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07-18-2015, 02:31 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 6
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Generator size
New to RVing, I just bought a new 26RR and am wondering what size generator I need in order to use the microwave, AC, or tv while not plugged in. Can anyone help me with the right size and recommend a good inexpensive one?
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07-18-2015, 03:15 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,802
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What btu is you a/c?
Minimum would be a 3000w inverter generator if you plan on using it in a campground.
For boondocking, any 3000w+ generator should work.
Inexpensive one would not be appropriate for campground usage. Unless a $700 inverter generator would inexpensive to you.
If it's for non campground usage, the Champion 3500w is a very popular choice and can sell for around $300.
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4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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07-18-2015, 03:31 PM
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#3
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Georgia Rally Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: GA
Posts: 24,474
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A lot depends on the size of your AC to give a good reply. Later RJD 
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2018 Dodge Ram 2500 6.4 3:73 gearing.(sold) (sold) 2015 Chevy 2500 6.0, 4:10
Traded 2015 30WRLIKS V-Lite
Days camped 2019 62
Days camped 2020 49 days camped 2021-74 2022-40 days 2023 5 days
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07-18-2015, 04:21 PM
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#4
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 6
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Thanks for the help, I'm totally new at this so I greatly appreciate it. The AC is listed as 13.5 K btu.
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07-18-2015, 04:40 PM
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#5
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Georgia Rally Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: GA
Posts: 24,474
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Just be aware when running on gen that you can not run all appliances at the same time especially a Microwave.(unless you buy a good size Gen 4500w) I have a Gen that puts out 3200w and will run my 15000 BTU AC and nothing else. If running a 13500BTU you can run the air a TV. If using microwave I turn the AC off. Also how quiet do what the Gen to be? Later RJD
__________________
2020 Shasta Phoenix SPF 27RKSS (sold)
2018 Dodge Ram 2500 6.4 3:73 gearing.(sold) (sold) 2015 Chevy 2500 6.0, 4:10
Traded 2015 30WRLIKS V-Lite
Days camped 2019 62
Days camped 2020 49 days camped 2021-74 2022-40 days 2023 5 days
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07-18-2015, 04:43 PM
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#6
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Blog: RVroadtripper.com
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Near Dallas Texas
Posts: 1,000
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A CHampion 3100 inverter is quiet and can run your A/C and LED TV. Turn off the A/C if you need to run either the microwave or a hair dryer.
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Maxxis 235/80/16E; AirBags w/AirLift1; mor/Ryde Rubber Pinbox; Andersen UltimateII Alum. 5erhitch on Reese Flipball w/Curt 4" offset; LCI Ground Control3; King Dishtailgater; Traveling with 10' Portabote;
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07-18-2015, 05:00 PM
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#7
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Georgia Rally Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: GA
Posts: 24,474
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My Boliy 3600 is putting out 400w more than a Champion. Constant 3200w. Later RJD
__________________
2020 Shasta Phoenix SPF 27RKSS (sold)
2018 Dodge Ram 2500 6.4 3:73 gearing.(sold) (sold) 2015 Chevy 2500 6.0, 4:10
Traded 2015 30WRLIKS V-Lite
Days camped 2019 62
Days camped 2020 49 days camped 2021-74 2022-40 days 2023 5 days
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07-18-2015, 08:13 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 25
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Have a 2015 26rr, champion 3500/4000 runs entire unit. I have found that it is best to switch breaker for refridgerator off and run on propane when AC is on. We have used this generator for two years at GNCC races with zero issues. Noise at race track area is not an issue. I bought a 25' extension and put generator near front of truck. I can't complain one bit about the performance of this unit. However, if noise is any issue, look into inverter type of generator. My next choice would be two champion 2000's.
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07-19-2015, 07:18 AM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 23
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I have two Champion 2000 watt inverter generators with the parallel kit. Just as quiet as the Hondas. I can run my 15k AC and fridge with TV's just fine. Have to be careful with the Microwave and AC simultaneously. The Champions with the parallel kit were about 1300 total. Hondas would be over 2000.
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07-19-2015, 07:24 AM
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#10
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Left Coast
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: vancouver,washington
Posts: 15,649
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rabreen
I have two Champion 2000 watt inverter generators with the parallel kit. Just as quiet as the Hondas. I can run my 15k AC and fridge with TV's just fine. Have to be careful with the Microwave and AC simultaneously. The Champions with the parallel kit were about 1300 total. Hondas would be over 2000.
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Mine weren't....just shop around in winter time...lots of sales
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07-19-2015, 08:22 AM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 23
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That's good to know. The cheapest I have ever seen a Honda 2000w inverter is 899 each. Add the parallel kit, tax, etc and I was over $2000. Glad to hear there is movement in the price. My 1300 total on the Champions was with everything including tax.
Happy camping everyone.
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07-19-2015, 08:31 AM
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#12
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Left Coast
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: vancouver,washington
Posts: 15,649
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Kinda funny....some thinks get tax charged, some don't? 
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07-19-2015, 08:33 AM
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#13
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Phat Phrog Stunt Crew
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Upper Penisula Michigan / Arizona
Posts: 2,767
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With my two Honda 2000s I've run my 15k A/C and microwave at the same time. 
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2014 GMC Sierra Crewcab 2500 Duramax
2014 Wildcat 327ck
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07-19-2015, 08:40 AM
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#14
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 23
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I can run both with the Champions too, just don't want to have the Microwave running when the AC hits a compressor start cycle. I have that same problem when plugged into a 30Amp pedestal too at the campground. I am normally a 50 amp hookup, but can do 30 when needed.
3400 continuous watts is a little over 28 amps. 4000 watts combined max is actually over 30 amps. So running on either the Hondas or the Champions will be very similar to running on a 30 amp campground pedestal.
@bob Cadwell - I live in Illinois and more and more our fine politicians are finding ways to tax everything including online orders (amazon started taxing roughly 6 months ago) ... I am jealous if you live in a state that doesn't do that yet!!!!
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07-21-2015, 07:25 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: TX
Posts: 236
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I have a 15k A/C and run everything with a Honda EM5000SX. 4500w continuous and it powered everything electric when it was near 100 out. Used about the same amount of gas as our old Champion 3500w genset.
__________________
2016 26RR and a 2018 OR371MBH
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07-21-2015, 07:31 PM
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#16
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Georgia Rally Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: GA
Posts: 24,474
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But then you got a lot of weigh in that Gen. I use a Boliy 3600Si and run the 15000btu AC and weighs 75#.  Later RJD
__________________
2020 Shasta Phoenix SPF 27RKSS (sold)
2018 Dodge Ram 2500 6.4 3:73 gearing.(sold) (sold) 2015 Chevy 2500 6.0, 4:10
Traded 2015 30WRLIKS V-Lite
Days camped 2019 62
Days camped 2020 49 days camped 2021-74 2022-40 days 2023 5 days
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07-21-2015, 07:40 PM
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#17
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Left Coast
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: vancouver,washington
Posts: 15,649
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mxdad
I have a 15k A/C and run everything with a Honda EM5000SX. 4500w continuous and it powered everything electric when it was near 100 out. Used about the same amount of gas as our old Champion 3500w genset.
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To heavy for me....but, I assume yours is an elect. start?  Wifes hair dryer made the city of Portlands lights dim
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07-22-2015, 10:50 AM
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#18
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Left Coast
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: vancouver,washington
Posts: 15,649
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Glad you found the one that will work for you...Hondas have a fuel pump.
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07-25-2015, 05:14 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: TX
Posts: 236
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It is heavy...but it will last forever and with the wheel kit, no harder to load than any of the toys that we put in there. The electric start is nice (but it starts on the first pull anyway), and it goes a long time between fueling.
__________________
2016 26RR and a 2018 OR371MBH
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09-09-2015, 09:56 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Franklin County, PA
Posts: 3,526
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Are any of the generators mounted permanent on exterior of camper ie in a box or shelf?
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2002 Goldwing 1800GL CSC Trike
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Ron & Shirley (Empty Nesters)
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