grumpysmurf wrote:
I guess I need to say a generator to run a microwave and 13,500 ac
In order to do so, you're going to need a generator at or in excess of 3,000 watts. Starting up the A/C is hard on the generators as the inrush of current is quite high. I can get my paired paired 2000 watt inverter-based generators to handle it and then have no problem under load.
According to the information on the graphic, you could achieve this a couple of ways while using inverter-based generators (much quieter than the open-frame units on the right side of the graphic).
You could purchase a Honda/Yamaha/Champion 3000 unit for $1000-21000 but the first two are over one hundred and thirty pounds each and all are difficult to maneuver when loading and unloading. In checking for the weight specs, I noticed actual street prices are even $200 cheaper for some units.
Or, you could purchase a pair of smaller generators that have a method of joining them together to produce a higher output than they can individually. They are easier to handle by one person and also allow flexibility in only powering one smaller generator to recharge a deep cycle battery, or combined to power an air conditioner. So you're looking at $2,000 plus sync cable for Honda/Yamaha or $1,200 plus sync cable for Champion.
With Champion sharing the same relative operating noise space as Yamaha and Honda for similarly sized capabilities,
noise is less of a deciding factor. It comes down to fuel consumption, quality (real and/or perceived), price and other attributes.
No generator is quiet and cannot match solar for noise to power generated. Solar has its own limitations and expenses but can be quite a viable alternative for folks NOT needing to power an air conditioner.
In order to have air conditioning, a generator is required when shore power is not available. Someone please show me an alternative method for running an A/C when not on shore power.
As you have alluded to, please stay away from the open frame generators that people commonly and mistakenly call "contractor generators". They have their place and use, but noise level restrictions in many campgrounds would eliminate most of them.
Good luck and ask further questions as they arise.
And just a little story to manage expectations - we were camping at almost 10,000 feet altitude and I was running the single 2,000 (1,600 running) watt generator. I'm on the other side of the TV when I hear the generator bog down and almost choke out. I run inside to see what's going on and discover that my wife has decided to take advantage of the generator to run the 1,500 watt microwave. Why the manufacturer put a microwave in the camper that has 500 more watts than my household microwave, I'll never know. Obviously, I stopped that right away.
Know that high elevation will reduce the usable wattage due to the effects of less oxygen to feed the combustion of the engine. A 1,600 watt (running) generator won't handle that the higher you go. Of course, at that elevation, who needs an A/C anyway.
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