Generator Help from the Braintrust

[1TexasPatriot]

I want to properly size a generator for a travel trailer. I want to be able to run A/C, TV, Microwave when needed and the fridge of course.

So, what size? I know nothing about portable power. Help! Suggestions on mfgs would be helpful.

Thanks!

[bentlimbs]

Volts x amps = watts. Look on your appliance and see what amperage it uses when operating. Example- fridge uses 6 amps, a.c. 11 amps, microwave 7 amps and t.v. 1 amp. (These are just examples and not true values). You have 25 amps if all are in use at same time. 120 volts x 25 amps= 3000 watts. A 3500 watt generator would be good.

[houhunter]

This

^^^^

[Stan R]

Most trailers have either a 30 or 50 amp service. Get enough generator to power the max your trailer has. I used a 5 kw but as said above the 3500 should be fine.

[bboswell]

My Honda 5500 will NOT do what your asking. In fact if I run microwave, Fridge, & TV the 30 main will kick when the AC kicks in even if I'm plugged in to the power pole.

I would consider 5500 as your minimum and then be prepared to turn off the AC when using, microwave. hairdryer, curling iron etc.

[clintb]

My 5600 powers my whole trailer at once with no problem. My 3600 would not

[DarrellS]

Always better to upsize some. Things tend to not last long if run at 100% capacity.

[miket]

Theoretically the 3500watt should work but it doesnt real world. Real world I would go 5000w absolute min if you are using the regular 30a travel trailer plug ( and accompanying breaker )( I suggest 5500 ). I had bad luck with a 2 week old briggs and stratton generator ( the whole generator was briggs, not just the motor) during Ike. It only ran for 2 days before the generating head crapped out. Motor ran great. I have heard many great things about Generac and thats what I replaced it with. If money is not an issue go with these brands, in this order: Honda, Honda, Honda. If money is an issue ( like me ) I recommend Generac. ( this list is not all inclusive because I dont have experience with ALL the other brands, just some )

[1TexasPatriot]

Thanks guys! Man, it take a few of.us to load a 5600 generator. I'm going to do some shopping around. See what I can find for deal....during hurricane season

[kfd82]

Thanks guys! Man, it take a few of.us to load a 5600 generator. I'm going to do some shopping around. See what I can find for deal....during hurricane season

I have a 5000 watt generator and it weighs about 200 pounds. I can get it on and off my lowboy trailer by myself. If I had to load it in the back of the truck it would take 2 people or some redneck engineering.

[TexaswBOWhunter]

My trailer has a 4K generator installed for what is considered a 30a set up.... I had a lot of problems with this generator, spent money having it worked on. So I bought 2 of the Honda 2000i generators and use them coupled together for a total of 3600 watts. I can run the entire trailer on 3600 watts with normal use, that being said I have 3 girls, so when the hair dryers get going, the A/C is on and the microwave gets used it will trip... Only happened once, so now they can't use the microwave while drying hair

[clintb]

My trailer has a 4K generator installed for what is considered a 30a set up.... I had a lot of problems with this generator, spent money having it worked on. So I bought 2 of the Honda 2000i generators and use them coupled together for a total of 3600 watts. I can run the entire trailer on 3600 watts with normal use, that being said I have 3 girls, so when the hair dryers get going, the A/C is on and the microwave gets used it will trip... Only happened once, so now they can't use the microwave while drying hair

With my 5600 I can run all those things and everything else at the same time with no tripping

[1TexasPatriot]

With my 5600 I can run all those things and everything else at the same time with no tripping

Yeah but doesn't that thing weigh a ton? I want something that will do what we need, (nobody in my family uses a blow drier btw, my wife is outta the shower, a little gell in the hair, and off)

So we're talking 30A service, fridge, two tv's, two dvd players, A/C most important of all and occasional Nuke use.

[TexaswBOWhunter]

With my 5600 I can run all those things and everything else at the same time with no tripping

I am sure you can, however I don't mind the inconvenience of them not using the hair dryer at the same time as the microwave with the A/C running... And it's a real plus in the winter as I only need one Gen as not using the air its not needed and I can throw it in the truck with my overnight bag

[TexaswBOWhunter]

Yeah but doesn't that thing weigh a ton? I want something that will do what we need, (nobody in my family uses a blow drier btw, my wife is outta the shower, a little gell in the hair, and off)

So we're talking 30A service, fridge, two tv's, two dvd players, A/C most important of all and occasional Nuke use.

There is a good way to know exactly what you need, plug the trailer up to shore power, turn everything on and put an amp meter on the main feed hot leg. I would bet its no more than 26amps, which equates to just under 3200watts... If you want to make sure..