Hi,I just got a travel trailer..What uses are generators good for?Do I need one?Gas or diesel?thanks!

Depends on where you want to go. We've had two seasons and no generator yet. Thinking about it now so I can go to places i've not been yet. So far only places with hookups. A generator and a battery bank (2 or more) seem to go together.

you need to just enjoy rving for awhile. unless you are going to dry camp all of the time.you don't need a generator and more of them are just gas for your information.

That's really up to you and what you do with your TT. If you're always going to stay plugged in at an RV park, then no. If you're going where there isn't any electricity such as Quartzsite, BLM areas, fair grounds, race tracks, fishing or hunting areas, Corp of Engineer sites, want to run your air conditioner, etc, then yes I'd have a generator because your batteries (probably 2?) aren't going to last long.As for gas or diesel, if it's not built in, it's not going to be diesel. They're way too heavy to lift around and generally put out more power than you'll need, so it will be a gas generator for you.Bill

Been RV'ing one way or another for near 30 years. Never needed a generator yet.

What are they good for? When you want to camp away from campgrounds that supply power and you don't want to severely limit you power consumption (air/con in particular is near impossible to provide without one). If you will be at campgrounds with power, they are not needed.Do you need one? Depends how much you plan to be away from shore power and how much you are willing to give up.Gas or Diesel? For portable generators it's pretty much a gas only world. The big differentiator is noise level. The Honda & Yamaha inverter lines are the best but there are knock offs coming out that are closing in.A bigger question is how big. To run the air/con, you will need a unit that puts out 2 to 3 times the rated amperage of the air/con (starting the compressor takes much more than what is needed to keep it running). For typical RV units that's going to be on the order of 2400-3000watt generator (you can pair 2 - 2000watt Honda or Yamaha units also) If you just want to charge the batteries, you can go much smaller.

Do I need a Generator? | Good Sam Community

Dakota98
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
Groundhogy Quote: >>

What uses are generators good for?
Do I need one?

As Paul Harvey said.... "And now the rest of the story."

Op failed to fill in a few blanks as per his very first posting dated 12-17-14

The plan was to purchase an RV to live in full time. :B

No mention, if that's on shore power continually or not. :@

OP has a significant other & a baby on the way in a few months. :h

Now.... I wonder if a generator may be in order? It doesn't get cold in PA & there are never any power outages.... are there? :S
pira114
Explorer II
Mar 10, 2015
Trackrig wrote:
Houston Remodeler wrote:
Would the Honda generator be quieter than running my diesel truck to recharge the batteries ?

The Honda would be a lot quieter than the older Dodge diesels, but I see you have a new one. They're probably about the same. On fuel usage, my Ford diesel probably uses better than a gallon per hour to idle. The Honda will probably go six hours on a gallon of gas.

Bill

Not to mention the Gen will be much more efficient at charging.
Trackrig
Explorer II
Mar 10, 2015
Houston Remodeler wrote:
Would the Honda generator be quieter than running my diesel truck to recharge the batteries ?

The Honda would be a lot quieter than the older Dodge diesels, but I see you have a new one. They're probably about the same. On fuel usage, my Ford diesel probably uses better than a gallon per hour to idle. The Honda will probably go six hours on a gallon of gas.

Bill
PAThwacker
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
Old school cummins were loud, and new school not so much. 2000W yamaha or honda are pretty quiet. I have a yamaha 2000W, I bought it for battery charging, microwave, and 1500w heater. Not all at once of course. Run it on the microwave and it kicks up to max power mode. I made a mistake and had the fridge on electric, and tried to microwave. I thought I blew up the microwave/fridge, but only the breaker blew on the generator.
Houston_Remodel
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
Would the Honda generator be quieter than running my diesel truck to recharge the batteries ?
Huntindog
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
I think a lot of us got a TT with visions of being "free" to camp most anywhere we want... Then reality sets in as all those niceities our TTs have gobble up electricity... And many then just use FHU sites..

There are a few ways to cut the cord and be free to camp most anywhere and enjoy the features that a TT can provide. Without going into a long debate about the pros and cons of these approaches, I will stick with the OPs question.
The right generator can make it all happen for you. By right, I mean size and noise. How much power do you want, and how much noise is OK with you. If you don't need the air to work then the 2000 class gensets will do everything else. Want air, then think 3000 watt,s minimum.

It is your choice and your money.
krobbe
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
There are many great campgrounds at National and State Parks that do not have power. Running a nice "quiet" generator to recharge the batts or use the microwave will make staying for longer periods an absolute joy. I don't camp without my Honda 2000.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Mar 09, 2015
No, you do not "need" a generator to go camping, but they sure come in handy from time to time.
rbpru
Explorer II
Mar 09, 2015
If you are starting out you will discover that what you need is what YOU need. You will add too and sort out those items that meet your evolving camping style.

The DW and usually camp at campgrounds with electricity. My wife and I are old line tent campers so we can get by for a couple of days on just the battery if necessary. Others are lost without full hookups.

If you enjoy the more remote locations, you may decide on a generator.

Personally I do not care to take on any more maintenance or supplies than I need.

When we do remote camp it usually involves a canoe and tents.
BubbaChris
Explorer
Mar 09, 2015
I like having our generator, although we try to avoid using it most dry-camping trips.

As to the type of gas can, I went with a California-legal style as I don't want to get fined if/when we camp there with our generator. In reading some reviews before I bought, I found more than a few folks talking about making their purchase after finding out just how picky the rangers are in CA.

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