Just got a XLR 24hfs and need a generator?

If you are going to run the AC occasionally then buy two 2000 watt and a parallel kit. When not using the AC you can run just one genny for your microwave and charging batteries. Two smaller ones is a better option than one big genny.

Air yes, TV no. A TV can be handled by a inexpensive inverter.

The newest Champion 3500w inverter generator is rated as quiet as the class leading and twice as expensive honda EU3000is. The 3100i model has the same rated watts, better surge and is even less expensive. It is however rated as the same Db level of the Honda Handi model while beeing much less expensive.

On the low end of the pricing scale is Champions 3500/4000 open frame generator. It is louder than the rest and we would only use ours when boondocking away from all others. It is long lasting and dependable for $300.

Yamaha, Honda and Champion now round out the big three much to the chagrin of owners of the first two. There are more second teir generators with good and bad reviews. One issue is getting support especially in the long run. No customer support and parts can mean a generator will become a throw away item if it fails.

wpsharpshooter wrote:
But Id assume running the air and tv and such would warrant one.. Am I even remotely close in thinking that?

Not from what I see after 10 years of this.

Lots of folks ask about, and buy a generator capable of running air, but very few actually do that. They usually just open the vents and sit outside. Generators are heavy, sometimes loud, and just plain messy with the gasoline.

But watching TV by running a big generator is just a waste. For that we use batteries and inverters.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
As a 'newbie' WHY do you NEED a generator?

Need can help pin point type....

Well as a NEWBIE lol.. Id assume we will need one anytime we are not near a hook up.. Going off the term dry camping here, But Id assume running the air and tv and such would warrant one.. Am I even remotely close in thinking that?

As a 'newbie' WHY do you NEED a generator?

Need can help pin point type....

wpsharpshooter wrote:
I know nothing about generators. I know I need one thats at least 3k watts. I also know that I need to buy the quietest one I can afford. So with that said, Help. Im not sure which ones to look at. There seems to be different options on everything so a "standard range of options" is hard to figure out. Its pretty confusing for a newbie

IMO, the Champion 3100 inverter is the best bang for the buck. At times Costco has them for $700. Champion has a new one out now, that is a 3500 inverter, with remote start. I'm not sure of price, but thinking $1000-1200.

Jerry

Depending on your budget, quiet and affordable don't always go together. Inverter Generators are on the quieter side. Yamaha and Honda being the top of the line. You will pay more for them.

Wen and Champion make a line of inverter generators that have gotten good reviews and are almost half the price of a comparable Honda or Yamaha.

If you don't need to run the A/C off the generator, you can probably get away with a 2000 watt generator. If you plan to run the A/C off the generator, you will need at least a 3000 watt generator or better yet 2 2000 watt generators with the parallel kit.

-Michael