RV Generator

[Davwingman]

About how much output capacity would be needed from a portable generator to power a 17 ft. trailer?Llights, fridge, microwave, A/C etc. This is a small camper to be used for short trips & varmint safaris. Thinking something from Honda! Thanks!

 

[JohnnieB]

If you have a shore power connector, insert a "Wattminder" or "Kill-A-Watt" or similar power meter in the line and turn everything on. Otherwise, read the labels and add everthing up. Then buy the next higher rated generator. Make sure the generator is rated for running an A/C, or other items with motors, the startup current spikes are pretty high on some of them.

I like the Honda that only runs as fast as needed to supply the load (puts out DC and runs it through an inverter for AC so it doesn't have to run at a constant 3600 RPM), but inverters don't handle current spikes too well - Unless they've gotten better since I was looking at them about five years ago.

John

 

[4330Inroute]

Hi We're from the same neck of the woods.
I purchased a Yamaha 3000 from Camp America in Fresno about 4 years ago. It's a key start with a rope starter too.
My trailer is a 27 ft. but the generator powers the same combination of utilities as you have in your 17 footer. I purchased it because it is ultra quiet. It is barely audible at 20 feet away and is not heard from inside the trailer even when the generator is in the back of the pickup at the tail gate and both are hooked up together. This generator is quieter than a comprable Honda. It is rather heavy and although it has wheels is not easy to load or unload by yourself. I mounted it onto a small garden trailer (like you would find in a nursery) and strapped it down with those ratchet tie downs then tied down the trailer crossways on the pickup bed. I use a set of ramps and a 4:1 pulley and rope to load and unload on my pickup. I have it serviced at a Yamaha dealer at Ave 12 and S/R 99 in Madera. Cost about $80 for an oil and filter change with a load test once a year.
Be sure to buy a chain/cable with locks to secure your generator to the pickup. These generators are a hot commodity and disappear quickly if you are not careful.
Do a google search for Yamaha generator / outdoor / generator and there is a size chart that will tell you what size generator will be needed to power your trailer.

Hope this helps.
Jim

 

[venomballistics]

look at the labels of every electronic device.
It will tell you either watts or amps
take all the watt ratings and add them together .. then add the amps of all those that dont state watts in a seperate figure and multiply that result by 120 than add that to the watt pile ... then get a generator with an output greater than that total ... preferably with a few hundred to spare and you should be good to dance.

 

[K1500]

I am looking at the same thing right now. My general line of thinking is that you need one big enough to spin the AC on startup (plus a bit more). If it is sized to do that, chances are everything else will work out. The AC will draw less when running, and unless you are running the AC, nuking dinner, running the coffee maker, and the wife is using the blow dryer all at the same time, you should be O.K. I am interested in what others have to say on the subject.

 

[sourdough44]

I have a Honda 2000w generator. I like it, portable, quiet & all. It is fine for our 21' trailer, all EXCEPT the A/C. Even though the a/c may sound like it's working, best not to try it underpowered. I just do everything but the a/c with the 2000w. I think if you went 3000w on up you would be fine. The forums at trailerlife.com have more than you ever want to know about this.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

Check out this one at Cabela's. I use it on my 28 foot travel trailer and the 3500 Watts runs everything including the A/C. What is really neat is that it has the 30amp RV socket, so all you have to do is plug in your power cord...no adapters required. Mine is three years old and still starts on the 2 or 3rd pull.

Cabela's: Champion 3500 Watt Generator

 

[dasnake]

what i have

i have a 38' fiver that has a 5500 onan, works everything better than i could imagine. in my 10' truck camper i use a honda 2000 does it all except the a/c. when boondocking i use battery power and charge the system everyday, all seems well so far.

 

[ArcticFox]

...you're going to want at least a 2000 watt generator. Even a coffeemaker can require 1000 watts or more to start. You should be OK with a Yamaha or Honda 2000 watt generator. Depending on where you camp pay attention to the dB levels of the brand you are buying. If the RV spaces are close together you will want the Honda or Yamaha. If you have lots of room and don't have to worry about neighbors you can get by with an industrial brand generator. I have the Yamaha 2400iS which will run our 13.5 a/c.

 

[model70hunter]

Check out this one at Cabela's. I use it on my 28 foot travel trailer and the 3500 Watts runs everything including the A/C. What is really neat is that it has the 30amp RV socket, so all you have to do is plug in your power cord...no adapters required. Mine is three years old and still starts on the 2 or 3rd pull.

Cabela's: Champion 3500 Watt Generator

I have a 3500 Champion in a 32 footer, it does AC and all, no problems. Love it.