Generator Help - need to buy in next week...
So - we aren't too savvy with understanding how to measure what kind of generator power we need to get when we buy one within the next week. We know it will be an investment. Here are the details:...
Forum Discussion
3mtnlabbie wrote:JiminDenver wrote:
As mentioned running generators at night in campgrounds is a no no so lets talk about your current situation. How is your battery being charged before you go? You really need to make sure you are starting off on the right foot with a well charged battery. I take our batteries out of the trailer and use stand alone chargers at home. As soon as we get home I recharge the batteries, then again once a month when not in use and I charge them for 3 days before we leave again.
How old is your battery and what size is it?
What are your other loads? One thing to consider is cutting back the use without sacrificing like with inexpensive LED replacements for the incandescent bulbs. There also insulated covers for the bunk ends that will help keep your furnace from running so much.
Great questions - we are in Denver also (well a burb)...
We have two BRAND NEW batteries that we charge OUT of the camper on their own chargers. The trickle charge that "happens" while we drive basically does ZERO. So we have been charging them for 3 days each in the garage on their own chargers... They fit in the box in front of our propane tanks, so I don't know the size...? We really don't run all the "nice" things at all. I'll flick on a light if I can't find something in the dark, we may have the radio on for an hour a day. We DO use the water pump and how water heater the entire time we are set up... And the frig but we have that on propane... So it is really just the furnace at night that we have set to 55 and that cycles off when we reach that temp... Oh and wanting to use our "modern" devices I guess...
First, get some inexpensive LEDs, you can use your lights and not care. I have a few extras if you live in a burb close enough and have the right base.
Is one of the modern appliances the air conditioner? The make and model will determine what generator you will need to run it at altitude. Nix the air and a 2000w might do it if you have a smaller microwave. A Champion 2000w inverter is real quiet and much less expensive.
Need the air and you are in the same boat I am in. Your basic 2800w inverter model might do it for you at 8000 ft, maybe not. You can rent them and see before you buy. You could also get a smaller window or portable air conditioner that could be run off a smaller generator.
