Optimum size of generator for 2017 30' Classic

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by dechampion

We bought it to use in the very rare times when we do not have full hook-ups and in case of an emergency. So far we only have used it with the AS when parked at the ocean where the sound of the waves drown out any noise from the generator :-) and we only use it very rarely (e.g., to use the microwave) because the solar panels that came with the Classic keep the batteries charged for everything else. I also found that it doesn't make more noise than the generators in the large motorhomes . . . and I use mine less than they do. I know there are generators that make less noise, but for the price, the limited circumstances in which I will use it, and wanting it in case of the unexpected, this was a good choice.

Understand; some times the older MH's do also have noisy generators...I have talked with a few folks who are inside running loud generators on the older models, who are not aware their even running...turned on for a MW and just left it on. Also, many folks go for the cost and the "occasional use", or just never considered the difference in noise of these industrial generators, which are much louder typically. Many parks limit use to certain area campsites now, and some don't allow at all. Below is a chart I have posted in the past, including the one you have shown in bold.

Honda EU2000i 1600-2000w 47lbs 53-59dbs

Yamaha EF2000i 1600-2000w 44lbs 51.5dbs

Champion 73536i 2000 1700-2000w 48lbs 53dbs

Briggs & Straton P2200 1700-2200w 55lbs 59dbs

Preditor (Harbor Freight) 3500 3500 W 99lbs 57dbs

Champion Dual Fuel 3400 3400W 95lbs 59dbs

Champion Dual Fuel 3500W (model 4375) 105lbs 68dbs

[dechampion]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Understand; some times the older MH's do also have noisy generators...I have talked with a few folks who are inside running loud generators on the older models, who are not aware their even running...turned on for a MW and just left it on. Also, many folks go for the cost and the "occasional use", or just never considered the difference in noise of these industrial generators, which are much louder typically. Many parks limit use to certain area campsites now, and some don't allow at all. Below is a chart I have posted in the past, including the one you have shown in bold.

Honda EU2000i 1600-2000w 47lbs 53-59dbs

Yamaha EF2000i 1600-2000w 44lbs 51.5dbs

Champion 73536i 2000 1700-2000w 48lbs 53dbs

Briggs & Straton P2200 1700-2200w 55lbs 59dbs

Preditor (Harbor Freight) 3500 3500 W 99lbs 57dbs

Champion Dual Fuel 3400 3400W 95lbs 59dbs

Champion Dual Fuel 3500W (model 4375) 105lbs 68dbs

That's a great list. I'm new to the Airstream world having decided against another Class A motorhome. If I find that we start boondocking, I'll likely opt for a pair of the Hondas. On a completely unrelated note, I see you split your time between Austin and Montana. We just moved back to Kansas City from Austin and are going to visit Montana this Summer. By chance have you posted any suggestions on places to see and camp in Montana? Thanks for the advice.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by dechampion

That's a great list. I'm new to the Airstream world having decided against another Class A motorhome. If I find that we start boondocking, I'll likely opt for a pair of the Hondas. On a completely unrelated note, I see you split your time between Austin and Montana. We just moved back to Kansas City from Austin and are going to visit Montana this Summer. By chance have you posted any suggestions on places to see and camp in Montana? Thanks for the advice.

No; all the campgrounds are full, so please stay away till November! (Just kidding)….of course there are several great places to visit in MT and neighboring states...All the parks are wonderful, if you can get a camp spot....that seems to be the biggest problem last 5 years since they started allowing advance registration. Many folks "reserve" a campsite 6 months out now, even though they may not show up. in the major parks. There are many campgrounds in and around Glacier Park on both East and West entrance which are commercial, so you pay more, but you can still visit Glacier Going to the Sun road if you can't get a spot in the park. There are also many campgrounds around in neighboring Idaho, WA, if you take Highway 2. Also like Canada...Glacier on steroids in many areas...very busy in all these areas, so good to plan ahead.

[CanyonMan]

Originally Posted by drbrick

With our Int'l 25 we can basically run everything that requires power (within reason ) with our Champion 3400 Dual Fuel .. and it's a lot less expensive than the Honda

We have a winner! The easy start is $300+cost of generator. Buy the Champion for ~$800 and save time , money and the aggravation of having too small a generator.
CanyonMan

[Overstreet]

Originally Posted by drbrick

With our Int'l 25 we can basically run everything that requires power (within reason ) with our Champion 3400 Dual Fuel .. and it's a lot less expensive than the Honda

Ditto...

[uncle_bob]

Hi

One AC unit will pull close to 15A when chugging along (easy start of whatever). It may pull a bit more, it might pull a bit less depending on conditions. The charger / converter in a Classic is (according to Airstream) likely to pull 8A. That gets you to 23A under pretty minimal conditions. 23A at 120V is 2760 W. That is watts and not volt amps. It's also not surge watts or peak watts or known only to marketing guys watts.

Why the point about the "type of watts?". Inverters, generators and some other stuff generally have multiple ratings on them. A "2200" generator might be rated at 2200 VA, 2000 peak watts (for < 15 seconds) and 1600 watts for normal running. The number you need to look at is that last one, not the one in big bold print in the ad. Simply put, the number that matters is the *smallest* number on the list.....

Now, indeed if you disconnect the converter / charger, you can fire up just the AC. If you wait for the batteries to "fill up" you also can get away with power just for the AC. For most of us, "pull in and start cooling" is the more normal way to go.

Lots of fun

Bob

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Why in the world would you use an Industrial generator while camping??

They're cheap.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

They're cheap.

Hi

They're cheap and the owner's entire family is to drunk to notice

Bob

[rmkrum]

And the other fun thing is that the air conditioning takes more power when it’s hot outside, and at the same time the inverter generator generally puts out a bit less power under those circumstances.

Add a bit of altitude to the equation, run propane only, and pretty soon you are rapidly sliding the wrong way on the power output curve of the generator in question.

Because all of this is rather hard to predict in advance, and, as uncle_bob rightfully points out, the smallest of the numbers will rule the day when you are trying to keep stuff running.

A bit (or a whole lot) of overkill on generator ratings is a good idea. Hence a 3400 Champion Dual fuel for my 30 amp rig. At least once I get that beast loaded into the truck I can run it from there...and DW will be happy.