what size generator?
I am in process of negociationg on a pop up camper. We will need a generator. So, what size to run ac, lights, and maybe microwave on occasion? Lowes has a champion 3000 portable for $329 and a...
Forum Discussion
I would suggest strongly that you pay attention to the voltage these two generators create. If all they offer is 120 volts, either one will probably do ya. If either one offers 240 volts, it will NOT do the job for you because your camper can only use 120 volts, and the wattage is the sum of the two halves of a 240 volt generator. Thus a 3,000 watt, 240/120 volt generator only produces 1,500 watts on each of the two 120 volt circuits, and that is not enough for the AC.
Your rig no doubt has a 13,500 btu AC, and that is going to draw a constant 600-700 watts, with a starting surge of around 2,000-2,100 watts. Your microwave is going to draw around 1,100 or 1,200 watts. The 3500 watt surge capacity generator is obviously going to cover that, no sweat. The 3,000 watt unit will cover it normally, too, UNLESS you punch the microwave button at exactly the same time you turn on the AC. And you MIGHT from time to time, see the generator overload if you get an unlucky moment when the microwave is mid-cycle and the AC just happens to start the compressor. It should be noted that both these generators are going to be unhappy if you run the house battery down (so the converter is trying to charge it at maximum rate) at the same time the AC is turning on, AND somebody HAS to have some popcorn, AND all the lights are on, which is unlikely, eh?
Your rig no doubt has a 13,500 btu AC, and that is going to draw a constant 600-700 watts, with a starting surge of around 2,000-2,100 watts. Your microwave is going to draw around 1,100 or 1,200 watts. The 3500 watt surge capacity generator is obviously going to cover that, no sweat. The 3,000 watt unit will cover it normally, too, UNLESS you punch the microwave button at exactly the same time you turn on the AC. And you MIGHT from time to time, see the generator overload if you get an unlucky moment when the microwave is mid-cycle and the AC just happens to start the compressor. It should be noted that both these generators are going to be unhappy if you run the house battery down (so the converter is trying to charge it at maximum rate) at the same time the AC is turning on, AND somebody HAS to have some popcorn, AND all the lights are on, which is unlikely, eh?
