Generator for 50 AMP

[dogtownD]

What size, or brand are folks using for a generator to run 50 amp campers?

[cboss]

Generator size has nothing to do with 30 or 50 amp campers.
The size of the genny depends on what equipment you want/need to run with the genny.
A 3000 watt genny will run one AC with no problem, but probably not two ACs (but maybe with a soft start).
You probably want an "inverter generator", that way you can plug sensitive equipment into it like cell phones and computers.
Another consideration is noise, the bigger then genny the louder they get.
It's the same with weight. A 3000 watt genny will weight around 50 - 80 lb. While a 4500 watt genny will probably be over 100 lb.
Our camper is 50 amp and we use a 3000 watt genny.

[Lincman983]

Here's a little chart that might prove useful with appliance wattage and amperage

[Tabasco_Joe]

Originally Posted by dogtownD

What size, or brand are folks using for a generator to run 50 amp campers?

If you tell us a bit about your camper, when and where you are going to camp using the generator. Noise requirements. Weight requirements. You will get better suggestions. What are your major electrical loads you need the generator to support?

[asr524]

Originally Posted by cboss

Generator size has nothing to do with 30 or 50 amp campers.
The size of the genny depends on what equipment you want/need to run with the genny.
A 3000 watt genny will run one AC with no problem, but probably not two ACs (but maybe with a soft start).
You probably want an "inverter generator", that way you can plug sensitive equipment into it like cell phones and computers.
Another consideration is noise, the bigger then genny the louder they get.
It's the same with weight. A 3000 watt genny will weight around 50 - 80 lb. While a 4500 watt genny will probably be over 100 lb.
Our camper is 50 amp and we use a 3000 watt genny.

This 100%
A similar question popped up on a Facebook group and the amount of wrong answers was hilarious.

[NavyLCDR]

Originally Posted by asr524

This 100%
A similar question popped up on a Facebook group and the amount of wrong answers was hilarious.

Well, since a 50 amp RV service is actually 2 individual 50 amp 120v legs, you would want 100 amps total which work out to a 12KW (12,000 watts) generator. So, you are going to want something like this since it is dual fuel (you can run it off your propane tanks) and it is easy to transport!:



It's only 236 lbs. (empty I assume), and 74 dB noise.

That ^^^^^ is a wrong answer!

[NavyLCDR]

In all seriousness, if you want to get fancy, get 2 somewhere around 2,000-2,300 watt inverter generators that you can parallel together.

[asr524]

Originally Posted by NavyLCDR

Well, since a 50 amp RV service is actually 2 individual 50 amp 120v legs, you would want 100 amps total which work out to a 12KW (12,000 watts) generator. So, you are going to want something like this since it is dual fuel (you can run it off your propane tanks) and it is easy to transport!:

Attachment 263149

It's only 236 lbs. (empty I assume), and 74 dB noise.

That ^^^^^ is a wrong answer!

Seriously! Some of the comments might as well have just suggested mounting a Generac home genset in their truck when the OP of that Facebook post which even mentioned "common sense" genny size

Originally Posted by NavyLCDR

In all seriousness, if you want to get fancy, get 2 somewhere around 2,000-2,300 watt inverter generators that you can parallel together.

When my onboard (5500) was down I ran 2 Honda EU2000 in parallel which ran my 15k BTU A/C and the fan of the 2nd 15k A/C. My onboard has 2 30amp legs and runs both A/C's plus the microwave without skipping a beat.

[ependydad]

It all depends on what you want to run at once and how much you want to spend.

See if this article helps:

https://learntorv.com/generators/

That said, when I’m boondocking, my goal is to run the generator as little as possible- specifically for recharging batteries and for running high watt appliances (microwave, A/C). Everything else runs off of battery power either native 12v or inverter making 120v.

https://learntorv.com/inverter-basics/