Best Generator size for small (23') Travel Trailer

[Alaskan_Fly_Guy]

We just got a smaller 23' travel trailer and will be doing mostly dry camping as we have camped all over Alaska in our truck and camper for years but have just got too old to climb up and down into it. I was thinking about getting a small generator for the few times it might be nice to have one. I was thinking about a 1000w or 2000w as they are pretty quiet. Would a 1000w do for occasional use?

[SkiMore]

wa8yxm wrote:
...
WITH air conditioning add a 2nd Honda (Not the companion but the lower cost regular model) with a parallel kit, or two Yahama's with a parallel kit.

Why is a pair of regular EU-2000s with parallel kit better than a regular EU-2000, EU-2000 companion and parallel cable?

[Veebyes]

The Honda, or similar, 1000 could very well do you just fine as long as you know your needs & the gennys limits. The open framed cheap genny is not light & will be noisy, making you not the best neighbour to be around. The inverter gennys throttle down when the load is light saving gas & being quiet too.

Check the weights. That might be a lifting issue for you.

[jalichty]

If you have a 23' TT, what size is your AC, if you have one. If it's a smaller, less than the standard 13,500 one I have on my FW, a Honda or Yahama 2000 should be able to start and run it, I would think. If it's the 8,500 AC, then certainly the Honda or Yahama will be able to start and run it. Might not be able to use anything else at the same time, but judicious use of each of the electric items would make it work.

[Ron3rd]

FWIW, I saw a new Generac 2000w Inverter generator advertised in Costco's monthly magazine. No price posted and I don't see it on their site. Supposedly it's a true 2000 watt genny with 2300 peak watts. Looks kind of like a Honda, might be worth a look. Knowing the price would be good though.

[DSDP_Don]

Went camping with the kids a few months ago and they invited another family along. They had a small lightweight 5th wheel and he was powering it with a 1000 watt generator. Suddenly, they smelled/saw smoke. It fried their battery converter charge....just didn't produce enough amps.

The Honda or Yamaha 2000 would be a great choice. For the last couple of months, Costco has been selling the Yamaha 2000 branded with another name, I think Century, for about $500.00. A GREAT price.

[Ron3rd]

Get the 2000w, you'll thank yourself later. If you need to run AC, get a 3000w. For brands other than Honda or Yamaha, I would go with a Champion inverter genny, lots of satisfied members here with that brand. DO NOT BUY A CHEAP OPEN FRAME GENERATOR. Those are basically as loud as a lawnmower and not suitable for campgrounds.

[K3WE]

I don't think enough folks have said, "It depends what you want to do." and I strongly disagree with anyone who told you which one to get.

"Just charge batteries, watch TV, or do low wattage 110V stuff" makes 1000 watts ok.

"Run a microwave, hair drier or other moderate amperage 110V appliance" is more in the realm of a 2000 watt model.

"To run the air conditioner" get's very touchy....some folks are able to with a 2000 watt genny, but they are on the ragged edge and must watch what else they are doing. My AC promptly pops the breaker on our Honda 2000.

For AC, I would lean towards a 3000 watt model (or paired 2000 watt ones).

[C_B_]

Totally agree with those suggesting you start with a 2000W inverter.
This way if you wish to later on you can purchase the companion, hook them together and have 4000W available.

I'm partial to Honda's (own 5 of them) but any of the QUIET inverter style gen should serve you well.


C.B.

[bikendan]

Alaskan Fly Guy wrote:
I was thinking about a 1000w or 2000w as they are pretty quiet.

just because they are 1000w/2000w units, doesn't mean they are quiet.
There are many that are cheap and noisy and even some cheaper inverter generators that are noisy too.
you need to get a quality 2000w inverter generator, such as Honda, Yamaha or Champion.

[coolbreeze01]

Size is one equation. I like convenience too. A 3K remote start gen set will run everything and can be left in your PU bed. Start and stop without putting on your shoes. Enjoy your new rig.

[wa8yxm]

Without air conditioning a Honda EU-200i Companion or a Yahama EF-2000i

WITH air conditioning add a 2nd Honda (Not the companion but the lower cost regular model) with a parallel kit, or two Yahama's with a parallel kit.

[Dakota98]

As you eluded to.

The FEW times a generator may be needed.

I couldn't justify the cost of a Honda or Yamaha, so I purchased a Champion. They are dependable, parts are easy to get, & customer service is great. I can power my microwave & charge my batteries, but it won't power the AC, don't care.

THIS is the one I purchased. If you have a newer TT & it has a 3-4 stage charger as part of the converter system you'll be fine. I use a portable smart charger since I've got an old worthless converter.

If you're after an inverter type of generator, look HERE
They offer a wide selection & even have "refurbs" available & all
are free shipping.

[Matt_Colie]

Ron,

Spaces has the best answer, but what you should really do is think about what you are going to do:
A - That requires 120V AC
B - To keep what you buy from growing legs and wandering.

Without the power inventory, you are bound to buy either too small or too large. Too small will keep failing to meet your needs and too large will be more difficult to transport.

Matt

[the_bear_II]

We had a Honda 1000W for our 23ft TT. It would power lights, TV and VCR and recharge the batteries. It would run all day on a tank of fuel. Very quiet.

Once we added an Air Conditioner we upgrade to 2 2000i Hondas with the parallel kit. These together would run everything in the TT at the sametime. Again they are very fuel efficient and run up to 8 hours on a tank (actually 2 tanks) at mid-power like when using TV and Sat box plus recharging batteries. At full power will go about 6 hours.

As suggested above the 2000w will provide more flexibility to run power tools, microwave and hair dryer.