Generator for Passport

[Ghornet54]

Hello everyone, I have a 2920BH with the13500 btu AC. I'm looking for a generator to power the AC and the living room lights. We will not be using any other appliance with this generator. My wife will only camp at RV parks, but I would like this generator to use when we stop at rest areas or Wal-Mart to eat lunch or rest for about 30 minutes. It gets hot in the camper without the AC. Can someone recommend the size needed? I've looked at the 2000, but don't think that will be enough.


Thanks for the help.

[chuckster57]

General rule of thumb is 3000W for AC. Some members have installed a “soft start” system so they can operate it on 2000W.

IMO 30 minutes isn’t really enough time to “cool” the trailer. If your AC has the quick cool or dump feature and it’s above the dinette, you MIGHT get some benefit. Might want to check with Walmart about running a gen in the parking lot.

[notanlines]

I also would strongly recommend 3000 watts! Easier on all systems involved.

[Ken / Claudia]

I would ask, do you want 1 big size genny or 2 light wt.s.
Can you move the larger gennys around to where you need it and put it back. Mounting 1 on a RV is done, but that opens up others issues and noise and vibration in the RV, maybe genny exhaust problems also.
the smaller suit case at around 50 lbs each are quiet portable and if your not going to run at the A/C only 1 is needed.
Both sizes have pros and cons.
Just me, I have been using gennys dry camping since the 1970s. I am done with the larger units, my wife cannot help carry/move them. I like the suit case style the best for RVing. My Yama 2000 makes less noise than the RV heater or A/C when you are inside. 2 together does not double the sound, it is louder but not by much.

[sourdough]

I'm thinking 3k watt but wonder if the application you speak of isn't a bad idea. 30 minutes to cool off a hot 32' trailer with a 13.5 AC? I doubt that will ever happen. I've only seen RVs with a generator in a Walmart parking lot twice in forever - both times frowned on greatly - and I'm seeing more and more of the Walmarts with signs prohibiting RVs and semis. I'm not sure about all "rest areas" but I have seen a security guard go speak with a couple that pulled in and looked as if they were in the process of "setting up camp" with their fixed steps deployed, slide pushed out and taking up 2 parking spaces around lunch time so not sure what you want to do but it might not go over well.

Everyone is different but I don't stop for a "lunch break" to rest anywhere; it just delays my arrival time when I can then actually rest. Our lunch sits in a bag behind my seat and comes out when we hit a pit stop for puppy and I wolf down a sandwich or something - about 4 minutes. DW can take all the time she wants to munch while I'm covering ground.

[G Giroux]

I would re-think getting a generator for 30 minute travel stops.
Pros: can be used for other situations/circumstances
Cons: Cost, weight, how do you want to carry i.e. pls don't mount it in the storage compartment if your trailer has not been specifically plumbed for it. Back of the truck? will you need to lug it out, noise, by-laws, good neighbor consideration.
OPTION: Quick lunch stop, treat the Good Wife to a sandwich in an air conditioned dinner or eat your picnic lunch in the tow vehicle.

I would shoot for a simple enjoyable trip.
GPG

[Ken / Claudia]

In the real hot temps, I have left the TV idle and A/C on. Used the RV bathroom and got refreshments out of the hot RV to eat in the cool TV.

[NH_Bulldog]

We have a Generac GP3000i. It is rated at 3,000 watts starting and 2,300 watts running which is plenty for our use. It is a VERY quiet inverter generator, weighs 60 lbs. and has a carry handle on top. I was looking at a smaller model, but with the cost of a SoftStart plus the smaller generator, this was less expensive (under $600).

[Ghornet54]

Thanks for the replies! I was also thinking about my grand kids when they go with us. They like to get out of their car seats for a break and stopping for lunch is the perfect time for them! We've stopped at Wal-Marts, Rest Areas, empty parking lots and church lots without any issues. We don't extend the slide complete out only about a foot to get into the fridge and use the bathroom. We never stay longer than about 30 minutes to an hour. I will be looking at the 3000 watt Generac now.

[skids]

I like the twist lock style outlet on the Generac GP3000i. 2300 watts continuous would likely be derated for altitude of 8800 feet (where I live) at 75%. 75% of 2300 leaves 1725 watts continuous.

[MarkEHansen]

Check with your slide manufacturer about extending the slide only partially. Some slide types can't take this and it can warp/damage the slide seals.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by MarkEHansen

Check with your slide manufacturer about extending the slide only partially. Some slide types can't take this and it can warp/damage the slide seals.

Depending on type of slide the floor may not have proper support unless it’s fully extended.

[Bill-2020]

3000 watt generator, and do yourself a big favor and get a micro air easy start and your generator and A/C will love you for it.

[jxnbbl]

I am actually in the middle of this situation now. We are on a long trip south and I thought I needed a generator to run the heat on the way down. This didn't work because I didn't think about grounding on my champion generator (Champion Power Equipment 200961). I got this as it is a 2500 with duel fuel. Additionally I had a softstart delivered the day we left. We are staying at at least 1 harvest host stops on the southern and northern journey. Although I brought a grounding rod I forgot about neutral grounding on these units...and my ems won't work without it! I added a blanket on the southern trip.

While in Florida, I got great support from SoftStart as there wasn't a clear wiring diagram for the GE AC unit I have. But I installed it in about 45 minutes one cool morning. We just had to use it due to a 6-8 hour power outage (electrical work) and kept the unit cool. Even though the generator handles the AC, monitoring the amps without softStart the startup pushes the limits when other items are on.

So recommend softStart and remember about grounding!

Jay

[Bill-2020]

There is a simple fix for the neutral issue and your EMS, google it. It works.

[MarkEHansen]

Right, and the best news is you can build one yourself with $4 worth of parts from a home depot or ACE hardware store.

[FlyboyD8]

I just recently took delivery of a Genkins 4500I watt Hybrid open frame inverter. I am very happy with it. It isn't as quiet as an enclose unit but at only 80 pounds it is very quiet in the back of my capped truck. Got it from Walmart online about $475 delivered.



I always used a conventional Champion 4000 and this unit is much lighter and far quieter. I works for my style of camping. Boon docking at RC airplane flying fields.



Enjoy the Journey there is no reset button,
Laus Deo.



Ken

[digitalpa]

Bill, I see a bunch of prices on this from Ebay to others googled up. What is your model number? Thanks. Steve

[jasin1]

Originally Posted by jxnbbl

I am actually in the middle of this situation now. We are on a long trip south and I thought I needed a generator to run the heat on the way down. This didn't work because I didn't think about grounding on my champion generator (Champion Power Equipment 200961). I got this as it is a 2500 with duel fuel. Additionally I had a softstart delivered the day we left. We are staying at at least 1 harvest host stops on the southern and northern journey. Although I brought a grounding rod I forgot about neutral grounding on these units...and my ems won't work without it! I added a blanket on the southern trip.

While in Florida, I got great support from SoftStart as there wasn't a clear wiring diagram for the GE AC unit I have. But I installed it in about 45 minutes one cool morning. We just had to use it due to a 6-8 hour power outage (electrical work) and kept the unit cool. Even though the generator handles the AC, monitoring the amps without softStart the startup pushes the limits when other items are on.

So recommend softStart and remember about grounding!

Jay

I use one of these

[Bill-2020]

Originally Posted by digitalpa

Bill, I see a bunch of prices on this from Ebay to others googled up. What is your model number? Thanks. Steve

Steve, check out YouTube. You can make one yourself easily for the neutral-ground bonding.

try this one;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr3ZKDN-8Go