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Old 02-08-2014, 06:39 AM   #1
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Generators

I have a question for everyone. As a "Very New Owner of ST32FR" I have been reading about generators. I came across one called Champion 7500 which says it DB 72 from 23 feet. Is this good or not. I don't know what 72db sounds like. I could use a little advice here.
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Old 02-08-2014, 06:47 AM   #2
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Maybe you are looking at more genny then needed? Any way, here is an older link to some thoughts other people have come up with.
http://www.crossroadsowners.com/foru...ight=genarator

If you do a search, I'm sure you will come up with even more info.
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Old 02-08-2014, 11:28 AM   #3
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Look at it this way. Normal conversation is abt 60dB @ 3'. That generator is well over 10 times as loud at 23'. Forget conversing anywhere around it. Probably wouldn't make you very popular anywhere you camped.

Besides being way more generator than you need unless you are power 2+ RVs. Think along the lines of 3000-4000w to run AC and coffee pot or microwave.
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Old 02-08-2014, 11:43 AM   #4
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I would recommend the champion 3100 inverter model, very quite.
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Old 02-08-2014, 12:38 PM   #5
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I am sorry that I should have stated my AC. This unit came with the 15,000 BTU. I plan on using only the AC and the Refer. Propane for the rest.
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Old 02-08-2014, 01:03 PM   #6
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The 3100 is rated to run a 15k unit.
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Old 02-08-2014, 03:38 PM   #7
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Thank you very much all of you.
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Old 02-08-2014, 05:44 PM   #8
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Just be careful about what type of genny you get. a conventional generator such as the one you were looking at is actually only half the rated wattage than what is advertised. Let me try and explain. your trailer runs on 120Vac. A standard generator puts out 2 separate legs of 120Vac for a total of 240Vac at whatever wattage you buy. Since you are only using half the generator, you also only get half the watts. I had a 3250watt Generac and it would not start the AC unit because I only had 1625Watts available on the 120Vac leg I was using. Your Inverter type generators like Honda inverter and others are designed to give you a full 3000watts at 120Vac. If you plan on using a standard generator, because they are cheaper, you will need about 3500watts for the AC unit startup. so plan on a generator that can handle a surge wattage of 7000Watts as I stated before because you are only using half. I hope this helps
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Old 02-08-2014, 05:54 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by cw3jason View Post
Just be careful about what type of genny you get. a conventional generator such as the one you were looking at is actually only half the rated wattage than what is advertised. Let me try and explain. your trailer runs on 120Vac. A standard generator puts out 2 separate legs of 120Vac for a total of 240Vac at whatever wattage you buy. Since you are only using half the generator, you also only get half the watts. I had a 3250watt Generac and it would not start the AC unit because I only had 1625Watts available on the 120Vac leg I was using. Your Inverter type generators like Honda inverter and others are designed to give you a full 3000watts at 120Vac. If you plan on using a standard generator, because they are cheaper, you will need about 3500watts for the AC unit startup. so plan on a generator that can handle a surge wattage of 7000Watts as I stated before because you are only using half. I hope this helps
That contradicts everything I have learned about generators. Please show your references.
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Old 02-08-2014, 06:12 PM   #10
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Its all over the internet, and also in the directions for the protran generator transfer switch I installed in my house. It comes with 2 watt meters, one for each leg of 120V power. you have to balance the load so that each will not pull more than half of the total wattage rating and the total does not exceed the max wattage for the generator. A quick google search will find the info you are looking for
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Old 02-08-2014, 06:50 PM   #11
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let me clarify, I am talking about your standard portable 120/240v generators. These types of generators make 240v by producing to separate legs of 120v power, each rated at half the total power available.
There are 120v only generators that do not fall in this category like you standard RV generator that is only 120v. With only one leg of power, all available wattage is on that leg.
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Old 02-08-2014, 07:06 PM   #12
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This little article even explains how to rewire a 240v genny to 120v only operation, so you can get max wattage (I do not recommend this, but it is a good read and explains what I am talking about)

http://www.utterpower.com/synchronou...ire-your-head/
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Old 02-08-2014, 07:07 PM   #13
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Sound level comparisons
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Old 02-08-2014, 07:16 PM   #14
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I use a Champion 3500/4000W generator (not inverter), which does fine to power A/C, microwave, etc. It puts out 30 amps @ 120V on a single circuit. It has a 30 amp RV outlet. It is also very fuel efficient. They are available from Amazon for under $300. They're also available at Tractor Supply, Advance Auto, Cabela's and BJs.
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Old 02-08-2014, 07:32 PM   #15
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Boy that generator going to make a lot of camping friends!!
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Old 02-08-2014, 10:15 PM   #16
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Exactly what is the search term for google?
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Old 02-09-2014, 03:40 AM   #17
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click on the link it will explain it all.
DavisK- I did mention there are RV generators. One would assume that if the manufacture took the time to put an RV30 plug on the generator then they would wire that plug from both coils running in parallel so you would get the full benefit of the genny for your RV. I am talking about a regular portable generator with a 240v 4 prong outlet. I bought this and an RV adapter thinking it would do the job and it will not. The man wanted to know about generators and I am simply trying to save him from making my mistake.
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Old 02-09-2014, 03:40 AM   #18
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http://www.utterpower.com/synchronou...ire-your-head/
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Old 02-09-2014, 04:58 AM   #19
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Jason
Great web site. My brother -in-law has a Honda that has a 120 only switch on it. I take it by what you have been saying, that is what he would use if he had an RV, because that would connect the two windings in the gen.
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Old 02-09-2014, 05:05 AM   #20
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Sleepy T. Yes I would guess thats what that switch does
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