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mlts22's avatar
mlts22
Explorer
Dec 24, 2014

Any issues with running a RV generator for a cabin?

I'm looking at buying a rural place. Almost all of it is just forest, except for a small, extremely well insulated cabin in the middle. The current owner powers the cabin from a 15 amp power cord to his RV. This doesn't seem like much, but for a small cabin, it does provide enough to keep the 7000 BTU A/C going. Lighting is done by a couple AGM batteries, a basic charger and 250 watts of panels on the roof. Other than the A/C, the only other item on the 15 amp circuit is a 10 watt light bulb in the propane refrigerator (the fridge completely runs from the LP gas bottles, and the only thing the electric connection is used for is to have a light when you open the refrigerator door.)

My question: After I go for a motorhome (most likely a class "B"), would there be any issues running the cabin from the MH's generator, assuming the generator's oil is changed at the right schedule, proper CO precuations are taken (multiple CO alarms, and a PPM meter), a proper thickness extension cord is used (10/3 or even 8/3), and a Gen-Turi is used to dissipate exhaust? I'd definitely be running the generator when I visit that cabin from April to September due to Texas heat, so it would see at least 8-12 hours/day use.

Quick clarification. The MH's generator would be running, the extension cord plugged into an exterior outlet on the MH going to the cabin. The cabin has a proper connector on the side, so there are no "widow maker" or other code violating cords involved.
  • Generators don't care what uses the electricity produced.......

    MHs converter/batteries might.....in that you will need to isolate the batteries OR routinely check them for proper water levels. Depending on your charger they could boil out or overcharge

    Due to the multi-stage charger in my rv my batteries do not need lots of attention.......but I learned that after checking them, checking them and checking them.

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