Generator help

[SquirrellyDan]

I've tried searching but can't get a definitive answer. I know you've probably been over this many times but can I plug my trailer into my generator and run my AC appliances, namely the AC unit.

I have a Jayco 154BH and my generator is a Champion 3500 Watt gas generator. It's not an inverter type. It has a 30 amp receptacle.

If I cant run the fridge, can I run just basic things like the fridge, charge phones, exterior string lights? Is it unsafe to plug the trailer into the generator? Shoudl I just plug the things I want to use directly into the generator?

I appreciate any guidance with this.

Danny

[nbhybrid]

plug the shore cord into the generator. I would just run the fridge on gas...it hardly burns any

[tnchuck100]

That generator will run your air conditioner. I would not recommend it for electronics. Its waveform is quite dirty. Also Champion generators of the non-inverter type are VERY noisy. Any other camper within 50 - 100 feet of you will not be a happy camper.

Inverter generators are quieter, have a cleaner waveform and electronics work much better with them.

As nbhybrid said run the refrigerator on gas. Run the water heater on gas as well.

[Ela1948]

I hope that you don't have neighbors. You will be the talk of the community!! Do yourself and the rest of the campground a favor and get an inverter generator as soon as you can.

[BCx213]

That Champion generator will run the AC.....and appliances but not sensitive electronics. you will need an invertor generator for that. Champion has come out with the 3100 watt invertor which is way quieter than the 3500 that you have. Your 3500 is rated at 68 decibels vs 58 for the 3100..I have the 3500 and the 3100 and the difference in noise levels is huge!!...The 3500 will make you enemies in close quarters...

[eventdude]

+1 on running refer and hot water on gas setting. I would plug 30amp shore power cord into a.30amp receptacle on generator However... Inverter generator is way to go... I recently tried to run my 2006 a/c 15000btu ac unit ( 3200 w start up and 1800 w) with Champion 4000 ( 4000w start and 3500w continuous) couldn't start my AC . I ended up using two Honda Eu2000That start the unit perfectly. Clean power is key - best way to provide Clean power is by using an invertter/generator. Or install an stand alone inverter.

[Parcany]

The Champion 3500/4000 generator I had would run the 15,000 a/c but like was said, it was noisy. Also if you check it the plug is 30 amp but controlled by a 25 amp circuit breaker.

[etex211]

I had a Champion 3500/4000 generator with a previous camper. It's not as noisy as everyone makes it out to be. It's not nearly as noisy as one of those contractor generators. Keep it on the ground, and the noise level isn't too bad.

I used the Champion to run everything in my camper, with the following exceptions: Of the air conditioner, microwave, and hair dryer, you could only run one of the three at a time.

[Adk Camper]

Originally Posted by etex211

I had a Champion 3500/4000 generator with a previous camper. It's not as noisy as everyone makes it out to be. It's not nearly as noisy as one of those contractor generators. Keep it on the ground, and the noise level isn't too bad.

I used the Champion to run everything in my camper, with the following exceptions: Of the air conditioner, microwave, and hair dryer, you could only run one of the three at a time.

Agree 100% with what you stated and I use mine to power everything in my 33RLDS. I don't camp at RV parks or campgrounds with electric so mine does get some use when we need it.Only powered the TV once and had no issue but then we don't go camping to watch TV either.
Just this past Labor Day weekend I counted 11 Champions at the State Park we we're at and I decided to ask the ranger if he had any complaints about screaming loud yellow generators. Guess what? Not one complaint and that's coming from a CG with 199 sites.

[czech52]

In my semi I ran a harbor freight gen (3500/4000 watt) ran a 13000 btu ac/heater and a tv, electric stove (one burner) and all my computers and had no problem. I have a 2002 grayhawk with a onan 4000 and cannot run ac and micro wave at same time. You will find out the Honda gen is about the quietest gen but the most expensive.

[SquirrellyDan]

Thank you everyone. I understand it's loud and my hopes are to get the Honda EU2000i but for now I just make sure it was ok to use the Champion. I'm going to be at a race track so I dont think noise will be an issue. Just to be safe I will not charge the computer or phones and I dont even have a TV. JUst wanted to run the AIR or FAN if needed but it's going to be cool this weekend in NJ so I may not even that.

Thanks again!

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by czech52

I have a 2002 grayhawk with a onan 4000 and cannot run ac and micro wave at same time.

Sounds like you might have a weak breaker in the geny, we never had any trouble with our 2001.

[OnTheGo]

The definitive answer you are searching for is in the number of amps you will use and how many the generator will produce. It takes some reading, and the information is readily available.

Many devices are rated in watts. There is an easy formula to convert watts to amps. Without doing the numbers, I think a Honda 2000 watt generator is capable of handling about 13 amps.

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by Adk Camper

Agree 100% with what you stated and I use mine to power everything in my 33RLDS. I don't camp at RV parks or campgrounds with electric so mine does get some use when we need it.Only powered the TV once and had no issue but then we don't go camping to watch TV either.
Just this past Labor Day weekend I counted 11 Champions at the State Park we we're at and I decided to ask the ranger if he had any complaints about screaming loud yellow generators. Guess what? Not one complaint and that's coming from a CG with 199 sites.

Enough has been said about the noise. Believe what you want, but your neighbors won't be happy. They may not complain [and another Champ owner for sure won't] but they will be hoping you are only staying one nite.

[Adk Camper]

Originally Posted by Bassdogs

Enough has been said about the noise. Believe what you want, but your neighbors won't be happy. They may not complain [and another Champ owner for sure won't] but they will be hoping you are only staying one nite.

Bassdogs I believe we've gone through this before on another thread so with that said I'm going to tread lightly.
I agree with enough has been said about the noise but the rest of your statement is purely your own opinion. I stated facts not speculation.

[michigancampermcsmrs]

The best choice I found was a 2000watt Honda Inverter Generator. Its quiet, will run your electronics safely. I purchased two of them. Easy to lift, connected together will run air conditioner plus other items.

[Crabman]

The OP has made up their mind, no need to hash out another loud generator discussion. Thread closed.