What size generator to run AC??
Looking at buying a +/-28 foot travel trailer, with one AC unit. What size generator should I have to run the AC and lights, TV, etc?
Thanks
Thanks
Forum Discussion
supercub wrote:
Thanks for the replies, sounds like perhaps the best way is to get a couple of portable 2000 watt gens.
Just what I did.....
Two Champion Dual Fuel 2500W inverters
I didn't want to carry gasoline, clogged carbs from gas sitting, etc.
Propane is clean and readily available.
Each inverter is 39#
dBA is 59 at 23' (Honda is 48-57 at 23')
I believe my set up is great. Light, easy to handle, plenty of power, can use just one if no AC is being used, two fuels, and portable enough for other uses.supercub wrote:
Looking at buying a +/-28 foot travel trailer, with one AC unit. What size generator should I have to run the AC and lights, TV, etc?
Thanks
To supercub. Most RV parks and your trailer have 30 amp ratings. 30 X 120 = 3,600 watts. That is what I shoot for if I want the same capability as the shore power in most parks.- I went with a Champion 3400 inverter and couldnt be happier!
Quiet, wheels around nicely, electric start so my wife can start it. Runs my ac easily, it sounds like its running at half throttle or less with ac on.
Maintenance is easy. I bought it in 2019 and have not had 1 issue with it. - Thanks for the replies, sounds like perhaps the best way is to get a couple of portable 2000 watt gens.
Grit dog wrote:
I agree bigger is better for this application, but if a 2k sounds like a lawnmower, you cheaped out on the purchase.
I may be exaggerating slightly but I've seen more than one of the 2000w units running the air with a soft start and they are anything but quiet.- When choosing a generator for AC. the first thing to determine is what degree of reliability do you need?
IOW, if it is hotter than you think it will be, and the generator won't run your AC.... Just how big of a deal is it to you?
I used to compete my Brittanys in AKC field trials I got to see a lot of these kinds of failures.....Numerous times it would be really hot and other peoples generators could not cut it in "real" life situations. They always said the same thing."It worked fine at home"
Add some altitude and heat, and a marginal generator will let you down. A casual camper would likely just go home. A field trial competiter pretty much has too much to lose by going home. I saw a lot of emergency generator upgrades in camp. valhalla360 wrote:
theoldwizard1 wrote:
valhalla360 wrote:
... more expensive and more maintenance but combining a pair of 2000w generators is also viable
Personally, I would go this route instead of the much heavier 3000+W generators !
Assuming you are reasonably healthy, the bigger unit is my preference.
Only lifting is in or out of the truck (it sits just inside the tailgate). After that it pulls around on wheels.
The lifting is offset as the bigger units often come with electric start. If you are physically limited, yanking on the pull cord while bent over is likely to be challenging.
The Champion 3400 has a nice handle / wheel set up for moving it. I just walk it up a lightweight truck ramp onto the truck. Easy.pianotuna wrote:
canoe on top wrote:
Why don't you like the microair?
It did not work nearly as well as my autoformer.
Correct me if I am wrong, but they do two completely different things. The Micro-Air reduces the amp draw of the air conditioner on startup. The autoformer increases voltage when, and only when, voltage sags.canoe on top wrote:
Why don't you like the microair?
It did not work nearly as well as my autoformer.- Why don't you like the microair?
