Bambi 16 Generator

[shel7435]

Hi everyone -

I just bought my Bambi 16ft trailer a week ago. Please advise what size generator I will need to run the AC this Summer when boondocking? The AC is 13,500 BTU's.
Anyone have a favorite genny they have purchased?

Thanks a bunch!

[rmkrum]

I use a Champion 3500 dual fuel Inverter generator only on propane. I’ve adapted it to run off a quick connect port on my A-frame and run it on the tailgate of my Tacoma pickup. I also installed a front power inlet to make it easy to hook up.

Runs the air conditioning with ease, plus everything else I chose to load on it. The Champion is quiet enough that you can stand outside the Airstream and the air conditioning unit on the roof is noisier...

[Short563]

I just purchased a Champion 3500 dual fuel as well for a trip to Yellowstone later this summer.

[mefly2]

We used a Honda inverter gen with our FC 20: EU 2000is which has been replaced by the 2200 series. One of the quietest if you like staying friends with other campers.

[Shiny16]

Originally Posted by mefly2

We used a Honda inverter gen with our FC 20: EU 2000is which has been replaced by the 2200 series. One of the quietest if you like staying friends with other campers.

Me too! The Honda is super quiet and dependable. To run the AC you either need two Honda’s or an easy start. There are plenty of threads on this topic.

[SUP'n Woman]

Soo, we also have just purchased a 2021 Bambi 16rb, & I don't really understand why I need to buy a generator unless we're boondocking. Will someone please help this "dummy" understand why I wouldn't just use the electricity? Also, IF we do indeed need to buy one, and get the Honda 2000 (or comparable), what is an "easy start" that we will need to use for it? Thanks!!

[Bill M.]

No, you do not need a generator if you camp where there are electric hookups. Or if you camp without hookups for 1 night. Your Bambi likely has an electric only fridge limiting the amount of time you can camp off the grid. The Easy start is a circuit board that is mounted in the AC that lets the AC draw less current at startup. It is only needed or useful if you want to run the AC on a Honda 2200 or perhaps similar generator. If you are not going to camp without hookups you do not need either the generator or the easy start.

If I had a camper with an electric only fridge I would immediately add a DC to DC converter so that the trailer can both keep up with the fridge use and recharge while towing. Most TV charging systems do not put much charge into the trailer. I know mine would not even keep up with a fridge draw and I suspect yours will not either.

[Shiny16]

Originally Posted by Bill M.

No, you do not need a generator if you camp where there are electric hookups. Or if you camp without hookups for 1 night. Your Bambi likely has an electric only fridge limiting the amount of time you can camp off the grid. The Easy start is a circuit board that is mounted in the AC that lets the AC draw less current at startup. It is only needed or useful if you want to run the AC on a Honda 2200 or perhaps similar generator. If you are not going to camp without hookups you do not need either the generator or the easy start.

If I had a camper with an electric only fridge I would immediately add a DC to DC converter so that the trailer can both keep up with the fridge use and recharge while towing. Most TV charging systems do not put much charge into the trailer. I know mine would not even keep up with a fridge draw and I suspect yours will not either.

The fridge in question will draw about 1.5 amps per hour at most. Maybe 2.2 in Death Valley.

[SUP'n Woman]

So Bill M., would I use the dc to dc converter to use with the generator while traveling from point A to point B to keep the food cold??

[Shiny16]

Originally Posted by SUP'n Woman

So Bill M., would I use the dc to dc converter to use with the generator while traveling from point A to point B to keep the food cold??

No. Just start with a full battery at home. Depending on what type and how many batteries you have you would have to drive 24 hours or more before your fridge would run your battery down.

[SUP'n Woman]

Originally Posted by Bill M.

No, you do not need a generator if you camp where there are electric hookups. Or if you camp without hookups for 1 night. Your Bambi likely has an electric only fridge limiting the amount of time you can camp off the grid. The Easy start is a circuit board that is mounted in the AC that lets the AC draw less current at startup. It is only needed or useful if you want to run the AC on a Honda 2200 or perhaps similar generator. If you are not going to camp without hookups you do not need either the generator or the easy start.

If I had a camper with an electric only fridge I would immediately add a DC to DC converter so that the trailer can both keep up with the fridge use and recharge while towing. Most TV charging systems do not put much charge into the trailer. I know mine would not even keep up with a fridge draw and I suspect yours will not either.

Shiny 16, I don't understand when I should use the dc to dc converter then. Would you mind helping me understand when to use it please? Also, I'm not sure I understand how or where to even hook one up, please??
Thanks!

[Shiny16]

Originally Posted by SUP'n Woman

Shiny 16, I don't understand when I should use the dc to dc converter then. Would you mind helping me understand when to use it please? Also, I'm not sure I understand how or where to even hook one up, please??
Thanks!

First you don’t have a DC to Dc converter as far as I know . Second you don’t need one. Third I don’t think you would ever need one.

[GetawA-S]

Shel, Do you need air conditioning? You can get by on propane for most other needs. How long do you plan to be disconnected? Do you have solar power? For many, the Honda EU2200i is the answer for A/C off grid- quiet, light and reliable. It does require a soft start to reduce the amp surge pulled by the A/c on startup.
SUP’n, I’m not sure what a DC to DC converter is, but most of the posters who raise the hue and cry about NovaKool electric fridges don’t realize they draw much less power than an absorption unit. Check the Basecamp Battery Budget thread for a list of electrical draws in a similar trailer.
Do you need a generator? We camped for 25 years without. Then we moved to Florida and hooked the 11.5 BTU (less amps) A/C in our SOB to our Honda EU 2000i after Hurricane Irma took out our power. A lifesaver! We ran everything else on propane.
Happy Camping!