Generators?

[labdogs42]

We have a Coleman Utah pop-up and I'm thinking about getting my DH a generator for Christmas. I have no clue what we might need. The camper does have air conditioning, so I guess I'd want to be able to use that with the generator. I looked online and there are generators ranging from $200 - $2000. Yikes! I have no idea how many watts I need, so I thought I'd turn to you guys! Any suggestions?

 

[medic9016]

What size A/C do you have? I would guess you would need a 3000 watt generator. In a pop up I would get 2 honda EU2000 or a Yamaha EF3000. Both are very quiet compared to construction generator from lowes or Home Depot.

 

[MandMLUVMMandDVC]

I have a Honda2550. It is sufficient to run everything in our pop-up, including AC, in the event of power outage (ie: Hurricanes). But, it isn't very quiet.

 

[labdogs42]

I have a Honda2550. It is sufficient to run everything in our pop-up, including AC, in the event of power outage (ie: Hurricanes). But, it isn't very quiet.

Doe that mean it is 2550 watts? I googled Honda 2550 and I'm not finding the info.

 

[john59]

I was looking into a generator.

One of the board peeeeeples put it into terms I understood.

3500 watts = roughly + or - a few amps, the output of 30 amp service at a campground. This I could understand nicely.

I am not getting a generator. Basically you are looking at 4 gallons of fuel to run about 6 1/2 hours (at 4000/3500 watts). The propane generators are like a second mortgage.

I am going to a 3rd RV battery for dry camping. This will run your heater and other essentials, but not Air Cond. Air is strictly AC current and not DC, unless ou get into an (I Think they call it) an inverter, which is mega bucks.

Please Correct me if I am wrong.john

john

 

[labdogs42]

I was looking into a generator.

One of the board peeeeeples put it into terms I understood.

3500 watts = roughly + or - a few amps, the output of 30 amp service at a campground. This I could understand nicely.

I am not getting a generator. Basically you are looking at 4 gallons of fuel to run about 6 1/2 hours (at 4000/3500 watts). The propane generators are like a second mortgage.

I am going to a 3rd RV battery for dry camping. This will run your heater and other essentials, but not Air Cond. Air is strictly AC current and not DC, unless ou get into an (I Think they call it) an inverter, which is mega bucks.

Please Correct me if I am wrong.john

john

Oooh, the battery idea is a good one! So, what can I run with that? tv? lights? I like that idea. The generators are looking awfully pricey.

 

[disney4dan]

We picked up an inexpensive (relatively) and fairly quiet 2000watt generator made by Generac to make sure our trailer batteries stayed charged on our Washington DC trip last April. The weather was looking chilly, and I knew we'd be using the furnace at night and staying in a national park campsite with no hook-ups.

It does well, keeping the batteries topped off (I would not want to drain them down too far) and we were able to use the furnace all night.

I don't think it will run an AC unit, and "quiet" is a relative term. It is much quieter than the typical contractor style generator, but you'll know it's on.

We paid around $550 at a local hardware store for it, and Cabela's has them for about the same price. It is a Generac ix2000.

 

[john59]

I hope this helps a little (There are other people on the BOARD that are really sharpe with info/help). They help me out all the time.

Dry camping ; running on batteries some lights will work, the water heater and refrig run on propane, but they need a kick from your battery(s) to ignite, the heater, my 5th wheel landing gear and slideroom, the water pump (when turned on) delivering water through your entire system-----As for a TV, I believe you need a DC (battery powered) TV. I have no idea what they cost.

Any of you gals and guys out there, can you add to the DC capabilities of the RV ! ! ! What did I miss or foul-up ??????
And, REALLY IMPORTANT, a slow amp delivering (like 8 or 6 amp) battery charger, when you get to a place that delivers AC current. DO NOT leave the batteries in a dis-charged condition for a long time. They get real expensive to replace.
john