what size generator

[hammersley]

Ok folks - I know this is a loaded question - but what size portable generator do I need to run an RV - say an AC etc. I'm looking at getting a portable one can you get by with 4000 watts.

 

[Idaho Native]

Hammersley,



4000 watts should do you just fine. Just check the spec sheet out closely on your AC unit. It should be in the paperwork that comes with the camper.



I purchased a 2500 watt Coleman unit, and it won't start the compressor on my AC I should have checked the AC unit specs before I bought it... says it draws 2750 watts at start up and then tapers off to 1800-2000 under normal operating conditions. I missed the first part



Anyway, hope this helps.



Loren

 

[DRR-24V]

Same As Above !!!

Most A/Cs need 3000 so you should be fine.

 

[Rambling]

I purchased a Honda EM3500S, 3500 watts surge, 3000 watts continous. We got it primarily to run the air. If you want to run other appliances at the same time of the A/C start up, you'll need to add their loads to the A/C's max load and may need to get a larger unit. This size is okay for our 13. 5K BTU air, lights and water pump for dry camping. As a reference, a 30 AMP circut handles about 3450 VA (current times voltage) continuous. More current means more $, more size and more noise.



I bought a 20' RV power extension cable and cut off the female end with about a 2 foot from the end. Purchased a plug and rubber boot at Home Depot to mate with the generator to make a 2' adapter. I put a receptacle like the one on the generator on the 18' cord. Now I have a 2' adaptor for the main RV cord to connect to the generator and a 20' extension for the main cord when the 2' adapter is installed that allows connection to either a standard 30 amp RV outlet or, when visiting friends, 115 VAC with a standard RV 115 VAC adapter.

 

[Fuzz]

Some good info here

This is just one of the pages. .

Good info on this web site



http://www.onan.com/na/pages/en/products/powergeneration/generators/operatingtips.cfm#cold

 

[Turbo Thom]

Hammersley:

When I was looking for a generator I need one that would run the AC, TV, coffee pot , the wife's hair dryer, and some lights outside with no strain. I bought a Yamaha 6600 to use but it was to heavy to carry to a race and just me get it out of the truck. I ended up with a Onan 5500 Marquis installed in the front on my fiver. Best hair dryer I ever seen. areal good unit and pleaty of power. It cost me right at $4000 total. The wife says good money spent.



. . Preston. .

 

[Shooter]

5k minimum. You will have to figure in the derate for altitude. Can be 25 % at 6k feet and more at higher elev. depending on the particular engine. A naturally asperated engine takes at least a 20% hit at 5k ft and 2 to 3 % for every 1k ft above 5k.

Nothing like camping and listeng to a briggs & stratton w/ no muffler. I can afford a $35k+ truck and a $25k++++ trailer but I can't afford a Quiet RV generator. Just a $600 Generac at Home Depot or a $300 coleman at Sam's or Costco.

Gotta love it.



3 Honda 2000 will do the trick, or 2 honda 3000, 1 6k Onan, 1 6k Generac RV will be marginal ( if you keep a few spare governor actuators in the glove box, made in Malasia, stepper motor w. plastic gears that are not even round, engine vibration kills the gears. ).



Do it right the first time, its cheaper.