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Old 01-13-2025, 03:21 PM   #1
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2024 22' Bambi
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Generator recommendation

I have a 2024 Bambi 22FB and it does not come with an onboard generator, nor does it have an inverter. We will not do be doing a lot of Boondocking, but I am looking for any recommendations for a generator that will work for this trailer. Also, it is recommended that I get an Inverter installed?

Thanks for any information or advice.
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Old 01-13-2025, 03:27 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Airie View Post
I have a 2024 Bambi 22FB and it does not come with an onboard generator, nor does it have an inverter. We will not do be doing a lot of Boondocking, but I am looking for any recommendations for a generator that will work for this trailer. Also, it is recommended that I get an Inverter installed?

Thanks for any information or advice.
An inverter is so you can run some 110v AC devices from the batteries (when boondocking without a generator. That's your call. If you are running a generator, you won't need the inverter.

I'd recommend the Harbor Freight Predator 3500 inverter generator. It is quiet and can run our A/C in our 2023 Flying Cloud for about 9 hours on a single tank. It's about 100 pounds though. We keep ours in the bed of the truck and direct the exhaust away from the camper / truck.
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Old 01-13-2025, 03:49 PM   #3
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That is a great choice. I am leaning more towards the fact that an invertor won't be necessary with the proper generator
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Old 01-13-2025, 03:51 PM   #4
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NutmegsCamper is right about the inverter; no need if you’re using a generator.

I’ll offer another idea for a smaller generator especially since your AC loads are not huge. Any of the compact units like a Honda or Champion in the 2500 range would do the job.

We have a Champion 2500 Dual Fuel which can run off the trailer’s low pressure port (if your Bambi came with one). We can even run our 15K air conditioner (with an EasyStart installed). It would be enough to recharge your battery to, just not at the same time.

Some of the latest small generators are including a 30A connector simplifying the connection to the trailer. They cannot output 30A worth of power unless you get into a 3400 - 4000W unit. Champion has a 4000 that’s less than 50 lbs in the small form factor.

Honda is the “Gold Standard” for generators but they also carry a premium price. For occasional use like ours, I chose the Champion and it’s been great.

Good luck with your search!
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Old 01-13-2025, 03:57 PM   #5
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it would depend on what you would like to run on AC;
Air conditioning?
CPAP?
Hair dryer?
Microwave?
Starlink?
Electric blender?
just to charge up the trailer house batteries?
All of the above?

The Air Conditioner and microwave would be the heavy users and would require a generator unless you have a large bank of Li batteries.

I have found that just using a Jackery 1000w power station takes care of most of my small AC power needs, e.g., Starlink and hairdryer.
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Old 01-13-2025, 04:26 PM   #6
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Thanks. I will def look into that
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Old 01-13-2025, 04:38 PM   #7
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If yo want to watch TV, run the microwave or the AC...get a dual fuel generator of 3000 watts or more. An easy start switch for the AC is also helpful. But if you want to recharge the batteries and have some peace, get a 100 or 200 watt suitcase solar panel that you can move around for max sun all day.
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Old 01-13-2025, 05:06 PM   #8
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no generator as they are very noisy
get solar and a lot of Lion batteries

that is the best direction
pls dont spam me, but i hate the noise of a generator when camping
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Old 01-13-2025, 05:15 PM   #9
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I do have the port. Looks like dual fuel is definitely the way to go. Thank you again
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Old 01-13-2025, 05:38 PM   #10
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We like our Firman WH03242 dual fuel. Hard to beat the Costco $850 price and they occasionally run it on sale.
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Old 01-13-2025, 07:53 PM   #11
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I just upgraded my Ford F150 to the F150 Pro Power with on-board 7.2kw generator. It's amazing! I had a Honda 2200i, but it was too heavy to move and it wouldn't run the AC. Good luck.
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Old 01-14-2025, 07:08 AM   #12
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You received a lot of good advice, but sifting through to find the right answer for you really depends on your situation. I’ll try to summarize.

Baseline assumptions:
a. You probably have 1 or maybe 2 lead-acid or AGM batteries, so relatively limited battery capacity
b. Your 2024 Bambi 22FB has an electric (DC) compressor refrigerator, so you have a fairly significant constant electrical draw that will deplete your batteries within a day or two max
c. You don’t need an inverter unless you also have a big bank of batteries for the inverter to draw from, which is probably not the case per item a. above.
d. This assumes you did not purchase an optional solar panel charging system

Generator Options:
1. If you are always plugged in except for a night or two at a Walmart on an occasional travel binge and you don’t need AC, or to use the furnace, or an electric blanket, or use a CPAP machine, etc., then you may not need a generator at all. (Not a likely scenario, but possible for more hardcore campers). You would want a DC to DC charger from your vehicle to the trailer in this scenario to charge the batteries while driving.
2. If you are always plugged in except for a night or two at a Walmart on an occasional travel binge, and you may need AC, or to use the furnace, or an electric blanket, or use a CPAP machine, etc., then get an easy start for your AC and a small 2500W generator, and be judicious about your electrical use.
3. If you boondock regularly and want to be able to use all the amenities that come with the trailer like the AC, TV, microwave, use a hair dryer, etc. all at the same time without worrying about having enough power, then go with the 3500W dual fuel generator approach. More Power!
4. If you boondock regularly and hate the sound of a generator, the size, the hassle of carrying fuel, but still want the full capabilities of the trailer, then get a solar system, 200-300 amp hours of lithium-ion batteries, and a min 2000W inverter, and enjoy the peace and quiet of camping in comfort with reasonable electrical capabilities. Note that this won’t run your AC, at least not for very long, so if AC is critical, this won’t be a viable option.
5. Finally, I would highly recommend adding an easy-start to your AC unit regardless of whether you are using a generator or not. It reduces the strain in your electrical system and AC unit, and provides more flexibility, like being able to run your generator from a standard outlet with a heavy duty extension cord when moochdocking (camping in a friends driveway, for example).

I also have a 22FB and carried a 2500W generator for a while but could never find an occasion where I really needed or wanted to run it due to noise restrictions, nearby campers, general hassle and aggravation, so finally sold it and rely completely on solar panels, batteries and an inverter to do pretty much anything I need in peace and quiet.

Hope this helps sort things out for you.
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Old 01-14-2025, 07:30 AM   #13
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Good writeup JM. One thing to consider and covered by #4 is to insure the refrigerator is the latest low draw 12-volt system. Our TT and Furion seem to make it for several days if in good sun.

BTW, LFP batteries charge much quicker than lead acids. With a supplemental external charger and some extra external battery charge wire leads the F Fords with an onboard inverter can provide more than ample power for a 12V fridge when driving down the road.
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Old 01-14-2025, 08:05 AM   #14
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For our 19’ Flying Cloud, we have the Westinghouse 2550 Dual-Fuel. Very similar specs to the Champion 2500 (dimensions, weight, power output, price.) It does however have a convenient 30A-style outlet, so no adapter is required when using your shore power cord. We have used it exclusively on propane and have been very pleased.

For your 22’ Bambi, you really don’t need anything larger than a 2500W-size generator. These are plenty adequate to run your a/c and fridge, and re-charge your batteries. More powerful generators will be larger/heavier. The 2500W-sized generators are heavy enough - - around 40 lbs.

A small portable generator like the Westinghouse or Champion 2500 is a very modest investment for an impressive capability. About $500 gives you a serious power source that can generate power anywhere anytime (noise restrictions aside.) Compare that to an investment in solar/lithium, which will run you 4-5X or more the cost, for a capability that is sunlight-dependent.

I am not at all opposed to solar/lithium. We will probably go that route eventually, too. But there is no debating that a small portable generator offers the most bang for the buck and is the quickest/easiest solution for 24-7 portable power.
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Old 01-14-2025, 08:33 AM   #15
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I just upgraded my Ford F150 to the F150 Pro Power with on-board 7.2kw generator. It's amazing! I had a Honda 2200i, but it was too heavy to move and it wouldn't run the AC. Good luck.
I am confused by your statement that a Honda 2200i would not run your A/C. I do have softstarts on both my units, but I have run one A/C for many many hours and many times on a Genconnex propane converted 2200i.
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Old 01-14-2025, 12:12 PM   #16
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I have been doing this since 2009 and the power demands have changed and the technology is far superior. If I were just starting out I would likely look into more solar power and improved battery banks. But, I depend on my Honda 2000i when I need AC power.

I have a couple of suggestions. The inverter is a nice thing to have but if you depend on it much, it will drain your house batteries quickly, at least it will drain the old lead acid types. We use ours at night for things like charging phones and watches.



Quote:
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...A small portable generator like the Westinghouse or Champion 2500 is a very modest investment for an impressive capability. About $500 gives you a serious power source that can generate power anywhere anytime (noise restrictions aside.) ...

Portable generators are nice to have especially in emergencies. There are two things I would like to mention, the first is noise. Pay attention to the noise factor. Back in the day, a Champion was considered a contractor's tool and they were very loud. Not appropriate for a campground. I am sure they are much better today but check the decibel ratings before you purchase. Secondly, I value dependability over cost. I purchased my Honda in 2006 and it is still running. I have a cousin who got a "deal" on a lesser brand about 5 years ago. It was more powerful than mine and every bit as quiet. It crashed just about a year later. He went out and paid extra for a Honda and it is running still. So, he saved a bit but ended up paying much more to get to where he is today.


A 2000i couldn't run an air conditioner back then. It runs my new AC now though because of the soft start feature. Again, technology has really improved things. You will have many options to help you through this dilemma. Some very good ideas have already been mentioned.
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Old 01-14-2025, 12:48 PM   #17
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I use the Champion 201050 Dual Fuel 4000 generator. It is light enough to move easily (50 lbs) and is very quiet. I have a 2012 Flying Cloud 25FB with a 15,000 BTU A/C (replaced the original 13,500 BTU). I run it on a 20 lb propane tank. I stow it in the bed of the truck when not in use. I'm very happy with it.
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Old 01-14-2025, 01:04 PM   #18
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I use the Champion 201050 Dual Fuel 4000 generator. It is light enough to move easily (50 lbs) and is very quiet. I have a 2012 Flying Cloud 25FB with a 15,000 BTU A/C (replaced the original 13,500 BTU). I run it on a 20 lb propane tank. I stow it in the bed of the truck when not in use. I'm very happy with it.
just bought the 4000 but just gas A lot of bang for the buck Im not going to say quiet as the honda 2000 but using the honda pulling 2000 w is about as loud as the champion pulling 2000 watts cause its not full throttle , Just going by my defective ears, Im sure noise will increase pulling 3000 w
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Old 01-14-2025, 01:11 PM   #19
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My experience: on our 4th AS last 20 years. Always used generator and portable folding solar suitcase for charging when boondocking or staying in National/State parks. Run the generator once a day to charge during morning or afternoon hours if needed because solar not able to get enough sun. I look at the generator as backup these days, as I have replaced the Lead Acid batteries with 200W's of Lithium batteries which are pretty reasonable these days. For generator, I have owned Champion 2000 model, Champion 3400 Dual Fuel model, and now have the Honda 2200 propane model from Genconnex. Quiet (as generators go), efficient, and only 45lbs. If I had a newer AS like yours with electric fridge, etc...I would definitely get lithium battery these days, and a converter...(you sure you don't have one??). There are a couple now that actually have 300W 12V in single battery (Epoch has one of these), which will fit in the battery box. Sell your lead acid batteries on line, Facebook Marketplace, Next Door, etc...they will sell. If you can also consider installing 3 or more 100W solar panels also, think you will be very happy. You likely are wired now for solar from AS. Call the factory and check your model/serial number. Generator is a backup now for us, I but feel it is important to carry along. I recently got 5 days of use while camping out of my 200W of Lithium batteries, and still had 57% left. Good luck. Lots of good advice here on the Forum to help us all!
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Old 01-14-2025, 05:16 PM   #20
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… Back in the day, a Champion was considered a contractor's tool and they were very loud. Not appropriate for a campground. I am sure they are much better today but check the decibel ratings before you purchase. Secondly, I value dependability over cost. I purchased my Honda in 2006 and it is still running…..
The current crop of portable inverter/generators by Champion and Westinghouse are nothing like those “contractor” generators you reference. They are approximately the same size/weight/noise-level as the comparable Hondas, but for 1/3-1/2 the price. Honda may still be the gold standard, but Champion and Westinghouse offer much better value, imo.
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