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Generator Recommendation

Chapzter
Explorer
Explorer
I picked up my 1st travel trailer. I want to be able to run the A/C, TV and use appliances without any issues. The A/C is 13,500 BTU. The trailer is a 2016 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 267BHSW.
16 REPLIES 16

Chapzter
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks for all of your help. I ordered the Champion 3100W Inverter w/ Wireless Remote - 75537i. It was $999 with free shipping.

GWolfe
Explorer
Explorer
I found the best deal through Tractor Supply when I was looking.
2005 Sun-Lite Eagle
2011 Silverado

Chapzter
Explorer
Explorer
coolbreeze01 wrote:
The Champion 3100 w/remote start sounds like a good option to me.

I have a Honda 2000 that I don't use and a built-in 4K Onan. The remote start is sweet.

I would put the 3100 in the pickup and leave it there.


Thanks! I think that's what I'm going with. I will have hookups most of the time. There are only 3 places I go that do not have hookups (Bodega Bay being one of them which has a cool ocean breeze anyway) so I'll just turn the A/C off if need be when using microwave, etc. If my wife wakes up before me, she can just push the button instead of kicking me out of bed to pull start it if needed. The Champion 3100W Inverter w/ Wireless Remote - 75537i is on sale now for $999 plus free shipping too!!! Looks like a good deal!

coolbreeze01
Explorer
Explorer
The Champion 3100 w/remote start sounds like a good option to me.

I have a Honda 2000 that I don't use and a built-in 4K Onan. The remote start is sweet.

I would put the 3100 in the pickup and leave it there.
2008 Ram 3500 With a Really Strong Tractor Motor...........
LB, SRW, 4X4, 6-Speed Auto, 3.73, Prodigy P3, Blue Ox Sway Pro........
2014 Sandsport 26FBSL

Samsonsworld
Explorer
Explorer
The 3100 is 2800 running watts. The 2x2000 is 3400 running watts. 2800 will run the a/c but not the microwave at the same time (basing that on my last generator which was 2800 watts...different brand.)

APT
Explorer
Explorer
I think you understand the compromises of the two options. Pick your poison!
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009
2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS
2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R
2x 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV (Gray and Black Twins)

Chapzter
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks for all of the suggestions! I really like the price of the Champion 3100. It's an extra $200 for the remote start. I'm assuming it's worth it since that's the one you guys recommended. So I think I narrowed down to either the 1x 3100 or 2x 2000. Are there advantages to having 1 vs 2 other than what was mentioned? Here is what I took from reading your posts. 2x 2000 would be individually lighter, can only use 1 if needed, total power would be more than the 3100. 1x 3100 would be heavier, 900 watts less than 2x 2000, has remote start. I am leaning toward the 1x 3100. To me it seems less hassle to have 1 unit and convenient to have the remote start as the 2000 does not have that option. Also, thanks for pointing out the closed frame. I don't want to annoy anyone with noise.

Dakota98
Explorer
Explorer
This is a good source for reviewing the line-up of Champion generators.

SUPERGEN
I'm an expert in only one field....I believe it's somewhere in Kansas.

2000 / 22' SKYLINE NOMAD LITE
1998 DODGE DAKOTA / 5.2L= 8mpg.
2006 POLARIS ATV
1500/1200 Watt Champion generator
Yada Wireless Back Up Camera
1998 Dyna Wide Glide
USMC 68-74

Sandia_Man
Explorer II
Explorer II
Minimum of 3K watts needed for reliable genny operation under most conditions. Yamaha, Honda, and Champion all have inverter generators that could be paired if you go the 2K watt route, and they have single 3K units if you prefer purchasing one generator to do the job. Good customer service has been reported for the brands mentioned above.

The Champion 3K unit is a popular choice and remote start is available if you want that option. Why pay more for red or blue when the generator is something that gets little use in the scheme of things. We have solar to charge our pair of 6Vdc GC batteries, but having a generator that can power our entire rig makes for trouble-free camping under any conditions.

Dakota98
Explorer
Explorer
Having described your use, the above answers are the best solution.

Two / 2000 inverter generators or One larger inverter generator.

Don't be tempted to buy a large "open frame" anything.

If budget permits & your a fan of popularity, Honda or Yamaha. If not Champion is the best bang for the buck, without any sacrifice in quality or customer service. Comparable models between the three, Champion is 1/2 -2/3 's the cost of either red or blue. Apples / apples, Dba ratings are very similar
I'm an expert in only one field....I believe it's somewhere in Kansas.

2000 / 22' SKYLINE NOMAD LITE
1998 DODGE DAKOTA / 5.2L= 8mpg.
2006 POLARIS ATV
1500/1200 Watt Champion generator
Yada Wireless Back Up Camera
1998 Dyna Wide Glide
USMC 68-74

GWolfe
Explorer
Explorer
I have a Champion 3100 watt inverter generator, it has no problem running my 13,500btu AC and TV at the same time, I haven't tried the microwave with the AC running though. On eco mode it isn't much louder than my friends Yamaha 2000i, but when it is cranked up running the AC it is noticeably louder although I can't hear it inside with the AC on. Weighs around 90 lbs and has wheels on one end and a flip up handle so moving it around isn't too bad once I get it out of the truck.
2005 Sun-Lite Eagle
2011 Silverado

RJCorazza
Explorer
Explorer
Since some users are not able full run a 13.5k AS with a 2400w genset, I opted for a 2800w running, 3500w surge genset. The down side is that it weighs 150lbs.

APT
Explorer
Explorer
The smallest power wise that works for most 13.5k BTU A/C units is the Yamaha 2400w inverter genny. However, most people buy a pair of 2000w inverter generators, Honda/Yamaha/Champion and a parallel kit. They are easier to carry and you have the option of only taking one when you don't need A/C. The Champion 3100 is slightly louder, but a pretty good value.
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009
2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS
2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R
2x 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV (Gray and Black Twins)

mbopp
Explorer
Explorer
Many campers run dual Honda EU2000i's with the parallel cables. DB had a single Yamaha 2400 that ran his A/C.
A less expensive option would be a Champion generator.
I have a single Honda 2000 that will run everything except the A/C.
2017 Grand Design Imagine 2650RK
2019 F250 XLT Supercab
Just DW & me......