What size generator - 2017 Rockwood 2504S

[GaryS502]

We have a 2015 Rockwood 2504S, and power it with a Honda 2000 generator. This generator powers everything but the air conditioner. We may add a second Honda 2000, which can be connected to the other generator providing 4,000 watts of power. This would enable running AC.

Compared to most generators the Honda is quiet, and easy to start. I haven't timed it, but have run the generator for at least 4 hours before I had to add fuel.

Even though the generator doesn't make a lot of noise, I am still looking for an enclosure or a design of one that will significantly reduce the noise without overheating the engine. Why? I was a tent camper for 40+ years, and I use to hate listening to RV generators run in a beautiful forest. We run it minimally...mainly to keep the battery charged and run the heater on really cold days.

[Ian Walker]

Hi GaryS502,
Try mounting your Hondas on rubber mats. I installed
my Onan 2500W propane generator on 3/4 inch rubber. Really kills the noise. I also built a checkplate box for over top.

[GaryS502]

Hello Ian and thanks for the sound absorbing tip. Excuse my ignorance, but what is a checkplate box? Do you have a pic that you could share of your design?

[Ian Walker]

Hi GaryS502,
I don't store my TT at my house. I plan to do work on it this week so I'll take pictures.

[Ian Walker]

Hi GaryS502,
Here's your pictures.

[W5CI]

A gen set to run Everything, now that a bunch. Just add up your wattage and that will give you a good idea. A Honda 2000 will run your microwave and TV and Hot water heater but not at the same time. It won't run the AC any time especially if it is hot weather like 90 plus degrees. I have a Honda 3000IS Handi and it won't run the AC in ECO mode but handles it fine in normal run. but only runs for 4 hours on a tank of gas/ Good Luck with your search

[Too Tall]

I'm using a 2400 Westinghouse. Made in China. $617 at AP Electric. Works great and runs the AC but if you want to run the AC and lights, etc.. etc.. you'll need much more.

https://youtu.be/mfI5elwd5dg

[Henboy]

Originally Posted by Ian Walker

Hi GaryS502,
Here's your pictures.

Please share your pictures with your FR friends!!

[JaiLun]

Just purchased a 2504S so researched Inverter generators. Ruled out RV generators because of weight and noise. Was told Honda's were the quietest. Considered Chinese knockoffs but concerned about quality over time. Found Generac IQ2000 designed specifically to compete head-to-head with Honda at half of the price. ISO test by independent third party confirmed that IQ2000 at half-load was in fact, quieter. Units are assembled in Wisconsin - do not know about parts but seemed like the best bet compared to other Chinese knockoffs (most also only 2 year warranty). Purchased from Lowes (posted at $799.00 - They matched Amazon price that was 10% less at $719.10. Used Lowes card to get additional 10% off (business account) - saved another $71.91 now down to $647.19 each. Purchased Parallel kit at ~ $160.00 and two IQ2000 units to get 4000 watts. Purchased 3-year extended warranty from Lowes at ~ $100.00 each to get coverage out to 6 years (IQ2000's are 3-year factory warranty). Used for the first time this last weekend and all seems well. Liked load indicator bars and time-left-before-out-of-gas readout. Economy-Standard-Turbo switch seems useful, too.

[Ian Walker]

Hi JaiLun,
Was not aware of the Generac IQ2000. Know Generac well enough.
A electrician friend of mine installed a 5000W in his back yard for his house. Great products! This info is good to know.

[Bracewell]

Thank you for all your comments. My new 2504S Rockwood Trailer has a 13,500 BTU AC Unit. After lots and lots of research and contacting Rockwood, they supplied info (Attached and recommended a 2000 watt) - after research I learned it will not run the AC. Here's what Rockwood said "We generally recommend a 2K Gen. for units under 27’, and 4K for larger units. Unfortunately running ALL of your appliances at the same time can still pop fuses as the start-up surges draw the most. I have attached a sample list of what a variety of appliance Amp draws are."

So instead of buying a very expensive Honda 3000 or a Yamaha I went with the new Champion 3500 inverter 30 amp with a remote start (will run up to a 15,000 BTU Ac Unit). This unit came out in April 2016 and is only sold through Cabala's and Camping World. Bought it for sale on line from Cabala's for $1,099 since it was on sale for a short period with free shipping and no sales tax. Here is the link to the Champion 3500 invertor -
Champion 3500 Remote-Start Inverter : Cabela's

Happy Camping Everyone

[fella10]

Originally Posted by Bracewell

So instead of buying a very expensive Honda 3000 or a Yamaha I went with the new Champion 3500 inverter 30 amp with a remote start (will run up to a 15,000 BTU Ac Unit). This unit came out in April 2016 and is only sold through Cabala's and Camping World. Bought it for sale on line from Cabala's for $1,099 since it was on sale for a short period with free shipping and no sales tax. Here is the link to the Champion 3500 invertor -
Champion 3500 Remote-Start Inverter : Cabela's

good choice,...... just a few weeks ago got the #100261 Champion 3400w, which the Champion site says is the very same machine as your #100262 Champion 3500w, just with more conservative labeling,... its a great gen. and can handle our ac and enough other items to be very comfortable when using it,.... I don't think either of us, will be disappointed with our generators,...... happy trailering

[hilfikerkg]

Gee, I read all of the posts that said the Champion 3100 would run an AC so I bought one. Soon as the compressor starts on my 13,500 BTU Dometic Brisk II
B57915 AC, the Generator goes into overload mode. Should have look at the Dometic literature that says a 3,500 Watt Generator is needed. How is everyone else using a 3100?

[Too Tall]

There's several things you can do to help. Make sure you have everything off when you start the unit. Also, see the below video. I knocked off about 10 amps from the fan start and compressor.

https://youtu.be/NVkCjPh7Nd8

https://youtu.be/mfI5elwd5dg

[Skyliner]

I have a champion 3400 starting watts, 3100 continuous watt inverter generator.

Coming from a Boliy generator the past 7 years, I'm very impressed with the Champion!

2 days ago, I brought it with me to check our a camper that my buddy was thinking of buying. The Champion ran the 13,500 BTU air conditioner and microwave at same time with no issues. This was at 6700 feet ASL and regular main jet. I just rejetted it this afternoon with a high altitude jet which I'm sure will allow it to run better up here.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by hilfikerkg

Gee, I read all of the posts that said the Champion 3100 would run an AC so I bought one. Soon as the compressor starts on my 13,500 BTU Dometic Brisk II
B57915 AC, the Generator goes into overload mode. Should have look at the Dometic literature that says a 3,500 Watt Generator is needed. How is everyone else using a 3100?

Consider a MicroAir EasyStart for your A/C. It'll soften and lower the start-up amps and should let you run it on your generator.

[Zak1]

Originally Posted by Bracewell

I looking to buy a portable gas generator for my 2017 Rockwood 2504S travel trailer that will handle running everything. I want make sure I purchase the right size, do you know what size I will need. Thanks for your help. I'm hoping someone here has the same trailer and knows what size works. I have searched sites and in the Forums and have not seen the answer.

Mike
Santa Rosa, California

Hi Mike,

Look at the WEN3100. Costs around $600 and will absolutely run all you have plus there is an extended run kit available on Ebay. If you end up with a 2000w gen, install Micro-Air on your A/C. This sequentially starts the A/C so it doesn't draw all the amps at the same time.