Generators & Boondocking

[reinreb]

Somewhere in one of the threads it was suggested that one could purchase a Gas Generator. Could you expect to run the bare essentials on the TT using a generator. Obviously there are benifits having your own power generator at the site, but could someone explain a bit deeper.
Thanks

[TheSasks]

A good 3000 watt generator will run pretty much everything in a trailer. You however cannot run the A/C and say a coffee maker at the same same time with a 3k. You would need to look at something like a pair of Honda Eu2000's jumpered together in that case.

[Glenn5995]

You can run from the "bare essentials" to everything in the TT depending on the size of the generator. The Hondas and the Yamahas are popular because they are quiet, dependable and provide a consistent power source safe for use with electronics such as computers. Some of the less expensive (non-invertor models) can have power spikes.

1000 watt - charge batteries, run lights & misc (will not run AC or microwave)
2000 watt - charge batteries, run lights, microwave (will not run AC)
3000 watt - charge batteries, run everything but not AC and microwave at same time
4000 watt - will run everything as long as you have a single AC unit

We have 2 Honda EU2000i generators with a parallel kit. We went that route over a single larger unit, because they are lighter and easier to move around than a single larger unit. When boondocking I will run one about every three of four days to recharge the batteries. We try to mostly run off the batteries, which will run everything except the microwave and AC. One will run everything except the AC. We run both when we need the AC.

Hope this helps.

[bikendan]

reinreb, i'd seriously look at your TV. you made the mistake by believing the dealer, which you should never do.

IMHO, a 34' TT with a GVWR near 9000lbs., is in 3/4 ton land, not 1/2 ton land even with a Hemi.

that said, having a generator allows for more camping options. dry camping and boondocking can open up whole new areas and places to go, without needing hookups.
we primarily dry camp and shun RV parks. our state parks have virtually no sites with electric, so a generator is a must.
some campgrounds will have generator hours or certain restrictions.
one of the biggest issues with generators is noise level. educate yourself on decibel ratings.
for boondocking, noise levels aren't as big a concern, except for the owner.

for that size RV, you'll have at least one 15k a/c, if not two 13.5k a/c's.

i also suggest two Honda/Yamaha 2000 units to parallel. you'll only need the second one for the a/c, otherwise one is sufficient. and they only weigh 50lbs. each and are the most quiet made.
you just plug in the shore cord and fire it up.

[reinreb]

I'm going to start another Topic in General Tech and Repair addressing the weight questions and points.

[backin15]

I bought a cheap 3500 watt generator and it will power my AC and micro at the same time. It is suprisingly quiet but not on the level olf a Honda. I use it when we boondock at a friends farm but not sure if I would use it in a campground.

[KyDan]

Originally Posted by Glenn5995

1000 watt - charge batteries, run lights & misc (will not run AC or microwave)
2000 watt - charge batteries, run lights, microwave (will not run AC)
3000 watt - charge batteries, run everything but not AC and microwave at same time
4000 watt - will run everything as long as you have a single AC unit

Glenn, I think you're right on with this!!

[toshu]

The Yamaha EF2400 generator is quiet and will run a newer 13.5K AC unit, as well as other "basic" stuff, but not a MW,Coffee maker etc.

[08flagvlite]

I have a Gen Pro 3500 RV generator that is rated at 67db and has a 30 amp RV specific plug-in, and one 15 amp standard double 15amp plug, and a 12 volt charge plug. It is also electric start, or rope start, and has a 6.5 hp engine. It runs my AC, and an electric skillet at the same time, with lights on, as well without any trouble. 479.95. NO, it's not as quiet as a Honda or Yamaha, but it is less than half of the price, and I really don't go boondocking but 2 or 3 times a year, max. It works fine for me! Randy

[sewerrat]

I'm not sure why a generator is such a must? I do have one it is only a 1300 watt and in the last 2 years I bet it only ran 5 hours.

I only use it to charge up the battery if we stay in 1 spot for or 5 days.
if you have a good battery it will hold the power for a long time.

Who needs all them electric gadgets like a coffe maker, blenders for the slushy drinks etc.
we go camping for peace and quiet.

I find it actually very anoying when there are generators running all the time, to me might as well stay home and listen to all the lawnmowers that go off in the neighbourhood.
One lawnmower shuts off and another one on the other side starts up and that seems the same with generators at campground.

sorry for the rant.