Portable Generator for 50 amp service
I'm preparing to purchase a 5th wheel that has a 50 amp service. We'll be taking a dry-camping trip in August and I need to get a portable generator that will work. For my dry camping we'll mostly b...
Forum Discussion
LIKE2BUILD wrote:
To get a full 50A service I believe I would need a 6000 Watt generator (50A x 120V= 6000W).
Incorrect. As already explained so-called "50 amp RV service" is actually 50 amps across each of two legs for a total service of 100 amps or 12,000 watts. For "full" 50 amp service you'd therefore want a 12K genset minimum ... that's a whopper of a "portable" generator. :E
I have to ask though ... since you're intending to tow a 5th which will effectively eliminate the possibility of carrying such a large "portable" genset in the back of the truck where are you planning to carry it? A genset this large would be really heavy so moving it at any time would be a real chore.
Also, you certainly don't want to simply "backfeed" your house with this genset and possibly kill someone unaware that your house service is hot when it otherwise wouldn't be when normal service has failed. :E If this is your consideration you need to install it with a proper transfer switch that will prevent such catastrophes. ;)
