what size generator?

I have been real happy with the 3500 watt one. By the way be prepared for some bashing in this thread. There will be some people jumping to conclusions as to where you are camping.

With the 3000 model weighing 126 lbs and the 3500 not even listing a weight I think that is even more of an issue than the noise. A 2000 or 2400 watt generator is enough to run an AC or micro, depending upon what models you have.

And yes, those models are spec'd twice as loud as a Honda 2000 if that matters where you camp.

will be using while 4 wheel riding.

Can't afford honda right now

The numbers represent peak power and not consitent output. That said, I think the 3000 should have 2400 operating watts which should be plenty. I just bought a Yamaha 2400 for tent camping and it is quiet as a mouse.

If your rig has a 30 amp connect, make sure you get one with the right recepticles.

TraciK wrote:
will be using while 4 wheel riding.

Can't afford honda right now

Unfortunately the noise from a construction generator can mess up a lot of nice peaceful, quite back country.

You probably don't need a 3000+ Watt generator for your pop-up TC. I can run my A/C or microwave from my Honda 2000.

Yes, the Honda and Yamaha inverter-generators are more expensive, but they are extremely reliable, well-proven, and sip gasoline. They are lighter, quieter and likely to outlast the Champion generators... plus parts & service are available nationwide.

Just my 2¢.
-Mark

Oldtymeflyr wrote:

TraciK wrote:
will be using while 4 wheel riding.

Can't afford honda right now

Unfortunately the noise from a construction generator can mess up a lot of nice peaceful, quite back country.

LOL Peace and quite is not what you get when 4 wheeler riding. The parks we go to they ride all night long.

Same for me at the Mud Riden Parks!

My Champion 3500 with 30amp RV plug is the quietest generator at the park.

TraciK wrote:


LOL Peace and quite is not what you get when 4 wheeler riding. The parks we go to they ride all night long.

I would suggest strongly that you pay attention to the voltage these two generators create. If all they offer is 120 volts, either one will probably do ya. If either one offers 240 volts, it will NOT do the job for you because your camper can only use 120 volts, and the wattage is the sum of the two halves of a 240 volt generator. Thus a 3,000 watt, 240/120 volt generator only produces 1,500 watts on each of the two 120 volt circuits, and that is not enough for the AC.

Your rig no doubt has a 13,500 btu AC, and that is going to draw a constant 600-700 watts, with a starting surge of around 2,000-2,100 watts. Your microwave is going to draw around 1,100 or 1,200 watts. The 3500 watt surge capacity generator is obviously going to cover that, no sweat. The 3,000 watt unit will cover it normally, too, UNLESS you punch the microwave button at exactly the same time you turn on the AC. And you MIGHT from time to time, see the generator overload if you get an unlucky moment when the microwave is mid-cycle and the AC just happens to start the compressor. It should be noted that both these generators are going to be unhappy if you run the house battery down (so the converter is trying to charge it at maximum rate) at the same time the AC is turning on, AND somebody HAS to have some popcorn, AND all the lights are on, which is unlikely, eh?

Get the 3500 watt genny. It will run your AC and microwave at the same time. I used one for a couple of years. It already has a 30 amp RV outlet and a seperate 240 outlet. There is a switch to set to 120 or 240. Its a great unit and by far, the best bang for the buck.