Forum Discussion

JSWa's avatar
JSWa
Explorer
Nov 11, 2020

Generator for full time use in destination trailer.

I am going to live in my destination trailer full time (3-6 months) while my house is built. What type of generator should I use? Does not need to be "portable". I will be using a lot of power as I have computers, gaming systems, extra freezer and refrigerator for outside (chest type). Need to be able to run some home grade power tools at same time as everything else. Must be able to run non stop for 6 months +. I would rather go slightly overkill on this because it's pretty important that I have enough power and it be reliable.
50 amp trailer.
Will have a large new shed next to the trailer, so I can store it out of the weather if necessary.
I have never lived in a trailer or owned any type of generator.
  • IIRC in VA if you get a builder's permit, the electric co will wire the lot up?
    bumpy
  • Will your house have electric service? Assuming so, get a temporary construction drop/panel and use that to power your trailer, etc. while building.

    Drew has the answer. That is exactly what I did from 15 March until just before turkey day.
  • For what you are talking about, I would go along with what Drew said about the temp electric at the build site. That for many reasons makes more sense.

    If a generator is a must, for that long of a period of time, I would call the "Generic" folks. You might as well go big and get something to use as back up for the house. Will your house have propane or natural gas? See if either company can run a temp line for the Generic while you are building. With that said I would try and do the temp electric service. Much easier and maybe safer.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I would give serious consideration to a SOLAR system as well as a good generator. NO it does not need to be a portable.

    Most houses (Absent air conditioner) can get by on 5,000 watts of power for Furnace, lights, electronics and kitchen (The services you need) You might consider having an "Whole house" emergence generator Generac or Onan installed in the say 10,000 watt range (this will run most A/C's too)
    then when the house is wired you put in two breaker panels. One is "Mains only" and the other.. is the "E" panel (Emergency) that way when (not if) the power company lets you down the back up kicks in
  • Will your house have electric service? Assuming so, get a temporary construction drop/panel and use that to power your trailer, etc. while building.

    If you absolutely must run a generator (nearly) constantly for six months, give careful consideration to what fuel is available and least expensive where you are. You'll use a considerable amount, probably a few thousand gallons if gasoline or diesel, or the equivalent in propane or natural gas. Installing a solar setup may well be less expensive and definitely would be less noisy and smelly; and with that you'd probably just need a small backup generator (maybe 2000 watts or so) to keep the fridge and freezer going in case there are several cloudy days in a row.