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:We have a 2013 Palomino Banshee B3: http://www.windishrv.com/inventory/362584/Used-2013-Palomino-Banshee-B-3.aspx (that's our baby - and NO we did NOT pay that much!)Why we want a generator:1. We can kill a battery running our furnace in one night if it is in the 40s.2. It takes hours to hand crank the lift system without a batter (not kidding)3. We are bringing an extra battery with us with is a total PITA - and would prefer to travel with one.4. When running off a battery - we can't use the A/C, or run anything that relies off of plugging into the regular outlets inside the camper (ie: heated beds, charging camera batteries, etc.What items we would like our generator to allow us to do:1. NOT have to bring a second battery2. Run the furnace all night if necessary if below 50 degrees3. Allow us to charge: laptop, camera batteries, cell phones, iPad, etc.4. Allow us to USE: heated beds, my HAIR DRYER, my flatiron, our A/C if necessary (it is a Coleman Mach - I don't know beyond that), etc.Things we want:1. Not to be noisy2. Hopefully easy to move around3. Fuel efficient4. ReliableSpecial thing to consider (we live at 5,400' in elevation. We camp usually above 8,000'...Thank you for all your insight in advance!

Since you won't (or can't) run your generator at night, and you want your furnace to run all night, I'd suggest installing a second battery. Two 6 volt batteries should give you sufficient amperage to run all night.The portable generator of choice is Honda due to reliability and quietness. I'm sure there are other manufacturers who offer competitive generators.

It sounds like you need a minimum 2k watt. Not sure how much power you lose due to altitude. Are you planning to store the gen in the tow vehicle? Where do you plan to haul the spare fuel tank? Does your popup have the storage area on the tongue? Does it have a rear hitch connection? Does your tow rig have a front hitch? Torklift sells a hitch basket for generators. It's lockable. If placed on the forward vehicle hitch it would be locked and quieter while in the RV. Check Craigslist for the gen. You might get lucky.Edit: I use portable Anker batteries to recharge gadgets. Then recharge the Anker while driving. They vary in cost. They also go on sale. Next portable battery I might get can jump start a car then recharge gadgets. They do work. I noticed another post your going to Yellowstone. We were there two years ago. With my cellphone booster I had Verizon cell service in most of the park. There were some dead zone with the booster, but, not many.http://northridge4x4.com/shop/fuseled-pod-jump-start-fl-pod-x3

Sounds like the Honda 2000 is what you need. To run the furnace fan overnight you'll still need some good batteries but can charge them during the day with the generator (unless you're boondocking and don't mind listening to the generator while you sleep). The only thing on your list that might be out is running the A/C. I just tested mine over the weekend and I can't run the A/C but my A/C is on a 20A breaker so it's close. 120V X 20A = 2400 watts and the generator is 2000 watts.Anyway, the Honda is very quiet and very reliable but a bit pricey at around $1000. I saw similar unit at Costco made by Yamaha that might worth a look.The Honda is an amazing piece of equipment. The $1000 stings but that's the last thing even close to negative you'll ever experience with it.

Unless you are alone in the woods on your own propertyYou are not going to be allowed to run a generator all night, you need two batteries out reduce your heating loadTo power an A/C at 8000 ft you will need at least 3kw and maybe more, because the generator will lose power as altitude increasesOne big appliance at a time a/C or flat iron, or hair dryerIf you want multiple big items at same time, get some one to install a 6000w our larger RV genny in your RV

Install a permanent 2nd battery (would recommend 2 6v in series). For the generator you need some power for that AC. IMHO you got 2 choices:- Twin Honda 2k units. Quiet, powerful and fuel efficient but expensive. About $2k for the setup- Champion 3500/4000. Not as quiet, plenty of power, little more thirsty. About $400.Your choice

Generator Help - need to buy in next week... | Good Sam Community

29 Replies

darsben
Explorer II
Jul 21, 2014
You are headed to Yellowstone. The rule there is NO GENERATOR 8 PM to 8 AM
SWD
Explorer
Jul 21, 2014
The portable generator of choice is either Honda or Yamaha, due to their reliability and quietness.
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Jul 21, 2014
Two 12V batteries are better than one and a Honda 2000 will do what you want at 8,000', at least mine does. Have fun.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jul 21, 2014
Hi,

For peace and quiet go to an inverter generator.

If you wish to run the air conditioner in the mountains, I'd recommend the Yamaha sIEB which is a 2800 VA generator with 500 watts of boost for ten seconds. Honda makes a similar model--but it does not do the boost. These are electric start and can be equipped with a remote starter.

Twin Yamaha 1600 watt, twin Honda 1600 watt, and twin Champion 1600 watt would also work. These require a connector kit which is illegal in Canada and are NOT electric start.

The next step up from 2800 is a 4500 VA unit. They are considerably heavier and lots more money. They are electric start and a serious piece of kit.

In theory, a 2000 watt (really 1600) could run the air conditioner if it were used with a hybrid boost inverter.

If you are unwilling to run a generator at night, then more battery capacity needs to be added. In addition change all the lighting to led.
hmknightnc
Explorer
Jul 21, 2014
Install a permanent 2nd battery (would recommend 2 6v in series). For the generator you need some power for that AC. IMHO you got 2 choices:
- Twin Honda 2k units. Quiet, powerful and fuel efficient but expensive. About $2k for the setup
- Champion 3500/4000. Not as quiet, plenty of power, little more thirsty. About $400.

Your choice
MrWizard
Moderator
Jul 21, 2014
Unless you are alone in the woods on your own property
You are not going to be allowed to run a generator all night, you need two batteries out reduce your heating load
To power an A/C at 8000 ft you will need at least 3kw and maybe more, because the generator will lose power as altitude increases
One big appliance at a time a/C or flat iron, or hair dryer
If you want multiple big items at same time, get some one to install a 6000w our larger RV genny in your RV
mtofell1
Explorer
Jul 21, 2014
Sounds like the Honda 2000 is what you need. To run the furnace fan overnight you'll still need some good batteries but can charge them during the day with the generator (unless you're boondocking and don't mind listening to the generator while you sleep).

The only thing on your list that might be out is running the A/C. I just tested mine over the weekend and I can't run the A/C but my A/C is on a 20A breaker so it's close. 120V X 20A = 2400 watts and the generator is 2000 watts.

Anyway, the Honda is very quiet and very reliable but a bit pricey at around $1000. I saw similar unit at Costco made by Yamaha that might worth a look.

The Honda is an amazing piece of equipment. The $1000 stings but that's the last thing even close to negative you'll ever experience with it.
wcjeep
Explorer
Jul 21, 2014
It sounds like you need a minimum 2k watt. Not sure how much power you lose due to altitude. Are you planning to store the gen in the tow vehicle? Where do you plan to haul the spare fuel tank? Does your popup have the storage area on the tongue? Does it have a rear hitch connection? Does your tow rig have a front hitch? Torklift sells a hitch basket for generators. It's lockable. If placed on the forward vehicle hitch it would be locked and quieter while in the RV. Check Craigslist for the gen. You might get lucky.

Edit: I use portable Anker batteries to recharge gadgets. Then recharge the Anker while driving. They vary in cost. They also go on sale. Next portable battery I might get can jump start a car then recharge gadgets. They do work.

I noticed another post your going to Yellowstone. We were there two years ago. With my cellphone booster I had Verizon cell service in most of the park. There were some dead zone with the booster, but, not many.

http://northridge4x4.com/shop/fuseled-pod-jump-start-fl-pod-x3
Fishinghat
Explorer II
Jul 21, 2014
Since you won't (or can't) run your generator at night, and you want your furnace to run all night, I'd suggest installing a second battery. Two 6 volt batteries should give you sufficient amperage to run all night.

The portable generator of choice is Honda due to reliability and quietness. I'm sure there are other manufacturers who offer competitive generators.

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Generator Help - need to buy in next week...

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