Forum Discussion

5er707's avatar
5er707
Explorer
Jul 29, 2013

Expected output from two 2100 generators...

I have two Powerhouse 2100 generators in the mail coming my way with a parallel kit. My 5er is a 2013 Heartland Prowler 30 TBS with the outdoor kitchen. It's a 50 amp trailer. This trailer has two refrigerators. The inside fridge runs off of gas and electric while the outside only runs off of electric. Can I expect to be able to run both refrigerators off of the generators or just plan to bring a cooler full of food. Any help is greatly appreciated. I have never gone dry camping in this trailer yet.
  • SailingOn's avatar
    SailingOn
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2013
    A small outside refrigerator (with a compressor) will use 150-500 watts when running but may well draw 3500 when starting.
    With 4000 watts available, if you're running an air conditioner or microwave when the refrigerator starts something will fail.

    The inside propane-electric refrigerator (heating element, no compressor) when running on AC will use a couple of hundred watts, but without the surge on starting. On propane, it uses only the 6 watts or so of 12v for the controls.
  • Ronandpat's avatar
    Ronandpat
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2013
    The 2100 is rated for a max power of 2100 watts (4200 watts when paralleled). Typically the max continuous rating is several hundred watts below that amount. You need to consider the full load that these units will see including the ac, converters, crockpots, hair dryer and etc. if you are close to the max and the ac kicks on you can damage the compressor from low voltage.
  • ol_Bombero-JC's avatar
    ol_Bombero-JC
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2013
    Alley Fox wrote:
    Check the starting current requirements of both fridges, you may want to figure out a way to make sure they both don't cycle on at the same time.....


    Bingo!

    OP - you need to provide more info.

    Check the electrical req's for each - back of fridge or owner's manuals.

    Is the "electric only" fridge a small(er) apt size or full size?

    BTW - your thread would see more action (replies) if you posted in the *Tech Issues* forum.

    You will find lots (and LOTS) of generator info there.
    Everything you wanted to know - and then some..:W

    ~
  • Alley_Fox's avatar
    Alley_Fox
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2013
    Check the starting current requirements of both fridges, you may want to figure out a way to make sure they both don't cycle on at the same time.....
  • B_O__Plenty's avatar
    B_O__Plenty
    Explorer II
    Jul 29, 2013
    A lot of places have specific hours you are allowed to run a genny...and specific noise levels. Are you sure these off brand generators will be quiet enough? I would just plan of running the main fridge on gas. It won't consume much and bring a cooler for the other stuff that won't fit..

    B.O.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jul 29, 2013
    5er707 wrote:
    Can I expect to be able to run both refrigerators off of the generators.
    If you have 4200w at your disposal, yes.
  • Jack_Diane_Free's avatar
    Jack_Diane_Free
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2013
    Why not just run the inside fridge on gas and the outside fridge on electric. Would make it easier.

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