needing generator power...

[teamleach04]

Being a novice RV owner (18.5 ft thor rainier TT), I am in need of a generator for dry camping....

All advice is welcome.

Josh

[TXiceman]

How much and how long do you want to power the RV?

Do you just want it to charge the batteries, run a few lights and the microwave? Or do you intend to run the A/C 24/7?

Welcome to iRV2.

ken

[Ray,IN]

I have and use a RV's choice for Portable Power - Boliy USA, Home of the Boliy Generator It has enough power output to run my 15.5K BTU heat pump, microwave, and lighting easily. It is available in pull-start or electric-start versions. The electric-start model weighs 75#, which is light enough to handle easily, and costs ~$1300, for a continuous 3 KW output.
If you do not need that much power there are many just large enough to re-charge batteries (using a stand-alone charger) for around $300-$400.

[Pusherman]

Check out the Honda generators. They sip fuel and they are quiet. I'd go for the 2KW gen as a minimum.

[RVhauler]

The Honda 2000 is small and quiet and can be paralleled with second unit is addition power is needed

[HMXDave]

I have one of these...used when I had holiday trailers, and now just for back-up or if I don't want to run my on-board Onan. Yamaha Inverter EF2400iSHC Home, information

Very light, very quiet, and ran the AC on my small holiday trailers. (granted, we don't use AC very often up here...but once in a while)

[teamleach04]

I would like to run the A/C, and all accessories 24/7.

Josh



QUOTE=TXiceman;776221]How much and how long do you want to power the RV?

Do you just want it to charge the batteries, run a few lights and the microwave? Or do you intend to run the A/C 24/7?

Welcome to iRV2.

ken[/QUOTE]

[go6car]

If you want the "experience" of being plugged in and able to run everything without having to wake up in the middle of the night to refill gas, etc., the 2 Hondas hooked together plus an extended run fuel tank, will give you that without sounding like you're running a megawatt lawnmower. You can get everything in a single larger model, but the physical weight of the unit goes up significantly. Some have wheels, but you still have to lift the monster into the truck bed for portability. Just something to think about.

We got ours here -- price was the best around (no sales tax outside of Illinois; free shipping):

Honda Portable generators > Great For Camping, RV, Tailgating


Extended run fuel tank under "Gas tanks and cans" (scroll down to see "6 gallon extended run fuel tank")

Honda Generator Accessories > Storage covers, spark plugs, wheel kits, parallel cables, rv adapters

These guys were great answering our questions and making sure we had everything we needed (all additional cords, plugs to run all this, etc.). Make sure you ask if you have all the accessories you need (some included; some you have to purchase separately). There are additional attachments available if you also want to be able to use these for residential use (i.e., running your house fridge when power goes out, etc.), so ask about these too if interested.

Also a good idea to get some good locking cables for added peace of mind (or to at least make them harder to walk away with for anyone trying to snatch them up). Many secure them to the trailer frame with the cable, or keep them secured in the truck bed (just make sure they have plenty of ventilation if you have a bed cover).

We are on year 4 with using these when dry camping and they work great. If you're going to, say, have your air conditioner on and someone wants to use the microwave or hairdryer, you should just run ONE of these appliances at a time (turn the AC off temporarily) so you don't trip the breaker. Ask me how I know this...

Honda is not the only game in town for quiet generators (some like Kipor, Yamaha), so you might want to compare price, features, and quietness among these. There are also other cheaper alternatives, but they are really, really loud.

Good luck! Hope this helped...