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Old 09-23-2018, 08:20 PM   #21
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I bought 2 of the Predator 3500 inverter generators from Harbor Freight, after doing a lot of reading reviews online. One unit runs one 15000 btu air conditioner fine, both units running parellel gives me 50 amps. Paid 649.00 each, and like the ability to run only one to save fuel, with another one ready if needed.
 
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Old 09-23-2018, 09:25 PM   #22
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I'd go with 2ea 3000w units paralleled. You will then have a little power left for the microwave popcorn!
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Old 09-24-2018, 03:39 AM   #23
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Hi

Like DQDick we purchase 2 Honda 200is inverter generators including paralleling unit 8 years ago.

They are light enough I can pick one up in each hand and run with them and they pull all the systems in the trailer we want. You have to manage your power use but that is not difficult.

I saw the latest Honda 2100is recently and they now have the paralleling unit internal and are 100W larger in power output.


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Old 09-24-2018, 07:15 AM   #24
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Think some of us didn’t read the original post. Their primary concern is staying cool in the muggy south. That REQUIRES solid 50 amp service to run BOTH ACs. If you suggest otherwise you don’t camp in the south!! This isn’t the 10% humidity West where a 12 volt fan will keep you cool at night! You have to run both ACs wide open and will make a lake of condensation to keep these poorly insulated rigs even moderately comfortable!

The OP also indicated their use would be for boon docking. That means noise is less of an issue except for them (IE: no neighbors to worry about). I actually sleep better with a continuous white noise, especially if it is keeping me cool. Haven’t seen a generator yet that made more noise than the AC units while inside the camper. It’s just the price you pay to be cool in the south.

Taking into account the above there are several options depending on how much you want to spend. Least expensive would be a 7k Predator generator. Honda makes a fuel injected 7.5k or you can do the two smaller but coupled units. Using two smaller units does have some advantages but also the disadvantage of maintaining two instead of just one. After that you get into the onboard Onans which are very pricy compared to the portables and as the OP mentioned is not what they want.

There are dozens of threads on here about gen options. Happy reading and good luck
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Old 09-24-2018, 09:12 AM   #25
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Very nice and complete. But boon-docking is often not solo. Friends along may not appreciate a loud generator.
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Old 09-24-2018, 09:37 AM   #26
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Very nice and complete. But boon-docking is often not solo. Friends along may not appreciate a loud generator.
Trust me ANYONE boondocking during the summer in the south will also have a generator running! If your friends have theirs going then yours doesn’t matter. If it does you shouldn’t go!!

Most of the time when I had friends around it wasn’t complaints about noise but rather “can we plug in too”?!
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Old 09-24-2018, 01:57 PM   #27
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After much research I bought two HF Predator 3500's. When paralleled they provide plenty of power to run both A/C units. The generators have been very dependable, start on first pull and are extremely quiet. Plenty of youtube video's comparing them side by side with other leading brands. So far my have performed flawlessly. On our first trip I carried them in the front generator compartment but since have built a rear carrier that utilizes the receiver hitch that carriers them on the rear of the 5er while also making it almost impossible to steal them.
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Old 09-24-2018, 03:17 PM   #28
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What are you using to parallel the pedator 3500's together and do you know of a way to add an auxiliary fuel tank?
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Old 09-24-2018, 03:24 PM   #29
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I think you have made a wise choice, 2 3500 watt generators for $500 less than 1 3000 watt Honda. If I were buying a new generator it would be a HF.
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I don’t understand, you say they start on the first pull the 3500 watt Predator is electric start without a cord to start it.
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Old 09-25-2018, 04:42 AM   #30
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What are you using to parallel the pedator 3500's together and do you know of a way to add an auxiliary fuel tank?
They sell the extended run gas cap as well as a complete system with tank on EBay. I made my own parallel kit with banana plugs that I purchased from McMaster Carr. These are the same plugs used on electrical testers. Purchased the set with plugs on both ends, cut in the middle and wired into 50 amp plug. I ran separate wires for the ground. Northern Tool sells the same generator and they call it a Powehouse. They sell a parallel kit, but it has the wrong plug for an rv, but is similar to what I built.
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Old 09-25-2018, 08:50 AM   #31
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I haven't seen any diesel set ups here, they are quiet & efficient. We are looking at the Duro Star 7000 & mounting it in the back of the bed with an aux diesel tank.With a permanent install & a 50 gal fuel cell to run gen & extra fuel for the truck if needed plus it fits against the cab & clears the camper.We have the gen ready option so the power connection is up front, I will wire the gen to a plug at the hitch & make up an extra cord to plug into the camper.With 6500 running watts it should power everything,right now we can run both ac on 30 amps, but nothing else. So far here in the N East we have not needed to run both ac together yet, but would be nice to have a full 50 amps.I am still looking but right now for 1700$ this seems to be an attractive set up since I was always going to add an aux fuel tank.
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Old 09-25-2018, 08:52 AM   #32
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The other nice thing is it has electric start with remote & pull start back up.
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Old 09-25-2018, 01:17 PM   #33
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I haven't seen any diesel set ups here, they are quiet & efficient. We are looking at the Duro Star 7000 & mounting it in the back of the bed with an aux diesel tank.With a permanent install & a 50 gal fuel cell to run gen & extra fuel for the truck if needed plus it fits against the cab & clears the camper.We have the gen ready option so the power connection is up front, I will wire the gen to a plug at the hitch & make up an extra cord to plug into the camper.With 6500 running watts it should power everything,right now we can run both ac on 30 amps, but nothing else. So far here in the N East we have not needed to run both ac together yet, but would be nice to have a full 50 amps.I am still looking but right now for 1700$ this seems to be an attractive set up since I was always going to add an aux fuel tank.
If I wasn’t planning on going with a welder/generator, this sounds like something to look at. Would be nice to burn same fuel as truck
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Old 09-25-2018, 02:34 PM   #34
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If you went this route you could run a multi process machine or ( any inverter welder) off the generator, would be a lot cheaper with more options & less overall weight.
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Old 09-25-2018, 06:55 PM   #35
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If you went this route you could run a multi process machine or ( any inverter welder) off the generator, would be a lot cheaper with more options & less overall weight.
That argument has some merit. Particularly if I want run a spool fun or plasma cutter
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Old 09-25-2018, 07:32 PM   #36
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The other nice thing is it has electric start with remote & pull start back up.
Post pics and details on aux fuel tank
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Old 09-25-2018, 08:24 PM   #37
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Aluminum Tank Industries TTR38 Rectangle Refueling Tank - 38 Gallon Capacity. This will fit up against the back wall. Once I get some time I plan on making cardboard models for fitment, then try them out with the camper. RDS makes some nice tanks also in many different sizes & shapes so once I get the layout I will order the equipment. I figure it will be a nice winter project.
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Old 09-27-2018, 04:06 AM   #38
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Hi

We just 2 weeks ago spent 3 days boon docking in Florida so far out we didn’t even have cell phone signals.

The 2 Honda 200is paroled pulled both AC units during the day.

We couldn’t use any other appliances during the day and had to shut down the converter between the hours of 1 pm and 7 pm.

We ran the bedroom only AC during the night and was able to use the microwave and toaster for breakfast.

Like I said you can use the 2 2000 watt units provide you manage you power consummation.

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Old 09-30-2018, 12:23 AM   #39
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I have installed a hitch behind my trailer and carry two 3400 Champion generators on a carrier, they run both AC. If I had it to do over I would have spent the extra money to have the on board generator.
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Old 10-16-2018, 09:29 AM   #40
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Champion 3400 Dual fuel inverter. Has a 30A RV connector, an inverter, you can hook two together for 60A total, not park 2-50's but will work. $975.00 each, great warranty.
What he said. Except it's actually a triple fuel option, Gasoline, Propane and natural gas. Also mine has the remote start. Nothing better then laying in bed and being able to start or turn off the generator without going out in the cold. And my wife can't start any generator with a pull (rope) starter, she loves the remote start.
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