Portable generator???

[LasVagas]

Howdy ,

We have a 2019 Siilverback 35IK and we are looking to get a portable generator and have no knowledge what to get..Do we look at a generator vs an inverter generator and howv big do we need?? We have a residential fridge and maybe power one air conditioner.. Any direction would be helpful..

[eye95]

For camping , definitely an inverter generator. Quieter and produces cleaner power.

[bikendan]

NEVER get an open-frame contractor-style generator, for campground usage. Nearly all have noise ratings that exceed park rules.

[CHICKDOE]

How are you planning on camping? In parks that have power or boondocking without power? If you plan to go boondocking how are you planning on running the residential refrigerator? Are you 30 amp or 50 amp?

[Tundra 2014]

You want an inverter generator. If you have twin A/C, you will need a minimum of 3500 watts. Or you can spent more for QUICK START KITS. I big one or 2- 2200 watt Hondas. I have a Generac IQ3500 which is an improved-extra features clone of the Harbor Freight or Northern Tool 3500 watt. All are electric start. I like mine and have 200 hours on it w/ 0 problems.
If I did it again I would go w/ 2-2200s or one of the Northern Tools 3500s-due to value and the ability to add an excellent "Big Wheel" kit. Full of gas mine is 120 lbs. w/ no wheels. Mine has been excellent, but it is heavy to put in the back of an F-350 on my own. The Northern Tool and HF unit is the same generator w/ less metal and no fuel gauge for $500 LESS.

[rsdata]

popular options are twin 2000 watt units that can be paralleled...
PROS: each weighs less than 50# and is easy to lift, run both for 4000 watts to run everything in the camper including both AV units, run one when you only need a few things on, Honda is the most popular option although many 2000 watt units can be paralleled

3500 watt units are popular from Honda, harbor Freight, Champion and should power anything you need... but they are heavy

Only look at inverter generators... they are more expensive but they sip gas, and are very quiet compared to a generator

[TitanMike]

Something to consider.

If you need more than 2,000 watts, usually for A/C and other appliances, you need 2 small units in parallel or one 3500watt+ unit.

2 small units means two units to start, fuel, and maintain. Also more noise. Perhaps not much but still more.

Yes, the larger ones weigh more but there are options where you don't have to move it at each stop.

If I was just charging batteries I'd have a single, small, inverter type generator.

My 3500 wat Champion sits on my rear bumper and runs there whenever I need it.

[eye95]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Something to consider.

If you need more than 2,000 watts, usually for A/C and other appliances, you need 2 small units in parallel or one 3500watt+ unit.

2 small units means two units to start, fuel, and maintain. Also more noise. Perhaps not much but still more.

Yes, the larger ones weigh more but there are options where you don't have to move it at each stop.

Advantages of a pair of generators:

If one goes down, you can still power much of your stuff with one.

My generators are paired with a device that contains a 30-amp RV outlet. Neither individual generator has such an outlet.

[CTGREG]

I have 2. One is the Honda 2000i and the other is the Honda 2000i Companion. Get the parallel cables to get you 4000 watt total. They both just sip the gas and run very quietly. The advantage of the two is that they are easier to store and move. Generally there is no pricing discount so most dealers are selling for the same within a 50 - 75 price margin. They sell in vicinity of 950 - 1100 each. Now that being said, we have also had the easy starts installed on our acts as well. This reduces the amperage draw to start the ac's, makes for quieter running and also prolongs the life of the ac's. The easy starts by Max Aire I recall as being in the 300-400 dollar range each. Another worthwhile investment is the Hughes Autoformer. At times, you will find campgrounds that do dot have the full voltage at the site. If you don't have the required voltage, you can adversely affect any electronic components or sensitive electrical appliances. This is my opinion based on my experiences.

[Jim34RL]

I would look at the Cummins Onan portable generators They have been test by Trailer Life and are rated for 52 DB at 7m, when operating which is quiet for a engine. they can support a 50AMP load if two are hooked together just like any other portable generator.

Like all man made machines some will like them and others won't.

[Dsimes]

We have a Champion 3500W non inverter however if we had it to do over would have purchased two smaller inverter models to parallel. With the fridge you have and wanting to run the A/C you will need at least a 4000W or more whether you go with two paralleled or one large unit. The two would be easier to load up. I use an engine hoist to load ours into the truck bed. Mostly because of how high i have to lift it not so much because it weighs to much.

[4garylee]

I have a 37RTH CC 2019 Res Fridge. With the softstarts I can run entire trailer on 30amp or 2200 gen WITH both airs running. No problems at all!

[jtsriding]

I'm not understanding, so many opinions..... can a 2100 watt generator run my air conditioning? Forest River 27RR and a TV at the same time? thanks

[rsdata]

I'm not understanding, so many opinions..... can a 2100 watt generator run my air conditioning? Forest River 27RR and a TV at the same time? thanks

NO... understand now?

Need at least 3000 watts without any modifications to the AC unit that will cost about $300 ( Soft-Start or Micro-Air).

Any other question?

[jtsriding]

Originally Posted by rsdata

NO... understand now?

Any other question?

Lol yes. I like yes or no answers.
But why does 4garylee say he can run 2 of them and the whole trailer on a 2200? This is why I’m confused

[rsdata]

why does 4garylee say he can run 2 of them and the whole trailer on a 2200? This is why I’m confused

I wish I knew why he answered that way...

I have a 37RTH CC 2019 Res Fridge. With the softstarts I can run entire trailer on 30amp or 2200 gen WITH both airs running. No problems at all!

Can anybody else on this forum post that they can do this???

[eye95]

My AC runs with the RV on two WEN 2000 inverter generators in parallel. As an experiment, I tried to run it on one generator. No go.

[comfun1]

I bought an iGen2200 from Sam's club for $299 on sale earlier this year. For less than $10 I bought a Supco capacitor and installed it in my 13.5 air conditioner unit. It starts and ran fine this summer when the temps were in the upper 90's. Also ran the tv, didn't try anything else.

[jtsriding]

Originally Posted by eye95

My AC runs with the RV on two WEN 2000 inverter generators in parallel. As an experiment, I tried to run it on one generator. No go.

Thanks.

[dbledan]

Originally Posted by rsdata

NO... understand now?

Need at least 3000 watts without any modifications to the AC unit that will cost about $300 ( Soft-Start or Micro-Air).

Any other question?

I love this answer. Simple, to the point, and accurate.