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DrtEMaxChvy's avatar
DrtEMaxChvy
Explorer
Aug 29, 2015

NEWBIE QUESTION! What generator(s) to get???

So with the purchase of our new fifth wheel we are looking at including the generators.
We have a 15k BTU AC unit so it is to my understanding that even 2 Hondas, Yamahas etc are going to be to small. This is somewhat disappointing though I know I am getting a higher volume AC unit.
What would you recommend? We are getting the generators in the deal but are the 2 Hondas in series still a solid way to go for everything else? Or is a single larger unit a good call to run the AC unit?

I like the idea of quiet running units, and ones i can carry around. But what has your experience shown you all?

25 Replies

  • .
    FYI -
    Generator discussion and *LOTS* of info can be found on the *Tech Issues* forum.

    ~
  • Two honda 2000 generators will run the 15,000 Btu A/C. Their combined surge rating is 4,000 watts, plenty to run the A/C and also run a microwave, TV, couple of computers ect.

    Yet if the A/C cycles off, and you are making coffee, or running the microwave, that 1,500 watt load along with the starting surge of the compressor might be a bit much, it 'should' work, but you might also need to shut off the microwave if the generators start to lug and don't sound right while starting the compressor.

    Check out this place for pricing. Mayberrys.com They can not post any pricing over the internet except retail, and they sell well below retail. You have to call for the correct price, shipping included.

    They know RV's and will sell the right adapter between the two generators, with a 30 amp RV style plug on it. Many Honda dealerships might stock a plug that is twist lock, the type used in construction sites or something. . .

    GOod luck,

    Fred.

    Many are impressed with the pair of easy to carry 47 pound generators, they will work just as well as a Costco $500 5,500 watt generator, but those are 150 pound monsters, and very loud! Get a quiet Honda, your neighbors will thank you.


    Also if you like to camp in places with 30 amp only sites, and they tend to have low input voltage, you probably want to buy a Kill-A-Watt meter to monitor the voltage, and shut off the A/C when it is less than 105 volts. And probably want to consider a voltage booster, like Autoformer if you have problems with low voltage. IT will automatically boost the voltage by 3% every time you plug it in, and will switch to 12% boost mode when you need it due to poor wiring in the (most often) 30 amp RV park sites.
  • We use a Honda EU6500is, works very well running air and anything else we want to.
  • Two Honda 2000s will run one AC, we did it on our Montana with a 15K AC. You won't be able to run much else while the AC is running.
  • I run a 15kbtuh A/C on mt parallel Honda EU2000i generators. I have to be careful on what else will operate at the sale time.

    Ken