What can I do with/expect from a generator?

Your converter-charger is going to make more difference to the amount of time you need to recharge the batteries than the generator size. A 900-1000 watt gen has more than enough capacity to run the battery charger you are likely to have (probably 45-55 amp). If you want to run the microwave, that will take more power than a gen that size can produce, but most likely no more than a 2000 watt. There’s no way I would want to lug a 3000 watt gen around just for battery charging and mwave duty. You can expect a sore back from that.

I actually use a Yamaha 1000 for about 99% of my power needs when dry camping, and that includes running our small-ish mwave. The mwave is running from an inverter when the Yamaha is running though, because it can’t support the load on its own. By running the mwave from the inverter while the gen is running, about half the power is coming directly from the camper battery, and the rest is coming from the gen through the battery charger.

:):)

rvshrinker wrote:
if i buy a generator we might as well also be able to run the microwave and recharge our devices. i think the main goal would be to extend boondocking, and recharge batteries if we go winter camping and run the furnace overnight. and the microwave here and there.

Inverters are much handier and quieter than constantly running a generator, feeding it gas, carting it around. And nobody runs a generator to run the furnace. I don't know what a Honda 3000ec is.

I suggest you spend time with the link I provided so you get a good understanding of how this works. Then you won't have to ask others how it works.

I camp in the Rockies at about 9000 feet the little genny works great. I have 2 group 27 AGM batteries we don't have a microwave. The genny will run the furnace and frig no problem. I run the genny about 1 hour in the morning to charge the batteries. I also have 150 watts of solar also. But you can't rely on sun in mountains.

Old Days wrote:
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.

what kind of batteries do you have and how long do you run the generator to keep them charged?

if i buy a generator we might as well also be able to run the microwave and recharge our devices. i think the main goal would be to extend boondocking, and recharge batteries if we go winter camping and run the furnace overnight. and the microwave here and there.

I bought a Yammi 2000W genny to charge the batteries during the winter. it
works great for its intended purpose and can run the microwave when needed.

I turn on the genny at the beginning of the evening on use 12oz of fuel which
runs the genny for about 4 hours.

It won't run the AC.... I borrowed a friend 750W Honda and it worked well to
charge the batteries.

You're 3000w is overkill if ALL you want is charge the batteries and its HEAVY.

I've been tempted to buy a Ryobi propane (750W) genny and just keep it in the
TT to use as a battery charger.

When I was full time did a LOT of dry camping. We fell into a regular routine.

Get up, start the generator, make coffee & breakfast, and run my wifes hair dryer then shut the generator down.

That supported my big loads from generator and small loads for the rest of the day from battery.

Once a week I would find shore power or run the generator long enough to fully charge the batteries. Also check & water batteries.

“I need to run something like that the charge our batteries up?”

If you need AC and/or microwave that Honda will do fine. But charging...up...your batteries is far easier with a solar system. Running a generator for 2 to 4 hours a day isn’t fun for you or the campers next to you. Read some basic RV electricity literature. Your post indicates a need.

Camping in sub-freezing temperatures presents many challenges. You will need to review your charging and battery system. You will need to review both your fresh and waste water systems. Also an absorption fridge may have poor performance as temps continue to drop.

A 3000 watt generator will keep your battery charged and run the microwave when needed. Fridge and water heat will need to be on propane. You may need to run the generator 3 to 12+ hours a day depending on other systems and conditions.

That's an interesting link, over my head a lot of it... I have left our rig plugged into a 110 socket for months at a time. It runs the fridge and LED lights and in the winter the furnace on subfreezing nights, maybe 20 nights per year. Battery panel always says fully charged but I've never tried to look in closer detail. I've also never, gulp, checked the water level. Have had rig almost two years. I'll try to figure that out today.

We are building a true 30 and 50 amp hookup this summer.

No one who doesn't have to recharges batteries to 100% state of charge using a generator.

I'd be tempted to get a modest solar system for extending the life of the battery bank. It is a one time cost--and the nearest thing you may find to a "free lunch".