What size generator do I need?

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Jul 13, 2011 | 07:00 AM

#16

RV_Tech

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From: Bristol, TN.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearitis

My question is where are you going to store the genset when you are traveling? With a slide in camper, your storage space for that size of an appliance is, well lets say, limited.

Good point. For the smaller ones, there may not be room. For the larger ones, there is often space for a Generac built-in for example because the inverter section is separate from the generator and can be fit under a cabinet. The Yamaha on my truck is not large, but too big for nearly all slide-ins. One owner I know built a rack on the rear of his slide-in for a Honda genset.

Steve

Jul 13, 2011 | 09:43 AM

#17

George84

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From: Highland, IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV_Tech

One owner I know built a rack on the rear of his slide-in for a Honda genset.

Thats what I was thinking, under the overhang portion off of the rear of the truck right by the power cord. Maybe build something that would slide into the receiver hitch, so I would only have to take it when I need to run the a/c.

Jul 13, 2011 | 09:54 AM

#18

bpounds

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From: Whittier, CA

On my last travel trailer, my Honda didn't fit in any compartment either. I hauled it inside under the dinette table. It wasn't any big deal. The fuel cap vent closes to contain fumes.

Jul 13, 2011 | 12:41 PM

#19

jim henderson

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From: So Cal

I can't speak for many brands but will comment that I do have a Chinese special 4,500 watt generator I bought for my travel trailer and when I run the microwave and or the AC, they seem to run slow. If I just plug into a landline, even my 20Amp home line, they both run fine.

I suspect that at least my Chinese special puts out a bit lower voltage than rated or maybe the 60 cycles isn't. Probably low voltage since it seems like the AC labors, Not a good thing by the way. I own a bajillion volt meters but never got around to measuring the output of that thing. I actually have a guage that I plan "someday" to install onto the generator.

So, buy a name brand generator instead of those discount store China specials. they seem to sell them everywhere for like $300.

Just my limited experience.

Jim Henderson

Jul 13, 2011 | 12:53 PM

#20

RV_Tech

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From: Bristol, TN.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim henderson

Jim,

You make a good point. When the race crowd arrives I am often asked to check gensets and some of the off brands, even with 5KW ratings can barely maintain a single AC. I would discourage folks from buying off brands unless they choose to regard them as throw aways as service is virtually non-exisstent much of the time.

Steve

Jul 15, 2011 | 03:49 AM

#21

mlb4966

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From: Valdez, Alaska

I have a Honda 2000 yet it will not run my ac and struggles with the Microwave. Have to make sure everything is off for the microwave. I now bring the Honda and an older Genrac 3500. Only use that old, noisy - but reliable thing for the AC or Microwave when needed... I will upgrade to a second Honda 2000 down the road and forgoe the Genrac. I use my 2000 for so many other things that it was worth the expense. Just have to save up for a second one.

Jul 16, 2011 | 05:09 PM

#22

f4fran

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From: Ossipee, NH

Here you go!! 475 pages, 9500 posts on Chinese 3000 watt gensets. Happy reading!!

RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Tech Issues: 3000W Chinese Gensets Info.

Fran