What generator size works best?
My set up is ALL electric with 13,500 A/C. I am looking at a generator to run the TT while on the beach this summer. I was thinking 5,000 watts. Any input would be appreciated.
Forum Discussion
Camping last week, saw a TT with an ONAN 4000 MicroQuiet and a 6-gallon plastic boat tank mounted at the rear. I didn't notice if it was on a cargo carrier or something more substantial. If I had to guess they'd tied that "generator shelf" into the trailer's actual frame.
If your RV is set up for 30-amp shore tie service, then a 4000-watt RV GenSet (put that in Bold, All Caps because that's important, more to follow on that) will provide the same power as shore tie. If you aren't happy with 30A shore tie then a 4000 GenSet will disappoint too. Problem is, if you go to a 5500-watt RV GenSet, you'll have to do some wiring mods to take advantage of the extra power. The kind of 5500 you get can matter too. The ones I remember, actually output a 30-amp supply AND a 20-amp. If that's the case, you don't get anything more out of the main outlet of a 5500 than you got out of a 4000.
My words RV GenSet are important because I want to remind you of one of the notes above: Many/Most "jobsite gennys" are rated at their one 240-VAC outlet. And that's Two 120-VAC circuits (often referred to as "legs"). That means you can run two 120-VAC loads but CANNOT combine them at 120-VAC. 4000-watt example: RV GenSet will deliver 4000-watt on ONE connection, like your shore tie. 4000-watt jobsite genny will deliver 2000-watt on a pair of connections at 120-VAC. Unless you can split up and balance your RV load, two 2000-watt legs don't do you much good. AND, 2000-watt is marginal for 13500 A/C...
If your RV is set up for 30-amp shore tie service, then a 4000-watt RV GenSet (put that in Bold, All Caps because that's important, more to follow on that) will provide the same power as shore tie. If you aren't happy with 30A shore tie then a 4000 GenSet will disappoint too. Problem is, if you go to a 5500-watt RV GenSet, you'll have to do some wiring mods to take advantage of the extra power. The kind of 5500 you get can matter too. The ones I remember, actually output a 30-amp supply AND a 20-amp. If that's the case, you don't get anything more out of the main outlet of a 5500 than you got out of a 4000.
My words RV GenSet are important because I want to remind you of one of the notes above: Many/Most "jobsite gennys" are rated at their one 240-VAC outlet. And that's Two 120-VAC circuits (often referred to as "legs"). That means you can run two 120-VAC loads but CANNOT combine them at 120-VAC. 4000-watt example: RV GenSet will deliver 4000-watt on ONE connection, like your shore tie. 4000-watt jobsite genny will deliver 2000-watt on a pair of connections at 120-VAC. Unless you can split up and balance your RV load, two 2000-watt legs don't do you much good. AND, 2000-watt is marginal for 13500 A/C...
