Generator

gbsb wrote:
can a regular 4000 watt generator be used on an rv.

after reading thousands of posts about generators, I conclude that a 'regular' generator (open frame, contractor style) is way too loud to be used near anyone else, unless you're at Nascar.

Let me know where, so I can avoid the noise.

TomG2 wrote:
The Champion 3500/4000 watt units are just as quiet as any high dollar generator from five hundred feet away.

Well let's try to put that in perspective:
500 feet is 1 2/3 football fields. So I think that kind of measurement is pretty much worthless and purposely deceptive.

A comparison of them at something less than 50 feet away would be MUCH more useful.

gbsb wrote:
I do not care for crowded campgrounds

That's pretty obvious, since anyone who HAS spent more than a few minutes in any campground should know the answer to that already.......because you would see them sitting right next to at least 1/3 of the RVs there.

Yes, it is OK....but you should check the wattage requirement of your A/C to be sure that 4K is big enough.
(Edit: I see that has been addressed by other posts.)

And....if you go too cheap, it likely will be noisy and neither you nor your neighbors (humans or animals) will like that too much.

A 4,000 watt generator with the 30 amp RV plug makes a good unit as that matches the power available in many campgrounds. The Champion 3500/4000 watt units are just as quiet as any high dollar generator from five hundred feet away. You have the only silent generator with your solar panels. If you like crowded camping, get the quietest generator you can find but get out your checkbook because it won't be cheap.

agesilaus wrote:
And it probably does not make true sine wave power either which a lot of electronic gear demands.

this part is WRONG

synchronous generators are sine wave,

As others have said, yes. If it's an open frame contractor-style generator, it will be rather on the noisy side, which may limit its usefulness.

Look for one that offers full power at 120V vs. a split phase output. Many would have a 30A RV plug on them if they're so wired.

What is regular? If it is already running your air conditioner it must work fine.

30A is 3600 watts

So YES
A/C Unit, Microwave (one at a time) plus converter, 120V outlets, TV/Stereo and MAYBE fridge...water heater on propane

Of course it can be used. It will probably break your back moving it around. Probably very loud too which will make you quite unpopular with neighboring campers. And it probably does not make true sine wave power either which a lot of electronic gear demands.