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?

[time2roll]

I spent a week in Sequoia last summer and battery was never below 12.5 volts in the morning even cooking with microwave/inverter and running the furnace at night. Although it does not get that cold the girls want it on.

I say go up and see how it unfolds. Worst case run down to the local Honda dealer or have one sent in.

Personally I would go 1000w but you are probably better with 2000.

[DesertFront]

A 3kw gen will trip if you happen to run the AC and microwave at once. Get the biggest you can haul and budget in. The nasty truth was realized by me when we went off grid for 8 or 9 yrs. Add up all wattage of all lights, appliances, refrigerator, AC etc., times that by 5 and there's your need. You can also budget your wattage, by remembering to shut down the AC long enough to microwave your dinner, etc.

[nevadanick]

Listen to a 2k and a 3k Honda. The 3k is quiter, holds more gas and it runs my ac when needed.

[SteveAE]

jmcgsd wrote:
I seriously doubt I'll ever need the AC in Sequoia.
The campground is at 6700'. The AC requirement is for DW when we camp at Bluegrass shows down in the flats.

As far as generator hours, at National parks they are normally pretty lenient, so I don't think that will be an issue.

As far as my battery, it's BIG! A 4D weighs about 140 pounds and is over 200 amp hours. There is also an independent SEC smart charger that is attached to it that will charge it pretty quickly.

If it weren't for the DW I wouldn't even be considering a 3kw.

Well then, that answers it. You need to get a generator, or pair of generators, that will run the AC. You just need to decide what you would prefer to; pay for, lift, carry, maintain, and store. A single bigger heavier generator or two smaller lighter generators. Really boils down to personal preference, the space available, and your back. I suggest you try lifting, and moving around, that 3Kw unit before you decide.

Steve

[jmcgsd]

I seriously doubt I'll ever need the AC in Sequoia. The campground is at 6700'. The AC requirement is for DW when we camp at Bluegrass shows down in the flats.

As far as generator hours, at National parks they are normally pretty lenient, so I don't think that will be an issue.

As far as my battery, it's BIG! A 4D weighs about 140 pounds and is over 200 amp hours. There is also an independent SEC smart charger that is attached to it that will charge it pretty quickly.

If it weren't for the DW I wouldn't even be considering a 3kw.

[Eyetattoo]

I have the Yamaha 2400 and it handles everything I need except for the AC, as a post above stated it can run it as long as everything else is off. If I need to run the AC I just fire up my onboard generator. If 70-80 lbs is too much for you Yamaha does sell wheel kits for not too much $$.

[69_Avion]

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.

That is what I would do. The 2K Honda (or Yamaha) isn't that much more money than the 1K unit.

[Cotay]

IDman wrote:
We have two Yamaha 2000s but only take one with us most of the time as wife needs it to run hair dryer. IF we think it will be hot, thus needing A/C, we take both units. Saves on my back by usually having just the one 2000 to lift in/out of the pickup.

x2. I love my two Yamaha EF2000's!

[canoe_on_top]

My Yamaha2400 will run the AC,(13,500), but, everything else has to be off, sometimes, including unplugging the converter. That means the refer has to be on propane and the electric element in the HWH off. I understand there are some, older AC's with higher starting loads that the 2400 will not run. I find, in the mountains, I seldom need the AC. I do have 100 watts of solar which helps a lot. I only need to run the generator every three or four days for battery charging. Thinking about going to LED lights. I think the solar would almost keep up with charging then. I went with the 2400 because I wanted something that would run the AC if necessary but that I can lift. I have a frame mounted hitch on the back of the TT and carry the generator on a rack on that. The 2400 is about 80lbs with fuel. A 3000 at 150lbs is more than this old man wants to,(can), lift. The Yamaha is very quiet. It more than covers the bases for battery charging, running the micro wave, hair drier etc.

[IDman]

We have two Yamaha 2000s but only take one with us most of the time as wife needs it to run hair dryer. IF we think it will be hot, thus needing A/C, we take both units. Saves on my back by usually having just the one 2000 to lift in/out of the pickup.

[coolbreeze01]

Maybe try a friend's 2000. My Honda 2000 would run my AC.

[clubhouse]

As you are seeing there is no "right" choice. Just lots of options. I suggest you don't make a choice that can't scale for your potential increased needs down the road. That is why I went with a eu2000, have not needed AC yet at any of my non-hookup sites. If it does become an issue I'll add the companion model.

I will say that we often camp at Camp Edison on Shaver Lake, very near Sequoia and Kings Canyon, it's full hookup and we have run the AC. Although it might only be high 80s or low 90s during the day, at elevation that feels pretty warm inside the TT.

Hindsight, the only I would have done different was started with the companion model for the 30a plug.

[the_bear_II]

Here's my 2 cents...

The 3000 watt generator will meet all of your needs plus you will have it for other duties when not in the RV.

I've used mine to run power tools when helping a buddy build a remote cabin, at the storage lot when doing some work on the RV & at our home when a transformer blew up and the power was out for 18 hours. It comes in handy.

[oldokie]

Could you use portable solar panels?

[SteveAE]

jmcgsd,

My thoughts:
- I doubt that you will NEED the AC. It might be nice for a couple hours in the afternoon, but you can always just sit outside.
- I suspect that you will get more solar gain than you think.
- Replace all your light bulbs with LED bulbs.
- If your season will start in early June or extend into late August, you may want to consider alternative heating sources (i.e.; Mr. Heater Portable Buddy heater....carefully used only when awake)
- If you do bring a generator, you might also want to make sure your charging system can rapidly put the power your generator is making into the batteries. No point running a generator for a long time only to have your charging limited by a poorly performing converter/charger and/or because the wire diameter between the charger and battery is too small (small wire = high resistance = voltage drop = poor battery charging).
- Unless your foresee yourself needing AC in the future, I would also just start with one Honda or Yamaha ~2000 watt generator and see how it goes. You can always add the companion later if you decide you need it. Maybe make note of the locations nearby (Porterville, Visalia, etc..) where you can just pick one up on a grocery run.
- Keep in mind that generator output goes down as elevation increases, so don't size your generator too small.

Hope this helps and have fun.
Steve