Minimum Generator size

[Jeana]

I’m sure this has been asked before so sorry. For my T2553 what would be the minimum size/watts generator that I could use for off grid camping?
I saw this duel fuel one at Atwoods that we liked.

[Lapointe]

I have the same model except it’s the 2003 That’s more than you need. But looks like a good deal.
The air conditioner uses the most.

[Jeana]

I’d rather have more then I need then not enough.
Can this model run the a/c and microwave at the same time plus frig?

[mainah]

Yeah it should, run the fridge on gas it cools better.

[J&A Lima Oh]

I have a 5500 watt, to run the frig, micro and air, it is not enough, without the frig, it will run the air and micro.

[mainah]

Originally Posted by J&A Lima Oh

I have a 5500 watt, to run the frig, micro and air, it is not enough, without the frig, it will run the air and micro.

5500 watts is about 46 amps that should be more than enough to run every thing in the camper at the same time and possibly your neighbors camper too. That's a good size generator it would run my entire house. The RV plugs come in two sizes if it has 3 pins it's a 30 4 pin it's a 50 amp and the camper main breaker is sized to the max load of the power cord. A 3500 watt generator is just shy of 30 amps so much more would be overkill as a load that great would trip the main breaker.

[J&A Lima Oh]

I see the difference. your champion dual fuel is 3100 running watts 110 Volt, mine is 5500 watt, 220 volt meaning as I use an adaptor so I only get 2250 watts on 110 Volts. Sorry about the confusion, Yes the dual fuel Champion is set up for a 30 amp RV. should work great.

[mainah]

I got to ask how do you carry that thing? My 5500 watt Honda weighs about 250# I put it in the truck with the tractor when I need it on site.

[J&A Lima Oh]

I have wheels and a toung on mine, I use ramps and a 4 fold rope winch to load and unload it.

[MACK C-85]

Basic electrical theory....

Volts x Amps = watts. So...

Since the trailer nominally runs on 120 volts and the main breaker is 30 amps....

120 volts x 30 amps = 3600 watts.....i.e. any generator over 3600 watts is more than the main breaker will let through before tripping.

The starting draw of the A/C(1200-1600 w), along with the draw of the microwave(800-1300w) and the water heater(800-1300w) will most likely exceed 3600 watts and trip the main breaker even on shore power. Not to mention, the 12v converter can draw up to 800 watts off the 120v system if you are using a lot of 12 volt power.

These numbers are theoretical, so it may run all three, but I'll bet you'll have a real hot plug. Like melted hot, been there, done that, replaced the plug.

So, If you are boondocking, run everything you can on propane!!

[j52wf]

Originally Posted by MACK C-85

Basic electrical theory....

Volts x Amps = watts. So...

Since the trailer nominally runs on 120 volts and the main breaker is 30 amps....

120 volts x 30 amps = 3600 watts.....i.e. any generator over 3600 watts is more than the main breaker will let through before tripping.

The starting draw of the A/C(1200-1600 w), along with the draw of the microwave(800-1300w) and the water heater(800-1300w) will most likely exceed 3600 watts and trip the main breaker even on shore power. Not to mention, the 12v converter can draw up to 800 watts off the 120v system if you are using a lot of 12 volt power.

These numbers are theoretical, so it may run all three, but I'll bet you'll have a real hot plug. Like melted hot, been there, done that, replaced the plug.

So, If you are boondocking, run everything you can on propane!!

Yep. What he said. Even on shore power, running AC and microwave is usually ok. As soon as I add something with heat (like a coffee maker), the main breaker or shore breaker will trip. I usually turn off the electric water heater when using microwave and run it on propane if that happens. Still overloads if AC kicks on at the wrong time. PIA when its the outside breaker.