rdk
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 2 
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Post by rdk on Feb 8, 2018 15:51:57 GMT -5
Going to camp ground that does not have electrical hookup... what size generator should I be looking at 2018 Sporttrek 320
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Post by doublewa on Feb 8, 2018 16:06:36 GMT -5
Hi RDK.
I guess in order to answer that, you have to ask yourself, what you plan on doing when not hooked up to shore power? Not just for this specific trip, but if you plan on doing more boondocking especially.
The 3 best generators on the Market are the Yamaha and Honda 2000W and the Champion duel fuel 3500watt. None of these are cheap, but all 3 are quiet and dependable.
The Honda's and Yama's can be linked in companion with another 2000W generator of the same type giving you 4000W total. That will run just about everything (including 2 A/C's) same can pretty much be said for the champion. Additionally, the companion comes standard with a 30 AMP receptacle. For now, a 2000W will run your Microwave OR 1 A/C, but not both. So for winter camping, a 2000W should do the trick.
Good thing about the Yamaha's and Honda's is that you can run them together or separate and they will double for household use if needed. This works out great if the power goes out and you have a fridge on one level of your home and another on another level on the other side of the house for example.
If it's me, I'm going Honda 2000W Companion due to it's lightweight, quiet running, dependability and variety of applications. Sure, it's expensive, but you don't want to be that guy showing up to a campground with one of those loud, non-contained, construction type generators. DON'T BE THAT GUY! (I'm on of those guys that will put a bottle of water in it when you aren't looking those things disrupt me that bad) It's no fun.
Trust me, You'll be very satisfied with the purchase of any of the three I just mentioned.
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Post by lynnmor on Feb 8, 2018 16:51:15 GMT -5
The model of trailer means little when deciding on a generator. What is important is what you want to power with a generator. After knowing how many watts are required, then you decide which generator(s) will work for you.
When not connected to power, you should run the refrigerator, furnace and water heater on propane. The two largest loads then are the air conditioner and microwave oven. Both of these have high starting loads and need much more power than the watts indicated on their labels. Coffee makers, hair dryers, toasters and any heating type of appliance is next. Consider alternative ways to cook, make coffee and other things besides using electricity.
A 2000 watt generator will suffice if you are conservative and don’t attempt to run the air conditioner. Pairing two 2000 watt generators will give you just over 3000 watts of continuous power. Note that you cannot pull 4000 watts full time. A 3500 watt single generator will give similar performance.
It is expensive, but I chose to use a pair of Honda 2000 watt generators and a extended run fuel tank. The advantages are; the ability to use just one, relatively quiet operation, and light weight.
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Post by Edd505 on Feb 8, 2018 20:14:21 GMT -5
I use a Champion 3100I. It will run a single A/C, charge batteries, run the micro wave IF you turn off the A/C, can't run both at the same time.
The negative - small tank won't run over nite w/o refill, the do make an extended run kit. The kit I think is over priced and have't bought on ....Yet.
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Post by Chuck on Feb 10, 2018 11:30:27 GMT -5
We own a Honda 6500ISU do to the fact the DW want's the air conditioner on, like's to watch the TV, have her coffee an micro wave for her pop corn Ugh  It's heavy but quiet an not for someone with a TT, I put it in the back of the truck only when we dry camp which is not very much since we GLAMP allot  Safe Travels an don't forget about the Kz Rally Chuck |
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Post by Edd505 on Feb 10, 2018 16:14:35 GMT -5
We own a Honda 6500ISU do to the fact the DW want's the air conditioner on, like's to watch the TV, have her coffee an micro wave for her pop corn Ugh It's heavy but quiet an not for someone with a TT, I put it in the back of the truck only when we dry camp which is not very much since we GLAMP allot Safe Travels an don't forget about the Kz Rally Chuck 5K Honda sets for the same reason -too heavy. Don't recall the last time it's left the shop. |
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Post by mtcowgirl on Feb 10, 2018 22:06:12 GMT -5
We have a Honda 6500 as well. We dry camp quite a bit even in winter. So like to be able to run furnace, microwave and fireplace easily. As Chuck said, it is heavy but we have a tractor to load on truck.
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