What generator size works best?

Living off the grid means managing energy even if you have a large generator and/or a large inverter.

I do know that since I went to a hybrid inverter I've had far less shore power breakers trip. But then, I'm only a 30 amp service.

Ahhh jeez, here we go with the E=MC2 errors again. There is no 10,000 watt generator on the face of the earth that can hold a candle to a 50-amp shore power connection.

Trying to power an all electric trailer on the beach on Texas means heat. Oooooo a standard electric burner stove uses 240 volts, and usually 2,500 watts per burner. They don't hook stove 50-amp plugs to 50-amp sockets for the heck of it.

a 50-amp shore power hookup can withstand a surge to 15,000+ watts. If I should apply a 15KW load to my Kubota it grunts hard before the turbo kicks in.

LIFE with a 5,000 WATT GENERATOR

"Going to switch on a burner. Switch off the hot water heater!"

"****! Why did the generator quit?"

"Well, then shut off the blow dryer or I can't start the vegetables"

"Honey did you remember to turn the refrigerator back on?"

A single person with the discipline of a bomb de-fuzer, might get away with using a 5,000 watt generator. With women along, be sure to bring a comfy pillow and blanket for the sofa - you're going to need them.

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 ?

If noise is no problem to you or others, I agree that a 5kw will serve you well. In my case I was on a college campus most of the time with other rv's in close proximity. I didn't feel comfortable, knowing that the noise of a construction generator would interfere with the enjoyment of others who liked to sit outside.

Most of us have been victimized by others who didn't worry about noise or how it bothered their neighbors.

I appreciated that the Honda inverter 3 kw served my needs while affecting others as little as possible.

The OP asked, "What generator size works best?"

My opinion is one that requires the least effort and provides the service required. I am a hobbyist who enjoys hooking up parallel cables to prove it can be done, once. I also have turned off appliances and devices to "get by" with a small generator. I no longer enjoy fueling and maintaining two generators when one will do the job. I have all the cobbled up adapters and connectors, but really enjoy having a RV outlet built in. I now use a generator that provides the same amperage as most campgrounds, that being 3,500 watts. Cost? $319.00 Quiet? No, but my campground has 30 amp electrical service so that I don't need to run it near others. Compared to the trucks, boom boxes, and loud mufflers in the average parking lot, it is silent.

You asked for any input: if you're going to be on the Gulf, what are you going to do for rust treatment?

2oldman wrote:

eocamper wrote:
I read a 3k watt generator would run an AC but could burn the compressor when it kicks on, thas mainly why I am looking at bigger.

Many of us have 2- 2Kw Hondas. I do. When paralleled they're run your air with no problems. And if you don't need all that power just use one.

They're quiet (quieter) and should last you a lot of years with proper care. Most people can carry one without breaking their backs.

eocamper wrote:
I really don't know much about the inverter other than it works.

Do you run your refridge going down the road?

I don't run my fridge while driving. The only thing that works while connected to 12v is the lights,Co detector (why? I don't know. NO GAS)
And fresh water pump.

The inverter runs, convert, general, micro, GEF, A/C on one 1/2 of the 50 amp and refer, heater,range (single outlet), WH on the other 1/2.

I cannot "dry camp" which I've never done. Just want to spend a weekend on the beach every once in awhile.

I managed for years, running a fifth wheel with a 15k air conditioner, for tailgating on a Honda EU3000is. Paid very little attention to the power requirement unless someone wanted to run a microwave, hair dryer, toaster or coffee maker. Had to temporarily shut down the AC for any of those. Never used the Honda in the econo mode when the AC was running unless we were in really hot conditions so that the air didn't cycle on and off.

I usually ran the fridge on propane when running on the generator except when I forgot to switch it over. Just saved that power for other needs. Never heard of a Honda with pure sine wave power burning up anything.

I kept the Honda for 13 years, put thousands of hours on it, changed oil regularly and sold it the first day on CL for $950, still running perfectly.

eocamper wrote:
I read a 3k watt generator would run an AC but could burn the compressor when it kicks on, thas mainly why I am looking at bigger.

Many of us have 2- 2Kw Hondas. I do. When paralleled they're run your air with no problems. And if you don't need all that power just use one.

They're quiet (quieter) and should last you a lot of years with proper care. Most people can carry one without breaking their backs.

eocamper wrote:
I really don't know much about the inverter other than it works.

Do you run your refridge going down the road?

2oldman wrote:
I don't know what's connected on the 2nd leg of your 50a service. That's usually another air. An electric stove and oven are really going to consume power.

Only thing I can think of is AC, Microwave, outlets, lights and water pump on one side and electric WH, heater/heat strip and maybe tank heaters on the other.

I really don't know much about the inverter other than it works. I'm taking it out this weekend. I'll check it out.

As for battery, it just a basic deep cell battery. Nothing special.

I don't plan on running off the generator like I am hooked up to shorepower. Mainly to sleep with the AC running, a few lights and the water pump. During the day I would open the windows and run the water pump off the battery.

As for the noise. Where we would be staying if anyone else is around they would be running one too and the sound of the waves and wind will drown out the noise.

I read a 3k watt generator would run an AC but could burn the compressor when it kicks on, that's mainly why I am looking at bigger.

My buddy has a 5er he runs off a 35k generator and says it works fine but has to turn off the AC to run the micro.