What size generator?

[nccamper]

Need a larger generator for the TT that will at least run the microwave and sometimes the AC.

What size generator does it take?
NC Camper

[Moonrover]

With power management, you can do a lot with a 3Kw generator.

http://powerequipment.honda.com/gene...odels/eu3000is

My opinion is that if you purchase something that "just" meets the load requirement of a microwave plus one a/c, it won't be long before you wish for something a tad huskier. Of course you can over-design to the point of wasting generating capacity, money, and hauling portability.

The little Honda 3000 weighs about 134 pounds (dry) ... not a featherweight, but certainly two people can heft it around without back strain.

[wil01]

Microwave specs are confusing.They generally show the specs of the magnetron alone.For example, my Sharp 800 watt convection/microwave is rated at 800 watts, but the nameplate shows that the total input is 13.33 amps or 1.6 KW.

The nameplate on my Brisk Air air conditioner shows that it draws 15.9 amps or 1.91 KW.

Don’t forget the parasite loads like the battery charger.My 100 ADC Mangum charger uses 15 amps AC or 1.8 KW at full load.As the battery gets charged, that input power reduces.

You need to make a real survey of your power requirements by using the input shown on the nameplates.Then add about 25% for starting surge.

In this example, that would look like this:

1.25 * (1.6 +1.91 + 1.8+ = 6.6375 KW

Leave off the battery charger and the result is 4.25 KW.

Years ago, I tried to run a little microwave from a 1 KW generator and the generator just quit.

Good Luck!
Wil

[cowrv39]

He is a good link that shows what loads a generator could handle at any given time. This includes start up loads like air conditioners etc.

Generator Load Management Basics | Funroads RV Travel

[Lt46]

3,000 watts or better!
My 2800 watt Yamaha will do both but it strains mightily doing it.

[wil01]

The link given by cowrv39 is great. I suggest reading every bit of it and all it's links. Just remember it gives a range of loads. It is always important to make an actual survey of the actual loads you have by taking that info from the individual nameplates in your system.

Good Luck!
Wil

[vsheetz]

3k single or a pair of 2k's. I would consider the pair of 2k's - easier to handle, only need one set out unless using air conditioning, etc. Recommend Honda.

[bluegrassrv]

I have a Champion 3500 / 4000. It has a 30A RV plug on the unit. I can only run one high wattage appliance at a time. If I need the microwave, the A/C has to shut off. If DW needs the hair dryer, the A/C has to be shut off. It's usually a breaker in the TT that kicks out, not the generator.

Just remember whatever generator you get your amperage is limited to the largest amperage 120 VAC receptacle, (assuming you have a 30 amp TT). If I had it to do over again, I would buy a 4500 watt RV generator and have it hardwired with a transfer switch.

[oneal]

Originally Posted by vsheetz

3k single or a pair of 2k's. I would consider the pair of 2k's - easier to handle, only need one set out unless using air conditioning, etc. Recommend Honda.

I also would go for the pair of 2K's.

[nccamper]

Thanks, lots of good info here. I did not realize that an RV roof top Air Conditioner unit needed that much power to cool such a small space?

I think I will just try and stay in the highier-cooler elevations during the warmer months.

Does anyone know if the newer small side mounted AC units on smaller travel trailers will run on smaller Gen units?

NC Camper

[Gocoffeer]

Honda EU2000i Companion Model Info | 2000 Watt Inverter Generator | Honda Generators

If you were buying Honda...I see a really great feature that I have not noticed before....looks like you can couple a Honda generator to another Honda type generator.

[DDDonkey]

I would do the dual 2k genets and rotate them to keep the hrs equal. I like the Yamaha for the price. Plus with the 2k ones it is easier on the back at the end of a long weekend.

[cpaulsen]

I have a 3500/4000 Champion also and can run my A/C along with my microwave at the same time along with my water heater. Never had a problem.

[pasdad1]

Here is a comparison.