What type of generator?

debbie · 03-20-2021, 08:38 AM

Hi all,

I've been thinking a generator for my '88 Saturn 16.5 would free up more camping spots. Something small & portable, able to run #1 a/c and or small heater, #2 fridge, #3 radio/lights. Not all at once of course.

Please advise, Thanks in advance.

~Debbie

**PTHutch** · 03-20-2021, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by debbie

Hi all,

I've been thinking a generator for my '88 Saturn 16.5 would free up more camping spots. Something small & portable, able to run #1 a/c and or small heater, #2 fridge, #3 radio/lights. Not all at once of course.

Please advise, Thanks in advance.

~Debbie

Hi Debbie,

To run 1 a/c you'll probably need at least a 3000 Watt or better generator.
Honda and Yamaha are good generators and many here have one or the other. Though a 3000W generator is somewhat heavy and not that small or portable.

I have a Honda 2000i that I've used primarily to keep the batter charged when dry camping. It's small & portable, but won't run the AC, though it can run a small appliances.

Hope this is of some help.

I'm sure others will pitch in their thoughts and opinions.

debbie · 03-20-2021, 09:43 AM

Thanks for your insight. Would love to get by without the a/c, but it gets quite hot here in NC & other places I frequent. My traveling companion Stella (Australian Shepard) is insisting : /

debbie · 03-20-2021, 09:59 AM

Thought It might help to post specs.

#6727 Coleman mini mach rotary
BTU 7,100
Full load AMP's 9.4
Running watts 1,000 ARI standard condition
Running watts 1,280 ARI maximum condition

mainah · 03-20-2021, 05:39 PM

Depends on what you run, a Honda 2000 will run the AC. The fridge is much better off on propane. as is the hot water the 2000 will charge the battery as well now here is the issue at max smoke the little generators are not quiet. A small heater is 1000 watts a propane heater just needs to run the fan. I don't have AC and run the camper with a 100 watt solar and two group 24 batteries.

Tod Osier · 03-21-2021, 04:09 AM

If the AC is 7000 BTU, vs the 13500 of a typical unit that we are more familiar with, as mainah says the 2000 Honda is a great choice. The Hondas are quiet and reliable and a compact and light package.

My most important suggestion is to place a high priority on the quality of the experience of those camping near you and get a high quality invertor generator like the Honda or a Yamaha that runs quiet.

mainah · 03-21-2021, 06:31 AM

Yes, being a Saturn 16.5 it most likely is a 7000 and 2000 watts should run it. The little generator will take a hit when it starts and be noisier running than normal. Honda is pushing their 2200 watt generators a little bit more won't hurt. There is a huge jump in size, price and weight with a 3000 watt + inverter generator. Open frame generators are two pole alternator generators in order to make 60 cycles they have to turn 3600 RPM no matter how small they are so if you want to be a good neighbor buy an inverter.

264SRinPA · 03-21-2021, 06:47 AM

Take a look at the Westinghouse generators. Same size and weight as the Honda, but with 2500 watts. Just as quiet as the Honda and about 1/2 the price. I have a Yamaha and 2 of the Westinghouse. I never use the Yamaha any more. And just to note, the Yamaha 2400 would run our 13.5 A/C with no problems.

debbie · 03-21-2021, 10:43 AM

A big thank you to you all. I am def getting an inverter generator. I will check into all of your recommendations. I am leaning toward 22-2500 watt for a little breathing room.
Again, thanks for the prompt & sage advice.

mainah · 03-21-2021, 11:49 AM

Here is the deal generally there are 3 breakers the AC is on a 20 amp breaker or 2400 watts.. The outlets etc are 15 amp or 1800 watts the entire bunch is protected with a 30 amp breaker rated at 3600 watts so you can see what happens. The power cord is 30 amp rated. So if you go hog wild then a 100 pound generator is what you would have to have. If your primary need is for AC then a 50 pound generator should be all the power you need 2000-2400 watts.

Diamondt · 03-22-2021, 06:58 AM

Hey when we take generator, I take our small quiet harbor freight 2500/3000 start up it runs ac

mainah · 03-22-2021, 08:20 AM

I didn't see a 2500/3000 Harbor Freight generator so I'm guessing the next size up and then you are into the the 100 pound generator. There is a big jump in weight at the 3000 watt mark like X2 over the 2200 Nothing wrong with a Harbor freight generator they make pretty good units. I actually have a small open frame one that's pretty old I think it's 1800 watt works fine for small stuff around the farm.

drayweb · 03-25-2021, 10:13 AM

I have a Champion 3100 watt inverter generator that that I purchased from Walmart for 800 bucks. Works great. Changed the oil in it twice and the spark plug once and it runs like a top. I use it with my Sunline Saturn.

wapermenter · 03-25-2021, 10:58 AM

Hello, I have 2 WEN 2000 watt inverter generators and a parallel 30 amp connector. Generators were under $400.00 each from WOOT and connector is $70.00 on Amazon. Both together will run a roof A/C, coffee maker at the same time. 1 will run a 5000 BTU window A/C with no issues. They have been GREAT generators and several of my friends have bought them. Almost as quiet as a Honda. Been using them for about 3 years now.

Phil_K_TN · 03-25-2021, 01:41 PM

Hey, Debbie. We have a 3500 watt Predator we bought from Harbor Freight that is very quiet and ran our A/C on our 2001 T2370 Sunline Solaris with no problem. It handles our Forest River which has a bigger A/C. We had an accident with the Sunline and insurance company totaled it so we had to upgrade. With the generator placed at the end of our Sunline power cord and the A/C running, inside the camper you had to listen to hear the generator when it was running. If you can catch this generator on sale, you can get a great deal on it.

jim44646 · 03-25-2021, 01:43 PM

Granted 3000 watt is on the heavy side. That's why I went with a 2000 watt honda plus a 2000 watt honda companion when bridged together gives you 4000 watts. Now's a bad time but if you keep your eyes open in the off season you can pick them up used. I brought both mine used for the price of one new one.

mainah · 04-08-2021, 04:01 PM

My 1700 is pretty much solar powered two batteries one 100 watt panel. I have no AC but I do have a very quiet 5" computer over the main bed + a fantastic fan roof vent. I guess it's all in what you tolerate my house has no AC either. I have a 5000 watt generator it basically is essential for a rural Maine darning the winter months but camping it's not real important.

jim44646 · 04-22-2021, 05:24 PM

If I didn't have air my wife wouldn't go