What brand and power size of generator do I need ?

Big question is can you run both when on the grid.

If the converter is puling a few amps and you are running the TV and a couple other small loads, you are likely going to exceed 30amps and if things are working correctly, good chance you are blowing fuses.

We have a couple of the Yamaha 2000s. Fred and Ethel.

Fred wouldn't kick the AC over by himself, so we needed Ethel. They run linked in tandem with a little cord kit.

These things are amazing. So quiet, light, fuel efficient, and clean. They basically idle to run the AC after start up.

On a side note, if anybody reading this is that guy who runs one of those cheap, loud, obnoxious contractor generators at a campsite... You are an incredible d!ck.

Can I say that here? I know this is a very polite forum, but geez...

Costco used to carry a brand called "Smarter Tools" (a rebranded Yamaha) and it would do fine, depending on your A/C (9k worked great with it)

rbpru wrote:
If I am understanding the thread correctly, to start an AC that draws 12 amps takes more than a 2,000 watt generator because of the starting current surge.

That would mean a 3,000 watt unit.

Also, what is a soft start kit?

The kit contains a capacitor that is installed internally in the air conditioner. It stores energy like a battery. That energy is released when you turn the air conditioner on. It adds to the incoming power for boost starting the air conditioner.

Lwiddis wrote:
Why do you need to run both at the same time? I agree with Fireball that 3,000 may not do it and with 2oldman saying not for long with his two 2,000 watt Hondas. Seems....wasteful to buy a generator to do both for a few minutes each day max.

For the most part I agree. Running A/C and micro together is not the ideal criteria to base your buying decision on.
Nevertheless I used to in my TT and still do in my current 5'er use my genset for lunch breaks. On a hot summer day their is a dire need to run A/C while warming up lunch in the microwave. My Subaru 4300is could do it. And my current built in Onan can do it.
Making lunch in the RV on a hot day is a nice option to have.

Champion also has an inverter model that is 3500 (sometimes labeled 3400) watts surge. It runs about $1000. Heck of a lot cheaper than two Hondas. There is a really cool Honda that I've seen in other threads. 7000 watt inverter. Way cool! I think it was $3500 or something. Very quiet.

Why do you need to run both at the same time? I agree with Fireball that 3,000 may not do it and with 2oldman saying not for long with his two 2,000 watt Hondas. Seems....wasteful to buy a generator to do both for a few minutes each day max.

If I am understanding the thread correctly, to start an AC that draws 12 amps takes more than a 2,000 watt generator because of the starting current surge.

That would mean a 3,000 watt unit.

Also, what is a soft start kit?

Champion 3500/4000 watt generators provide the same thirty amp service as most RV parks for $300 and 68db. I run mine in parking lots and on my own property, not ten feet from my neighbor. I don't want any generator running ten feet from my trailer, yours or mine.

corvettekent wrote:
So you don't want to shut off the AC for a few minutes when you are using the microwave? You could save some big $$.

It's a nice luxury to have when fixing a meal. It's hot, ac is running and you need the MW. So if you turn off the ac, then you must wait about 5 minutes for it to come back on. Then you may have to eat in the heat! Boo!