Generator Size

[wdspain]

Hi,

My first post on the

[JDS]

Originally Posted by wdspain

Hi,

My first post on the

You might want to try again.

John S.

[wdspain]

Just purchased my first Airstream last month (2014 International Signature 30) and looking into buying a generator. I have 50 amp service with dual 15,000 BTU air conditioners / 30,000 BTU furnace, 8 cu ft fridge, 1,000 watt microwave, two LCD TV's, stereo, etc. Just want to be able to power everything comfortable (using only one AC). Any suggestions, advice for this newby would greatfully be appreciated

wdspain

[DKB_SATX]

If you promise you'll only run one AC at a time, one of the quiet 3kw inverter-based generators (Honda or Yamaha) will be fine, or one of the paired 2kw setups. If you wanted to run both ACs, water heater and fridge on electric, you'd need a big sucker in blue or red. At first the price of the well-made, quiet inverter-based generators may offend your sensibilities, but spend a little time near one of the cheap contractor-grade units in operation and you'll pony up for an inverter-based unit. My personal choice is the Yamaha EF3000iSEB, but that was mainly because the deal fell in my lap. I had been planning on a paired set for ease of handling.

[Lumatic]

A regular construction type generator will drive you and anybody around you nuts with the noise. The expensive alternative is an inverter type genny. The most popular is Honda 2000si. For one AC you will need 2 of these hooked up parallel. This will run my 13.5K Penguin. I am not sure if it will handle a 15k. You probably could not use the microwave at the same time as the AC. Honda does make bigger and heavier inverter gennys that throw out more juice and are still reasonably quiet. Yamaha also makes inverter generators which have a good reputation. There are also some off brands on the market. Another advantage to the inverter gens is they put out a cleaner current that is more compatable with electronics,

[Moflash]

2 Honda 2000's in parallel run my 15k unit just fine.I could not ask for a better fit for my use.

[dbl0svn]

Originally Posted by wdspain

Just purchased my first Airstream last month (2014 International Signature 30) and looking into buying a generator. I have 50 amp service with dual 15,000 BTU air conditioners / 30,000 BTU furnace, 8 cu ft fridge, 1,000 watt microwave, two LCD TV's, stereo, etc. Just want to be able to power everything comfortable (using only one AC). Any suggestions, advice for this newbie would gratefully be appreciated

wdspain

A 5500 watt generator will run all 50amps.

[F450Harley]

"..... I have 50 amp service with dual 15,000 BTU air conditioners / 30,000 BTU furnace, 8 cu ft fridge, 1,000 watt microwave, two LCD TV's, stereo, etc. Just want to be able to power everything comfortable (using only one AC). Any suggestions......."

To be user friendly at campgrounds, your noise level need to be under 60 db hence Honda EUi series or Yamaha. Bi-Fuel WHISPER QUIET Honda EU3000iS PORTABLE GENERATOR will not even power it all but one AC without the microwave (at AC compressor start point). The only quiet campground user friendly option left in my opinion is EU 6500iS honda (Yamaha stops at 3500). Highly efficient & below 60db but heavy, @ 250LB you need a pickup and requires two to lift or motorized it with a ramp. You probably can get away with one AC except if in the hot Arizona type of weather. Need to balance your power need with ability to haul heavy gen. Best wishes.

Originally Posted by wdspain

Just purchased my first Airstream last month (2014 International Signature 30) and looking into buying a generator. I have 50 amp service with dual 15,000 BTU air conditioners / 30,000 BTU furnace, 8 cu ft fridge, 1,000 watt microwave, two LCD TV's, stereo, etc. Just want to be able to power everything comfortable (using only one AC). Any suggestions, advice for this newbie would gratefully be appreciated

wdspain

[ROBERT CROSS]

IMHO.....Two Honda 2000is. Quiet,clean & portable.
When you want to run the,(one), AC & watch tv, fire 'em both up in parallel.
With careful loading one will take care of most of your 120v AC needs.

Remember, if your not a boondocker, you can always "camp" with full hook-ups, the genset then becomes moot.

Bob

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by F450Harley

~~
The only quiet campground user friendly option left in my opinion is EU 6500iS honda (Yamaha stops at 3500).
~~

Correction. Yamaha stops at 6300 with the EF6300iSDE. I linked to it in my previous post.

[F450Harley]

DBK,
I stand corrected, thanks for the update on Yamaha EFS6300iSDE.

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

Correction. Yamaha stops at 6300 with the EF6300iSDE. I linked to it in my previous post.

[Condoluminum]

And for some additional clarification.. Many owners by a pair of Honda 2000's since they are easier to lift or move around than a 3000 or 4000 watt generator.. If you are going to semi-permanently mount it in the bed of a pickup truck the single heavier unit is likely to be better choice.. On 30 Amp trailers, Airstream wires circuitry so that A/C and Microwave shouldn't be running at same time, as those together (with startup load on A/C compressor..) can exceed 30 Amp load and blow main breaker..

[wdspain]

Thanks to all for the great info. Called Airstream's customer service and they recommended a minimum of a 4k gen and said it would only run one (AC -one unit or hot water heater & pump or microwave) with the stereo, tv, etc. They recommended the Honda EU6500is. They also told me that all newer Airstream's with 50 amp service that have "Remote Generator Ready" must use the regular 50 amp hookup as there is not a 2nd receptacle in the front part of the trailer.