2 or 4 6V batteries.

goducks10 wrote:
Batteries start out at around 12.8v and by the end of the day are around 11.8 to 11.6. .. Wife likes the hairdryer, so we kill two with one gen run..

That's a big swing in voltage, and over time is not good for batteries. High amp draws are not good either.. check for heat buildup. Another fellow on here melted down one of his 6ers - through inattention and lack of safety devices. I'm surprised a 1kw inverter will run a hair dryer.

4 would be better.

I wish the phrase 'skin this cat' would be starred out, like swearing. It's disgusting.