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?

[opnspaces]

Hello Ron, welcome to the forum.

A 1,000 watt generator is fairly light, and depending on what you want it for it will probably not be enough.

It will not power most microwave ovens.
It will not power the air conditioner.
It might not power the battery charger.

It will power you 120v outlets for up to about 800 watts.
It will run the 12v accessories, but possibly not charge the batteries.


Assuming you are mainly concerned with the maintaining the battery state of charge, it would be helpful to know what converter/charger your trailer has. Some chargers have a 40,50,60 amp charge mode that a 1,000 generator can't power. In these cases the batteries will only get a trickle charge and take days to recharge. Depending on your needs, you might want to consider a 2,000 watt generator.

[gbopp]

Honda, Yamaha and Champion seem to be the most popular if you're looking at inverter generators.

They're quieter than the basic open frame (less expensive) generators.
But, I think many will agree, it's worth the extra money to get an inverter generator.

[bgum]

Get a 2000. It will fill all your needs.