Generator.....which one do you own?

[JRTJH]

In generators, bigger is not always better. Consider this: A 3500 watt sustained (continuous) output generator produces 30.3 amps of power continuously. If the RV shore power is set up as a 30 amp system, then buying a generator larger than that is "larger than needed" and buying gasoline (or propane) to power the larger generator is not going to provide any "more power" than the circuit breakers in the RV will allow into the system.

Now, don't confuse maximum "surge power" with "continuous power" output. To buy a 3500 watt "surge" generator will not provide the sustained 30 amps to the RV.

Most generators are rated with 2 power levels. As an example, the Champion is rated at 4000 watts "surge" and 3500 watts "continuous" power output. It will provide all the power a 30 amp RV can consume (given the trailer circuit breakers function normally).

I suppose another way to explain it is, "with a 3500 watt continuous power generator, you can run everything in your RV that you can run when connected to shore power. It doesn't matter where the 30 amps comes from, shore power cord or generator, 30 amps is 30 amps. Buying a generator that produces more than that is pouring gasoline into a bigger system than necessary. Buying a larger generator (to have reserve power) means you'll be lifting and packing a heavier generator and pouring gasoline into it more often because it consumes more gas to operate.

An inverter generator is usually more economical to operate because it has an "economy mode" in which the engine powers down until the generator load requires more power (more gasoline). This makes them somewhat quieter when operating at less than full load. They do, however, cost quite a bit more than a conventional generator.

I'm not attempting to refute any previous comments, just trying to clarify that a generator rated to provide 30 amps of continuous power will provide the same 120VAC input to a 30 amp RV system as a 30 Amp 120VAC power pole in a campground will provide. The generator is "rated to provide that on a continuous basis" the same as the campground shore power connection is rated to provide that on a "continuous basis". Any "extra" power would be limited by the circuit breakers in the power pole, the generator and the RV input breaker.