Generator Size?

[BrandonH]

I'm about to build a small 16'x28' cabin with upstairs lofts. I will eventually have power ran to the property, but for now will rely on a generator. I need to buy a generator this week, so I want to make sure I get the right size. The cabin will have the normal lights, TV, water heater, a/c, range/oven, fridge, and any other small appliances. I have not purchased any of the larger appliances, so don't have any numbers to go by in order to calculate wattage needed. Any ideas on what size I will need?

Thanks,
Brandon

[bboswell]

City water or well?

All electric or gas stove, water heater etc?

[BrandonH]

City water or well?

All electric or gas stove, water heater etc?

All electric...and water will be fed on demand from large totes.

[125Dad]

How big of panel do you have ? But if I'm guessing I would say nothing smaller then a 240 volt 100 amp.

If you plan to run the cabin with turning this off to run that kinda plan.

[az2tx]

running ac/stove/oven/refrig/water htr all at the same time you will be lucky if 10k will do it

[Todd-ty729]

All electric...and water will be fed on demand from large totes.

You have a pump for the totes?

BTW, you are going to need a big genset.

You wanting portable or set in place unit?

You should really consider propane appliances.

[BrandonH]

I plan on using a portable unit for now. I will have electric ran sometime within the year, so I'd rather not spend a fortune on a generator. Since I will be running permanent electricity I'm not sure it would be worth it setting up for gas appliances. I guess I could use the larger propane gas containers like on an rv. This cabin will only be used on the weekends and not every weekend at that.

[brownchristian]

100 amps x 240 v = 24,000 watts.

You probably don't need one this big but I would say 15 - 20 k watts if you plan to AC, cook, heat, water fridge at the same time.

[BrandonH]

100 amps x 240 v = 24,000 watts.

You probably don't need one this big but I would say 15 - 20 k watts if you plan to AC, cook, heat, water fridge at the same time.

I can learn to manage the electricity needs...I've done it with my 5th wheel before.

[Rudyl]

Interesting thread, I'll be following this one.

[Okiehunter]

Get an on demand propane water heater. I bought one on Amazon for just over $100 and it is GREAT for showers. A Propane refrig is another great option to consider. Use the gen only to run lights and AC. That's my 2 cents.

[Okiehunter]

http://www.amazon.com/EZ-101-Tankles...m/B003327HDK/2

Look at these. Mine is the smallest and it works great for taking a hot shower at the end of a long day.

[BrandonH]

Get an on demand propane water heater. I bought one on Amazon for just over $100 and it is GREAT for showers. A Propane refrig is another great option to consider. Use the gen only to run lights and AC. That's my 2 cents.

Great idea...I will definitely look into it. I thought about buying an rv stove/oven to save space and also tie it into a propane line to save on electricity.

[Tbar]

I have the exact same arrangement you do minus the water heater, a/c, range/oven, fridge and power it with a 8500 watt Miller Bobcat generator/welder. We run a hot plate, coffee pot, microwave, propane Deerborn heater.

[BrandonH]

I have the exact same arrangement you do minus the water heater, a/c, range/oven, fridge and power it with a 8500 watt Miller Bobcat generator/welder. We run a hot plate, coffee pot, microwave, propane Deerborn heater.

Good info.