What Can I Run on This Generator

[masterdrago]

I was looking at a few generators that have somewhat long run times. Without knowing how much wattage the converter uses it's difficult to know what other loads I can run at the same time - microwave, TV (Receiver & Dish Wally), etc. I can run the furnace or water heater on propane and 12vdc (via converter). Just not sure how much the converter will use of the available 1800 watts from this generator - https://a-ipower.com/product/sua2300...ine-generator/.


I've read somewhere that the standard large (5k-11k watt) generators that are sold at all the big box stores like the Champion, Wen, Craftsman (non-inverter) will destroy the electronics in microwaves, modern refrigerators & TVs. What can anyone add to that?

[Montana Man]

A generator of this size will run a trailer except for the a/c. It won't run everything at once but you can manage what is running. You should as you said use propane where you can. I would consider a name brand of generator such as Honda, Yamaha, etc. Yes, they cost more but there are reasons, many unseen, that account for that. Knockoffs cut corners to cut the price but that is ok for some folks. You can get auxiliary fuel tanks to extend run times as well.

[Creeker]

Your converter/charger amp draw is variable depending on how much it needs to charge batteries and how many 12V appliances you are running. The max our PD 9260 can pull is 1000 watts. I suspect yours to be around the same.

Our microwave in the camper is 1600 watts by itself. As you can see things add up quickly. I would opt for a larger generator but definitely stay with an inverter style genny. Your not going to beat the Honda Inverters.

[BB_TX]

The so called contractor generators are designed to run at a constant speed of 3,600 rpm to generate 60 hz ac power. But, like any internal combustion engine, the speed can vary somewhat leading to slight variations in frequency and voltage.

The inverter generators run a variable speeds depending on load, low load equal slower speed, higher load equal higher speed. But because of how they create the final power thru an inverter, that power is pretty much a constant voltage and frequency, meaning "cleaner" power.

I know many do use contractor type generators, but with the electronics in these rigs, I would opt for an inverter generator.

[masterdrago]

I've got one of the larger Champion brands that did a good job running the two a/c units last power outage. I do not recall running the microwave but the Samsung reefer had no issues and I'm sure that we ran our sticks & bricks 50" TV, Denon receiver, Dish Hopper, etc off it without issues. But recently I've read that these types of generators can cause issues. Just wondering the experience of others.


I'm guessing that most consumer electronics like Samsung refrigerators and TVs have fair filtering power supplies within them.

[Montana Man]

A person can use old oil in an engine and hope that a good filter will make it all good. Much like poor electrical power, both will work but what is being damaged in the process? Certain tools and equipment run fine on contractor style generators because of how they operate. Finer electronics not so. It gets technical but researching the concept of pure sine wave power will explain it better than I can. Be aware some cheaper brand generators make their product sound like pure sine when in fact they are not.

[masterdrago]

Originally Posted by Montana Man

A person can use old oil in an engine and hope that a good filter will make it all good. Much like poor electrical power, both will work but what is being damaged in the process? Certain tools and equipment run fine on contractor style generators because of how they operate. Finer electronics not so. It gets technical but researching the concept of pure sine wave power will explain it better than I can. Be aware some cheaper brand generators make their product sound like pure sine when in fact they are not.

Well, isn't that just nifty - old oil and filters. Sounds like a lot of gobldegoop to me. So the only way to know if a generator is putting out pure sine wave is to have the know how and equipment to measure it. That's mostly above my pay grade. Most of the time we get what we pay for but not always. While I was searching for a generator, I saw the Honda recall on the model where the inverter shorted and caught fire.



So whatever I do is a gamble when it gets to 11 degrees, branches fall, kill power and I'm forced to hide in my 5r running it on external power. Either a 6,000 watt Champion (old, non inverter general purpose) here in my garage right now, or something I go get today at Sam's, HD, Lowes, etc, that has that inverter name in the description. Still not sure how much watts to bring home to run reefer, converter (lights, furnace) and maybe TV and possibly the microwave. Could do without that microwave since we have the gas stove and oven to cook with.

[bcrvman]

Originally Posted by masterdrago

Well, isn't that just nifty - old oil and filters. Sounds like a lot of gobldegoop to me. So the only way to know if a generator is putting out pure sine wave is to have the know how and equipment to measure it. That's mostly above my pay grade. Most of the time we get what we pay for but not always. While I was searching for a generator, I saw the Honda recall on the model where the inverter shorted and caught fire.



So whatever I do is a gamble when it gets to 11 degrees, branches fall, kill power and I'm forced to hide in my 5r running it on external power. Either a 6,000 watt Champion (old, non inverter general purpose) here in my garage right now, or something I go get today at Sam's, HD, Lowes, etc, that has that inverter name in the description. Still not sure how much watts to bring home to run reefer, converter (lights, furnace) and maybe TV and possibly the microwave. Could do without that microwave since we have the gas stove and oven to cook with.

A simple but expensive way to estimate what you need is to get a generator that puts out the same power that a park post does. If you think you need full 2x50A service then a 12,000 watt genny is needed. However if you can run everything on a 30A hookup then 3,600W will work. I use a pair of Honda EU2000 that use a special adapter to couple them together giving me a full 30A or 3,600W. That means I have to limit my AC1 to 15A while using the washer or dryer and no AC or water heater electric or electric fireplace. However, I have the advantage of a hybrid inverter and 400AH of Lithium to provide an extra 20A on AC1 should I need to use the coffee maker, microwave or kettle.
I would not buy a contractor genny or a cheap inverter model, stick with Yamaha or Honda.

[R.S.O'Donnell]

This is our genny. Says right on it not to exceed 25A.

It's been a real lifesaver. One caveat is the spark arrestor clogged up, fouled the plug, and shut down dead in the middle of the night in a rest area in the sweltering Texas heat. There was some swearing until I figured out what it was (YouTube). The entire spark arrestor was left in a trash can. Been 100% dependable ever since.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3500-w...tor-63584.html

[mlh]

Originally Posted by R.S.O'Donnell

This is our genny. Says right on it not to exceed 25A.

It's been a real lifesaver. One caveat is the spark arrestor clogged up, fouled the plug, and shut down dead in the middle of the night in a rest area in the sweltering Texas heat. There was some swearing until I figured out what it was (YouTube). The entire spark arrestor was left in a trash can. Been 100% dependable ever since.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3500-w...tor-63584.html

I have a 3000 watt Honda, great generator but if I bought another generator it would be the Harbor Freight, great generator.
Lynwood

[bshgto]

I went thru this dilemma of how big issue. Started with one Yamaha 2000 watt went well for the small tag along camper at the time then moved up to a small 5er and bought another Yamaha to parallel with to run the single A/C, Had to micro manage power consumption to keep from over loading the generators which was a pain with an active wife in the kitchen. With her and trying to run the microwave and watch the tv, the hair drier, small heater in the bath room for her showers it got to be a real pain to keep track of what was on and what was not. Then the converter kicks on when it wants to for the lights and battery charger so this draws up to 8 amps.
Then we bought the Beast with 2 A/C`s and the Gens ran at mostly full bore and nothing else. The wife complaining "what no hair drier? for how long?"..."wait I`ll turn off one of the Air conditioners". Then keeping up with filling the small gas tanks all the time in the dark with a flash light in the rain.
That was it for me so I decided to go big or go home. And installed these permanently in front of the Aux tank. Ran a 50 amp cord to the front of the camper with a transfer switch for fail safe use. I don`t even think about power management any more and they are really quiet running on propane so no filling gas tanks anymore in the middle of the night, in the rain with a flash light. So now when she asks the about the hair drier I just say "yes dear" like a good husband.
It`s almost like you never have enough power for some situations or stinking hot weather in a Walmart parking lot or out in the middle of nowhere.
So think big..... to much is always better. Just ask my wife.

[ToolMan]

I use the Honda 2300w inverter generators. The recall is due to allowing water, in particular salt water to get inside and causing corrosion. I can run my a/c on one unit if I turn off the auto idle. Probably not great for either unit so not often. Usually couple 2 together and I can run most anything I want. Another thing to keep in mind, most campgrounds will not allow contractor generators due to the noise, and if they do allow them you won't make any camper friends.

[Carl n Susan]

I use a Honda 2000i and it runs lights, TV, Stereo, DirecTV receiver, DVD sound system, phone chargers, converter, and low draw 120V devices. The heater, water heater, and refer are all on 12V. It will not run the microwave, AC or a hair dryer (if anything else is running at the same time).

[mlh]

That looks like a nice inverter generator. There are several made like it. They are all clones of the Honda. You should be able to get a parallel kit and run two at the same time doubling the wattage output. You probably can get it to run your ac with a soft start but that is all it will run. Harbor Freight makes a 3500 watt that is nice. It weighs about a hundred pounds and cost $850. I have a 3000 watt Honda that cost $1000. It now cost over $2000. I wouldn’t buy another but it is a great generator.
You do wont an inverter and not a standard generator. Your electronic equipment will thank you for that. Also everything now days has a electronic board in it.
Lynwood

[masterdrago]

Originally Posted by mlh

That looks like a nice inverter generator. There are several made like it. They are all clones of the Honda. You should be able to get a parallel kit and run two at the same time doubling the wattage output. You probably can get it to run your ac with a soft start but that is all it will run. Harbor Freight makes a 3500 watt that is nice. It weighs about a hundred pounds and cost $850. I have a 3000 watt Honda that cost $1000. It now cost over $2000. I wouldn’t buy another but it is a great generator.
Lynwood

I ditched Honda things after paying extra for the label few years back and had issues with warranty claim on a high pressure washer.

[BB_TX]

It is actually more than just about a pure sine wave. Just as important is maintaining the proper voltage level and frequency. And that is where the inverter generator had a major advantage over a contractor generator. A contractor generator can produce a pure sine wave, but unless it runs at exactly 3,600 rpm it will not be exactly 60 hertz.

[432bartman]

You should look at the newer dual fuel inverter generators, which allow you to run gas or propane. Champion makes a very nice one, which is 3400 watts for $1,000.00. I think Westinghouse has one too. I know Honda has been the top brand, but there are many other good companies out there now making great quality generators for a better price.

[GreG L.]

I bought the Champion 3400, dual fuel, inverter for my last trailer and it worked very well. We used it so much that when we bought the new trailer we opted for a factory install for several reasons, mainly to be able to run it in storage while running back and forth getting ready to leave (cooling down both the trailer and the refrigerator) without having to worry about it being stolen.

[DutchmenSport]

They are not cheap, but they sure are good: Click here. and if you get 2 of them and run in parallel, you can run everything (50 amp service) in your camper at the same time.... 2 air conditioners, microwave, electric water heater, electric fire place, electric refrigerator, hair dryer .... all at the same time.

One by itself, runs everything that any 30 amp shore power service will run. Power management with only 1, same as plugging into shore power.

Consider what you purchase before you settle for something less to save a dollar.

[nellie1289]

I got two of these generators at costco when they had them for only $399. Run them in parallel, its a great generator. I keep one in my atv trailer and might take one along in the montana if I ever think i might need it, or can parallel them for the montana. I have a onan on board the Montana, but can attest, that generator is a GREAT little generator! Costco's "sale" price at $399 is so unreal!


https://www.costco.com/a-ipower-powe...100653776.html