I have two Yamaha EF2000iS generators, and they work together through the connecting cable.My question is; is it always necessary or desirable to have both generators running? I know I need them both for the AC, but what If I'm just watching HD satellite TV? I'm thinking it would be a good idea to have two running if I use the microwave, and I would probably turn off the AC before using it, but I'm not sure.I'm thinking that if the AC or microwave isn't being used, it might be more economical to just have one going, and alternate between the two.Anyone know?

For watching Tv etc all you need is an inverter that draws from the batteries. Then you use your generator(s) to power a battery charger or converter or inverter/charger to recharge the batteries when it is during "generator hours."A newbie guy parked near us used his gen in the evening to watch TV because he had never heard of an inverter! Lucky for him I didn't have my Bazooka handy. :) You need two 2000s for when your continuous load will be over 1600 watts, otherwise one will do. Your microwave probably wants 1500w so if you are also battery charging (1200w? maybe less depending) you will need two anyway.

BFL13 wrote:For watching Tv etc all you need is an inverter that draws from the batteries. Then you use your generator(s) to power a battery charger or converter or inverter/charger to recharge the batteries when it is during "generator hours."A newbie guy parked near us used his gen in the evening to watch TV because he had never heard of an inverter! Lucky for him I didn't have my Bazooka handy. :) You need two 2000s for when your continuous load will be over 1600 watts, otherwise one will do. Your microwave probably wants 1500w so if you are also battery charging (1200w? maybe less depending) you will need two anyway.I didn't know I needed an inverter, and thought I needed my gens to watch tv, also! I guess I need to check out inverters. Any suggestions for my 33amp TT?Do inverters ever come as standard equipment? If so, why don't I have one? I bought a brand-new 2013 Forrest River Rockwood Mini-Lite.

Just did some quick research.If I get a 1000 watt inverter, will that work for everything except the AC and microwave? It would be nice to have the TV during quiet hours in campgrounds.How big are these things? I have a small 22' trailer, though it has an amazing amount of living space due to the Murphy bed, but where would I put it?

Hi,Inverters do not come on most RV's, only some of the more expensive units. You really need to pick out one for your needs, not everyone needs the same size, and those who just travel from one RV resort to another will never need one. You also need upgraded batteries to get the RV to run on a inverter and still have power in the morning. I would suggest a 500 watt inverter - it can plug into a cigarette lighter. I installed one in my RV next to the TV set, with #10 wires from the battery with a 30 amp fuse. This will allow up to 300 watts output, more than enough to run the DTV and TV set. With a pair of batteries, you can run the TV and receiver - about a 100 watt load for at least 5 hours per night, using about 50 amp hours of power. Then charge the batteries during the generator run hours, such as 9am to before 7 pm. You only need to run 1 generator about 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour towards night. Many times I would set up my TV to run from the inverter, even if I had 120 volt power while running the generator. then when you are ready to shut off the generator, you will not need to stop the DVD and shut off the TV set to plug everything into the inverter. The generator will power the charger, it will power the inverter and any excess amperage will go to recharge the batteries. Fred.

You only need a 300w inverter for what you want. You can get a PSW if you need one for special items being charged, but a TV/dvd etc is good with MSW. It should go close to the batteries to get the most out of it using short/fat DC wiring. You can just plug the shore power cable into it (with 30/15 adapter of course) and turn off (unplug) your converter, put fridge and WH on gas (not auto), and your receptacles will work just like on shore power.TTs are a problem where the batteries are out front and you want the inverter in out of the rain and not get stolen. Some just put it in the front cargo bay and drill a hole in the floor to run the wires down to outside and then forward to the batteries on the tongue. Other solutions may be available in your rig, no idea.

One or two generators? | Good Sam Community

Rmack1
Explorer
Jan 08, 2014
Just did some quick research.

If I get a 1000 watt inverter, will that work for everything except the AC and microwave? It would be nice to have the TV during quiet hours in campgrounds.

How big are these things? I have a small 22' trailer, though it has an amazing amount of living space due to the Murphy bed, but where would I put it?
Rmack1
Explorer
Jan 08, 2014
BFL13 wrote:
For watching Tv etc all you need is an inverter that draws from the batteries. Then you use your generator(s) to power a battery charger or converter or inverter/charger to recharge the batteries when it is during "generator hours."

A newbie guy parked near us used his gen in the evening to watch TV because he had never heard of an inverter! Lucky for him I didn't have my Bazooka handy. :)

You need two 2000s for when your continuous load will be over 1600 watts, otherwise one will do. Your microwave probably wants 1500w so if you are also battery charging (1200w? maybe less depending) you will need two anyway.

I didn't know I needed an inverter, and thought I needed my gens to watch tv, also! I guess I need to check out inverters. Any suggestions for my 33amp TT?

Do inverters ever come as standard equipment? If so, why don't I have one? I bought a brand-new 2013 Forrest River Rockwood Mini-Lite.
BFL13
Explorer II
Jan 08, 2014
For watching Tv etc all you need is an inverter that draws from the batteries. Then you use your generator(s) to power a battery charger or converter or inverter/charger to recharge the batteries when it is during "generator hours."

A newbie guy parked near us used his gen in the evening to watch TV because he had never heard of an inverter! Lucky for him I didn't have my Bazooka handy. :)

You need two 2000s for when your continuous load will be over 1600 watts, otherwise one will do. Your microwave probably wants 1500w so if you are also battery charging (1200w? maybe less depending) you will need two anyway.

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