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05-04-2020, 12:45 PM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Harrisburg
Posts: 40
M.O.C. #19709
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Which generator to buy
We have a 2017 3791RD, I would like to get a small generator just to charge my 2 Optima batteries when the unit is in storage and the wife wants to run all 5 slides out. I used to just plug the unit in to my old truck which was gas and I would just let the truck idle. We now have a new 2019 Silverado 3500 DRW diesel and I was told buy the dealer not to let it idle for very long. I looked at a Generac GP 2200i generator which came with oil and the DC cables but I am not sure if it would charge my 2 batteries.
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05-04-2020, 12:54 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,774
M.O.C. #12947
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Any generator will work, but I would plug the generator in with the AC power cable and let the converter do the work.
__________________
Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
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05-04-2020, 02:31 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,663
M.O.C. #2283
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Look at a Harbor Freight 2200 watt. I think they are about $500.
Lynwood
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05-04-2020, 06:09 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred S.
We have a 2017 3791RD, I would like to get a small generator just to charge my 2 Optima batteries when the unit is in storage and the wife wants to run all 5 slides out. I used to just plug the unit in to my old truck which was gas and I would just let the truck idle. We now have a new 2019 Silverado 3500 DRW diesel and I was told buy the dealer not to let it idle for very long. I looked at a Generac GP 2200i generator which came with oil and the DC cables but I am not sure if it would charge my 2 batteries.
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Re idle on a diesel this is what your dealer may have been referring to "
In any case, letting your diesel idle for anything more than a short duration is a bad idea because while the engine will use little fuel, what fuel it does burn will not combust completely because the operating temperature is too low. ... The best rule is, if you're not underway, turn off the engines.
If idling a diesel for long periods of time would harm the motor mine would have been toast a long time ago.
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05-04-2020, 08:00 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2017
Location: new caney
Posts: 1,050
M.O.C. #19873
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Quote:
Originally Posted by richfaa
Re idle on a diesel this is what your dealer may have been referring to "
In any case, letting your diesel idle for anything more than a short duration is a bad idea because while the engine will use little fuel, what fuel it does burn will not combust completely because the operating temperature is too low. ... The best rule is, if you're not underway, turn off the engines.
If idling a diesel for long periods of time would harm the motor mine would have been toast a long time ago.
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Even though i idle my truck quite a bit, Cummins does not recommend idling very long with out using the idle control which the Rams have and probably others also at least on the later model trucks. I have regular idle and 2 more steps up which i believe is around 1100 and 1500 rpm's. In hot weather this also allows the a/c to cool better.
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05-05-2020, 08:28 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Texan
Even though i idle my truck quite a bit, Cummins does not recommend idling very long with out using the idle control which the Rams have and probably others also at least on the later model trucks. I have regular idle and 2 more steps up which i believe is around 1100 and 1500 rpm's. In hot weather this also allows the a/c to cool better.
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Yes on the idle control.
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05-05-2020, 10:18 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Menifee
Posts: 1,109
M.O.C. #22986
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Quote:
Originally Posted by richfaa
Yes on the idle control.
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on GM is that labeled as elevated idle?
Tony
__________________
2018 3920fb 2020 GMC Denali 3500 4x4 Duramax, 10 speed Allison. LB SRW, Firestone air bags with Airlift wireless onboard compressor. Anderson Ultimate Hitch. MX4 folding cover. 50gal titan in bed transfer tank. Onan 6500 lp genset installed by me ! Had: 2 HF 3500 Inverters with Parallel Kit
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05-05-2020, 11:55 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bastrop
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #20753
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Last2Die
on GM is that labeled as elevated idle?
Tony
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On Fords it is High Idle
__________________
Mocha, one-eyed toothless, hurricane survivor, Pirate dog
2019 20th Anniversary Edition 3701LK
B&W 20K for Ford OEM Puck
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat CCLB PSD DRW KJ5CQH
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05-04-2020, 06:23 PM
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#9
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Established Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Harrisburg
Posts: 40
M.O.C. #19709
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[QUOTE=Fred S.;1182396]We have a 2017 3791RD, I would like to get a small generator just to charge my 2 Optima batteries when the unit is in storage and the wife wants to run all 5 slides out. I used to just plug the unit in to my old truck which was gas and I would just let the truck idle. We now have a new 2019 Silverado 3500 DRW diesel and I was told buy the dealer not to let it idle for very long. I looked at a Generac GP 2200i generator which came with oil and the DC cables but I am not sure if it would charge my 2 batteries.[/QUOTE ]Thanks for the replys
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05-04-2020, 06:26 PM
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#10
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Established Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Harrisburg
Posts: 40
M.O.C. #19709
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Thanks for the reply. rohrmann do you mean to plug the RV power cable into the generator.
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05-04-2020, 07:52 PM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2017
Location: new caney
Posts: 1,050
M.O.C. #19873
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred S.
Thanks for the reply. rohrmann do you mean to plug the RV power cable into the generator.
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I'm not Bob but i think he did mean to just plug rv power supply directly into the generator. Doing this allows the generator to power the converter that charges the battery. Of course you will need a reducer from 50 amp. I go from 50 amp to 30 amp down to 20 amp.
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05-04-2020, 08:06 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2017
Location: new caney
Posts: 1,050
M.O.C. #19873
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[QUOTE=Fred S.;1182433]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred S.
We have a 2017 3791RD, I would like to get a small generator just to charge my 2 Optima batteries when the unit is in storage and the wife wants to run all 5 slides out. I used to just plug the unit in to my old truck which was gas and I would just let the truck idle. We now have a new 2019 Silverado 3500 DRW diesel and I was told buy the dealer not to let it idle for very long. I looked at a Generac GP 2200i generator which came with oil and the DC cables but I am not sure if it would charge my 2 batteries.[/QUOTE ]Thanks for the replys
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The 2200 watt will charge your battery's with no problem. I have a 2000 watt honda and i plug my rv supply in to it and it keeps my 2 trojan 6-volts charged through the converter with out any problem.
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05-04-2020, 06:53 PM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bastrop
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #20753
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What just got was a HB 7watt Solar panel and 100 amp controller. Someone forgot to pull the battery disconnect blade for 3 days. batteries are down but not totally. Will look at it tomorrow to check battery voltage. With the batteries disconnected this may be able to replace the current used for operating the slides.
__________________
Mocha, one-eyed toothless, hurricane survivor, Pirate dog
2019 20th Anniversary Edition 3701LK
B&W 20K for Ford OEM Puck
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat CCLB PSD DRW KJ5CQH
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05-04-2020, 07:53 PM
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#14
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 4,081
M.O.C. #20477
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If your going to buy a genny, I will always recommend spending a few more bucks to buy Honda.
__________________
Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL
"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
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05-04-2020, 10:51 PM
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#15
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Established Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Sterling heights
Posts: 14
M.O.C. #26086
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Yup honda gennys the best little more in money. They very quiet. I have Honda 3000is. 16-18 hours on 3.5 gals. Of gas
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05-04-2020, 08:55 PM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Carson City
Posts: 2,017
M.O.C. #21963
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If that's all you need I would consider a Honda 1000. 29 pounds and it is a true sine wave generator meaning it produces high quality electrical power.
__________________
2016 3160, Legacy, Sailuns, Splendide 2100 xc vented, 1 1/2" axle lift blocks, disk brakes. 2014 Ram 3500 SRW SWB 4X4 6.7 Aisin Mega Cab, EBC slotted disks and brakes, Titan fuel tank.
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05-04-2020, 09:19 PM
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#17
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: JB MDL
Posts: 73
M.O.C. #26041
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Generac is also a great gen., I have roughly 200 hours on mine and still running strong. I use it to power my 2015 310RET, and whatever else I want. Now obviously I'm not running the two A/C"s, but it's great for keeping batteries maintained, furnace, water heater and tv. If your looking to save a few bucks and get a great unit, check out factorypure. They sale reman inverter gen's and include a warranty.
Happy travels and stay safe
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05-04-2020, 10:25 PM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Rancho Santa Margarita
Posts: 633
M.O.C. #13025
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If you are looking to keep your batteries charged while in storage, the best thing to do is to remove the negative cable from your battery after you are fully charged and in storage. Even better is to get a switch. The battery disconnect in your trailer does not disconnect
ALL power. If you think you will boondock and want to run your AC then get 2 Harbor Freight 2200 watt Predator generators or a single 3500 watt Predator. Several on this forum have these generators and all I hear are good reviews, including myself.
__________________
Russ and Linda, So. California
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD, D/A, SRW, SB
2005 2955RL, Pullrite Superglide 16K hitch. Bridgestone Duravis R500 tires. EZ Flex Equilizers with wet bolts.EMS HW50C, Disk brakes
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05-10-2020, 01:27 PM
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#19
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: EAST HAMPTON
Posts: 59
M.O.C. #23030
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Champion are decent generators. Also, do not idle diesel truck engines because according to Caterpillar, it causes "slobering" which causes the engine oil to be contaminated with diesel fuel. That is why all manufacturers offer a fast idle option.
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05-12-2020, 12:44 PM
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#20
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Independence
Posts: 67
M.O.C. #8879
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Generators
I have a Honda 3000 is and it is mounted on the rear of my RV where the connections are. Question???? Do you really want a generator running under the bedroom while you are sleeping?????
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