NEWBIE QUESTION! What generator(s) to get???

[DrtEMaxChvy]

So with the purchase of our new fifth wheel we are looking at including the generators.
We have a 15k BTU AC unit so it is to my understanding that even 2 Hondas, Yamahas etc are going to be to small. This is somewhat disappointing though I know I am getting a higher volume AC unit.
What would you recommend? We are getting the generators in the deal but are the 2 Hondas in series still a solid way to go for everything else? Or is a single larger unit a good call to run the AC unit?

I like the idea of quiet running units, and ones i can carry around. But what has your experience shown you all?

[wantabe351]

ok the first thought here is why do you need to have a generator..Is this for dry camping, like a nascar event,a rest area stop off the interstate travel, or to just have it for that sudden need of power..The demand of your 5er can be high from little power draws that add up, the Frig in ac mode,the water heat(use propane),power converter,lights and tv usage.....I have a 5,000 watt built in generator and can use both units, lights, tv and microwave all at once.But its just a little loud in mechanical noise/ exhaust is whisper quiet..Works great for rest stops,Nascar events and Mid-day AC usage if off grid camping,but Im kinda too loud if my camping site is to close to the next site..and its here that I limit its usage..when the weather is nice and I need a Generator for Battery charging,TV and lights and the 2,000w honda generator would be nice for they are whisper quiet except for the exhaust purring sound in the dead quietness of a NP campground....but remember the honda only puts out 1600w at full power with a surge of 2,000w..if its part of the deal take the honda gen or take an extra discount on the price of your camper an see how the unit works and its power demand plus your style of camping too!

[time2roll]

DrtEMaxChvy wrote:
So it appears our fiver is a 50 amp set up .

I know I will want a surge protector, I should be able to buy a converter to set up the 30amp locations as well correct?
Again this is all very new to me and I want to make the right decisions right away. I know there are MANY things you will not need that places like to sell and I am simply checking out what those might be.

Thanks again...

Go camping a few times with hookups before you decide on a generator.

Hard to make the right decision unless you know your style of camping.

BTW none of these generators are exactly quite when running an air conditioner all day and night.

[laknox]

DrtEMaxChvy wrote:
So with the purchase of our new fifth wheel we are looking at including the generators.
We have a 15k BTU AC unit so it is to my understanding that even 2 Hondas, Yamahas etc are going to be to small. This is somewhat disappointing though I know I am getting a higher volume AC unit.
What would you recommend? We are getting the generators in the deal but are the 2 Hondas in series still a solid way to go for everything else? Or is a single larger unit a good call to run the AC unit?

I like the idea of quiet running units, and ones i can carry around. But what has your experience shown you all?

2 2000s running in parallel (not series) will most likely run your 15k A/C without a problem, and a bit more. A 3000 will run the A/C and some lights, and that's about it. To be able to run your coach, A/C, m'wave, coffee maker, toaster, etc., all at once, you're going to need at least a 5500, or bigger. It will all come down to how you camp and your lifestyle while camping. Bigger units have bigger fuel tanks, so will run longer, which is nice if you're having to run the A/C all night long. Yes, you =can= get extended run tanks for both the 2000-size gennies and the bigger ones, but that's just one more thing to worry about and hassle with. Not trying to discourage you, but you do need to sit down and think how you like to camp.

Lyle

[Oasisbob]

We are super happy with our Honda EU series. Though Yamaha might be worth a look. Thanks for thinking quiet.

[RustyJC]

You'll just run your 50 amp RV through a 30 amp male to 50 amp female adapter - the 30 amp male end plugs into the generator(s). Our RV has a power management system and power protection system built in. The power management system will automatically recognize that the RV is running on a 30 amp supply. We use 2 each Yamaha EF2000iS generators in parallel and have no problem running a 15K BTU A/C.

Rusty

[DrtEMaxChvy]

So it appears our fiver is a 50 amp set up .

I know I will want a surge protector, I should be able to buy a converter to set up the 30amp locations as well correct?
Again this is all very new to me and I want to make the right decisions right away. I know there are MANY things you will not need that places like to sell and I am simply checking out what those might be.

Thanks again...

[ol_Bombero-JC]

.
FYI -
Generator discussion and *LOTS* of info can be found on the *Tech Issues* forum.

~

[Golden_HVAC]

Two honda 2000 generators will run the 15,000 Btu A/C. Their combined surge rating is 4,000 watts, plenty to run the A/C and also run a microwave, TV, couple of computers ect.

Yet if the A/C cycles off, and you are making coffee, or running the microwave, that 1,500 watt load along with the starting surge of the compressor might be a bit much, it 'should' work, but you might also need to shut off the microwave if the generators start to lug and don't sound right while starting the compressor.

Check out this place for pricing. Mayberrys.com They can not post any pricing over the internet except retail, and they sell well below retail. You have to call for the correct price, shipping included.

They know RV's and will sell the right adapter between the two generators, with a 30 amp RV style plug on it. Many Honda dealerships might stock a plug that is twist lock, the type used in construction sites or something. . .

GOod luck,

Fred.

Many are impressed with the pair of easy to carry 47 pound generators, they will work just as well as a Costco $500 5,500 watt generator, but those are 150 pound monsters, and very loud! Get a quiet Honda, your neighbors will thank you.


Also if you like to camp in places with 30 amp only sites, and they tend to have low input voltage, you probably want to buy a Kill-A-Watt meter to monitor the voltage, and shut off the A/C when it is less than 105 volts. And probably want to consider a voltage booster, like Autoformer if you have problems with low voltage. IT will automatically boost the voltage by 3% every time you plug it in, and will switch to 12% boost mode when you need it due to poor wiring in the (most often) 30 amp RV park sites.

[Sprink-Fitter]

We use a Honda EU6500is, works very well running air and anything else we want to.

[Michelle_S]

Two Honda 2000s will run one AC, we did it on our Montana with a 15K AC. You won't be able to run much else while the AC is running.

[TXiceman]

I run a 15kbtuh A/C on mt parallel Honda EU2000i generators. I have to be careful on what else will operate at the sale time.

Ken