Proper portable generator to run a Jayco X17Z?

If you want to use it while camping too, then go with a quieter inverter type.

A 1000W is small and very lightweight, use to recharge the batteries or the lights and TV, too small for space heater, microwaves and such.

A 2000 is fairly small, fairly lightweight, can run anything but the air conditioner. For larger loads such as the microwave, hair drier, or space heater, you need to run them one at a time.

A Yamaha 2400 will run the air conditioner too, now you're getting into the top end of the lightweight category and you're over $1000.

For the most part the cheaper priced noisier generators are good for home emergency or work use where the noise it makes doesn't matter. Some folks use them camping but most neighbors frown at them.

The bigger quiet generators, 3000w and up, are out of your price range.

if you're not going to use the a/c, get a 2000 watt generator. for the price difference the 2000 is much more worth it, over the 1000.
Along with the others mentioned, at Costco, there's a 2000w generator with a Yamaha engine, that can be paralled.
it costs $599, I think and has good reviews.

I have a Honda 2000i for the TT but I've used it to power the house during power outages.
It'll run the fridge, furnace, sump pump, tv, and a few lights. Our stove is gas so that's not an issue. Of course it won't run the A/C if it's summertime.

PAThwacker wrote:
I have been through two hurricanes with week long power outages. My house is rural and depends on well pumps, septic pumps, and sump pumps. Wood stove heatw/secondary propane.


The 2000w powers the camper and house fridge. Camper provides all luxuries with finite fresh water/waste water. 12volt poop pump to septic.

Spent another $800 in portable 6300w. Portable 6300w runs well and other pumps. I even kept the electic water heater maintained. Portable refills camper fw and pumps septic.

Two different tools!

The 2000w primary use is off the grid camping and battery charging at 43lbs. The boat anchor portable 6300w primary use is emergency backup.

I have been through two hurricanes with week long power outages. My house is rural and depends on well pumps, septic pumps, and sump pumps. Wood stove heatw/secondary propane.


The 2000w powers the camper and house fridge. Camper provides all luxuries with finite fresh water/waste water. 12volt poop pump to septic.

Spent another $800 in portable 6300w. Portable 6300w runs well and other pumps. I even kept the electic water heater maintained. Portable refills camper fw and pumps septic.

For $1000.00 you can buy a contractor generator and the appropriate extension cords to run everything you need in the house should the electric go out. Why live in the camper when you can live in the house?

IMHO____ The Honda 2000 Watt Generator is the very Best Bang for the Buck. Have had my 2, 2000 watt Hondas since 2004 and I am a very Happy Camper with them.
When I bought these two, I paid $800.00 each, now they run around a $1000.00
Very quite, very dependable, easy to start. If you want to run a Honda at higher altitudes, you have to have the carb adjusted to run at the higher altitudes.

I have a Yamaha 2000w. It can run a 1500 watt heater. I'd also run the microwave(separately) but you need to have the fridge on gas only.

Spend the 1k have emergency power and everything you need to run but AC.

We use the two Honda 2000i generators with the parallel kit to do what you want to do. The two together will run everything in the RV or just about everything in the house if needed.

We only use one if no air conditioning will be needed in the RV.

One will run the fridge, lights and some small appliances in the house if needed.

The best deals currently are at Cabela's :B

$489 + $20 rebate 2000 watt




$699 + $20 rebate 3100 watt and this one will run the A/C on the RV