Thinking about purchasing a diesel generator

[Streamer1]

Since I drive a 2006 F250 Powerstroke, and I am thinking about an auxiliary tank for the pickup truck bed to carry additional diesel, I have been thinking it would be nice to have a generator that used the same fuel as my truck. I could refuel both the truck and the generator from the aux tank in the bed when necessary. Problem is most PORTABLE diesel generators I have come across have continuous wattage maximums of about 6100 watts. This would provide about 25.4 Amps which sounds good, but it ain't the 30 amps needed to power the Airstream. The next size up diesel generator is either a "tow" job or a "stationary" monster. I could easily just go with the two little Honda EU2000s, but was trying to stick with ONE fuel for both tow vehicle and generator. Thoughts anyone?

[ArtStream]

Streamer1


Hi,
Most SOB motorhomes come with a 5000k Genset. The 6100K would be more than enough to run your Airstream, unless you have 2 AC's you want to run both at once, or all your lights, the microwave oven, fridge, furnace and your AC at the same time.



I'd go with the 6100K


Michael

[davidz71]

Originally Posted by Streamer1

Since I drive a 2006 F250 Powerstroke, and I am thinking about an auxiliary tank for the pickup truck bed to carry additional diesel, I have been thinking it would be nice to have a generator that used the same fuel as my truck. I could refuel both the truck and the generator from the aux tank in the bed when necessary. Problem is most PORTABLE diesel generators I have come across have continuous wattage maximums of about 6100 watts. This would provide about 25.4 Amps which sounds good, but it ain't the 30 amps needed to power the Airstream. The next size up diesel generator is either a "tow" job or a "stationary" monster. I could easily just go with the two little Honda EU2000s, but was trying to stick with ONE fuel for both tow vehicle and generator. Thoughts anyone?

My Dometic Penguin 13.5k unit compressor draws 12.4 amps and the fan motor 3.1 amps. I don't know if this is startup or continuous so I would find out what it draws and go from there. My Yamaha EF3000iSEB handles the Penguin just fine but occasionally will kick off the breaker to the Intellipower on initial startup. If I reset it then it does not do it again.

[cosmotini]

25 amps at 120v? Wouldn't that = 3000 watts?

[peegreen]

What's the noise level on that "portable" diesel generator?

[davidz71]

The Yamaha EF3000iSEB has rated current of 23.5 amps and max of 25 amps. If the diesel generator puts out at least that then you should be good to go for your A/C and lighting.

[Streamer1]

Originally Posted by cosmotini

25 amps at 120v? Wouldn't that = 3000 watts?

I believe the calculation is: 6100 watts divided by 240 Volts = 25.4 Amps

[Streamer1]

Originally Posted by peegreen

What's the noise level on that "portable" diesel generator?

75 dba at 7 meters. I am not that concerned with noise level cause it would be used on private property, not a campground situation.

[Streamer1]

Originally Posted by davidz71

The Yamaha EF3000iSEB has rated current of 23.5 amps and max of 25 amps. If the diesel generator puts out at least that then you should be good to go for your A/C and lighting.

Sounds good Craig. So, for Airstreams that use a 30 amp circuit, does this mean you can use a power source that provides LESS than 30 amp power (may not be able to power all requirements) but you cannot use a power source that provides MORE than 30 amps?

[bobkelly]

Streamer-----You used 240v in your calc to determine max amps while the other folks are talking 110v since that is what the AS uses as input from shore power. Maybe that's the difference?

[overlander63]

6100 watts/125 volts =48.8 amps. I think your Airstream can operate on that amperage. We have a 6,000 watt generator that doens't even hiccup when you turn on the air conditioner, microwave, and television at the same time. I suppose we could try turning on a hair dryer, too, but that would probably trip the 30 amp breaker int he coach.

[Streamer1]

Originally Posted by bobkelly

Streamer-----You used 240v in your calc to determine max amps while the other folks are talking 110v since that is what the AS uses as input from shore power. Maybe that's the difference?

Hi Bob. I used 240 Volts cause that's what an engineer at Kubota was using in her calculations. So far I've seen or been informed about 240V, 120V, 110V, and now 125V. My head is spinning!

[Streamer1]

Originally Posted by overlander63

6100 watts/125 volts =48.8 amps. I think your Airstream can operate on that amperage. We have a 6,000 watt generator that doens't even hiccup when you turn on the air conditioner, microwave, and television at the same time. I suppose we could try turning on a hair dryer, too, but that would probably trip the 30 amp breaker int he coach.

Sounds like the coach (AS) electrical ckt is the "weak" link, not the generator's ability to pump out amperage?

[HowieE]

Originally Posted by Streamer1

I have been thinking it would be nice to have a generator that used the same fuel as my truck.

The same fuel idea is worth considering but since I assume you will be using the generator while using the trailer I would suggest you consider a propane generator, less expensive per KW, propane engines will last longer than gas, and a wider varity to select from.

If you look at my site Page 3
you can see how I take propane from the trailer to fuel my truck when I want real power. The same idea could be used to fuel a generator.

Honda and Yamaha both make propane generators in the 3000 watt size that will meet the needs. yes the Airstream has a 30amp service but that does not mean it has to be supplied with 30 amps just to work. I assume your hause has at least a 200 amp 3 phase service but I doubt you ever draw 1/3 of that.

[Streamer1]

Originally Posted by HowieE

The same fuel idea is worth considering but since I assume you will be using the generator while using the trailer I would suggest you consider a propane generator, less expensive per KW, propane engines will last longer than gas, and a wider varity to select from.

If you look at my site Page 3
you can see how I take propane from the trailer to fuel my truck when I want real power. The same idea could be used to fuel a generator.

Honda and Yamaha both make propane generators in the 3000 watt size that will meet the needs. yes the Airstream has a 30amp service but that does not mean it has to be supplied with 30 amps just to work. I assume your hause has at least a 200 amp 3 phase service but I doubt you ever draw 1/3 of that.

HowieE,

was actually looking at a DIESEL generator NOT gas. I like Diesel (less volatile) than both gas and propane.

[HowieE]

Originally Posted by Streamer1

HowieE,

was actually looking at a DIESEL generator NOT gas. I like Diesel (less volatile) than both gas and propane.

Hi Steamer1

Popane is a completly contained fuel and would be be no less dangerous than ant other propane equipment in your trailer. Give it some thought.

[bobkelly]

Streamer----Sorry for the confusion. 110v, 120v, 125v are all labels for the same thing. The household voltage we use for lights, TVs, kitchen appliances and airstream lights and appliances. Your local power company provides a nominal 120v and slight variations don't matter. Your engineer friend may have used 240v to show you how the calculation is made, not meaning it to apply to the airstream electrical system in particular. The amp capacity is the maximum load you may safely pull through a circuit before it over heats. when in fact the radio or light bulb is drawing only one amp.

Hope this explanation helps.

[davidz71]

I wondered about the 110, 120 and 125 volt thing for years until I ran across an article that explained there really is no more 110 A.C. unless you have a really bad line. The voltage was increased so you will usually see more in the range of 120-125 volts. I went out to the trailer and my voltmeter registered 121 volts. When it drops down to 113 volts then it goes into the red area. Fortunately I have a Hughes Autoformer which will keep the voltage up or shut the system down should I hook up to a line with low or very high voltage.