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Old 02-26-2017, 09:45 PM   #1
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Generator question

I have a Rockwood TD21DMHW Aframe trailer (haven't picked it up yet). I am picking up accessories and am am looking at generators. I am looking for recommendations on the minimum Running Watts and Starting Watts. Is a generator with an invertor required?

Thanks
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Old 02-26-2017, 09:55 PM   #2
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Not really unless you have some fussy electronics you are trying to run. The OEM microwave in our Flagstaff hated our first non-inverter generator.

Degree of quietness is more of a factor. To compare generators, remember that every 10db of sound difference is twice as loud as the lower number.

For example a generator that runs at 46db is twice as loud as a generator that runs at 36db. A 20db difference is 4 times as loud.
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Old 02-26-2017, 09:57 PM   #3
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Welcome and congrats!

Inverter generators are the preferred choice if you are in a campground. Much quieter than an open frame generator so you wont annoy everyone else in said campground.

If you want to run the big power stuff such as the a/c and microwave most say at least a 3000watt generator is needed.

Enjoy your new aframe [emoji1]
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Old 02-26-2017, 10:24 PM   #4
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Is a generator with an invertor required?
Only if you don't want to subject yourself or your camping neighbors to the equivalent of a lawnmower. Inverter generators are much quieter.

If you want to run the AC or the microwave, then a Honda 2000i or equivalent seems to do the job according to many people on this forum. Our Cool Cats are suitable for the low air volume in an A FRame and use a lot less power than the rooftop AC units on bigger campers. If you just want to top off the battery, then a Honda 1000i will do the trick. (But the price difference is not that big.)

I bought a Generac 800 watt which will not power the converter charging the battery at altitude, so stay away from low power generators. (anyone want to buy mine?)

You should acquaint yourself with the ins and outs of the camper electrics before making up your mind.
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Old 02-26-2017, 10:36 PM   #5
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A quick search turns up many members running the Cool Cat 10000btu AC on your unit with a 2000 watt generator. Many choices in inverter gens in that range. Search 2000 watts + inverter and your will have days of reading. Open frame gens are so loud your camping neighbors may set your generator on fire.
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Old 02-26-2017, 10:40 PM   #6
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From what I've read, the Cool Cat that A-frames are equipped with, will easily run on a 2000w inverter generator.
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Old 02-28-2017, 09:11 AM   #7
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Once you get above 6,000ft the power output of the generator drops off enough to make powering the A/C iffy. The good news is that you rarely need A/C above 6,000ft.

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Old 02-28-2017, 09:46 AM   #8
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The Ryobi 2200 will run my AC fine, but not too much beyond that. It will trip if you try to run the fridge on electric while the AC is on. I preferred the Honda, but the Ryobi is well worth what I paid for it. The price fluctuates between $400-$750, I paid $450 and it's currently $429 at Home Depot. The Honda2000i seems to stay around $1000. I've had the Ryobi for 2 years and it's been great.
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Old 03-03-2017, 04:51 PM   #9
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From what I've read, the Cool Cat that A-frames are equipped with, will easily run on a 2000w inverter generator.
Just note that the Honda 2000 will run the AC, but only with eco mode off. Without eco mode it's a bit loud and will run out of fuel pretty quickly.
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Old 03-04-2017, 11:29 AM   #10
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Hello....

We went with the Champion 3100W Inverter Generator. A little bigger then the 2K's but very quite. Used it at Smoky Mnt. NP and could run everything on our HW A212. Can buy a couple of these for what the Honda's cost. Here is the latest version of it.....

Champion Power Equipment 75531i, 3100-watt Portable Gas Inverter Generator

https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garde...3/product.html

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Old 03-04-2017, 12:39 PM   #11
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for an A-frame and its Cool Cat, a 2000w INVERTER generator will be fine.
unless the owner plans on getting a bigger trailer in the future.
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Old 03-05-2017, 02:52 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maramon View Post
I have a Rockwood TD21DMHW Aframe trailer (haven't picked it up yet). I am picking up accessories and am am looking at generators. I am looking for recommendations on the minimum Running Watts and Starting Watts. Is a generator with an invertor required?



Thanks


I've had a Honda 2000 and now a Ryobi 1800. Ryobi is just fine. Very quiet. They back up the product and it's much less money...especially if you're fortunate to find a new one on craigslist. I paid $250 for mine.
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