Generator question

[Princess]

What is the minimum size/type of generator that would be a good recommendation for running everthing for a 16' Bambi? Suggetions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[smily]

Princess,
There is much to read on Generators on this forum. One popular generator of choice is the Honda EU2000 (I) which has a peak output of 1850 to 2000 watts. This is close to the minimal required output to run your Air Conditioner.

In a perfect world, the only thing you need AC electric for is the Air Conditioner, (and the occasional recharge of your coach battery (s)). Your Airstream only uses 12 volts (battery) and LP (gas) for everything else.

If you use your search feature up at the right hand side, you can get plenty of guidance.

I noticed you are in SC, can I ask where you are located?

You want to go to Airstream rally in Myrtle Beach this weekend?

Smily

[RoadKingMoe]

If the Bambi has no air-conditioner or microwave, a Honda EU1000

If the Bambi has a microwave but no air-conditioner, a Honda EU2000

If the Bambi has an 11,000 btu air-conditioner, a Honda EU3000

If the Bambi has a 13,500 btu air-conditioner, a Yamaha EF3000iSEB

If you want to run the microwave (or hair-dryer) and air-conditioner simultaneously, or you can't lift the weight of the 3000W generators, a pair of Honda EU2000 paralleled

[Silvertwinkie]

Moe,

What about the 20a plugs? I like the dual 2000s cause it gets upwards of 4000 watts...But I am unsure the cheater plug will deal with it......folks on the forum have talked about the cheater plug melting, overheating, etc.

If going to power a mircowave, Hair dryer and an A/C unit wouldn't it be better to have 2 3000s vs the 2 2000s? Only say this cause a single 3000 wouldn't have enough juice to power a 15k A/C unit by iteself, but it does have a 30a connector and I don't think you can have a 2000 and 3000 connected the way you can with a 2 2000s.

Eric

[Princess]

I obviously did not realize what I was getting into when I asked this question. I thank you all for the suggestions/options to look at. This maybe a strange question to ask but, is there such a thing as having too much power in a generator? I know, sounds like a Tim Allen question but, I just have to ask. Would rather be safe and make sure I don't go into something that will blow up everything.

Smily, I am currently located in the Hanahan / Goose Creek area. I would love to go and at least see what the trips are all about but, the Bambi is no where near presentation quality let alone road worthy and two, I am not a member of the WBCCI. I do thank you for the invitation though.

[RoadKingMoe]

You don't use a cheater plug with two EU2000s. Look here

The two EU2000s would be plenty for the 15Kbtu AC and the converter. May have to shut the AC off for microwave use, but then again, might not. May depend on altitude.

[RoadKingMoe]

I wouldn't say you could have too much power in a generator, but most would certainly say you can have too much noise! The bigger generators aren't usually the ultra-quiet models like the smaller ones.

[crazylev]

too much noise.....and to much weight!!!

Jonathan

[Tarheel]

Princess we had to live in the trailer after Isabel came through. I had a 5000 briggs and stratton generator going that took care of the house (refrigerator, freezer and water pump. In addition I had the trailer plugged in and could run the a/c if I took the water pump off line. When I told Carol that I wanted a generator that was quiet and would run everything in the trailer and I could get it for $1000 she gave me the go ahead.
I purchased a Honda EB 3000. I chose it because of the weight 68.4 lbs, I can lift it by myself, and the noise level is only 68db. The eu model is a nicer unit but I am unable to handle the weight or can I justify the cost for a unit that I see myself using only on rare occasions. Hope this gives you a little more information to help make your decision. And No there is no such thing as too much power. With a 5000 I would have to install a rear a/c just so I could justify the generator.

Rick

[Silvertwinkie]

I see so it looks as if the par connections join at the 30a box. Is that correct?

BTW, thanks for the link.

Eric

[RoadKingMoe]

That is correct, Eric.

[John]

Princess,

If your AC is 11K BTU check out:

http://www.yamahagenerators.com/yama...83560741680869

It's only 64lbs, quiet and has an inverter.

I'm surprise more folks with 11K BTU AC are not using this model instead of 2 Hondas????

[Pick]

One thing to be aware of, when it comes to cheap 5000 watt construction style generators is this, the generator has TWO 2500 watt windings. So, if you plug your 30 amp travel trailer connection into one of the 120 volt outlets, you will, in all likelyhood have only 2500 watts of generator capacity.

I have one of these and it has a single duplex outlet, where each receptacle is wired to the seperate windings.

Some of the newer Generac units have a seperate 30 amp 120 volt winding available for RV or boat use.

[WayWard Wind]

Moe , I have the connections you previously posted for connecting 2 EU & now I see on CW web site they have what they say are parrellal connections for the Honda's. Costs---around $40 compared to the several hundred for Honda's. What I haven't seen from CW is a picture of thier set-up. Wondering if you might have & if so how they compare?
Best,

[RoadKingMoe]

This is the Honda EU1000 parallel cable.

Note that they say when you use it with two EU2000s, you only get 20A (2400W), not 33.3A (4000W).

As I note in my webpage, 20A is the rating of the circuit breaker on the EU2000 duplex outlets, and is all you can get from a 20A outlet when using the EU1000 cable between two EU2000s.

To get the full output, you must connect each generator to a 30A travel trailer outlet.

One guy on iRV2 bought one of those EU1000 cables, cut it, and then wired the cut ends to a 30A travel trailer outlet, so he didn't have to mess with the banana plugs like I did.

The only thing I'm concerned about is the capacity of that EU1000 cable. When used with two EU1000s or with two EU2000s for 20A, the most it has to carry is 10A. When it is carrying the full output of an EU2000 to a 30A plug, it can be carrying as much as 16.7A. I chose to use 12AWG cable and do the banana plugs manually.