Generator? - Page 2

MACK C-85 · 02-27-2016, 10:27 PM

30 amp main breaker X 120 volts = 3600 watts.X 10% = 3960 watts. So a 4000 watt generator is needed to get full power to the trailer.

mainah · 02-28-2016, 05:50 AM

Yep and unless it has a 30 amp RV socket or a twist lock adapter to a 30 amp it ain't going to happen either. If you have a single AC unit and do not intend to run every kitchen appliance know to man at the same time then a 2800 watt would do it.

Gliden07 · 03-10-2016, 10:01 PM

What if you ran a small generator that would support the AC and a Solar charger to keep the battery charged for lights and supporting electrics? The biggest draw on that coach will def be the AC though I would think?

mainah · 03-11-2016, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gliden07

What if you ran a small generator that would support the AC and a Solar charger to keep the battery charged for lights and supporting electrics? The biggest draw on that coach will def be the AC though I would think?

Yes beyond a doubt the AC will demand all the power followed by a microwave.There is no way you will get away with any thing less than 2600 watts and 3000 watt would be even better.

wanahike · 03-27-2017, 10:31 AM

My 84 Sunline Mini-Motorhome came with a Onan 4000 watt Microlite. It had been added by a former owner. Complete overkill, but will run any and everything. I have gutted and am currently upgrading the interior and power system. I have purchased a Renogy 200 watt solar kit (will update to MPPT before install). I am going to add an automatic power transfer switch from shore/generator. and partner it with a 2000 watt pure sine inverter/charger. The inverter will power will be connected to power all but the AC.

mainah · 03-27-2017, 03:58 PM

If it's a microlite it's probably a 2800 watt. The 4K's are not real small and at that size I think they called them microquiet. How is the generator set up now? Does it have a transfer system or does it have a socket for the camper power cord to operate from the generator? Is this thing on a Toyota frame? If it is it most likely had a 30 amp RV socket inside of the power cord storage the drill was to plug in the power cord to the onboard socket and start the gen. that was the transfer switch. If I'm right on this the easiest way would be to buy another 30 amp socket and connect your inverter to it. Or to avoid confusion a standard house outlet and an RV 30 amp adaptor connected directly output of the inverter. You need to avoid back feeding the inverter with the generator so an automatic transfer switch would become complex.

shepherds2 · 05-01-2017, 04:58 PM

Bought a Yamaha 2400w and love it. Easy start, always on one pull. Super quiet and cheaper than Honda. It runs my AC fine, but I wouldn't ask it to power much more at the same . Light weight too.

Courtney · 05-15-2018, 08:51 PM

I have a 1982 sunline coach travel trailer 16.5 will a 3550 watt generator work for this? I don't have an air conditioner but I am interested in getting one will it run a small one as well as the water pump and what not. I dont know alot about the trailer bought it last year used it for camping once with just the battery but would really like to be able to stay out for days and use thw shower and what not

**JohnB** · 05-15-2018, 09:15 PM

Yes, a 3550 watt generator will run the entire camper even with an AC unit.

We only have a 2,000 watt generator which can run everything, but the AC unit.

You still have to manage to the 3550 watts though. Meaning do not run the microwave and the AC at the same time, or other high power devices at the same time. This goes for even when you are plugged into a 30 amp power post.

Happy camping

John

Courtney · 05-15-2018, 09:19 PM

Great we are going camping and there is no where for us to plug it up so i was really hoping buying a generator would work

shepherds2 · 05-15-2018, 10:04 PM

we have a Yamaha 2400 watt generator that operates our coleman rooftop air conditioner on our sunline t-257SR just fine. It would not be enough watts to run air and a bunch of lights or microwave at the same time however ( which we have never done before). I would think that a 3500 watt generator would do a nice job. We like the Yamaha 2400 watt because it is really light weight, super quiet ( can hardly hear it run) and it sips not very much gas. Not all generators are built alike, do your research. Some have better electronics to control a steady flow of power than others, ie. no spikes in power that can ruin battery chargers, computer chargers etc. The Yamaha starts on the first pull every time too.

mainah · 05-16-2018, 05:51 AM

Some of the 7K BTU units would run fine on 2000 watts but not a microwave at the same time. A 3500 watt generator ain't exactly petite and is way overkill. If you only need to charge your battery and run 12 volt stuff a little 2 stroke 850 watt generator would be sufficient.

**JohnB** · 05-16-2018, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Courtney

Great we are going camping and there is no where for us to plug it up so i was really hoping buying a generator would work

It sounds like you are starting to boondock, off the grid. Great! Many of us have done this with and without a small generator.

Converting the lights to LED's saves a boatload of power. Running the fridge and hot water heater on gas saves a lot of power too.

The microwave and the roof top AC unit are power hogs and there really is not a very efficient way to power them off the grid.

We converted to LED's a long time ago and shut down any other not necessarily power needs. We have 2 group 27 lead acid batteries and can go up to 4 days if needed and not recharge. We do have the a Honda 2,000 watt generator and use it to recharge the batteries a few hours a day or to microwave. We can go pretty much non stop for weeks on end if needed this way.

Some have gone solar on the battery recharging and they just about eliminates the generator if they have ito setup well.

Just passing along there are other options that can be very efficient as opposed to generating all your power. And try and get one that is very quiet. The Honda's, Yamaha's and now others are in that league. The cheaper ones with what we would call an open frame, and very little exhaust muffler can be really loud and get really old quick if they have to run for hours on end out in the pristine wilderness.

Lots of choices, just wanting to pass along some other options to pick from. We have a lot on forum here about boondocking, LED's, generators and solar. All are always good topics to read and sort out which is best for you.

Have fun camping

John

mainah · 05-16-2018, 08:07 AM

Yeah if you can leave the AC and microwave home your options increase dramatically.