Struggling with generator size

[jmcgsd]

I will be CG hosting this summer in Sequoia NP in a site with no hookups at 6700'. I have a large 4D battery and solar on the TT, but since I'll be in the Sequoias I'm thinking the solar will not be very effective under the cover of the trees.

So I intend to purchase a generator - inverter style to minimize noise. I'm torn between buying a small unit (1-2 kW) that will charge the batteries, will be lightweight and relatively inexpensive, or a 3kw unit. As I see it the advantage of the 3kw would be that it would run the AC, the disadvantage is weight and cost.

What am I missing in my logic?

[2oldman]

jmcgsd wrote:
, or a 3kw unit. As I see it the advantage of the 3kw would be that it would run the AC, the disadvantage is weight and cost.What am I missing in my logic?

There's no guarantee 3kw will *start* the air. Even with 2-2kws it's a struggle.

[westend]

What are the historic daily temps at Sequoia during your stay?

[RoyB]

What are your generator run time restrictions going to be at the host camp site. You may have to beef-up your battery systems to run the things you want to run from an INVERTER and then re-charge your batteries using a smaller 2KW generator once a day running for about three hours using smart mode charging technology. Having SOLAR PANELS will help with this as well...

Roy Ken

[mosseater]

If I had the cash right now, I'd do exactly what has been suggested. I'd buy the two smaller ones and the connection kit. It's not fun dealing with one single unit weighing in at about 150 lbs fueled up. Having the option of using one or both units as needed seems like the better idea, though they're not cheaper by my count. I haven't heard them run. Anybody know if they're quieter at full load?

[clubhouse]

Get the EU2000, then if you decide you need AC get a companion model and a parallel kit. For me this is the best of both worlds.

[azrving]

You have it figured out and that's about all there is to it. It's all about the ac. If you just want to charge the batteries, maybe you could use a 1000 watt Honda. Uses about half the fuel of a 2000 and only weighs 29 pounds. If its big enough to do it.

[JayGee]

donn0128 wrote:
Nothing. You have we weigh the necessity of having the AC running versus the weight penalty. You might consider starting out with a 2KW Honda. If that is not enough buy online a 2KW companion and the correct parallel kit and within a week you will have plenty of power.

I agree with this.

[donn0128]

Nothing. You have we weigh the necessity of having the AC running versus the weight penalty. You might consider starting out with a 2KW Honda. If that is not enough buy online a 2KW companion and the correct parallel kit and within a week you will have plenty of power.