What generator size works best?

[eocamper]

My set up is ALL electric with 13,500 A/C. I am looking at a generator to run the TT while on the beach this summer. I was thinking 5,000 watts. Any input would be appreciated.

[mlts22]

Were I to do it again, I'd definitely consider a Honda eu7000i. It is twice as expensive as the 3000 watt model, but it easily handles the locked rotor amps of an A/C, runs very quietly (eu2000i idle level), can be started from remote (as well as pull started if the onboard start battery is not working), and is pretty thrifty on fuel, especially because it uses EFI, and not a carb which gets killed by the crud we call E10 pretty quickly.

[CJW8]

eocamper wrote:

CJW8 wrote:
Trying one is a good idea. Should you decide it is sufficient, if I were you, I consider a Champion 3500/4000 with remote electric start. My BIL has one and it works great. No, it isn't as quiet as an inverter generator, but it isn't as loud as most other open frame contractor generators either. Champions have a great support network and are highly regarded by many on this forum. I own two Champion's. One is a 3500/4000 non electric start. The other is a 7000/9000 electric start dual fuel. Both have been very reliable. I see several of them daily on oilfield service trucks. Most of them look like he!!. Sun faded and frames all dented up. I walked over the other day and ask the crew how their Champion performed. They said it always works when needed. You can spend 4 times the money for a red or blue generator or you can get a yellow one.

I had the Champion 3000/3500. Really liked it but felt it was not large enough for a 13500 AC. Got rid of it. I can get a Champion 3500/4000 from the wife's job for $349.

There are many factors involved but that is odd. My 3500/4000 would struggle and sometimes would not start my 15K AC at 5200 feet elevation but it had no trouble at 2000 feet elevetion.

[aguablanco]

My trailer has the 13.5k AC and the Champion 3100W inverter runs it just fine. Good news is that it is reported to have a Honda clone engine. I have owned Honda open frame generators and they are excellent. However, I simply can't justify the price difference between Champion and Honda. Having run my Champion next to a Honda I could barely tell the difference in noise, certainly not $1500 worth of difference. Even if the Champion only lasts half as long, which I doubt will be the case, I will still be way ahead money wise.

[TomG2]

2oldman wrote:
If you end up regularly using your generator to run air, you'd be in the distinct minority. Most people just tough it out and sit outside.

I do, with 2 Honda 2ks, but nobody around me does.

You must camp in cooler areas. My friends in Texas have generators because the want to run their AC. Come to think of it, my Illinois buddies feel the same way.

[eocamper]

CJW8 wrote:
Trying one is a good idea. Should you decide it is sufficient, if I were you, I consider a Champion 3500/4000 with remote electric start. My BIL has one and it works great. No, it isn't as quiet as an inverter generator, but it isn't as loud as most other open frame contractor generators either. Champions have a great support network and are highly regarded by many on this forum. I own two Champion's. One is a 3500/4000 non electric start. The other is a 7000/9000 electric start dual fuel. Both have been very reliable. I see several of them daily on oilfield service trucks. Most of them look like he!!. Sun faded and frames all dented up. I walked over the other day and ask the crew how their Champion performed. They said it always works when needed. You can spend 4 times the money for a red or blue generator or you can get a yellow one.

I had the Champion 3000/3500. Really liked it but felt it was not large enough for a 13500 AC. Got rid of it. I can get a Champion 3500/4000 from the wife's job for $349.

[2oldman]

eocamper wrote:
If not, as long as it will run the AC I'm good.

If you end up regularly using your generator to run air, you'd be in the distinct minority. Most people just tough it out and sit outside.

I do, with 2 Honda 2ks, but nobody around me does.

[CJW8]

Trying one is a good idea. Should you decide it is sufficient, if I were you, I consider a Champion 3500/4000 with remote electric start. My BIL has one and it works great. No, it isn't as quiet as an inverter generator, but it isn't as loud as most other open frame contractor generators either. Champions have a great support network and are highly regarded by many on this forum. I own two Champion's. One is a 3500/4000 non electric start. The other is a 7000/9000 electric start dual fuel. Both have been very reliable. I see several of them daily on oilfield service trucks. Most of them look like he!!. Sun faded and frames all dented up. I walked over the other day and ask the crew how their Champion performed. They said it always works when needed. You can spend 4 times the money for a red or blue generator or you can get a yellow one.

[eocamper]

mikestock wrote:
First time I noticed the "ALL ELECTRIC". Never seen this except in large motorhomes with 10kw+, built-it generators.

Is this a park model?

I agree: you will need a large generator.

Not a park model.

I think I'll rent a 3500 kw generator, and see what happens. I believe I can run the AC, fridge, and a few lights with that. If not, as long as it will run the AC I'm good. The Yeti can handle the food and drinks and I have a few battery powered led lights if need be. We spend all day and most of the night outside and mainly just sleep in the tt.
Biggest concern was damaging the AC with too small of a generator which a few of you commented it would not.

[SoundGuy]

eocamper wrote:
My set up is ALL electric with 13,500 A/C. I am looking at a generator to run the TT while on the beach this summer. I was thinking 5,000 watts. Any input would be appreciated.

Unusual setup but since you're so totally dependent on having adequate capacity shore power you could easily solve this with a premium Honda EU7000iS inverter genset mounted in the back of your truck. Expensive to be sure, and heavy, but it does offer convenient electric start, a remote start option, along with fuel injection that will ensure proper operation at any elevation, and is almost as quiet in operation as the class leading EU3000iS. A genset like this could also be wired into your home through a transfer switch and serve perfectly as a reliable back up during power outtages. It's a no-brainer for those with deep pockets but who are so dependent on shore power. :B

[mikestock]

First time I noticed the "ALL ELECTRIC". Never seen this except in large motorhomes with 10kw+, built-it generators.

Is this a park model?

I agree: you will need a large generator.

[time2roll]

"all electric" does not have propane unless you bring a coleman camping stove.

[mikestock]

Larryect wrote:
So, it sounds like the main things that might tend to run at the same time is:

AC (or heat)
Water heater
Griddle
Fridge
Converter

The water heater, griddle and fridge can usually be run off propane. If you have to run all electric you will need a bigger genny. I lived cool and happy off of 3 kw and propane for many hot and many cold days and nights.

[pianotuna]

Hi smk,

I have measured between 1250 and 1900 watts for my A/C when running in hot weather.

smkettner wrote:
Once running you only need about 1600 watts.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

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