Generators

clewis · 05-07-2016, 03:07 PM

Looking at investing in a generator for camping. Trying to determine how big I need to get, I am hoping to cover my needs with a 2000 watt generator. My use would mostly be to charge the battery and running the lights. I would like to run my AC unit too, having a hard time finding info out about my unit (48253c966 coleman). Can anyone share experience/knowledge of how big and what brand they are using and would recommend.

Desert185 · 05-07-2016, 03:25 PM

I went with two, 2000W gens. Hooked in parallel they'll run one AC. Individually, they'll charge the batteries, run the microwave or the Keurig or the fireplace and do it quietly while saving gas. The other benefits are if one fails you have a spare and one is easy to lift. I'm sure you'll get other opinions on this subject.

Festus2 · 05-07-2016, 03:30 PM

A 2000W would be sufficient for battery charging, lighting and some other "smaller" items. The moment you throw an A/C into the equation that changes things. Don't forget about the "other" less visible things that are operating in the background: the converter, fridge, HW tank, to name a few.

If you are going to go with a 2000W and try to run the A/C, you will have to shut down pretty much everything else. Even then, the generator will probably not be able to handle it.

To avoid all this turning things off and on, I'd opt for a larger generator of 3000-3500W. If money isn't an issue, the Honda or Yamaha are excellent units. If you want a dependable, and equally quiet generator of that size for considerably less money, I would suggest the Champion.

Or you could piggy-back two, 2000W Champions. This will give you a bit more flexibility, if you only need 2000W it is there for you, and would also be easier to handle ---2 lighter units instead of a larger and heavier one.

tgoodwin321 · 05-07-2016, 06:34 PM

Just picked up the Champion dual fuel 100204 2800watt/3100max from Costco. Currently $150 off @ $850 thru 5/22. Still in the break in period so haven't fired up the 13.5k AC yet but so far I'm very happy. Very quiet and very flexible. Can run parallel if I ever need more juice in the future and will run gas or propane. Figure if I run out of gas on a trip I can hook up one of the LP 20#'rs in an emergency. Good luck in your hunt.

clewis · 05-08-2016, 03:37 AM

Thanks everyone. Running 2 2000 watt together might be the way to go.

Partyman1971 · 05-08-2016, 03:51 AM

I bought the yellow version of this generator last month for $535 on amazon. It seems like a good alternative to the $800-&900 honda and yamaha generators. Runs great so far. I can always buy another to run my ac in the future. I feel the smaller two would be easier to move around than one larger. Just my preference. Can't go wrong either way.

Great deal at Camping Works right now.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

bitten · 05-08-2016, 04:50 AM

http://m.campingworld.com/shopping/i...enerator/88537

Bought this generator for my Cougar 28 RLS. True to instructions: add oil, connect battery, add gas, and start. Worked on first try. Very quiet, especially on economy mode.

notanlines · 05-08-2016, 07:54 AM

Clewis, I noticed this phrase "I would like to run my AC unit, too" and it seemed a bit casual. Your unit probably pulls at least 15 to 16 amps and about 1800 to 2000 watts. (only approx. figures) As soon as the compressor on that Coleman kicks in your new generator will probably kick out. Also keep in mind that it is very hard on a compressor to try tor un without proper amperage. This is a "Go big or stay home" situation. If you keep your AC out of the equation you are all set.

shiggs68 · 05-08-2016, 04:16 PM

Let's do the math side of the Air Conditioner. A typical Air Conditioner requires 13 to 16amp running and 20+ surge to start the compressor. Power (in watts) is current (amps) times voltage (120vac). That results in 1350 to 1920 watts running and 2400+ watts surge on startup.

To better understand what your requirements are, Google search RV power requirements. There are many charts available allowing you to add up your needs and make a choice that will work.

TravelingRVDoctor -Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

B-O-B'03 · 05-11-2016, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clewis

Thanks everyone. Running 2 2000 watt together might be the way to go.

I would think that 2 X 2000 would take more room and have more total weight than my 1 X 2800/3100?

I love my Champion 2800/3100, it runs my 15K BTU AC just fine along with the other loads in the camper, I can load it in the bed of the truck by myself and at $699 delivered from Costco was a great deal IMO.

-Brian

mfifield01 · 05-11-2016, 09:40 AM

If you want to save a little bit, go with this Champion:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/100156-2800-...0AAOSwl8NVXJF3

You'll save about $160 and it's basically new. They are Costco returns that are tested. Supergen is great and has awesome customer service. I highly recommend them.

darrylwt · 05-24-2016, 05:06 PM

I like the Powerhouse with remote start ans stop
http://www.powerhouse-products.com/p...duct/ph3100ri/

arturob · 05-30-2016, 08:11 PM

I Have had the Champion 3100 for the last 2 yrs. Still starts on first pull, is reasonably quiet and runs the A/C. At 80lb I can still lift it in and out of the truck.

jje1960 · 05-31-2016, 01:52 PM

Really love our 4000.

Bushman512000 · 05-31-2016, 06:16 PM

I have a 3000 Honda runs all night with one fill up and mine is used a lot never failed Me bought for dry camping going away for the winter...best to buy first and not have to replace for many years ...that is just smart shopping I know You get what You pay for

Bushman

darrylwt · 06-01-2016, 07:00 AM

I have two 2000K honda generators piggtailed together but there is one drawback they donot have a remote start or shutoff. When it is cold and I need to go outside to start the generator to make coffee it would be nice to have a remote start and at night a remote stop.

Desert185 · 06-01-2016, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darrylwt

I have two 2000K honda generators piggtailed together but there is one drawback they donot have a remote start or shutoff. When it is cold and I need to go outside to start the generator to make coffee it would be nice to have a remote start and at night a remote stop.

Gives me a chance to take Charlie-boy for a sniff, a squirt and a squat, and get some exercise at the same time. The versatility of the two actually overcomes the drawback of having to do a manual start/stop for me. Besides, I don't leave my gen(s) out overnight. Too easy for them to slip away into the darkness.

darrylwt · 06-01-2016, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desert185

Gives me a chance to take Charlie-boy for a sniff, a squirt and a squat, and get some exercise at the same time. The versatility of the two actually overcomes the drawback of having to do a manual start/stop for me. Besides, I don't leave my gen(s) out overnight. Too easy for them to slip away into the darkness.

I have a chain and lock for mineup, to bad we have to worry about them walking off. Well no dog and I do like to have my coffee going while I am getting dressed but that is why I just installed a 3000 watt inverter so I can wait to start the gernerator. I have a friend that installed a switch on his Honda generator to turn it off from inside his Motorhome it is very easy to do.

mfifield01 · 06-01-2016, 12:34 PM

I've thought about getting something like the link below to shut mine off at night, but you would need a 12v source and relay for it. You could use a double AA battery pack for the 12v source.

https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-Un...XVT9KC83FMV82X

darrylwt · 06-01-2016, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfifield01

I've thought about getting something like the link below to shut mine off at night, but you would need a 12v source and relay for it. You could use a double AA battery pack for the 12v source.

https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-Un...XVT9KC83FMV82X

My buddy uses a light switch and a wire to the off switch on the generator and breaks the connection

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