Forum Discussion

PhilMac's avatar
PhilMac
Explorer
Feb 21, 2014

Generator Options

Hey guys,
I am new to the travel trailer world and have some questions reqarding using generators. I have a 2008 Keystone Hornet 27DBS. I use it primarily for weekend camping at a hunting club. Our new lease currently has no power so I will be purchasing a generator. I am interested in the Honda EU2000. Will this unit be enough for the power needs of this camper? It is not a must that it run the ac since I will mostly use it in the winter. The onboard battery charger does not work, I have been using a small 6amp battery charger to keep the battery charged however it will not keep the battery at full charge. My plan is to install 2 new deep cycle batteries to help with that and I am also thinking about installiing a boat style battery charger that will keep them charged and then go into a maintenance charge when they are full. How many amps does the charger need to be able to put out to be able to run lights, furnace and a few other things? Also, with this camper plugged in to a generator will the wall outlets work? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

13 Replies

  • WoodGlue's avatar
    WoodGlue
    Explorer
    Mar 05, 2014
    Mfar1234 wrote:
    Will a 2000 run a small 5000btu A/C?

    Yes, absolutely!

    It can run up to a 9k btu a/c, but not the 11.5 and up.

    WoodGlue
  • Cotay's avatar
    Cotay
    Explorer
    Mar 05, 2014
    facory wrote:
    The Honda or Yamaha 2000 watt inverter generator will run everything except the AC. My Yamaha runs the microwave with no problem. It may strain if the water heater is also running on electric, but I've never had a problem. If you think you'll need the AC but at least a 3000 watt unit.


    I'd suggest two Yamaha EF2000s instead of the single 3000 unit. You can run them in parallel if you need to run the AC. They are easier to carry and if you are camping in colder months you only need to bring one along.
  • facory's avatar
    facory
    Explorer
    Feb 22, 2014
    The Honda or Yamaha 2000 watt inverter generator will run everything except the AC. My Yamaha runs the microwave with no problem. It may strain if the water heater is also running on electric, but I've never had a problem. If you think you'll need the AC but at least a 3000 watt unit.
  • ADK_Camper's avatar
    ADK_Camper
    Explorer
    Feb 21, 2014
    If your converter is a WFCO brand, it's not surprising that it does not work. The WFCO's are notorious for not working correctly right out of the box. Mine has never worked properly, but there is an upgrade available from Progressive Dynamics that is designed to fit in the WFCO chassis so fixing the problem is pretty straightforward. I read good things about the Progressive Dynamics. I don't have one but I am considering upgrading with one.

    As to a generator. I do have a Honda 2000 watt generator and I like it very much. The best things about it are that it is remarkably quiet, it is light enough to be easily portable, and it has an "eco mode" that varies the generator speed to match the electrical load. Bigger generators are available, but they are quite heavy. I recommend that you carry one around a bit befor you commit to buying one to determine if portability may be an issue.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Feb 21, 2014
    Look at your existing converter. Post make and model. You may not need to replace it.
    Yes, a 2000 watt will run a 5000 BTU AC unit, if no other large 120 volt items are in use. During start up the AC unit draws a heavier load. Not many 5000 BTU units are around.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Feb 21, 2014
    Hi,

    What size is the battery bank in amp-hours? c/5 is the bare minimum for the size of the converter. It should be three stage. The "big three" are Iota, Progressive Dynamics, and Power Max. Each have advantages over a stock battery charger.

    PhilMac wrote:
    what are the specs of a converter i need?
  • handye9's avatar
    handye9
    Explorer II
    Feb 21, 2014
    Mfar1234 wrote:
    Will a 2000 run a small 5000btu A/C?


    Probably
  • mlts22's avatar
    mlts22
    Explorer II
    Feb 21, 2014
    I'd go for a 40-50 amp converter if possible, and make sure it is at least a three stage model. They are not too pricy, a four-stage Powermax Boondocker is about $150 to $200 depending on amps (100 amps is around the two C-note mark, but you probably don't need that much charging capacity, so $150 for ~50 amps.)

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