Generator size ?

[Jason25]

Wondering what size generator i would need to run my a/c and other when power at cg is not available.
I have the 15,000 a/c upgrade.

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[bansai]

I'd recommend 3500 watts just as a generic starting point. That will run your AC and most of your other AC(electrical) stuff, concurrently.

4000 watts would give you a little more elbow room since you have the bigger air conditioner.

To get a better estimate, we'd need to know some more details about what you plan on running off grid... i.e. - inverter? Hair dryer? Coffee maker? Those items can really add up.

[Jason25]

Originally Posted by bansai

I'd recommend 3500 watts just as a generic starting point. That will run your AC and most of your other AC(electrical) stuff, concurrently.

4000 watts would give you a little more elbow room since you have the bigger air conditioner.

To get a better estimate, we'd need to know some more details about what you plan on running off grid... i.e. - inverter? Hair dryer? Coffee maker? Those items can really add up.

Hello and thanks for the response.
First of all we have the 2017 x23b on order to p/u this spring and we are new to all this fun. Trying to plan ahead and grab some gadgets before it all comes time to travel.
That said i do plan on trying out some parks that do not provide hookups.
We would be using the a/c along with the simple things such as coffee, tv, micro, phone chargers and that sort of thing. I would really like to keep the geni as small in size as possible..
Thanks for all help everyone !
Newbie to the game so any tips for begginers is much appreciated!

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[bansai]

Welcome to the forum BTW.

Not everyone new to the game knows this part, but also make sure you are looking at inverter generators. Most will tell you to look at the Honda or Yamaha models as they are really awesome, super quiet and last a very long time. Costco also has some Champion inverter gen sets that run on dual fuel (propane or gas)... just something else to consider.

Camping off the grid is the way to go in my opinion. If you plan on doing a lot of that, you'll probably want to consider a couple hundred watts of solar on your roof. With that, and the right battery setup, you won't need the generator as much, but of course using your AC off grid is a challenge without one (generally not possible).

I'm sure you'll get other responses. A lot of us have generators.

[BuddyRay]

Jason - welcome to RVing!

If you use the search function on the site you'll find a ton of discussions about generators - what size, what brand, propane or gas, where to carry it, when to use it, advantages of 2 small generators (hooked together) vs. 1 larger one and on and on.

If you come across discussions about adding a "Hard Start" capacitor to your AC know that most newer AC units (2016 and later I think) already have those installed.

Some people like to keep their generator as small as possible and report that they can run their AC on a 3100 watt unit IF they don't run anything BUT the AC. They turn the AC off for a few minutes if they want to run a coffee pot, hair dryer or other high watt appliances. There have been some comments on the forum about getting AC to run on even slightly smaller generators - the problem is, you can get a serious voltage drop when the AC is starting - which can seriously shorten the life of your AC.

Many folks just carry a small generator to charge their batteries once a day and don't try to run AC.

[Treatcg]

Originally Posted by Jason25

Wondering what size generator i would need to run my a/c and other when power at cg is not available.
I have the 15,000 a/c upgrade.

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What is your budget? I use the Champion 75531i and have no complaints.

https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Powe.../dp/B00BBDCE1S

[Nukeneck]

These two are the best on the market in my opinion and are the ones bansai mentioned. The Champion mentioned above is a less expensive comparable third option although not as quiet as the Honda/Yamaha. All three are inverter generators which is a MUST to keep your neighbors from forming a lynch mob and to keep your own sanity.

Honda
https://www.amazon.com/Honda-EU3000i...rter+generator

Yamaha
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-EF3000...rter+generator

[etex211]

Something to consider....

If you get a 3500-4000 watt generator, you'll have to shut down the A/C any time you want to use the microwave or the hair dryer.

[clubhouse]

As has been mentioned the key is an invertor type generator. Honda and Yamaha are the gold standard, Champion seems to have a contender these days. The others I would consider untested. For noise look for 58 Db, maybe 60 Db but not higher, when running at load. Any louder and neither you nor your camping neighbors will be really happy.

For AC 3000w would be min. A really nice option are the 2000w units that can be paired together for 4000. This way you have a much smaller and manageable unit when you won't be running the AC.

Another consideration is where you will camp when you need AC. Outside of truly remote camping on private, Blm or Forrest service land; most CG don't allow unlimited generator use. Run times can be as restrictive as a couple AM hours and PM hours. Frequent 8-10am and 4-6 pm. Others might be more generous and allow 8a-8p or something similar. My point is if you want to run the AC while sleeping you might be SOL. Take this into consideration when buying a generator. Would hate to spend $2k-$3k and not use it how you imagined.

After we considered everything we bought a Honda EU2000i and forgo the AC. With this generator we can charge batteries while having other small power draws (I.e. Lights, TV, Radio etc). It still is able to run our microwave or the occasional hairdryer when other items aren't being used. Should we start wanting to run the AC in the future we will pick up the Honda 2000 companion.

[bdreinv]

Originally Posted by Jason25

Wondering what size generator i would need to run my a/c and other when power at cg is not available.
I have the 15,000 a/c upgrade.

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The 15000 need 2900 watts to start them, we use two Honda's!We dry camp mostly.Happy Trails

[bdreinv]

Originally Posted by bdreinv

The 15000 need 2900 watts to start them, we use two Honda's!We dry camp mostly.Happy Trails

Two Honda 2000!

[TCNashville]

These little puppies have held up well for me and in parallel will run your AC just fine. (2) 73536i Champion Power Equipment 2000w Inverter Generator set NEW | eBay

[RPreeb]

I agree with those who suggest getting two 2000w inverter generators, and you can get both with the connection kit by either Champion or Powerhorse for the price of a single Honda or Yamaha. By connecting the two, you get the full benefit of 4000 watts, plus you can run most everything except the AC on a single generator, only using both when necessary. It's also easier to move two 50 pound generators one at a time than it is to move one 100 pounder.

[Big1]

Awesome info, I'm trying to learn more about this, those I don't think that I will never boondocks but I still will like to educate myself on this topic. The two inverteds setup sound like an perfect setup.

[Kahoneys]

Originally Posted by TCNashville

These little puppies have held up well for me and in parallel will run your AC just fine. (2) 73536i Champion Power Equipment 2000w Inverter Generator set NEW | eBay

I like this idea but they don't have a 30 or 50 amp plug?

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by Kahoneys

I like this idea but they don't have a 30 or 50 amp plug?

The parallel kit does. In the ebay photo, look at the horizontal bar between the two generators. It shows a 30amp and 50amp receptacle.

[Jason25]

Thanks all for friendly posts and detailed info! I know exactly what i need now so i can wait/ shop for a good deal.

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[Vaquero]

Question.
Are the factory installed ONAN generators "inverter generators"?

[M&A]

Originally Posted by Vaquero

Question.
Are the factory installed ONAN generators "inverter generators"?

I just happened to look at a bunch of these at a recent RV show. Non were of the inverter type. They do tend to be better regulated for frequency than a typical contractor generator.

[Isaacs]

Even with a super quiet generator if you start running it all night long your neighbors are going to run you out of town!