What generator to buy

[stannwen]

Can anyone advise me on the best alternate power supply? Generator or Inverter generator. My DW and I are soon to become full timers. The model 39FKTH 5th wheeler didn't come with a generator

[NJKris]

stan, type generator into search bar. More advice than you can possibly read in a rabbit's lifetime. But short answer, inverter generator.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by stannwen

Can anyone advise me on the best alternate power supply? Generator or Inverter generator. My DW and I are soon to become full timers. The model 39FKTH 5th wheeler didn't come with a generator

Short answer, "Inverter Generators" are quieter than regular generators. Also consume less fuel as they usually have an "Eco mode" that allows the engine to run at lower speed when load is low.

[AlaskaErik]

Originally Posted by stannwen

Can anyone advise me on the best alternate power supply? Generator or Inverter generator. My DW and I are soon to become full timers. The model 39FKTH 5th wheeler didn't come with a generator

Definitely inverter generator. A trailer that size may be 50 amp, so you'll need a good size generator for that, but avoid the open-frame contractor types. They're way too loud.

[bikendan]

Yep, there are literally hundreds of threads on what generator to buy, on the Forum.
You want an INVERTER generator, not a regular generator.
Decide what you want to run and where.
Add up the power needs to determine what size inverter generator you'll need.

[5picker]

If you want to use the generator for powering your R/V anywhere except your own property or on private land where no one will be close to you, you need an INVERTER generator.

If you want to use it in a campground type setting (State/National Park, COE, etc.) the Parks all have decibel rating limits that would prohibit the non-inverter generators (often called contractor type) from being used as these non-inverter generators make too much noise.

As for best or which is better a generator, as mentioned, there are literally hundreds of past discussions on this topic with many opinionated posts. It is one of the most asked questions on this forum.

If on a computer, just go towards the top of the page and in the green bar click on the word search. (which is between New Posts and Quick Links)
Type in: inverter generator and hit go.
You'll get lots of reading.

Read up and decide what is best for YOU.

I see you have 2 posts... welcome.
Please come back and ask any questions you've not found answers for.

[NMWildcat]

Inverter generator. You can get one large one (3400+), or two smaller ones (2000+), if you intend to run the A/C.
If you want to run a nurse tank (extended run tank), a generator with a fuel pump is much easier. Most will not have one. Honda's do
As far as which brand, depends on your budget. My first choice will always be Honda. Mine are 13 years old.
Next in line is Yamaha, then Champion. After Champion, as far as I'm concerned, it doesn't matter what you pick. Last on my list would be Predator.
Good luck and Happy Camping!

[formerFR]

are you going to be 'off-grid', without any 120v shore power, for extended lengths of time, more than a day or so at the time? Will you actually 'need' one?

If you're going from rv park to rv park, probably not.

[Trawlerphil]

"Shorter answer--Predator 3500 watt inverter generator"

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Trawlerphil

"Shorter answer--Predator 3500 watt inverter generator"

I would agree, for a trailer like that. Best bang for the buck.

[JimEisley]

I presently have the Westinghouse inverter 4500, which I like, it’s quiet. I choose to use gasoline as my fuel. I had a Honda before that which was great also, but twice the price.
The 4500 will run your A/C no problem and more, however I have 2 A/C’s and had to install soft starts on the A/C units to run both.
It will run all night no problem, I just leave it in the pickup when using and have had no issues, just my .02.

[Clyde M]

You may want to consider a duel fuel inverter type. It will run for a long time on a 30 lb propane tank but doesn’t smell of gasoline if you store it in the RV basement storage compartment when travelling.
Just my $.02 worth.

[Tundra 2014]

Inverter for sure. Depending on what you want to spend, and if you are looking for a 5 Th. wheel, you may want to have a Rv generator installed in your front hatch. Any of the 3500-4500 watt inverter are over 100 lb. dry, 3 gallons of gas and minimum 124 lb. Taking my Generac IQ 3500 (more metal and insulation Predator) in and out of my F-350 is a 2 person or front loader job. You also have to ensure you have clearance w/ pin box. Not sure of all the features, but I would look at the new Echo 2400 generator, 75 lb. They are linkable and about $750 each. If I did it again, I would consider 2 of these. I have heard them run, very quiet. Just something other than a Honda to look at. I have had Hondas and Yamahas, prefer the Honda as engine is larger. At the ballon festival last year, our neighbor had a 3500 Honda, tone was lower but same volume as mine. His was 133 lb. dry, almost 160 lb. w/ fuel-heavy. He had a ramp, but in the sand a struggle, I helped.

[Tundra 2014]

If you look @ a dual fuel, realize you lose power on propane. Also consider the power lose at altitude. 3% per 1K altitude approx., and I may be off a percent.

[frank4711]

Originally Posted by Trawlerphil

"Shorter answer--Predator 3500 watt inverter generator"

Yes ... quiet and runs all I need for stop overs when going to campgrounds farther away ...

[McCormickJim]

The "Food Trucks" around here all use the Predator brand. The trucks run them all day, every day, all season.

In addition to "inverter" remember generators are heavy. The Honda EU2200i weighs 48 pounds empty. Add 4 gallons of fuel and you are lugging 80 pounds.

Years ago I had a 3500Watt Generac inverter generator. It was an external frame generator and the quietest available. It weighed 98 pounds empty and 130 pounds with fuel. I carried 2 of them. I was also 45 years old. Today I would go with two 'paired' generators instead of one larger generator just to avoid the weight.

[Tundra 2014]

Good looking rear rack.

[CaboSnow]

I just saw the new Onan 4500/3500 inverter. This is the same technology as the one in most motorhomes. I would check this out. I have never had any problems with any of the Onan generators I have owned over the last 35 years.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by CaboSnow

I just saw the new Onan 4500/3500 inverter. This is the same technology as the one in most motorhomes. I would check this out. I have never had any problems with any of the Onan generators I have owned over the last 35 years.

Are the Onan generators in motorhomes, made in China?
Because that inverter generator is made in China, as is its twin Westinghouse 4500/3500 inverter generator.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/00...g?v=1550179975

The Westinghouse name has sold to various companies, mostly overseas:
"Since 1998, Westinghouse Licensing has*licensed*the famous*brand*for use on a multitude of products, some of which were in similar categories to those sold by the historic version of the company. Though these products advertise the Westinghouse name, they are not manufactured by the historic Westinghouse company".

[Splashes3]

I recently bought the Champion 3500 gasoline inverter version WITH remote control....I really like using the remote control. I have only run it nearly 6 hrs and did the break-in oil change. I installed an engine run meter which is nice. Lastly and most importantly, it runs my 15K AC unit....didn't seem to have much problem in a short test. Oh, I also got lucky and got it at half price!

Hopefully, I will get many years of use.