What size generator

[JimsJayco]

Heyo,

I pick my my new tt tomorrow (224bhw) which has a 13,500AC. Just wondering what you run for a generator. My father in law has a Firman 3300 from Costco which I have my eye in as it often goes on sale. Would that be enough wattage for the rig? Won’t be running much other than lights while the AC is on. Thanks!!!

[Kahoneys]

That is enough wattage but I would recommend getting an inverter generator so that the electronics are protected.

[ultrarider]

I run my 13,500 btu ac on a Champion 2500 watt duel fuel inverter. I only use propane, never gas. I did installed a Microair soft start on the AC to ease the sudden amperage when the compressor turns on.

[ARoamer]

X2 on a Champion 2500 Dual Fuel. Starts and runs 1- 15K AC on LP but won't start it in ECO mode. Had a 3400 Champion but about #100. The 2500 is #49.

[RAurand]

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND a Micro Air Soft Start

[Jagiven]

You will want an inverter style generator at minimum. It has clean power, that modern electronics require. Bonus they are much quieter than construction great generators. You and your neighbors will appreciate it .

As for size, with no soft start you will need something around a 3500W genny.

I have a Champion dual fuel 3500W. Very nice, no issues running my ac on propane. I really wanted a 2200W dual fuel Champion. I could not find one. The smaller generators are quieter. You can parallel them for more power. The big items, there way lighter. And fit on a shelf in the garage.

If it was me, install a soft start, and buy a dual fuel 2200W inverter generator that is capable of a parallel kit

[66lincoln]

What is everyone's propane consumption compared to gas?

[ultrarider]

I’ve, never used gasoline in my Champion 2500 watt duel fuel inverter, so I can’t answer your question comparing consumption. I only plan on using propane, because it’s clean, and won’t gum up the carburetor, and more easy to store, than having containers of smelly, flammable, liquid around the campsite.

[ggilbert]

Originally Posted by ultrarider

I’ve, never used gasoline in my Champion 2500 watt duel fuel inverter, so I can’t answer your question comparing consumption. I only plan on using propane, because it’s clean, and won’t gum up the carburetor, and more easy to store, than having containers of smelly, flammable, liquid around the campsite.

how long will a grill tank run your ac with that generator?

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by 66lincoln

What is everyone's propane consumption compared to gas?

Originally Posted by ultrarider

I’ve, never used gasoline in my Champion 2500 watt duel fuel inverter, so I can’t answer your question comparing consumption. I only plan on using propane, because it’s clean, and won’t gum up the carburetor, and more easy to store, than having containers of smelly, flammable, liquid around the campsite.

I don't know. My primary use is to charge my TT batteries each day. Longest I have been out is 5 days, and run the genny 3-5 hours a day. Very little AC time, but some, little microwave time, and electric heat.

I have never consumed a 20 pound tank on a trip. Longest trip was 5 days, I do not recall how much fuel I used, but I suspect I used 1/2-3/4 of a tank.

I like the propane option as it eliminates most of the maintenance issues with old fuel.

[ggilbert]

i've got this generator we use it when the camper is home and we are cleaning or changing sheets etc. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sportsman...oved/202457598

it runs one ac well, but it seems to consume a lot of propane, and its loud our neighbors probably hate me.

[ultrarider]

The Champion 2500 watt duel fuel is very quiet, around 53 decibels, you can have a conversation pretty much right next to it. Put it away from the camper 15-20ft, you barely hear it. And it only weighs 49lbs. Ive had it for about 1-1/2 years now, and like it so far.

[ARoamer]

Originally Posted by 66lincoln

What is everyone's propane consumption compared to gas?

Hard to measure, but if you go by the Champion 2500 dual fuel specs, it figures out to be something like this-
Measured at 25% load.
10.45 hrs / gallon of gasoline.
7.39 hrs / gallon of propane. (20# of propane = 4.6 gallons)
At 75% + load I'd guess the consumption would be at least double.
And you loose about 200 watts of running power by using propane which has about 10% less energy per gallon, not likely a problem unless running at near rated maximum watts.
Anyone got some actual hard use numbers?

[craigav]

The one ggilbert shared above states "Engine Run time at a 50 percent load: 10 hours with a full 3.6 gallon gas tank, or 12 hours with a full 20 lb. propane tank"... and the generator is 3500 running watts, so 50% load would be 1750w @ 12hrs for a 20lb tank. I suspect all generators of this size would use a similar amount of fuel for the same wattage output. ~CA

[Peter Soares]

Originally Posted by JimsJayco

Heyo,

I pick my my new tt tomorrow (224bhw) which has a 13,500AC. Just wondering what you run for a generator. My father in law has a Firman 3300 from Costco which I have my eye in as it often goes on sale. Would that be enough wattage for the rig? Won’t be running much other than lights while the AC is on. Thanks!!!

I purchased the Firman 3300 inverter generator from Costco as well to run the ac in mine. Works very well and surprisingly quiet. Would definitely recommend, especially at costco price.

[JimsJayco]

Awesome. I was hoping that one would work. Do you have a 13500btu ac?

[Peter Soares]

Yes, it is a 13,500 mach3 and generator does not work hard when operating.

[JimsJayco]

[Lmbrjk]

My experience with a honda 2200. I installed the Micro air easy start and it ran my 15K AC at home with no problem. (Illinois at 750' elevation) While travelling last summer (very hot) and camping at 6500' elevation - the generator would run for short periods and then shutdown for overload. (Wife still hasn't let me forget it ) Engine power derates about 2 to 4% roughly per 1k' elevation so if that might be an issue I would highly recommend 3K or above genny and the softstart. (Just my 2C worth)

[gymracer]

I have a motorhome with a 5500 Onan diesel generator. But I also have a 3500 invertor Predator from Harbor Freight to use in the race trailer for charging battery and running compressor for airing tires. Also have used it for backup for motorhome. It will run one AC and everything else with no problem. It is very quiet. Also it cost 1/3 the price of a Honda. Lots of people I race with have them. I don't understand why more TT don't come with generators installed from factory. 90% of the time we are out is not in a campground.