What generator size works best?

"all electric" does not have propane unless you bring a coleman camping stove.

Larryect wrote:
So, it sounds like the main things that might tend to run at the same time is:

AC (or heat)
Water heater
Griddle
Fridge
Converter

The water heater, griddle and fridge can usually be run off propane. If you have to run all electric you will need a bigger genny. I lived cool and happy off of 3 kw and propane for many hot and many cold days and nights.

Hi smk,

I have measured between 1250 and 1900 watts for my A/C when running in hot weather.

smkettner wrote:
Once running you only need about 1600 watts.

It's

School Of Hard Knocks Time...

The best teacher of all :)

So, it sounds like the main things that might tend to run at the same time is:

AC (or heat)
Water heater
Griddle
Fridge
Converter

I would add the power requirements for those items together, probably figuring the converter at less than full draw, add something for some cushion and then look for a generator that would deliver that. Also take into consideration a 120/240 generator is going to split the output between the two legs, and you may have more load on one or the other. An RV type generator would be able to provide all the wattage where needed if you used a 50A - 30A adapter plug, assuming less than a 30A load total.

You said you can run on 30 amps if being careful, so I think a 4000 W capacity would do it if you are willing to be careful. So, I would suggest a capacity of 4000 watt RV type generator as a minimum. Two Honda 2000's may be ideal.

But, if you don't want to worry about what is running, a lot more could be needed. I would worry the 5000 watt your asking about may not have enough power on both legs of the output depending on how the trailer load is divided.


I wish my Yamaha 2400 had parallel capability...... I converted it to tri-fuel, so I can hook up multiple propane tanks to it and run quite awhile.

Generator will not damage the A/C. It will start or it will not. Once running you only need about 1600 watts.

I ran a 15k air conditioner many times for three day weekends with an EU3000is Honda. Actually left the fridge on ac power, by accident, a few times while running the ac without noticing. Ran 3 different fifth wheels, with 15k ac's, for years on this same generator and would still do it if I hadn't upgraded to a diesel pusher with an Onan built in.

Actually, after the weather cools and don't need the ac, I run my coach on a single Honda EU2000i. Saves running up the hours on the Onan and easier on the fuel consumption.

ol Bombero-JC wrote:

MrWizard wrote:
What is the OP going to do about his fridge all night long
Leave it off with no power ?
Run on inverter with two small grp24 batteries ?
Run the generator all night ?

Why overthink his situation?..:R

Wants to spend a few days/nights at the beach.

Even in TX the beach shouldn't be too hot at night.

If he can't run the gen enough to keep the fridge happy (cool) -
Skip the fridge - get an ice chest.

BTW - my Yam 2400is will run my 15K A/C (nothing else) just fine at sea level.

OP (IMO) you probably don't need 5K gen - try renting a gen for a test - even if it's an industrial (noisy) type...:W

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Best reply so far. Thanks. All I wanted was some input on a 4-5kw generator to stay on the beach for a couple nights every now and then.
Mainly to run the AC.
I don't want to get one too small and risk damaging the AC.

MrWizard wrote:
What is the OP going to do about his fridge all night longLeave it off with no power ?

Good point.

MrWizard wrote:
What is the OP going to do about his fridge all night long
Leave it off with no power ?
Run on inverter with two small grp24 batteries ?
Run the generator all night ?

Why overthink his situation?..:R

Wants to spend a few days/nights at the beach.

Even in TX the beach shouldn't be too hot at night.

If he can't run the gen enough to keep the fridge happy (cool) -
Skip the fridge - get an ice chest.

BTW - my Yam 2400is will run my 15K A/C (nothing else) just fine at sea level.

OP (IMO) you probably don't need 5K gen - try renting a gen for a test - even if it's an industrial (noisy) type...:W

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