivered to our door. Its under 50lbs and can charge our batteries. We are looking to get another one and the parallel kit and we will be able to power the A/C as well. All for close to the price of one Honda Generator.

I just got this last night so I can't say how loud or not loud it is. I will say I did alot of research before I bought it. Not gonna knock the Honda or Yahama, but I think i got the best value for my money.

Also, with the higher wattage generators, they get heavy. If I want to lift something heavy, i will get my fat butt out of my chair and get another beer.
__________________
2015 Ram 2500 4x4 6.4l with 2015 Sandpiper 25RLS
Wife, myself and 2 furry kids
Mountndream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2014, 12:40 PM   #30
Retired
 
RubyDually's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 250
Quote:
Originally Posted by ShutterBugBev View Post
I am looking at generators and my first question is - does the generator have to have an inverter on it? I have a 2011 Forest River Rockwood Ultralite 2604.
Inverter generators provide clean stable power so.... yes it should be an Inverter Generator if you're going to use it to power sensitive electronics like a TV or laptop.

They also adjust the RPM's to match the load... My 2000 watt Champion under a light load will idle along and use about 1 gallon per 8 hours of use. It will rev up when we turn on the coffee pot etc.
__________________
2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 LTZ CCLB DRW D/A - Rancher Grille Guard - Transfer flow 40 gallon Toolbox/Tank Combo - Line X - Edge Insight

2015 Palomino Sabre 33CKTS - Platinum Edition - Progressive Industries EMS HW50C - JT Strong Arm Stabilizers - Ground Control 3.0 - 320 Watt Solar with 2000 Watt Inverter
RubyDually is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2014, 09:08 AM   #31
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Waco
Posts: 106
I am also looking for a generator(s) for our C-320. Has anyone tried the Ryobi 2200 watt from Home Depot? Their power tools seem to be decent quality & the price is way better than Honda.
__________________
Wayne & Sheryl
Plus Ollie & Sophie
(they don't know they're dogs)
2011 Ram Laramie 2500 CC 4X4 6.7 Cummins
2015 Columbus 320RS
"Where ever you go, there you are" Buckaroo Banzai
Goukcats is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2014, 10:27 AM   #32
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,255
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerry01 View Post
I don't know if I would say they are overpriced. Yes, I am sure the Honda name does add some $$, but they are EXTREMELY reliable, not to mention, quiet. I have had mine for over 11 years, and all I do is change the oil and add gas (which is not much because it is very fuel efficient. Probably since it is a Honda). Jerry.
X2

If you only run a genset a few days out of the year on a couple weekend get-a-ways... ok... maybe the cost is not worth it. I'll concede the point.

If you RELY on your genset the extra pennies will pay for itself in spades. Quiet, clean power, efficient, and reliable.... Well worth the money in my book. Of course I full-time boondock. If my genset gives up the ghost and I have too many days of cloudy weather.. I'm in a bit of a pickle. LOL

You have to consider your personal usage requirements.
rana is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-24-2014, 11:28 PM   #33
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Vacaville
Posts: 37
We recently went dry camping on the coast at a county campground for 4 days. It was our first time using our Durostar 4400 and it worked fine. It did everything we needed it too. We had no noise complaints. I seen a few Hondas and yes they are quieter during the day, but at night they sound as loud as any other generator. We only need ours for trips like this a few times a year, so we could not justfy the higher priced generators.
__________________
Frank & Kathy

2015 Columbus 320RS
2012 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD
paluka44 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2014, 09:51 PM   #34
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Waco
Posts: 106
Thanks for the info. Ours will rarely be used because we almost never boon dock. I am looking at 2 to run in parallel. I also found a a Smarter Tools 2000 at Costco that has the Yamaha motor so it runs very quite & it is only $599. I can get 2 of these for only a couple hundred more than 1 Honda or Yamaha so I'm leaning. This has a 3 yr warranty which is better than the Ryobi & it weighs about 10 lbs less.
__________________
Wayne & Sheryl
Plus Ollie & Sophie
(they don't know they're dogs)
2011 Ram Laramie 2500 CC 4X4 6.7 Cummins
2015 Columbus 320RS
"Where ever you go, there you are" Buckaroo Banzai
Goukcats is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
generator

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:59 AM.