Another Generator thread

[AV8B6015]

I hate to do it, and I've done some reading but the choice still isn't clear to me.

Disclaimer, as nice as the Honda's (and those like it) are, they're simply out of my budget.

My TT has a 50 amp service and 2 A/C units. I honestly don't think I'll be running both most of the time, but I will sometimes. It gets into the 100's here on occasion and pretty darn close to that most of the summer.

Now, I currently have a 4000W Generac, and I know that's not going to cut it. What will I realistically need to make this work? Am I right that the inverter/generators can have a lower rating than standard generators? Dealer suggested a 5500 Honda but I'm not paying that. What are my options? I really need to stay around $1k for price. Thanks

[Jmooney]

4000 watts is pretty substantial. Its probably rated to produce 3600 Watts under normal conditions ( perhaps 4200 watts momentarily)

You can run it at peak for short periods, but for the sake of the generator life span, IMHO , 75% is a good target.

So the math says: 3600 watts times 75%, divided by 120 volts =s 22.5 amps.

IMHO, You wont have any problem running one of your AC units, perhalsp even 2 depending on how big they are and how much current they draw to start and run.

[RoyBraddy]

Then you will have to find a place that will allow you to run your generator. Most public places we go to has generator run time restrictions in place. Usually a couple hours in the mornings and maybe three hours in the late afternoon. Never after 8PM and before 8AM the next morning.

The NATL FOREST is usually the same but some will allow from 8AM to 8PM - Never after dark...

Doesn't leave much time to run a generator when you need it the most...

Check with your local camp grounds you may want to camp at and see what the hours are...

Roy Ken

[TexasRT]

Our old TT and the new one both have 50amp service and both have dual a/c units. Both are equipped with an Onan5500 and it will run both a/c's at the same time plus anything else you want to run. They are pricey but it's a good feeling to know you have it when it's needed.

[clubhouse]

Honda & Yamaha are very nice, and you are correct -- expensive. Especially in the sizes you are like looking for.

Before you completely punt on the idea of them I would spend some time watching Craigs list. I purchased my Honda EU2000i on CL for $600. I have seen 3000s listed for ~$1k range.

Otherwise I would look at the Champion inverter type. They can be bought new for quite a bit less. They are not Honda or Yamaha, but they sure seem to big a nice alternative at a pretty attractive price. Both can be found on sale at Costco and Cabellas.

If you get a non-inverter type you will certainly save money, but not make any friends.

[AV8B6015]

(2) 120V , 20A duplex outlets, 3 prong, (1) 120V, 20A twist lock outlet, 3 prong, (1) 240V, 30A twist lock outlet, 4 prong, (1) 12V DC outlet

This is what is on the panel of the generator that's available to me. Will this work for me? What about those adapters that have two plugs on one end and one on the other?

[Jmooney]

Sure. You will likely need an adaptor to go from the 240 volt twist lock down to 120 volt 30 amp for your trailer.

[edatlanta]

X2 TexasRT.

[Bassdogs]

limited budget = max power gen ///// Good Luck!

1] "You get what you pay for " was never truer than with Gens.
2] Quiet inverter style units are pricey unless you can find a used one on-line where you might be buying someone else's problem
3]All product development is an ongoing thing, but haven't heard anything new or better coming thru on the Gen market. Honda / Yamaha are the gold standard. The rest are measured against them but none are as good, as quiet, or as accepted by your neighbor campers.

[Seann45]

Costco has the inverter style Champion generators.. for half the price of the Honda.. take a look either on line or in store. I have a cheap construction grade one I use in emergencies and in 7 years it has always started on the first pull.

[ALJO]

Champion also has a reputable name and has a good service. Part are easy available to Champion USA. Honda and Yamaha owners stick to their brand and I am happy with my 3000/2800 watt CHAMPION inverter/generator at half their price.
And they are just as quiet at 57 db. "Champion" you're my Champion! (sounds like a ad)
As with everything follow the manufacturers instructions and take care of your equipment.

[clubhouse]

Originally Posted by Jmooney

Sure. You will likely need an adaptor to go from the 240 volt twist lock down to 120 volt 30 amp for your trailer.

Is there an adapter for the 240v 30a socket to knock it down to a 120v 30a RV socket? I wasn't familiar with one, if there is I would be interested since I have a 240v circuit in my garage I would prefer to use over a 120v 20a circuit in use know with a dog bone.

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by clubhouse

Is there an adapter for the 240v 30a socket to knock it down to a 120v 30a RV socket? I wasn't familiar with one, if there is I would be interested since I have a 240v circuit in my garage I would prefer to use over a 120v 20a circuit in use know with a dog bone.

Only if the 240v outlet in your garage has all 4 conductors.

[havnfun]

Originally Posted by mike837go

Only if the 240v outlet in your garage has all 4 conductors.

I also have an unused 240v in the garage that I would like to use. What do you mean by "if it has all four conductors?" And how do I check.
Thanks from a desk jockey.
Happy RVing,
Jeff

[rick danger]

He means two hot legs (black and red) and neutral (white) and a ground (green or bare). You will have to pull the outlet and look....Also, dont just look at what the outlet has. Make sure there isnt a taped up wire in the box. To use it for the trailer and make it 110 you just dont use one of the hot legs (usually it would be the red)

[AV8B6015]

Looked closer at the genny, and although it says 30 amps, all the breakers are 20 amp. I'm just going to buy the Champion that has the 50 amp outlet. As for the neighbors, I hate it, but unless they want to pitch in for the Honda, they'll have to live with the loud genny.

Besides, most places we will camp will either have power or be at ATV parks where everyone has a loud genny. If they have an issue with that, too bad.

[Jmooney]

They make several different types. This one for example, gives you (2) 120v 20 amp outlets

[Jmooney]

This one goes from 240 twist lock to 120 v 30 amp