What Wattage Generator?

[CSMRider]

Hello friends I am new to solid side campers. I own a 2009 Forest River Surveyor SP189. What size generator should I buy. Is a Honda 2000 enough?

I will be going to the Golden Eagle Ranch Campground in Colorado Springs this weekend. If any of you are there come by for a hot cup of Joe.

With Respect,
CSMRider/ Tom

[MtnGuy]

Depends on how you are going to use it. If you are just going to charge the batteries, a 1000 will work. If you want to run the microwave occasionally, the 2000 is probably needed. If you want to run the AC only, the a 2400 watt is probably the minimum. If you want to run the AC and another "small" item, then a 3000 watt will probably be better. Kinda getting the picture ??

BTW, welcome to the forum.

[TURBS]

honda 2000 will just barely run a 13.5k a/c and nothing else if at all .
some have had success with a 2000 watt gennie some have not.
fridge and hw heater would have to run on gas.

Welcome to the forum you'll get lots of answers on this subject

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

Depends on how you are going to use it. If you are just going to charge the batteries, a 1000 will work. If you want to run the microwave occasionally, the 2000 is probably needed. If you want to run the AC only, the a 2400 watt is probably the minimum. If you want to run the AC and another "small" item, then a 3000 watt will probably be better. Kinda getting the picture ??

BTW, welcome to the forum.

I'd buy a 2000 because you can't even run a hair drier with 1000. Then if you need more, by another 2000 and hook them in parallel. Two 2000's are cheaper, more power, and easier to handle than a 3000. Or as Mtnguy points out, you could "make choices" on your power consumption and run just about anything (one at a time) with a 2400.

And welcome.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

I'd buy a 2000 because you can't even run a hair drier with 1000. Then if you need more, by another 2000 and hook them in parallel. Two 2000's are cheaper, more power, and easier to handle than a 3000. Or as Mtnguy points out, you could "make choices" on your power consumption and run just about anything (one at a time) with a 2400.
And welcome.

Welcome as well.

If I had it to do over again I would get the pair of Honda 2000 watt generators.

THESE two specifically:

Honda eu2000i - Honda EU2000i Super Quiet Generator

and its companion

Honda eu2000iKC - Honda EU2000i Companion

I would also buy the extended run fuel tank for the pair so you can run both generators without worrying about running them out of fuel.

Duration Power Dual Feed Extended Run Fuel Tank WiseSales.com

[amxpress]

Two questions.
1) Where do you plan on being when you use the generator?
2) How much do you want to spend?
I know Honda & Yamaha make the most quiet generators, but also some of the most expensive. You can buy two Honda 2000W generators for around $2000 + plus the cables. Or a 3000W Honda for around $1900.
Or, if it fits your needs, you can buy a Champion 3500/4000 generator with a 30A RV recepticle for less than $300. It's not as quiet as a Honda or Yamaha. But if you're going to be camping in the boonies, infield, or somewhere that a little bit louder generator can be used, it's worth every penny. It handles my 15K AC with no problem. The Champion is quieter than most generators it's same size, except for the Honda & Yamaha. They are very reliable and have an excellent customer service system. I've had mine for 4 years. I use it when I am in the boonies or when I don't have AC power available. It's run for 8 hours straight, loaded, with no problems. It will run almost 6 hours before refueling. It weighs 100#. and mounts on my fiver's fold down rack. I wouldn't use it at a campground where others might be bothered as everyone compares how noisy they are to a Honda or Yamaha. But for $300, it fits my needs.

[Great Horned Owl]

Champion (as well as several others) also makes a 2000W inverter generator with exactly the same low noise spec as the Honda. The difference is that it is about half of the price. Right now, you can get two factory refurbished ones and the parallel kit for $879. champion inverter | eBay

When I run my A/C with them, can't hear the generators running, T he noise from the A/C completely drowns them out.

Joel

[crasher]

I run the AC in my Surveyor 189 fine with the Yamaha EF2000is. You have to switch it out of eco mode as it would otherwise stall. Have not tried to run microwave at the same time as the AC, as microwaves are the tool of Satan and I refuse to forfeit my soul.

[CSMRider]

Thanks so much for al the help friends. As a mechanic in the Army I put generaltors in parallel fairly often, so that may me the route to go. Usage will be if the power in at the sight I will us it, but occasionally I will be out in the field, you know "the Wyomning Outback".
Also another quick question since you all are so helpful. I bought this used and it came with no manuals. Do I gather up one for each item or is there a large one covering the rig and each piece of equipment. Again thanks so much for your help. You make me feel welcome.

With Respect,
CSMRider/ Tom

[Herk7769]

The generic camper manual shipped with all Forest River Campers, as well as most of your appliance manuals, are in the files section for download.

If you need ANYTHING that is not there PM me.

[CSMRider]

Thanks so much Herk I will get right on the downloads. Thanks for the PM permission.

Your Wyoming Brother
CSMRider/ Tom