First post due to just getting a toy hauler. Getting a PUMA canyon cat. Anyway, I have a black max generator which is 8750 start and 7000 run watts. I was told that I can't use this generator to plug into the toy haulers 30amp service as it will cook all the circuit boards. That I needed to get a inverter generator. Honda has a 7000 watt for 4400 buck!The hauler has a fridge, one AC, microwave and a couple of TVs. I called camping world and they suggested a surge guard in line between the generator and trailer which would protect against current surges (duh) but they did not know about the sine wave current. I hate to lay out another 440 bucks if I don't have to. Suggestions?

It looks like the generator won't run your TH without some sort of adaptor. If I picked the right generator off of the internet, it has 4 ea 20Amp outlets which will work fine for the small stuff, but the 30Amp outlet does 120/240V - but the receptacle won't match the one on your TH. Someone that knows more than I can look through the manual if they want to.Owner's manual.And no you don't need an inverter generator.And no you don't need a 7000 watt generator. Bill

Yes, I will be getting the 120/240 generator to RV 30 plug adaptor to plug the gen into the trailer and not use the 120 plugs. The question is about the clean vs dirty current and affect on electronics such as tv, ac and other stuff.I already have the 7000 watt generator thanks to a ice storm 5 years ago and really don't want to buy another one. The black max has 45 hours on it now.

first things first... Is this you gen?http://www.samsclub.com/sams/black-max-7-000-watt-portable-gas-generator-with-electric-start-powered-by-honda/prod3550002.ipThere is no clean or dirty power per se' On non inverter gens just get a killowatt meter and make sure the Hz is right..That gen will run your camper fine... A/c and anything you want to run...

You do not need an inverter generator, they are very nice and put out very clean power but people have been running RVs on non-inverter generators for years. Most generators that come built into RVs are NOT inverter types; this is likely to save cost to the consumer.The generator you have will not "cook circuit boards" if it's operating properly. If the voltage is within spec. and fairly well regulated there shouldn't be a problem. I don't know how well regulated that unit is, a surge guard would probably be a good investment for anyone who has lots of electronics in their RV, especially if they have a generator.

lawrosa wrote:first things first... Is this you gen?***Link Removed***There is no clean or dirty power per se' On non inverter gens just get a killowatt meter and make sure the Hz is right..That gen will run your camper fine... A/c and anything you want to run...Yes that is it. I plan on getting a surge guard for it. Heck it ran my house freezer and fridge plus the central heat. Both freezer and fridge were energy star rated.

Generators and current | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

lawnspecialties
Explorer
Oct 01, 2015
Not doubting you. Just trying to see if I should get one.

A Honda EU7000is is $3999 at Wise Sales.

A Honda Companion EU2000i plus a Honda EU2000i with the parallel cable is $2098.

Although I have my two Honda 2000s, I'd get a 7000 as well if I could find one close to those prices.
SWO_Vette
Explorer
Oct 01, 2015
Brand new from the Honda dealer. Inverter model, electric start and fuel injected, when you figure two 2000's the coupling cord I saved 200 bucks by getting the bigger one. I can use it at my house if we have another ice storm or outage.

I am going to convert my old one to tri-fuel to keep at the cabin where I have a big propane tank.
lawnspecialties
Explorer
Sep 30, 2015
SWO Vette wrote:
Thanks for the info. Greatly appreciate it. Getting a Honda 7000 inverter for less money than the two Honda 2000's. I am amazed how quite it is, especially compared to the Black Max I have now.

May I ask "How?" That's incredible. Are we comparing apples to apples here? Is this 7000 used?
nayther
Explorer
Sep 30, 2015
SWO Vette wrote:
Thanks for the info. Greatly appreciate it. Getting a Honda 7000 inverter for less money than the two Honda 2000's. I am amazed how quite it is, especially compared to the Black Max I have now.

A 7000? Can I come camp with you and plug in too? That's a whole lotta juice for one rig!
SWO_Vette
Explorer
Sep 30, 2015
Thanks for the info. Greatly appreciate it. Getting a Honda 7000 inverter for less money than the two Honda 2000's. I am amazed how quite it is, especially compared to the Black Max I have now.
christopherglen
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
A 30 amp trailer is only capable of 3600 watts of usage before popping the input breaker on the power center. Even a 4.5KW genset is capable of that at altitude.
lawnspecialties
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
SWO Vette wrote:
Yea, it is loud. I called the Honda dealer about the inverter generators. Not sure what size, but the 7000 watt looks good. Oh hell, It's only money.

We have two Honda 2000s. One is the Companion. I like this because:
1. 4000 watts runs everything very well. Yes, I can't run the hair dryer with the microwave and then turn on the AC. But two at a time is fine.
2. The weight of the 2000s means I can carry them by hand wherever I want them to go. They ride to the races in the toy hauler and when we arrive I just bring them out easily.
3. This past weekend, it was cool outside. No AC needed at all. So I just fired up the Companion only. It ran for 24 hours and we used a little over four gallons of gas. 2000 watts was plenty of power for the microwave, TV, and little devices plugged in from time to time.
nayther
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
lawrosa wrote:
You dont need a surge gaurd. dont waste your money..

A generator makes 60 hz and 120 volts.

But heres the trouble you may have..

That dog bone adapter that you buy will only use one leg/winding on the generator. Thehe two hots on the dog bone are not tied together.

So if you say try to run the a/c on your RV the gen will be way unbalanced and vibrate to heck.

And since using one leg that 7000 watts gets cut in 1/2 to 3500 watts. Youll see when you try to say start the A/c with that gen..

It would be in your best interest to get a 120v only gen so that it will use both wingdings..

If you dont need the a/c and dont mind the noise this little guy is good..

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Champion-Power-Equipment-1200-1500-Watt-Portable-Generator-CARB/23219406

If you need a/c then go bigger. this has tt plug..

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Champion-Power-Equipment-3500-4000-Watt-Portable-Gas-Powered-RV-Ready-Generator/22288672

I've got a bit of a problem with your statement of it being "unbalanced" most all toy haulers come with Onan or Generac generators that are capable of producing 240 volt power through two separate circuits but since we don't need 240 volts only one 30 amp breaker is connected and they surely run just fine.
time2roll
Nomad
Sep 28, 2015
With the proper adapter the generator will work fine. You will only get half the rated watts into the RV but that is fine as max is 3600 into the 30 amp cable.
Y-Guy
Moderator
Sep 28, 2015
Doubt you'd need a 7000 unless your running both AC units. The Honda EU3000iS is a good balance of power and quiet and you really needed more you can buy a second and run parallel.

Run that 7000 in a campground and you're neighbors might sharpen their pitch forks ;) I had a guy running one of those contractor grade units. I asked nicely to move, but he didn't care. Went to camp host and he went over generator hours, I agreed but asked that he run it on his side of the RV not the side I was on. Bingo. He moved it, never heard him run it after that - deafening.

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Generators and current

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