What can I do with/expect from a generator?
We have boondocked four days easily without, but for skiing this winter and possibly up to one week of boondocking... Saw a used Honda 3000ec available for $750. What will that do for us? How long do ...
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Nominally, a 3000w generator can put out 250amps @ 12v. Reality due to system loss will be less but still probably north of 200amp @ 12v
But if it's powering a 50amp charging unit...you will be capped at 50amp.
Then assuming lead-acid batteries, they have a limit on how much charge they will take in:
- When low, it's around 25% of the amp-hr rating...which a pair of 6v batteries matches up to pretty well. They are typically around 225amp-hr @ 12v once combined.
- As they near full charge 80-90%, the amount they will accept drops off. To get to 100% can take many hours as a result.
So really the 3000w generator is a bit of overkill...if just looking at charging. Reality, is you can run the microwave, TV & fridge simultaneously. Possibly the water heater but that's pushing it a bit.
But if it's powering a 50amp charging unit...you will be capped at 50amp.
Then assuming lead-acid batteries, they have a limit on how much charge they will take in:
- When low, it's around 25% of the amp-hr rating...which a pair of 6v batteries matches up to pretty well. They are typically around 225amp-hr @ 12v once combined.
- As they near full charge 80-90%, the amount they will accept drops off. To get to 100% can take many hours as a result.
So really the 3000w generator is a bit of overkill...if just looking at charging. Reality, is you can run the microwave, TV & fridge simultaneously. Possibly the water heater but that's pushing it a bit.
