Generator Big or Little?

[TravelQueen]

Hello everyone, we are new Jayco Jay Flight G2 25RKS owners and have a couple of questions. First, we are trying to purchase a new generator for the TT and we're having a hard time deciding what to go with. We would like an inverter mainly for the weight issue; however, our bank account says a 2000 watt generator ($500-$600) is our only option. What can we run with 2000 watts peak? We would like to run an automatic coffee pot, microwave and furnace on cold nights--not all at once. We were also thinking of getting a 4000/3500 watt Champion with electric start and wheel kit; however, this weighs in at 134 lbs--not good, as we are getting up in age. We are only considering the Champion if it runs the A/C along with the other things. We like to go off road where there is no electric. We would appreciate any and all suggestions. Thank you! p.s. we don't know what btu's the a/c has-can't find it anywhere in the paperwork.

[Imnaha.Mansion]

With my TT I use a 2000 Generator. We had plans to get a second and couple them together if we needed, never have. It's light enough for my to lift and haul around. That being said I would much prefer to have an electric start, mostly to shut it off at bedtime.

The 2000w Generator ran everything but the AC. You can run several items at once as long as they don't draw too much.

A larger generator would be quite heavy, so it's going to stay where you mount it. You also have to be able to fuel it or add a larger remote fuel tank.

[TravelQueen]

Do you have the inverter type? if so, is it reliable? Does it start every time?

[Imnaha.Mansion]

It's a Yamaha and it has been quite reliable, starts easily with the choke. The only issue we've had has been with the fuel shut off lever, it has broken before so now I just leave it on. I believe it is the inverter type. I use an inverted Bin as a rain cover, just make sure to prop it up or the exhaust will melt it. I cable it to something secure around camp. It can run a microwave or coffee pot and the pump will pump better for showers with it on. The furnace should be fine with the batteries just make sure their charged before bed.

[Ela1948]

We use a 3000 Honda when we dry camp. Does a wonderful job reliably. I bought a champion 2000 to use when we didn't need the AC. That was a mistake. It runs well and is well built for a Chinese clone. But it doesn't produce the power that they claim. It will not start our microwave even when everything else is turned off. You can charge your batteries and run small appliances. A 2000 honda or Yamaha will produce more power then the champion 2000. It is cheaper for a reason!!!
If you go the champion route, be aware of its limitations.

[michigancampermcsmrs]

We bought 2 Honda 2000watt generators. One is the Honda companion. Can connect them together. Allows air conditioner operation. Quietest generator on the market. Easy to carry. Tried a Champion, we felt it too loud, in spite of what a salesman will tell you.

[etex211]

I had the 3500/4000 Champion with a previous camper. It did okay with a 13,5000 BTU air conditioner.

I loaded it in and out of the back of my truck by myself many times, but it really should be a two person job.

[nylyon]

I don't have a generator for the camper but I have an 8700 for home and MAN is that thing loud! I couldn't imagine subjecting my camping neighbors to anything near that. If I were to get something for the camper, I would go with the quietest I could afford, if A/C is important, then break out the credit card and finance something which is QUIET and will run the A/C. I've seen some You Tube video's of the Honda's and they're really quiet and easy to carry which is also key.

The Honda's are even small enough that to further quiet it you could get a large tupperware container, cut some holes for electric fans to ventilate it properly, insulate it and cover it up (proper ventilation is the key here!)

[TravelQueen]

Thank you all for your answers. We have decided to go with the inverter type that can be paralleled with another later on. we can lift 40-50 lbs x 2 much easier than 100-140 lbs all at once. Thanks again--it is nice to know that we have you all to help out with all our questions! :-)

[clutch]

You have made a good decision.

[RoyBraddy]

We are setup with our 255AH battery system to run all we want to have running when camping off the power grid in a one day/night run off the batteries. I only use the 2KW Honda generator to re-charge my 255AH battery bank back up the next day in a short three hour time span using smart mode charging technology.

My 2KW Honda generator sits secured in the tail gate corner of my covered and locked truck bed. It is easy to pull out onto the tailgate to use. Just the right distance away to use the 30AMP Shore Power cable from the trailer.

I also like the idea that my generator goes where I go for security purposes...



Roy Ken

[alaskahofferts]

I use two Yamaha 2000ES that I hook together. Only need one for everything but the A/C, but not at the same time lol. Wanted two for the summer. I use both often. Love em!

[BCx213]

Originally Posted by TravelQueen

Hello everyone, we are new Jayco Jay Flight G2 25RKS owners and have a couple of questions. First, we are trying to purchase a new generator for the TT and we're having a hard time deciding what to go with. We would like an inverter mainly for the weight issue; however, our bank account says a 2000 watt generator ($500-$600) is our only option. What can we run with 2000 watts peak? We would like to run an automatic coffee pot, microwave and furnace on cold nights--not all at once. We were also thinking of getting a 4000/3500 watt Champion with electric start and wheel kit; however, this weighs in at 134 lbs--not good, as we are getting up in age. We are only considering the Champion if it runs the A/C along with the other things. We like to go off road where there is no electric. We would appreciate any and all suggestions. Thank you! p.s. we don't know what btu's the a/c has-can't find it anywhere in the paperwork.

I bought the New Champion 3100 inverter generator for $799.00 from Costco. it will run my AC, microwave etch. Although I would not operate everything at once. It runs at about 58 DBS and weighs less than 100 pounds. This generator will run sensitive electronic equipment. I have the Champion 3500/4000 watt... it runs at 68 DBS.... it is loud and I am going to sell it. My 3100 is way quieter and for the price being almost 2/3 cheaper than the Honda 3000 i