I need some advice on what generator to purchase for my trailer. I boondock about 4 times a year. I have a 31' Canyon Cat with a 13,500 A/C unit. I need to have the air and 120 volt function for about 6 hours a day. I have been looking at a few generators but haven't seen any reviews on a particular one I have interest in. Can anyone give me any reviews? I looked at the Champion 3100 Watt but heard that the extra 400 watts this one has is a better option with my camper. Help for a rookie please.Sportsman Model # 800500 Internet # 205461778 3500-Watt Gasoline Powered Digital Inverter Generator with Built-in RV Outlet

A search will yield a lot of information, including about those generators. The most common advice is to get 2 Honda EU2000's and pair them together for additional power. That's exactly what I did.

Everyone has an opinion, and mine is:I would not consider anything other than a Yamaha, Honda, or Champion inverter generator (in that order). The Sportsman you referenced does not appear to idle up or down for the load, and will be full bore all of the time. That was after a cursory look at the specs... I could be wrong.In any case, the 3 brands I mentioned are frequent choices with good reviews here from people who use them. I bought a yamaha EF3000iseb (2800w running 3500w 10s surge).

I second the Yamaha or Honda. Money well spent. Reliable & quiet.

Thank you all for the info. I am cautious about non name brands. Is a 3100 watt enough to power my 13500 ac unit?

Hi,I hope to be able to run my air conditioner on solar next summer. If I factor in the cost of campgrounds it will pay for itself in under 100 days.

Generator Options for Boondocking | Good Sam Community

22 Replies

rsqfyrmedic
Explorer
Sep 01, 2014
Weird.....didn't add this pic, stay safe.

Click For Full-Size Photo.
rsqfyrmedic
Explorer
Sep 01, 2014
Hey there rook;) We just finished the trip of a lifetime....2 months, 9200 miles and countless memories. Part of the trip was "boondocking" at Walmarts all over the country (with proper etiquette of asking the managers, of course). I spent alot of time researching and had a welder set up my 2 Honda's with an extended fuel tank. I'd fuel the truck and the gen set tank before pulling into Wally World. Our set would use about 5 gals of fuel at each stop (about 14-16 hours). We'd cook dinner, watch TV and run the 15k BTU A/C all night. Couldn't run the A/C and microwave together though. If I had to do it over, I'd probably run the over the LP tank setup the previous poster has....my trailer didn't handle as well as it did without the bumper set. Still VERY happy with my setup though I didn't travel with the grill on top (too heavy-made the handling worse). Good luck and be safe!

Click For Full-Size Photo.
PAAK
Explorer
Aug 21, 2014
I bought a Yamaha 2000IS, wont run the AC, but here in Alaska, i didnt see a need for it. Plus if i wanted, i can buy another 2000 and link them together and it would still be cheaper than a required 3000 to run the AC.

DJ, like your set up...
christopherglen
Explorer
Aug 21, 2014
I got a 2kw Costco generator 2 months ago for boondocking. I run the onan in the morning to quick charge the batteries, then run the costo portable off and on as needed to keep them up. The Costco is parallel capable, and has a Yamaha motor. FWIW my Honda 3000is is quieter under idle and load then the Costco unit. $600 for Costco 2k for Honda.. I got the second unit because I didn't want to leave a $2k generator sitting in the back of my truck, and the onan burns a lot of fuel VS the portable at low output.
Redterpos3
Explorer
Aug 19, 2014
~DJ~ wrote:
I chose the Honda 3000. Very very happy. Camped at over 6500' last week and ran the AC fine.

Love this setup!! Where did you get it??
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Aug 19, 2014
Well done ~DJ~ :C
JiminDenver
Explorer II
Aug 19, 2014
powderman426 wrote:
EcoBullet wrote:
Reviews of Champion 3100 watt Gen

I bought one of these and am pleased so far, but honestly haven't used it much yet.

The Champion that I saw and talked about earlier in this thread was NOT this one.

It was probably a 3500/4000 like I have. It is inexpensive, powerful and compared to other open frame generators, quieter. Great for boondocking if you can take the noise but in a campground.....
_DJ_1
Explorer II
Aug 19, 2014
I chose the Honda 3000. Very very happy. Camped at over 6500' last week and ran the AC fine.
powderman426
Explorer
Aug 19, 2014
EcoBullet wrote:
Reviews of Champion 3100 watt Gen

I bought one of these and am pleased so far, but honestly haven't used it much yet.

The Champion that I saw and talked about earlier in this thread was NOT this one.
EcoBullet
Explorer
Aug 19, 2014
Reviews of Champion 3100 watt Gen

I bought one of these and am pleased so far, but honestly haven't used it much yet.