I want a generator

any time you are wanting to run a/c the cost of a generator that will power it quietly is going to go up. Either the Honda or Yamaha 3000w should do the trick. For us just charging batts, or running a microwave for 3 mins a 2k genset does a good job, is lighter and costs less.

Daryll

Hi,

If you wish to reliably run the air conditioner there are several choices. Here they are in ascending order of price.

A. buy a 3000 watt Yamaha sIEB (b is for boost) generator

B. buy a pair of 2000 watt generators with a parallel kit

C. buy a single 2000 watt generator and a hybrid inverter such as the Magnum 3012 or a Victron.

D. Put 1250 watts of solar panels on the roof, add a large battery bank, and add a great inverter such as the Xantrex pro watt 2000 watt inverter.

I have chose A. I will shortly be able to do C. Next year I hope to do D.

Hardcandy wrote:
I'm planning a trip out west to Yellowstone from Ohio. I'm just wondering if I should or will need to have a generator I've been reading about the inverter gen's and I think that's what I want. Just wondering what you all are using. My 5er is a 30' 30amp unit.

If you don't think you'll need to run your AC, a 2000w Honda or Yamaha would be more than adequate for battery recharging and general light use. If you want the capacity to run the AC, then you'll need a 3000w, or higher. If you want to run the AC =and= the microwave or brew coffee all at once, then you might even need to jump up to a 4000w. The inverter-style gennies are much more quiet as well as much more efficient since they will run only as fast as the load that's needed. A standard generator runs at idle or wide open; no in-between. The cheap ones don't even idle down. Advantages to the 3000w inverter-generators are 1) longer run-time due to much larger tanks, 2) most have electric start, 3) many have =remote= start, so no need to leave the coach to start it, 4) most have a Hobbs meter so it's easier to track usage for oil changes, 5) specific to Yamaha - a couple models have "burst" capability, which draws electricity from the starting battery for about 5 seconds to give an extra boost for starting the AC compressor. Now, if you have NO plans to boondock at all, then you simply don't need a generator. If you feel you just =need= one as belt and suspenders to keep your batteries up, then a 1000w would work just as well as a 2000w for less $$.

Lyle

Hardcandy,
Welcome.
My advice is this....when you narrow your choices down borrow those models if you can to see if they will run your a/c, before you buy one and find out it won't fire up your a/c.
Happy trails,
Billy

^^^ and keep in mind the generator loses power as you gain altitude.
Just barely making it at home can easily fail at altitude.

I have 2 Honda EU2000's and keep them locked up in the bed. I do the same as you where we pull into...wait for it....yes walmart and stay the night so its nice to be able to have the ac going.

Agree to disagree with some comments. Been camping with travel trailers for over 15 years. Doesn't make me a pro, but done a lot and made a lot of changes, additions etc. Generator for us is a must. We use it in the evening most when cleaning up dishes etc and puts a charge on the batteries. we only use it a short time allowed by park rules, don't run it all day and night, and it is a Honda EU 3000 inverter series. 59 decibel rating and very quiet, neighbors are ok with it and as always a courtesy to them, We always walk next door and ask them to pleas let us know if the generator is bothering them, most of the time they say "can't even hear it" So for us, we use it for a lot, ac micro, coffee pot etc. not always perfect situations, sometimes make coffee at night and then reheat in the morning due to hours etc. so for us its' great, for you, just do it and enjoy it. Don't spend money on some off brand unit, put out the extra few bucks and get one of the best, Honda and Onan are the two different ones we have had and would not have any other. Speedway Sales on the internet is a good place to shop, less expensive, shipped right to your door, and stand behind all. Good Luck & Be Safe ! ! !

I'm planning a yellowstone trip this summer also. I plan on staying in the no generator campgrounds for the peace and quiet. We have 3 group 27 batteries. We are staying 5 to 8 days. With power conservation I'm sure we'll make it.

Going to Yellowstone, generally, you won't need to use the air conditioner so 2,000 watts should be plenty to run your television, coffee pot and microwave. We have used a Honda 2000 for a number of years and finally jumped up to buy a second one to parallel for when we want ac. We have almost exclusively dry camped with no hookups since we bought our first FW in 1993. We went with the second Honda because we plan on traveling with our FW more in the future and will probably need to run the ac at times if we are not at a FHU campground. Don't worry about people talking about using too much gas, you paid a heck of a lot more for the FW than the gas, and driving a tow vehicle uses a bunch more gas. IF you want a generator, go ahead and buy one, eventually you will find uses for it.

We used our Honda 3000 last trip to Yellowstone. As others have mentioned you will not need AC. 2000 watts will be plenty. Enjoy your trip.