Rv Generators

I am looking at picking up a generator for our TT. I am looking for something in the 2000-3500watt range. While looking on the internet I have come across several models that are listed as RV Grade. I have also noticed models that are very similar to the RV Grade models I have seen but do not indicate that they are RV grade. They look very close to each other and seem to have the same outlets but one is listed RV Grade and the other is not. Does anyone know what the differences are between a generator that is RV Grade and one that isn't? Does this have something to do with how clean the output power is or that they are quieter or what? :unsure: I am looking at getting something that I can plug into out TT in case I want to run something at 120v while we are boondocking (microwave, TV, hairdryer for the wife, etc.) or charge the batteries if they run low without hooking up the truck. Also, what would be a good watt rating to get? Any input would be appreciated.

 

Shows how much (or how little) I know...I assumed that travel trailers came with generators. We have a Class A motorhome, and it came with one so I just thought all recreational vehicles were equipped with one. Guess I'm still not too old to learn new stuff....

 

It seems like it is more of an option when we were looking. I don't remember seeing any of the travel trailers we looked at coming with a generator. Even out of the fifth wheels we looked at (which were not many as we were shopping for a trailer) most of them did not come with generators. Its seems that the 5'vers that did come equipped were the toy carriers for the most part. It is not something that we really need but it will be nice for those 120v appliances and stuff especially when we are boondocking. We spend a week up in Buena Vista every year during their Gold Rush Days boondocking in their rodeo grounds. Our group performs up there and we just circle the wagons and have a great time.

So is the snow finally melting a bit up your way, Cheryl. Most of the snow we got in the Springs is gone but lately we have been getting a snow about every week to week and half. It is usually just enough to have to shovel and I am really started to get tired of it.

 

Are you looking for a permanent mount or a portable?

 

QUOTE(COWolfPack @ Jan 23 2007, 11:55 PM) [snapback]5892[/snapback]

So is the snow finally melting a bit up your way, Cheryl. Most of the snow we got in the Springs is gone but lately we have been getting a snow about every week to week and half. It is usually just enough to have to shovel and I am really started to get tired of it.

 

Wolf,

Add up all the watts you will run at one time like A/C unit, TV's, microwave, and etc. plus add a 1000 watts for slop. You may need 3500 to 5000 watts of power. Noise is big problem with generators. Honda has one that puts out around 5000 watts and has very low noise. Also next problem is weight. The RV grade may be more sell it that real. You can buy heavy grade units like Honda has but cost is very high. We have a Honda 8000 watt unit that has 18HP engine on wheels we only use it we have a loss of power. This unit is nice to have if we need power to run tools around our place.

Remember 120 volts / by amps = watts or watts / 120 volts = amps.

We have a 8000 watt diesel in motorhome that will put out 66.666 amps at 120 volts. That will cover everything running at one time.

 

I am looking for a portable generator. It would be nice to be able to use it seprarate from my trailer when I wanted. I was looking at some 3500 watt generators from Gentron, Duropower, and Powermax (anybody hear anything on these models). They all look like they are almost the same generator just different names on them. They run from about $250 to $450 before shipping and weigh about 100lbs. The problem is that I see generators that are listed as RV Grade and some that are not. They look the same and have similar specs (i.e. spark arrestor, about a 68dB noise rating, similar outlet configuration) but at times the RV Grade generator cost as much as $50-$100 more. I have no problem spending the extra money but I am curious as to what the difference is. Does the RV Grade have a cleaner power output? Is there more of a risk of damaging the converter in my trailer if I use a generator that is not listed as RV Grade? I just can't really seem to find a big difference on the specs they list on the website.

I will probably be going with a 3500watt. At most we will be running the AC, a microwave, a small TV and a few lights. I looked on the Dometic website (which is what our AC unit is) and the biggest AC unit they have draws 1350watts. That will still leave us plenty for the other stuff too.


Cheryl,

Even our side streets are pretty clear right now. The only areas where we have any slush problems is in parking lots where they piled the snow up. Get ready for some more snow. According to intellicast we are supposed to get another chance for snow on Saturday and then more later next week too. I am also looking forward to spring again when we can defrost the trailer and get out again.

 

COWolfPack,
Don't forget to take surge power into consideration. When your AC cuts in it takes probably something like 1800 watt for a brief moment. A generator rated 3500 watts means 3500 watts of surge power, probably more like 2700 watts continuous output. For your needs 3500 seems to be enough, but you may not be able to use your AC and Microwave at the same time. The next biggest size generator is about 5000 watts, and that means a lot heavier. this is not a good idea if you want to lug it around between the house and the trailer. As for the quality of the power output, any good brand will be fine. I have a 5500 watt Generac generator that I used for 3 continuous weeks in 1998 when we had a massive ice-storm here in Quebec. There was no damage whatsoever to any of my appliances, be it computer, TV, fridge, waterpump etc. Honda and Yamaha seem to be the top quality, but maybe it is not neccessary to spend a lot more money on them compared to other brands like Coleman or Generac.

Cheryl and all the other people in Colorado,
Thank you for hugging all the snow this winter. By now we should have at least two feet of snow on the ground, but we barely have 8 inches. Even the cold spells are not as cold as usual.

 

The only advantage to a Honda over a brand like generac is the noise level. If you are planning on running the AC, I would probably get the 5000 watt due to the start up needed for the AC units. If you are not planning on the generator pulling the AC, then I would stick with the 3500 watt. Most portable generators due the job you need it to, the only difference is the noise level.

 

QUOTE(wprigge @ Jan 25 2007, 07:59 AM) [snapback]5906[/snapback]


Cheryl and all the other people in Colorado,
Thank you for hugging all the snow this winter. By now we should have at least two feet of snow on the ground, but we barely have 8 inches. Even the cold spells are not as cold as usual.




You're welcome, we are certainly doing our part to keep other parts of the country snow free - although we do expect a return in favor next winter. As tough as the snow is to weather, the cold is the hardest part and they say that those arctic temps we had 2 weeks ago will return next week. Before, the temps did not reach above single digits for about 5 days and dipped well into the negatives at night. Mind you, I truly am not questioning God's plan, but I do wonder what kind of purpose this type of weather, serves...

 

Hi I have a Sinemaster 3500 TI. It runs my roof air without a problem--has an eco switch so it is very fuel efficient. The other name for it is Kipor. It is inverter based so offers very clean power.

Have a look here:

http://www.kipor.com/

I got mine on ebay for about $1100.00 including shipping.

I've started it at -20 F and have had it for 3 years.

QUOTE(COWolfPack @ Jan 23 2007, 11:21 PM) [snapback]5890[/snapback]

I am looking at picking up a generator for our TT. I am looking for something in the 2000-3500watt range. While looking on the internet I have come across several models that are listed as RV Grade. I have also noticed models that are very similar to the RV Grade models I have seen but do not indicate that they are RV grade. They look very close to each other and seem to have the same outlets but one is listed RV Grade and the other is not. Does anyone know what the differences are between a generator that is RV Grade and one that isn't? Does this have something to do with how clean the output power is or that they are quieter or what? :unsure: I am looking at getting something that I can plug into out TT in case I want to run something at 120v while we are boondocking (microwave, TV, hairdryer for the wife, etc.) or charge the batteries if they run low without hooking up the truck. Also, what would be a good watt rating to get? Any input would be appreciated.

 

I would like to thank everyone who responded, it was very helpful. I think I have decided on getting a Champion 3500 generator. It has 3500w continuous output and 4000w surge. It also has the 120v 30amp RV receptacle (perfect for my TT) and a 12v receptacle for charging batteries. Nice thing is I can pick it up locally at Checker Auto for about $299. It is a little noisier than the Honda (it runs about 68dB) but it is still not bad. I just can't justify spending the extra $1000 or more for the Honda. Anyway, if the noise does get to be too much I can alway build a housing for it.

Well, Cheryl, here it comes again. Looks like more snow is in the forecast for this week. On the news last night they had mentioned that we have had some snow on the weekend for the past 6 weekends. The extra moisture is always nice but a break every now and then would be good too. The snow has also been both a blessing and a curse to the school kids. They have gotten several snow days now (our boy had 2 extra days of Christmas break because of snow days) but now most of the school districts in the Springs are extending the school days by 15-30 minutes to make up for it. Really makes you look forward to spring though.

 

From the specs it seems you found the perfect generator for your needs, and as you said, there is no need to shell out a lot more money for a Honda. After all, it's an appliance that you will use only a couple of hours per year. Just out of curiosity, what's the weight?

 

This unit come in right at 100lbs. Nice thing is that I will be able to use it for other things, including as back up power for the house. Granted I would have to budget my circuits but it would run the furnace and fridge if the power went out.

 

Did you get a chance to hear it run? I know money is an issue but to me and I'm sure your future neighbors, noise would be my concern. Honda and Yamaha are both neighbor friendly.

 

I have not heard it run yet. I will probably be picking it up in a week or two. I know it is a louder generator than the Hondas or Yamahas (running at 68dB) but it is quieter than the industrial generators. I understand the noise concern but for my main use it will not be an issue. The main reason we are getting it is for when we are boondocking for a week in Buena Vista. We camp on the rodeo ground with just our group around us (some of which have generators) and no one minds them. For the time I am in a campground without an electrical hook up I have come up with some plans for a vented shroud for the generator that will also cut down on the noise. In situations like this it is not something that we would run often. We do have one of the solar panel chargers for our batteries to help keep them topped off. It is just nice to have a backup plan in case we need it. As always I definitely will be considerate of my neighbors.

 

COwolfpack,

Just a word of caution, I understand your concern as to the generators noise, the shroud may deaden the noise, but it will also limit the amount of free air around the generator. This free air is needed, unrestricted, to cool the engine, the engine oil, and the generator itself. I personally would not place any materials around the assembly for this reason. Extreme internal damage may result if the cooling air is restricted in any manner. Having owned and operated a small engine repair shop, in the past, for over twenty years, I have seen engines destroyed by restricting the cooling air. Over heating causes the oil to break down, and as the oil is not only the engine's lubricant, but the oil is also used, by design, to cool the engine. Please give the shroud idea serious thought.

 

cowolfpack, i just ordered the gentron. for that price and free shipping i don't think i can really go wrong. i have a 7000 watt gen at the campground with a 10 hp pull start cast iron engine. between the noise and the problem trying to get it running, electric start sounds good to me.



my wife and i like to camp during the winter, when it gets to be warmer weekends. problem is they decided to turn the electric off this winter. no electric no heat. that 10hp engine is fairly new and is a bear to get running when it's cold.



good luck with yours. bob

 

Hi Dog Bone,

I am thinking about the problems of starting generators--especially when they have been sitting out in the cold for some weeks. I thought I'd get some "gel" packs--the ones intended for use in coolers. I'll put them in a pot of water on my stove in the RV, and boil the water. After they are "cooked" I plan to put them up against the housing for my generator--and cover it with a blanket. After 20 minutes or so I'll try to start it up. Perhaps this will help save your "pulling arm" on that 10 hp unit!

QUOTE(dog bone @ Feb 3 2007, 02:41 PM) [snapback]5977[/snapback]

cowolfpack, i just ordered the gentron. for that price and free shipping i don't think i can really go wrong. i have a 7000 watt gen at the campground with a 10 hp pull start cast iron engine. between the noise and the problem trying to get it running, electric start sounds good to me.



my wife and i like to camp during the winter, when it gets to be warmer weekends. problem is they decided to turn the electric off this winter. no electric no heat. that 10hp engine is fairly new and is a bear to get running when it's cold.



good luck with yours. bob

 

pianotuna
i posted a reply on the wrong thread. cold weather camping. i guess the cold weather is getting to me. not a bad idea about hot packs, but hopefully the new generator will remove the problem.