Community Forums

Unicorn Driver · 10-24-2020, 05:21 AM

Hi,

Did a dry camping trip recently where it got down to 25f but had to run my on board generator for a couple of hours to charge my 440Ah batteries as no sun for solar.

My buddy ran a 2kw Honda inverter generator 5-6 hours a day to power his Travel Trailer.

As my onboard 5.5kw generator is so noisey I think I would like to purchase an inverter generator.

Trying to figure out if I should get something like a Predator/Chanpion 3500 which will allow me run air con etc or get a 1000kw or 2000kw just to charge batteries.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

**Spdracr39** · 10-24-2020, 05:33 AM

A few years ago when I had my TT then 5'er I liked my Champion 3100 but it was heavy. After having it two years I decided if I were to do it again I would get two smaller 2000 watt units and parallel them instead. Much easier to move around and most of the time one 2000 watt would have served the purpose.

Unicorn Driver · 10-24-2020, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spdracr39

A few years ago when I had my TT then 5'er I liked my Champion 3100 but it was heavy. After having it two years I decided if I were to do it again I would get two smaller 2000 watt units and parallel them instead. Much easier to move around and most of the time one 2000 watt would have served the purpose.

I hear you on that. My buddy has two 2000's but brought one on the trip.

El Chapo · 10-24-2020, 01:23 PM

A soft start for your A/C might be all you need for a 2000 watt generator to run your A/C, hence no need to bring both 2000 watt gennies and do the parallel thing like I used to. My A/C is 13.5 btu though.

Unicorn Driver · 10-24-2020, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Chapo

A soft start for your A/C might be all you need for a 2000 watt generator to run your A/C, hence no need to bring both 2000 watt gennies and do the parallel thing like I used to. My A/C is 13.5 btu though.

Mine is basement air, not sure if I can get one for it. Must check.

twinboat · 10-24-2020, 01:41 PM

If your running your AC, can you hear your onboard generator ? Your all closed up anyway.

I'd say just get a smaller one to charge batteries.

Goodspike · 10-24-2020, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spdracr39

A few years ago when I had my TT then 5'er I liked my Champion 3100 but it was heavy. After having it two years I decided if I were to do it again I would get two smaller 2000 watt units and parallel them instead. Much easier to move around and most of the time one 2000 watt would have served the purpose.

I'm going that route. The added benefit is less noise/fuel running only one when all you need to do is charge batteries.

And speaking of charging batteries, it's not inconceivable that some RV charging systems would tax a 1,000 watt generator. My lowly 21' trailer can draw almost 500 watts just doing nothing.

Finally I would advise staying away from the Westinghouse brand. I tried one once and quickly returned it. Lots of issues. Honda and Yamaha are the best if you want to invest that much.

Unicorn Driver · 10-24-2020, 03:22 PM

Thanks both, when running the air I domy really hear the onboard generator.

Just really need it for charging.

Jkjavelin · 10-24-2020, 03:36 PM

I have the 3100 Champion, and if I was doing it over again, I would get a Honda. Much quieter.

Goodspike · 10-24-2020, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkjavelin

I have the 3100 Champion, and if I was doing it over again, I would get a Honda. Much quieter.

Yeah. My Yamaha 3000/3500 inverter is quieter than my Champion 2000/2500 inverter. But the Yamaha weighs over 3x as much, making it impractical for travel.

Cassy · 10-24-2020, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Chapo

A soft start for your A/C might be all you need for a 2000 watt generator to run your A/C, hence no need to bring both 2000 watt gennies and do the parallel thing like I used to. My A/C is 13.5 btu though.

I have the micro air easy start & I am able to run my A/C with the Predator 2000 which is actually 1,600 with 2,000 surge. Both are definitely worth it.

Goodspike · 10-24-2020, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassy

I have the micro air easy start & I am able to run my A/C with the Predator 2000 which is actually 1,600 with 2,000 surge. Both are definitely worth it.

Probably help to cut off the circuit breaker to the charging system to further reduce power demands.