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Old 08-02-2020, 08:16 PM   #1
Riley
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Generators

Hello, I have a 2014 Keystone Cougar Xlite, I want to get a portable generator to be able to run the AC and am wondering what other rver's use.

Thanks,
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Old 08-03-2020, 02:08 AM   #2
Roscommon48
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there are a million generators out there now. I'd still go with the 2200 Honda though.
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Old 08-03-2020, 03:31 AM   #3
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There are lots of choices. You have to decide what you want to operate, just the AC? Or maybe the AC and converter to charge the battery and the tv. 2200W isn’t going to be enough to run the AC if anything else is on. General accepted rule is 3500W or more.

You could buy a pair of 2000W gens with a tether, that way you can operate only one to charge battery and watch tv, microwave popcorn. Then tether them together for the AC.

I would look for an inverter type generator, and look at the db ( noise rating), the higher the number the louder it will be.
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Old 08-03-2020, 05:46 AM   #4
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Years ago we found a Dometic branded (made in China) 3000 watt generator. https://www.rvpartscountry.com/LW300...Generator.html
It is the inverter type with db numbers similar to the Honda and Yamaha brands but at better price point. We use this generator to run our A/C and it will also run the converter at the same time. We've also ran the A/C and been able to watch a movie.
Think about weight when looking at what generator configuration you want to buy. Our 3k watt is about 70#. I can lift it in and out of the truck bed with no problem. Larger generators (3500watt) will be heavier. The smaller generators (2000 watt) will be lighter but you'll need two, tethered together.
We find that we are usually gone from the camper during the heat of the day. We generally only need to run the A/C for couple of hours in the afternoon to cool the camper until sunset. Our heaviest use was during the Reno Air Races. Temps in the high 90's and no shade. Our little 3000 kept up just fine running for several hours each evening.
Hope this helps
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Old 08-03-2020, 05:57 AM   #5
Todd Burton
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Don't make the mistake I did, make sure you buy a generator/inverter!
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Old 08-03-2020, 06:30 AM   #6
Riley
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Thanks for the info, great pics
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Old 08-03-2020, 06:33 AM   #7
B-O-B'03
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We are on our 5th season with our Champion 3000/2800 inverter generator.

It will start and run our 15K BTU AC unit and it will also run the converter and the mini fridge in the outside kitchen.

I dug it out of the shed, for this first trip of the season we are currently on, put fresh gas in it and it started on the first pull... warmed it up and changed the oil, checked the air filter and packed it into the bed of the truck.

I added an hour meter to it after I bought it and it currently shows 220 hours.

The unit was purchased from Costco and was around $700 shipped to my door.

I would definitely recommend it.

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Old 08-03-2020, 06:39 AM   #8
Riley
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Generators

Thanks for the responses, my problem is I always want bigger, so I've been looking at 5K and up. If a 3K will run air and keep the batteries up then Ill look more in that range. Also getting the generator in the back of the truck is a concern. I'm still unsure about the brand I want and know that Honda is a good choice but pricey. Ill keep looking to see what I can find, thanks again for all the input.

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Old 08-03-2020, 07:08 AM   #9
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You can buy two Champion "suitcase 2000 watt generators" AND replace them in 5 years with "2 new Champion suitcase 2000 watt units" for less than the price of a pair of Yamaha or Honda 2000 watt generators.

I've got the "older box style Champion 2000 watt inverter generators" the pair cost me $700 new $349 each), they are 6 years old, still start on the first or second pull, are similar in noise output as the Honda brand, power my rig (1 gen to power the trailer or tether 2 to power the A/C).

Today, after using them for 6 camping seasons, if I threw both, perfectly functional generators in the trash and bought two new ones, I'd still have less money invested than had I bought a pair of Honda suitcase generators.... Yep, I like my money in MY pocket, not in a Japanese manufacturer's pocket......
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Old 08-03-2020, 08:43 AM   #10
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I went with two Honda 2000 watt generators. Mainly because of the weight, 49 lbs each. Pricey yes, but I don't plan on ever replacing them. We camp a lot in the heat and if they fail the wifey would not be happy.
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Old 08-03-2020, 08:47 AM   #11
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Always wanted a Honda but couldn't find a suitable used one and wouldn't pay for a new one. Settled for a 2100 watt Firman brand new at half the price of the "red" one. Like Chuck mentioned, it alone is not up to running my A/C but a friend bought a bigger Firman and both of us are very happy with their product.
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Old 08-16-2020, 10:59 AM   #12
jvbutter01
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After reading online, watching some vids, a few talked about 2. I picked up an Honda EU2000i generator for normal usage, it wont run the AC, but it runs everything else... and its small enough to get good fuel economy. We did buy a 2nd EU and the tandem cable to join and use for the times we go to a hotter location for AC usage. Normally just bring the 1 unit. Oh and there pretty light weight.
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Old 08-16-2020, 11:47 AM   #13
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you should have gotten the honda 2200, not the 2000. and yes, the 2200 can run a 13.5K A/C unit
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Old 08-16-2020, 11:49 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roscommon48 View Post
you should have gotten the honda 2200, not the 2000. and yes, the 2200 can run a 13.5K A/C unit
Yes, still keeping my eyes open on the used market...
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