1996 Jayco Eagle 12 Power Usage

[Jaykyle]

I've just purchased a 1996 Eagle 12, with Roof AC/heater, fridge, all working lights, and extra lights that can be used inside or out. I'll most likely be charging a phone and computer and may run a small tv/dvd player. I'll be living on a worksite for almost a month with no hook ups and am looking to buy a generator to power the camper. I am wondering what size would generator could do the job. Eventually I'd like to set up solar/battery system but don't have the time for now.

[bailee21]

some ac units will be hard to run on a small generator

[Jmooney]

depends on how big the AC unit is and how many amps it take to kick over the compressor. a 3000 watt generator will produce 25 amps but will have the generator bogged down

[rryman]

A generator needs to be sized to be able to handle the starting inrush of the compressor, which can vary from 4 to 6 times the normal operating current. Granted, it's only for a split second that this occurs, but the generator needs to be able to handle it. There are sites on the internet that will tell you what size you need according to what your electrical loads are.

[Jaykyle]

What a great resource! Very much appreciated. Electrical isn't my strong suit and I was having a hard time finding specs on all of the equipment in The Eagle 12 that require power. It's a good thing I asked, B/C The quiet 1000-2000W gens I was looking at, aren't going to cut it. I'm thinking 3000-5000W is where I'll need to be. Any suggestions on a solid yet somewhat affordable unit?

[Jmooney]

Honda and Yamaha are very popular but cost more.


I have a "Kipor" 3000w unit that has served me well.


Recent post here on JOF about one from Sam's club that was also getting some good reviews
http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f7...buy-26653.html

[rryman]

The Honda EU2000 is a nice quiet inverter generator, and two of them can be slaved together to give you 4000watts. Two of them would be kind of pricey, but they say the inverter generators provide much "cleaner" power, for computer and electronics. Two smaller ones may be easier to handle than one large one also.

[toysfreak]

We have a 1206 model w roof a/c. It's a 1997. While on battery power, guess the invertor won't give ya 110 power to any of the outlets
Only lighting and pump for water. And heater fan
But with our 3500 watt generator running. The roof a/c has no problem at all starting up. And enough power to charge phone and run a fan. Haven't hit the limit of the generator for our needs yet. But 3500 watt digital invertor generator we use works perfect and is quiet
Can't figure how to post pics. Or I would
Tony in Socal