Generators---Your thoughts

[john59]

Starting next spring we will begin our 3rd year RVing. We have learned a lot off of this Board.

We made it through dry camping, for three days, at a National Park in DC. The addition of another RV/Marine Battery (running 2 parallel) was a big asset.

Now we are considering a generator----My knowledge of amps, watts, all that good electrical stuff is slim to non-existent.

You got to keep it real simple for me. There are probably no simple answers, but we are looking at cost vs. a get out of jail card (aka help with a generator assist). Actually a jump up from the 2 parallel batteries.

I see a lot of generators that are in the 3500 watt range and not that real expensive. I know that a one size fits all is not do-able. A $1500 to $6000 generator is way out of our budget range.

Keeping it really simple what does 3500 watts get us----examples A)re-charging the two deep cycles, B)running the a/c and not much else, C)running the furnace, hot water, a few lights. These are just off the wall examples and based on absolutely nothing.

3500 watts = something, but what is something ??????? Or is it 3500 watts = X amount of amps ??????

Thanks, john

 

[Tigger1966]

A 3500 watt generator will get you around 30 amps and that is what you will get from a standard RV outlet.
The biggest thing about a generator is the noise it creates so I would try to get the quietest one I could. Also make sure you don't get some Chinese junker that can't be repaired.
The RV dealer I worked for sold Kippor inverter generators and a replacment inverter unit was over $1000 and other parts were hard to get.
I would watch Craigslist for a good used name brand one that you can have for a long time.

 

[clkelley]

If I remember correctly, you are planning on going out west.

The only thing I have to say about that is this. My dad told me something that made LOTS of sense. You are traveling out west, it's hot, and your truck overheats. While you are waiting on repair/tow vehicle, you MUST have a generator that will run the A/C on your camper, or else you are in danger.

 

[john59]

Great info again.
Getting close to 30 amps, similar to a campground hook-up, I would not have guessed that in a zillion years. Here's how good I am-----I was thinking 8 to 10 amps is probably pushing it.

Putting a few more bucks out to get a 3500 watt, or just a tad bigger, reliable generator makes sense and also cutting down the noise.

Yes. Also, going WEST we really do not want to french fry if a problem nails us. Air Cond and TV are my DWs must have. I can always go fishin and accept gettin' shutout.

Thanks. john

 

[des1954]

I have only one thing to say about a generator:

Onan!

 

[RvUsa]

I have only one thing to say about a generator:

Onan!

I will see your Onan, and raise you a Honda!!!

I have this one,

but shouldn't have been cheap and got this one!!!

 

[des1954]

Okay - I have two words to say about a generator:

Onan

and

Honda

Is that better?

 

[Cindy F]

Just because I don't want to miss an opportunity....

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2038963&highlight=generator

 

[Tigger1966]

That is great advise even with a properly installed generator you still run the risk of carbon monoxide leaking into the unit.
As for generator brands Onan and Honda are very good I would stay away from any off brand unless you want a cheap throw away. Also I don't recomend Generack we allways refered to them as Generjunk.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

Great info again.
Getting close to 30 amps, similar to a campground hook-up, I would not have guessed that in a zillion years. Here's how good I am-----I was thinking 8 to 10 amps is probably pushing it.

Putting a few more bucks out to get a 3500 watt, or just a tad bigger, reliable generator makes sense and also cutting down the noise.

Yes. Also, going WEST we really do not want to french fry if a problem nails us. Air Cond and TV are my DWs must have. I can always go fishin and accept gettin' shutout.

Thanks. john

When we went out to Yellowstone in late June we needed the furnace not the AC. Only place we ran the AC was one night in CO and it wasnt that warm, probably could have gotten away with the fan.

 

[john59]

Cindy:


Sorry to hear about your tragic loss and my prayers are with you.

The investment for a backup carbon monoxide detector is so small compared to what could happen.

Again, I would never have even given this a thought.

That is why I like to throw 'What Ifs' out on the Board. You get good stuff and also 'BE CAREFULL and WATCH OUT FOR THIS'.

Thanks Cindy and all of the Board Members.

john