What size generator
Could someone please tell me how to figure out how large of a generator I would need to power a small microwave in our fifth wheel?
Forum Discussion
As others have noted, figure out the wattage for all the equipment you will be powering and try to find a generator that can run that load "CONTINUOUSLY".
Be careful when selecting a generator. Some are rated at their "Peak" wattage for like a minute, them drop back to a nominal wattage. Also note that some items have have a "Surge" when they initially power-up. Like an air conditioner for example. Many have a surge of something like 2.2 kw, but once they get going, they will run continuous at something like 1,000 watts or so. Some generators actually take this into account, like Yamaha's actually have a "Surge" rating where they can go above their continuous rating for a short time. Just read the fine print on a generator, know its continuous output, and check to see if it also has "Surge" capabilities as well.
Be careful when selecting a generator. Some are rated at their "Peak" wattage for like a minute, them drop back to a nominal wattage. Also note that some items have have a "Surge" when they initially power-up. Like an air conditioner for example. Many have a surge of something like 2.2 kw, but once they get going, they will run continuous at something like 1,000 watts or so. Some generators actually take this into account, like Yamaha's actually have a "Surge" rating where they can go above their continuous rating for a short time. Just read the fine print on a generator, know its continuous output, and check to see if it also has "Surge" capabilities as well.
