Generator help please

To run the microwave, you'll be looking at least a 2000w generator.

If you're a/c is 13.5 or 15.5, you'll need a 3000w genny. If your A/C is a 9, you'll do fine with a 2000w

If you want to start off inexpensive, let me suggest the Costco sold Smarter Tools 2000iq (2000iq) They're $599.99 and you can always hook 2 together later on with a set of parallel cables ($60.00 approx.) and run the larger a/c units and a microwave (though generally not at the same exact time)

You run the shore cord directly to the generator. When you do this, your batteries will be getting a charge as well (nothing too great, but a little something) If you hook your generators directly to your batteries, it would take about 3 hours to bring the batteries back to 100%.

I'll add, the Smarter Tools 2000iq generator has the same Yamaha Engine that the branded Yamahas have and there is a 3 year warranty.

You want 120 volt only. 30 amp RV plug is very convenient.

I use solar to keep the battery up and GoPower inverter to run 120v items.

Joe, google 12volt side of life, read and learn. GREAT READ. JMO

Hi,

I'd suggest biting the bullet and buying a quality inverter generator.

My brothers and my (brief) history:

Kipor 2800 Ti lasted about 9 years under 200 hours run time--four repairs required. $1300 FOB Regina

No name 2500 watt electric start. Starter did not work. After repairs, generator caught on fire (outside the repair persons home). FOB Regina $700

No name pull start. Ran 3 times. Inverter failed--no parts available FOB Saskatoon $800.00

Boily 3000 five repairs, never did run reliably and at the end had 80 volts output and essentially NO warranty. FOB Orlando $1300 USD

Yamaha 3000 Sieb powers everything, so far over 100 hours and zero problems. I have upgraded it with a remote start kit (mainly to be able to turn it off when going to bed, as I refuse to take the CO risk of running it while sleeping) Purchased from RV store in Regina $2645

12rvjoe wrote:
PS I know a lot of people use honda on the site but we will probably buy a used ( cheap ) unit for now until we see how it goes

Thanks, Joe

Hi,

If you don't need the air conditioner it is cheaper by far to add a modest solar system than to purchase a generator.

Operating the generator to operate the air conditioner is more expensive than going to a cheap campground.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

I'd suggest biting the bullet and buying a quality inverter generator.

My brothers and my (brief) history:

Kipor 2800 Ti lasted about 9 years under 200 hours run time--four repairs required. $1300 FOB Regina

No name 2500 watt electric start. Starter did not work. After repairs, generator caught on fire (outside the repair persons home). FOB Regina $700

No name pull start. Ran 3 times. Inverter failed--no parts available FOB Saskatoon $800.00

Boily 3000 five repairs, never did run reliably and at the end had 80 volts output and essentially NO warranty. FOB Orlando $1300 USD

Yamaha 3000 Sieb powers everything, so far over 100 hours and zero problems. I have upgraded it with a remote start kit (mainly to be able to turn it off when going to bed, as I refuse to take the CO risk of running it while sleeping) Purchased from RV store in Regina $2645

12rvjoe wrote:
PS I know a lot of people use honda on the site but we will probably buy a used ( cheap ) unit for now until we see how it goes

Thanks, Joe

Like Don demonstrated, buy the best the first time around and you only cry once!

To the OP, if you're looking for a cheaper genny, check out the Champion line of inverter gennys. They have a big following on this forum. Supposedly good support too. Important, because on some of these clones that are popping up everyday, there's virtually no support.

I have had a Honda EU2000 for about 4 years. Starts easy,runs great,quiet and have done no service to date and no problems.

Thanks to all that replied.

Crazy Ray wrote:
Joe, google 12volt side of life, read and learn. GREAT READ. JMO

Now you got me thinking ..... lol