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Old 01-22-2017, 05:06 PM   #1
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Portable Generator with 30 amp service

I'm looking for a portable generator that I could use for up to the 30 Amp service our 17BH is wired for.

I do know that I can use standard 120VAC with the adapter plug and power everything but the Air Conditioner, but would like to took at the option of a Gen with a full 30Amp service RV outlet.

We would appreciate recommendations if anyone has had a similar need and experience.

Thanks
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Old 01-22-2017, 05:13 PM   #2
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you probably CAN run your air conditioner off of 120v 15a residential shore power if you are not running anything else... especially when the compressor first comes on...
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Old 01-22-2017, 05:19 PM   #3
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A quick search using Honda, Yamaha or Champion will show you tons of results.
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Old 01-22-2017, 06:00 PM   #4
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Yes it IS loud and at 180 plus pounds it is a little heavy but is will run the lite till it runs out of gas.

https://www.googleadservices.com/pag...uxcItwE&adurl=

I do not use it much or for long but it keeps the boss happy and that keeps me calm.

Runs the electric impact gun just fine.
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Old 01-22-2017, 06:05 PM   #5
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Get one of the very popular Champion 3100w inverter generators.
They also recently added the 3400w and 3500w inverter generators to the lineup.

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Old 01-22-2017, 06:52 PM   #6
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Be sure to take into consideration where you plan to carry it and where you will run it. Be sure you can get it in and out of where it will travel.
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Old 01-23-2017, 02:20 PM   #7
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The Honda Handi is a 3000-watt generator that comes with a 30A outlet standard. You WILL need an RV adapter (the built in 30A plug is a twist lock; that's different that the 30A plugs RVs use). I LOVED my Handi. Quiet and dependable. It is pull start only but, no starting battery means it's light enough for one person to lift. Not inexpensive but, worth the $$$$.

Honda EU3000i Handi Model Info | Super Quiet 3000 Watt Inverter Generator | Honda Generators
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Old 01-23-2017, 04:29 PM   #8
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Remember a 30 Amp generator only has 30 Amps. On shore power you can exceed the Amp rating for a few miliseconds, not with a generator. What you have is all you've got. Note attachments - Before You Blow Your Breaker.
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File Type: pdf Before you Blow Your Breaker010.pdf (749.1 KB, 149 views)
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Old 01-23-2017, 04:38 PM   #9
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I was at Sam's Club earlier today and they have a 3500 watt Champion dual fuel generator for $299.00. It also has a 30A RV type outlet on it. Not an inverter genny so it is probably loud. I did not notice any loudness specs on the box. Great price for a dual fuel unit.
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Old 01-23-2017, 04:58 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DSurette View Post
I was at Sam's Club earlier today and they have a 3500 watt Champion dual fuel generator for $299.00. It also has a 30A RV type outlet on it. Not an inverter genny so it is probably loud. I did not notice any loudness specs on the box. Great price for a dual fuel unit.
Should be around 68db, just like the gas only version.


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Old 01-23-2017, 05:41 PM   #11
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Make sure you go with an inverter type generator to minimize power fluctuations. Recommend Honda. Quiet, reliable, light weight. More money but last a long time. I've got an old Honda 1000 that's over 20 years old and it still works.
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Old 01-23-2017, 06:25 PM   #12
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I have a new Champion 3500 Watt inverter generator and it will run the AC with no problems
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Old 01-23-2017, 06:26 PM   #13
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Not loud like some "portable" gen's.
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Old 01-23-2017, 07:03 PM   #14
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if you to run the full 30A I would no less than 4000W... which is really 3200W... two Honda 2000w in tandem would do it. 30A is 3600W at 120V then take into consideration hot temps and start up loads on motors ... AC compressor for example
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Old 01-23-2017, 08:45 PM   #15
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Champion makes both inverter and non-inverter 3500 watt generators. Non-inverter generators are much louder than an inverter-style generator. As mention previously, the non-inverter 3500/4000 generator specs out at a rather loud 68 dbA and weighs 134 pounds dry. The inverter style Champion 3500 runs at 59 dbA, which is rather loud for an inverter generator.

Like some other RVers, I preferred getting two 2000 watt inverter generators. I only have to run one most of the time but I can parallel them when I need to run the AC unit and they weigh less than 50 pounds each so I can move them around easily. The biggest problem here is the run time because the small gas tanks won’t run all night under full load. The Yamahas are great, no problems at all, one will run all evening when I’m boondocking in nice weather or when it’s cold outside with the furnace running, it will last all night. They also work well when paralleled on my 15K BTU AC during the day but require refueling from time-to-time. I haven’t needed them to run the air conditioner overnight so the fuel capacity hasn’t been an issue. By the way, running two generators only adds 3 dbA to the sound level of a single unit.

I bought two Yamaha 2K inverter units but if I were buying again, I would strongly consider the Honda 2K inverter generators. The Honda has a smaller fuel tank, so it runs 2 hours less than the Yamaha (8.1 hr. vs. 10.5 hr. at 25% load) and the Honda is a little louder (53 dbA vs. 51.5 dbA—again, add 3 dbA for two running generators). However, the Honda has a fuel pump and that makes hooking up an external gas tank easier. You can do that with the Yamaha as well but you have to ensure the external fuel tank is approximately at the same level as the generator.

Also, consider that generators lose power at higher altitudes. What may work well at sea level might not work above 5000 feet.

My advice is to buy an inverter generator. I prefer the Honda and Yamaha brands but several members with Champion generators seem satisfied with them. Also, consider the weight of the generator and run time for your needs.

Good luck with your generator. They make boondocking and even stopping for lunch well traveling on a hot day much more enjoyable.
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Old 01-23-2017, 09:11 PM   #16
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I have had my Champion 3100 for a few years now. I put about 24 to 48 hours on it a month. It has never let me down. The only time I have tripped the generator, was when I had all my lights on, fridge, tv, coffee maker, and microwave going...then switched my water heater to electric. Even at that point, I was just trying to see what I could get away with. Very quiet, but it doesn't have a large gas tank. I am able to get a good nights sleep if I gas up right before I go to sleep though.
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Old 01-23-2017, 09:49 PM   #17
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I have a Powerhouse 4 kw Fuel Injected generator. It runs my 15 k btu AC in 90 degree sun on a dark finish Rockwood.
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Old 01-23-2017, 10:00 PM   #18
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I seconded the opinion on the Champion 3100 generators. Just picked a refurb unit off ebay for $499 with free shipping. IMO, better than buying off Craigslist with their 90 day warranty and parts can be had if needed. It won't provide a full 30 amps, but it'll run an AC if you need that and your basics. If buying a new unit is your thing, Costco has the best deal on these models. I'd like to have the money to got the Honda/Yamaha route, but too rich for me. Do a search and I don't think you can go wrong whatever way you choose. Just get an inverter type generator no matter what. It'll keep the noise down for the most part for your neighbors.
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Old 01-24-2017, 01:18 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jkoenig24 View Post
The Honda Handi is a 3000-watt generator that comes with a 30A outlet standard. You WILL need an RV adapter (the built in 30A plug is a twist lock; that's different that the 30A plugs RVs use). I LOVED my Handi. Quiet and dependable. It is pull start only but, no starting battery means it's light enough for one person to lift. Not inexpensive but, worth the $$$$.

Honda EU3000i Handi Model Info | Super Quiet 3000 Watt Inverter Generator | Honda Generators
X 3!!!
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Old 01-24-2017, 01:22 AM   #20
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I have a Honda EU2000i companion that I run solo. It has a 30A plug but requires another 2000i linked in tandem to deliver 30A. Alone, it's rated for 13.3A sustained and 16.7A surge. (Honda web site) That's how I use it.

With a fan-start delay relay on my 13.5K BTU AC, I'm able to cool my 21DK trailer. The relay staggers the start of the compressor and the fan, to minimize the surge. I don't attempt to run the AC and the microwave at the same time. It's not a big deal to stop the AC for the few minutes the microwave is running.

If you want 30A, consider how you're going to move it around. A EU2000i weighs 46#. Two of those with a parallel may be more manageable by one person than a single 30A generator. (A 3000i weighs 78#.) Besides which, you don't need to lug the big one around when you don't need 30A.
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