What can I do with/expect from a generator?

What can you expect from a generator? Power
How long it takes to recharge you batteries has virtually nothing to do with the generator or how big it is

If all you want to do is charge the batteries, I use a Ryobi propane generator it is only 900 watts, but for the way we camp it works great. I did buy a 12 foot hose so I could hook it up to the TC propane tanks. Sold at home depot.

rvshrinker wrote:
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 I need to run something like that the charge our batteries up? I have two 6v batteries.

That's a great price for a Honda 3000i. To recharge the batteries, you should only need to run it for 2-4 hours a day. BUT we have no idea what you want the generator for. Run the a/c, recharge batteries, run the microwave, etc....?

If you want to run your furnace then the fan will use a lot of juice. The 3000ec will be a good choice IF (1) it is in good condition (I would have a Honda dealer check it out first) and (2) if you can cope with the weight.

If weight is an issue, one Honda 2200 or 2000 is easy to pick up (unless you have a bad back) and is enough to power the furnace and lights.

I don't know how many hours you would need to run a generator, but get a digital voltmeter and keep your battery at 80% capacity or better. (The 12v-side-of-life link will have information about voltage vs. capacity.)

One thing to check is the converter. You may need to upgrade it to get a better charge rate from it. Locate your converter make and model, then post back with it.
A converter with 50 amp or so charge rate could charge batteries back up in from a couple hours to a few hours of genset runtime.
Big draw from batteries is the furnace. An auxilary propane heater such as a Mr Heater will save batteries.

This tutorial may be of some help. 12v side of life.