Community Forums

bluefin · 01-09-2016, 06:41 PM

We have a 36 Mobile Suites and purchased it with the generator prep, but no generator. We were not sure we would need it. I do have one Yamaha 2000 portable unit. I have researched a lot of websites and read a lot of different opinions on installed and portable units. Some folks have run a small portable for a night or two and they can run most things except the a/c. None of them mention the refrigerator. What I would like to know is will the small 2000 watt portable generator run the fridge and a few lights and still charge the batteries?
I am still on the fence as to wether to get another portable or put a propane unit in the prep box. But right now my main concern is if I can use the fridge for a couple of days with the 2000 portable unit and still keep the batteries up.

wingnut60 · 01-09-2016, 07:14 PM

What year/model of Mobile Suites?

Yes, a 2000 will run lights and the fridge, but will struggle to charge the batteries. To charge the batteries, use an automobile charger hooked to the gen and to the batteries--this will work much better.

But, if you are thinking of a 'couple of days' of running the gen a lot, that will work to keep everything charged to a usable state.

IF you have 2 good batteries, a 'couple of days' should easily be doable on the batteries alone, using a gen will help things along. We routinely run for 5-6 days without using ANY charger/gen. But, need to conserve electricity--running the furnace will take them down quickly--we have also replace every lamp in the trailer with LEDs.

Is this MS new or new to you? What batteries does it have?

Joe

vsheetz · 01-09-2016, 07:40 PM

I think you will be ok with the 2000 watt portable genny. Given the understanding you have to manage your power usage. No air conditioning of course, but also be aware that you may exceed total load capability with the microwave oven, coffee pot, hair drier, etc.

Does the genny you have now include the capability to parallel another genny? May be an option.

Then there is the convenance factor. A onboard genny with transfer switch and electric start is easy to use.

You already have the 2000 generator. So try it out and see how it works for you. Then decide if needed/desired to spend dollars for larger onboard genny. IMHO.

We have the onboard genny and also a 3100 watt portable genny. The portable is quieter and uses less fuel, so sometimes is preferable. Also is a backup to the onboard should a malfunction occur.

twinboat · 01-09-2016, 07:47 PM

I agree that the 2000 should do the job.

A residential fridge draws around 2.5 amps

I see them behind trailers and 5ers all of the time.

Just remember you only have 13 amps to use.

Ray,IN · 01-09-2016, 09:20 PM

Honda 2000 gensets have a continuous use output of 1,600W, the 2,000W advertising is momentary start-up Wattage.
I have seen 5ers with a Honda 2000 on a metal slide-out tray, which makes use convenient, and storage easy.

rugersdad · 01-10-2016, 09:21 AM

I have an onboard Onan 5500 Lp but use a yam 2000 when dry camping to keep batteries topped off. When it's running it powers the converter/charger, 600 watt PSW inverter, fridge on 110v (non residential) as well as 110v lights including ceiling fan. The inverter powers the flat screens as well as the sat reciever. If I need microwave or A/C then I fire up the Onan, the auto transfer switch take over and chooses the larger amp input. I have six golf cart batteries and 300 watts of solar to help w the batteries during the day. We mainly dry camp.