Quote:
Originally Posted by choatpadda
Looking at a Onan Cummins diesel that says it is rated for 50amp. Also says it will run 18hrs at 25% on 3.5 gallons. I guess I need at least the 30amp for the AC unit. The genny I have now is a non inverter 3500 watt with 30amp capabilities. Looking for advice on a genny. I doubt we will do a lot of dry camping but will surely do some. I attached photos of the Trailer & current genny.
It is just my Wife & I, and we are excited to begin this new chapter of our life.
Thanks!
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Good advice above!
You probably do not need a generator at all for one night of dry camping. Get a much bigger battery than standard or get two. I have a pair of 100 amp hour AGM batteries that last for 5 days.
You can run all the 12 volt things like lights and 12 volt TV. Furnace, Refrig and water heater control boards use 12 volt for controls. They work very well using propane.
You would not be able to run the A/C or microwave. Electric kitchen appliances would be out. Use a stove top coffee pot.
On the other hand camping in the desert in the summer could be uncomfortable without two air conditioners running. You would need the 50 amp service and a big generator.
Keystone sells many 28 foot floor plans and provides several option.
50 amp 240 volt service = 12000 watts
30 amp 120 volt service = 3600 watts
A generator larger than the service entrance will waste money, weight, and space.
Make sure you read the generator specs carefully. Many "off brands" advertise the serge capability. You want to compare the continuous duty capability. If the specs don't specifically say continuous duty or something similar then it is a marketing scam. Buyer beware.
13.5K BTU A/C
15K BTU ducted A/C
2nd A/C (requires 50 Amp option)
30K BTU gas furnace
6 gal. gas water heater
LED TV
8 cu. ft. gas/electric refrigerator
.9 cu ft microwave
3 burner gas & 17" oven w/ glass cover
LED lighting
3600 watts
For occasional dry camping, 3600 watts will probably be enough. It all depends on your habits add desires. It will run one A/C plus many other things at the same time.
Microwaves typically draw between 900 and 1300 watts. You can probably run it at the same time as the A/C as long as the water heater is using only propane. There is an option for a small or large A/C. The large one will crowd the capacity more.
LED TV uses very little power. Check labels on the TV for wattage. It may be 12 volt or 120 volt.
The battery charger may use 600 watts when batteries are deeply discharged. Most of the time it will use very little. Bigger chargers use more when they are working hard.
You may or may not have electric heat in your water heater. That can draw plenty of power, but you can run it on propane for occasional dry camping.
The same is true of the refrig. Although the refrig heater uses much less than the water heater.
I recommend you get a bigger 12 volt battery from the dealer. Get the biggest that will fit. A larger battery box is cheap. An AGM battery may cost twice as much, but require much less maintenance.
Try out the one big battery for dry camping in your driveway or locally. Get a second battery if you need more.
I have a pair of 100 amp hour AGM batteries and a small inverter generator. I have not used the generator in over 10 years except to test and maintain it.
You may not need a generator at all. If you need one, try the 3500 watt one you have. Later buy a more quiet inverter type of the size you need.
12000 watts
Keystone offers optional 50 amp 240 volt service. You would need this for running two A/C's. You would also need a bigger generator.
Most people who use lots of A/C get along with a 5000 watt generator. Usually the generator is permanently installed in the RV. It will be too heavy to man handle. They come in 240 volt and 120 volt versions. The 240 volt option only works with a 50 amp 240 volt service.
The hide out is probably not designed for a permanently installed gen.
I wish you good luck and happy trails ahead!