Which generator to buy

[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.

[rohrmann]

Any generator will work, but I would plug the generator in with the AC power cable and let the converter do the work.

[mlh]

Look at a Harbor Freight 2200 watt. I think they are about $500.
Lynwood

[richfaa]

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.

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.

[Fred S.]

[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

[Fred S.]

Thanks for the reply. rohrmann do you mean to plug the RV power cable into the generator.

[jeffba]

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.

[Texan]

Originally Posted by Fred S.

Thanks for the reply. rohrmann do you mean to plug the RV power cable into the generator.

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.

[AZ Traveler]

If your going to buy a genny, I will always recommend spending a few more bucks to buy Honda.

[Texan]

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.

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.

[Texan]

[QUOTE=Fred S.;1182433]

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

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.

[Montana Man]

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.

[ChaseTX]

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

[h2ojocky]

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.

[KJDP2448]

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

[richfaa]

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.

Yes on the idle control.

[Last2Die]

Originally Posted by richfaa

Yes on the idle control.

on GM is that labeled as elevated idle?

Tony

[jeffba]

Originally Posted by Last2Die

on GM is that labeled as elevated idle?

Tony

On Fords it is High Idle

[Fred S.]

Thank you everyone for all the replies.
The wife will be happy to know that she can run an air conditioner while cleaning.

[Dave10]

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.