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mikemc53's avatar
mikemc53
Explorer II
May 24, 2018

Generator size

We have been looking at used Class A coaches and it got me thinking (very rare for me) about generator capacity and/or capability.

Many of the coaches have a 5000 watt generator and some have 5500 up to 7500. It only makes sense that the larger ones have more capacity but my question runs to actual manufacturer or industry specs. Will the smaller (5K or less) units run the coach appliances well enough or were there a lot of them put out with under capacity gennies? I know this depends upon what the coach has, appliance-wise, but, in general, were most coaches made with enough gen capacity or are there a lot out there with under-powered gens?

I have been asking a lot of questions and will probably have many more but it looks like we are going to be seriously looking at used (older) coaches as the year unfolds.

Thanks gang.

11 Replies

  • Class A is a broad term in that it covers from short gassers to really big diesel pushers. Many small gasser A’s only have a 4K watt gen, mine included, but it also only has 30 amp service when plugged in. Whether plugged in or on genny I can’t run everything at the same time. Some A’s have a power management system that will overcome this issue by automatically shutting down certain items when power is needed elsewhere.

    Years ago I had a Airstream motorhome that had 30 amp service, but a 7500 watt gen. I could run more on the gen than I could while plugged in. As an example on shore power I could run either the front or rear AC, but while on the gen I could run both and more.