Generator question
I am thinking of getting a generator for my fifth wheel. Not sure which route I should go and why. Do I go for an onboard generator or a portable and how big for either? I want to primarily use it f...
Forum Discussion
valhalla360 wrote:Lantley wrote:
For the record a 3000 watt genset does not have the same power as a 30 amp pedestal. A pedestal has 120 volts x 30 amps = 3600 watts vs. 3000 for the genset.
Not a huge difference and not a deal breaker, but a not quite equal either.
Depends how the generator is spec'd...and that's all over the place.
Had a Yamaha 2400 that could spike to over 3000w for startup loads. The aircon typically pulled 1200-1500w, so it worked fine with enough for other light loads (fridge, tv, lights, etc...)
The tried and true Honda 2000w units peak at 2000w with a continuous output of 1600w.
A 30amp campground pedestal is only rated for 24amps (2800w) continuous load.
In terms of generators, 3000w is typically suggested as the minimum size where it can reliably kick over the air/con compressor without modifications to the air/con unit and you aren't running the generator at max rating all the time.
My only point is that none of the 3000 watt gensets are not putting out the power equivalent of a 30 amp pedestal which is 3600 watts.
