Best Generator size for small (23') Travel Trailer

Without air conditioning a Honda EU-200i Companion or a Yahama EF-2000i

WITH air conditioning add a 2nd Honda (Not the companion but the lower cost regular model) with a parallel kit, or two Yahama's with a parallel kit.

As you eluded to.

The FEW times a generator may be needed.

I couldn't justify the cost of a Honda or Yamaha, so I purchased a Champion. They are dependable, parts are easy to get, & customer service is great. I can power my microwave & charge my batteries, but it won't power the AC, don't care.

THIS is the one I purchased. If you have a newer TT & it has a 3-4 stage charger as part of the converter system you'll be fine. I use a portable smart charger since I've got an old worthless converter.

If you're after an inverter type of generator, look HERE
They offer a wide selection & even have "refurbs" available & all
are free shipping.

Ron,

Spaces has the best answer, but what you should really do is think about what you are going to do:
A - That requires 120V AC
B - To keep what you buy from growing legs and wandering.

Without the power inventory, you are bound to buy either too small or too large. Too small will keep failing to meet your needs and too large will be more difficult to transport.

Matt

We had a Honda 1000W for our 23ft TT. It would power lights, TV and VCR and recharge the batteries. It would run all day on a tank of fuel. Very quiet.

Once we added an Air Conditioner we upgrade to 2 2000i Hondas with the parallel kit. These together would run everything in the TT at the sametime. Again they are very fuel efficient and run up to 8 hours on a tank (actually 2 tanks) at mid-power like when using TV and Sat box plus recharging batteries. At full power will go about 6 hours.

As suggested above the 2000w will provide more flexibility to run power tools, microwave and hair dryer.

Hello Ron, welcome to the forum.

A 1,000 watt generator is fairly light, and depending on what you want it for it will probably not be enough.

It will not power most microwave ovens.
It will not power the air conditioner.
It might not power the battery charger.

It will power you 120v outlets for up to about 800 watts.
It will run the 12v accessories, but possibly not charge the batteries.


Assuming you are mainly concerned with the maintaining the battery state of charge, it would be helpful to know what converter/charger your trailer has. Some chargers have a 40,50,60 amp charge mode that a 1,000 generator can't power. In these cases the batteries will only get a trickle charge and take days to recharge. Depending on your needs, you might want to consider a 2,000 watt generator.

Honda, Yamaha and Champion seem to be the most popular if you're looking at inverter generators.

They're quieter than the basic open frame (less expensive) generators.
But, I think many will agree, it's worth the extra money to get an inverter generator.

Get a 2000. It will fill all your needs.