Generator Size for a Shasta Airflyte 2015 (1961 reissue)

2oldman wrote:
Please respond, telling us this post is not a joke.

I think it's a legitimate question. They like to drink and want to avoid a DUI and the associated problems.
A RV forum is a logical place to ask this question.
I commend them for using common sense. :)

Please respond, telling us this post is not a joke.

A definitive answer requires knowing precisely how many watts (thus how many amps) things draw, both on startup (surge) and for running. This information should be posted on a plate, tag, or sticker somewhere on the device.

You then must add up both surge wattage and separately running wattage, and pick a generator capable of handling both. Things that have a motor, the AC for example, will require 2 to 3 times the running amperage for startup surge. Things without a motor, the fridge for example, will draw the same power on startup as running.

It is possible to get an AC that can handle only the AC, but not the AC and the microwave at the same time. Using it would thus mean don't attempt to run both, or you will knock the generator offline. Typically (but not always) this requires shutting it off and restarting it, but it might mean resetting a circuit breaker.

Without knowing how much power that AC uses, one can only guess at the most appropriate size generator. Otherwise, you could buy the biggest one possible -- which will, of course, cost a lot more and burn a lot more fuel.

Colliehauler is right, theft of the generator is a major risk.

LisaLPharmD wrote:
My husband and I are considering getting this small travel trailer basically for driving to places where we will be drinking, so we can sleep overnight in it, so we don't have to drive home. We also take our dog everywhere, so I want to be able to leave her inside for a couple hours with an air conditioner running. Most places we will be parked are just parking lots, with no hookups, so we wanted to get a generator to run the air conditioning, possibly the fridge, and some simple basic appliances.

The Air conditioner is only 5 btu, and this is a tiny 16ft trailer with a fridge, microwave, and 3 burner cooktop.

I literally know nothing about campers or generators, so any input would be extremely helpful. Thanks!

You could get by with a 2k only using a 5000 btu A/C, you would have to shut the Air off to run major appliances.

A bigger concern would be theft in a parking lot being left alone.