What generator size

[Golfnbike13]

I have a 195bh from 2014, fairly small camper. It's the kind with the window unit AC and 110 volt fridge. I would like to get a generator for occasional short boondocking. Can anyone help determine the size I need? I think the most power hungry thing needed to run would be the AC.

[Flybob]

It would help if you provide details on the AC. You should be able to get the Voltage and start and Run currents from the ID plate. Might be behind the from grill. Try to get the same data for the fridge.

[Golfnbike13]

Pictures in order are: AC, fridge, microwave (from the manual). I also have a 19" LED TV that would be nice to operate.

[B and B]

If you want to alternate between the Microwave and AC you can get by with a single 2,000 watt generator. If you want to run both I would look at a Powerhouse 3100 or a Champion 3000. If budget isn't an object a Honda 3000 would be top notch but pricey.

[HONDAMAN174]

I'm thinking a 2000w should be fine. Just would not be able to run the AC and micro at same time. I have a Honda and love it but have been hearing that others have been getting a Champion 2000w and have had a good experience with it.

[Blackhat6mike]

Tractor Supply had the Champion 3500/4000 on sale last few days for $299.95. That is hard to beat. I own two of these same units and have never had any problems what so ever. It will start the first or second pull every time.

[B and B]

Originally Posted by Blackhat6mike

Tractor Supply had the Champion 3500/4000 on sale last few days for $299.95. That is hard to beat. I own two of these same units and have never had any problems what so ever. It will start the first or second pull every time.

I bought one similar and DW said take it back, too noisy. Up to the OP. Make sure you know the noise before purchase.

[Golfnbike13]

I was about to ask about the noise of the Champions. Seems like anything prices that cheap would be loud or inefficient?
Found this locally, would it be enough? Anyone know about this brand? http://nashville.craigslist.org/tls/4994777463.html

[HONDAMAN174]

I do not know anything about the ryobi just wanted to recommend to see if there is a repair place close to you first before buying. That way if there is a problem down the road you don't have to ship states away to get service.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Golfnbike13

I was about to ask about the noise of the Champions. Seems like anything prices that cheap would be loud or inefficient?
Found this locally, would it be enough? Anyone know about this brand? http://nashville.craigslist.org/tls/4994777463.html

There are two types of Champion generators, loud open-framed ones and the quieter inverter ones.
The open-framed 3500 is a favorite for its $300 price. It's perfect for boondocking but not for campgrounds.
The newer 3100 inverter one is becoming a new favorite in the RV community, also for its lower price, compared to comparable Hondas and Yamahas.

As to the Ryobi, it's not bad but it probably won't run your a/c either.

[Golfnbike13]

Thanks. I was actually just looking at the champion inverter 3100. Tractor supply has it for under 1k. Seems way cheaper then honda and very similar noise level. Anyone experienced these? http://m.tractorsupply.com/en/store/...carb-compliant

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by HONDAMAN174

I'm thinking a 2000w should be fine. Just would not be able to run the AC and micro at same time. I have a Honda and love it but have been hearing that others have been getting a Champion 2000w and have had a good experience with it.

The AC on my trailer stops my Honda EU2000i dead in its tracks . . . .

[wana65stang]

Originally Posted by Golfnbike13

Thanks. I was actually just looking at the champion inverter 3100. Tractor supply has it for under 1k. Seems way cheaper then honda and very similar noise level. Anyone experienced these? Champion Power Equipmentâ„¢ 3,100W Gas-Powered Recoil Start Portable Inverter Generator, CARB Compliant - Tractor Supply Co.

Not a bad genny, sound level is 58db at 23 feet Yamaha 2000i is 51-61 @ 21ft. Think you would be happy with this one.

[Blackhat6mike]

The noise was not a problem with the Champion as we would put it 30 ft away from the Flyer, turn on the AC and close the windows. Very little noise. If you plan to have the gen right next to the unit AND leave the windows open, then noise probably will be a problem. I guess it just depends on if you want to spend an extra $1,000 or so to be quieter.
We don't carry a gen with us anymore since we went solar, but our two Champion 3500/4000 units are used around the farm and home.
I bought a 2000 Champion several years ago and did have several problems with it. I may have used too much Sea Foam in the fuel while stored as it ate the rubber fuel cock fitting just below the tank and started leaking. I replaced the fuel cock and all is well now, but still hard to crank. Champion has come a long way since I bought the 2000 model 7 or 8 years ago.

[67cudafb]

Check this out! Brand New Champion Power Equipment No 75531i Inverter Generator 3100 Watt | eBay

[Saberwolf 700]

Very good price there. Wish I would have waited to buy one now. Just bought the 2000w Champion a month ago for only $125 less than the 3100w one.

[HONDAMAN174]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

The AC on my trailer stops my Honda EU2000i dead in its tracks . . . .

Mine too...but we are not running 8000 btu AC @7.4 amps like OP.

[B and B]

Originally Posted by Golfnbike13

I was about to ask about the noise of the Champions. Seems like anything prices that cheap would be loud or inefficient?
Found this locally, would it be enough? Anyone know about this brand? Ryobi RYi2200 Inverter Generator

Where you live I would opt for a 3100, Air conditioner when running in the heat draw maximum current. The Ryobi is only 1800 watts, a 3100 is 2800 watts.

[dcheatwood]

Originally Posted by 67cudafb

Check this out! Brand New Champion Power Equipment No 75531i Inverter Generator 3100 Watt | eBay

Wow! Great price. True signwave is good. 12 hr run time on 1.5 gals of gas at half load is unbelievable. Doesn't say here but amazon site says 58 decibels, which is good for non-honda/Yamaha.

[rdenslow]

I previously have had great luck with a Wen Power generator from Pep Boys. The 3500 was quite quiet, similar to the Honda, and had plenty of power to run our coach. It's only weakness was ethanol. .. forgot to treat it and let it set all winter...