Generator

[FL Jeff]

Just bought 2023 Keystone Cougar 25RDS. We want to buy a generator to be able to run A/C. Wondering what size (watts) and any recommended brand anyone might recommend. Any other points to consider...?

[Texas Steve]

Welcome to the forum Jeff! The easy way to calculate watts is -

Amps x Voltage = Watts

Example = 30 amps x 120 volts = 3600 watts. I would use a generator that has at least 10% greater power than what is needed. Champion is the brand that I have. Good luck in your search.

[wiredgeorge]

Some things to consider. Are you planning to stay at a fixed site? Are you planning on taking the generator with you? Will there be other folks nearby? Will you have a way of keeping the generator out of the elements?

[TXiceman]

I would not go under 3600 Watts. Next issue is where will you be using the generator....wilderness or camping areas. The open frame contractor grade generators are loud and many are not properly spark arrested. If you are in Californis, make sure it is CARB compliant. Many camping areas have designated hours of operation for any generator.

Also get an inverter generator as it is better for most electronics.

Ken

[adm1949]

I have a 2022 25RDS. When we boondock I use two 2000 watt Honda generators. Unless I need air conditioning, I only run one of them. They work great for me.

[TXiceman]

Originally Posted by adm1949

I have a 2022 25RDS. When we boondock I use two 2000 watt Honda generators. Unless I need air conditioning, I only run one of them. They work great for me.

We have two Honda Eu2000i and do the same ...one unless we need the AC and we use two.

Ken

[Lee]

Hi,

Good advise already given.

All I can add is: Install an RV A/C soft start. Makes a generators life much easier when running the A/C.

I installed a Micro-Air soft start on my A/C and I can run the A/C easily with a 3400W inverter gen set.

[dutchmensport]

I am one of those people who say: If you're going to do it, then do it right the first time.

I've made my mistakes in life and one of those mistakes is attempting to buy either "cheap" or "under power" and attempting to make it work for something it was never really ever designed to do. The end resulted in purchasing another item that actually fit the bill. The end result, resulted in purchasing the original "lesser" item and then purchasing a more robust item that cost more (thus spending money twice), but finally did what I expected and had enough leverage to handle any need in the future.

With that said, don't mess around with a lesser generator that may or may not start your air conditioner unless you have the soft-start added to your air conditioner. Don't get the lesser generator that will require you turn off your air conditioner to run the microwave, or juggle appliances because the generator just doesn't put out enough. In the end, you'll end up buying a heftier generator, that you should have purchased in the first place.

With that said, yes I'm tooting my horn here, go with a 4500 size inverter generator. Cummins Onan P4500i inverter generator is probably the best, but definitely not the cheapest. It is also very quiet and spit out the energy for your camper exactly the same as if you are plugged into 30 amp shore power. Plus, you can get 2 of them, run them in parallel and have 50 amp service, the same as if you are plugged into shore power.

The down side is, they are heavy, over 100 pounds and cost.

But again, a good product that will last for years and years, operate trouble free, and provide the power you need, portable so you can use it at home for power outages, take it to work for your carpenter power tools, plus use it effectively for your RV is worth the extra cost.

They say the Westinghouse 4500 inverter generator is the exact same generator. I really don't know about that, I've never used a Westinghouse. But they look identical except for the color and the name stamped on them. Internal parts may be different, but I've not heard of anyone complaining about the Westinghouse, ever.... and they are a bit cheaper than the Cummins.

I have the Cummins. Yes, I paid the price for 2 of them. But, I've never, ever, ever been disappointed. And they get used a lot, at home, camping, and when using my power tools when off the electric grid.

In the end, the decision is yours. I'm only recommending what has worked well for me.

[TXiceman]

The beauty of the two 2000- or 2250-Watt generators is they are typically just over 50# each. Theses I can easily handle, while 100# is off the table.

Ken

[Canonman]

We have a 3000 watt inverter generator that has met our needs completely for nearly 10 seasons. We run a 13.5 Dometic A/C and no soft start kit. The generator is also fairly lightweight (60 lbs) and compact.
There are several generators of this type available at reasonable prices from reputable companies. Here is one example: https://www.amazon.com/Generac-G0071...624412688&th=1

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by Canonman

We have a 3000 watt inverter generator that has met our needs completely for nearly 10 seasons. We run a 13.5 Dometic A/C and no soft start kit. The generator is also fairly lightweight (60 lbs) and compact.
There are several generators of this type available at reasonable prices from reputable companies. Here is one example: https://www.amazon.com/Generac-G0071...624412688&th=1

I have that generator and it's worked like a champ. I have not however used it with the RV...but would if circumstances required it.

[NH_Bulldog]

Originally Posted by Canonman

We have a 3000 watt inverter generator that has met our needs completely for nearly 10 seasons. We run a 13.5 Dometic A/C and no soft start kit. The generator is also fairly lightweight (60 lbs) and compact.
There are several generators of this type available at reasonable prices from reputable companies. Here is one example: https://www.amazon.com/Generac-G0071...624412688&th=1

We have the Generac GP3000i has a 149cc engine and it too has met all of our needs. I found it at Home Depot on sale and with a coupon on top of that, my price was about $600.

The biggest shopping tip is to look at the engine cc’s. As an example, three different brands all the same size with the same 2,200-2,500 watt power rating, range in price from $425 to $1,200, with the engine on the least expensive being 79cc, then 98cc and the biggest at 122cc.

[JBM3M]

One Honda 3000 EU will power one AC unit and no more. But if you put an EasyStart on you can also use other stuff sparingly. I have successfully done this.



Now I have 2 AC units, both with EasyStart.


https://www.micro-air.com/products_e...r_microair.cfm

[rlh1957]

Please do not get or use an open frame generator. The closed Inverter generators of 3500 Watts will do you well, aren’t too noisy.
Honda, Champion and Predator from Harbor Freight are all good.
Gas generator is good, some folks have dual fuel gas/LP. LP doesn’t give as much power output but eliminates having to carry gasoline or ar least having another furl source.

I’d recommend getting an SoftStartRV box put on your A/C on top. Easy install and they offer phone support if needed. The wear and tear on your ac is great. It also reduces the amps/watts needed to start & run your ac.
I have 2 and can run 2 ac’s on 3000 watts.

A 3500 Watt generator will provide around 3000 Running Watts continuous.
Without a SoftStartRV box on the ac some generators bog down starting or running an ac with anything else running in your rig.

[Domino3665]

Forget the math.
Look for a generator with a three prong 30 amp receptacle. That will put you in the 3500 watt range…minimum. If the A/C is a major factor, you’ll want a generator that can sustain the load for hours. Have fun. (Bring extra gas cans.)

[oldnjrver]

I second the selection of the Onan Cummins 4500i. It supplies all the energy my 30 amp service requires, is very quiet and the remote electric start makes turning it oh/off especially at night from inside the TT very convenient. It comes with a 30 amp receptacle. Its gas tank is sized such that I can power my TT for over 9 hours, while running the AC and Fridge with water heater running on propane.

After 3 years of use it still starts easily and has enough excess capacity to avoid overload conditions. Since its not running at full load, I suspect it runs quieter that a smaller unit running flat out.

We carry it on a front hitch mounted cargo carrier, which is low enough to allow me to lift it onto the carrier. For single night stops I can run it without taking it off of the carrier.

I also like the indicator panel that tells you volts, amps and hours of run time left based on gas tank level.

Safe travels and all the best.

[RET.LEO]

I have the Champion 2500 Watt Dual Fuel inverter/generator. When AC is not needed one of the 2500's will run your daily needs economically. Then when the AC is needed use the 2nd 2500 with the parallel adapter which has a 30 Amp. RV plug to run the AC and everything else in the trailer.

[wiredgeorge]

Well, we have heard what most of the owners personally own but the OP never said how the genny was to be used. That does point to some basic buying decisions.

[RET.LEO]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

Well, we have heard what most of the owners personally own but the OP never said how the genny was to be used. That does point to some basic buying decisions.

He stated to run the A.C.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by RET.LEO

He stated to run the A.C.

And I inquired whether he was fixed or traveled with the camper and what would he do if it rained. That kind of makes a difference.