Champion 7200/9000 generator - 50 amp??

7200 watts at 120 volts is 60 amps or 30 amps at 240 VAC. The gen mentioned has two 30 amp outlets and cannot put out it's full output through one receptacle at 120 volts. Also, the gen is rated at 74 decibels, so it will be loud - OK if boon docking by yourselves but not so much if in a more crowded area. My Champion is the 3500 watt version and it's noise level is 68 - still too loud for crowded areas. Good luck, Mike

There is a lot of information online on generators. See http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/power/rv-generators.html

You do best to buy no more generator than the power you'll need. Many RVers will use two 2000 watt generators hooked together. Or one 3000-3500 watt generator. Inverter generators vary rpm's according to the load, and they're the quiet generators. Inverter generators' power is also cleaner--for electronics.

Honda and Yamaha stick out at tops in RV use. Champion sticks out as the best of the cheaper generators. They have a 3100 watt model inverter generator that's less than 1/2 the price of the EU2000 Honda--and it's very nice.

You might want to read about home generators online. You've got to install a second circuit breaker box, and pick out a few circuits to run via generator. There have been many utility workers electrocuted by generators that are not installed properly.

Most homeowners will have all refrigerator/freezers, kitchen, living space, bedrooms and the furnace on a generator. You don't have to use a 20K watt generator--and most will use 5500 watts or so.

TXiceman wrote:
We carry a pair of Honda EU2000i generators that we can parallel for the times we need to run one A/C unit. If we just need to run a TV and charge the batteries we can just run the one.

I went with the more expensive Hondas since they have a very good reputation and they also have service and parts available every where.

Ken

I think TXiceman has the right setup! One generator when you don't need air conditioning. Two units easier to handle compared to one big unit. Reason I don't have one, Cost!:E

We carry a pair of Honda EU2000i generators that we can parallel for the times we need to run one A/C unit. If we just need to run a TV and charge the batteries we can just run the one.

I went with the more expensive Hondas since they have a very good reputation and they also have service and parts available every where.

Ken

Thanks for the education and perspective. I guess as the old saying goes, "you get what you pay for"! It is both clearer to me what I'm looking at while having to balance the need to have vs nice to have and reconsider a 30 amp that is quieter vs a 50 amp 'monster'!!

First off, what do you expect to run from the generator ...this will determine the size you need.

Ken

IH_Fan wrote:
Hi folks - big long story, but I'm looking for a generator for both the house and the 5th wheel (when used locally).

Disclaimer----I am a complete amateur when it comes to generators!!

Costco has the Champion 7200/9000 generator at a good price. It has two large receptacles: The first one is a three-prong and is labeled "30 amp 120 v twistlock". The other one is a four-prong and is labeled "30 amp 120/240 v twistlock".

My question is this: I thought four-prong receptacles on generators were for 50 amps. If that's the case, why is this one a four-prong 30 amp......or is it also a 50 amp but not labeled that way.....?!?!?!

Just trying to understand what this one is, as I'd like a 50 amp option on a generator as the 5th wheel is a 50 amp system.

Thx!!

That generator is not capable of a full 50 amp. 50amp equals 12,000 watts. The generator your looking at is only at is only 7000 watts continuous and 9000 watts surge. 7000 watts divided by 240 volts gives you only 30 amps. Hope this helps you understand.

I don't think you want to be taking that generator to campgrounds, you will need to be a good distance from anyone otherwise you will get a lot of complaints. There is a reason for the price and it is noise and actual output over a number of years. you may want to type the word generator into the search area. You will get a lot of information there.