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Old 08-02-2015, 11:33 PM   #1
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How big generator?s

Good evening all....
Just purchased a Rushmore today and picking it up on Wednesday. I am interested in getting a portable generator to power as much as possible. How large do I need to power both AC's and 1 of the TV's? Am I being to optimistic in thinking a portable can handle this?
Thanks for helping out.......CK
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Old 08-03-2015, 06:56 AM   #2
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Congrats on the purchase of your new toy! You will find many years of enjoyment in your future!

Also, welcome to the forum. I love this place as it is a great resource. It has saved me countless calls to the dealer or factory.

With regards to the generator, we will need a bit more info from you. Where do you plan on camping and using the genny? Electrical capacity is only one part of the equation. Noise levels are another big factor. Do you plan on running off gasoline, or propane?
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Old 08-03-2015, 07:38 AM   #3
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Measure the 'parasitic' wattage of the rv without anything running, (smoke detectors, etc...)

Add up the wattage (starting and continuous) of each item you want to power,
add a safety factor in there and buy the wattage you need... good luck !
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Old 08-03-2015, 09:19 AM   #4
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4,000 to 4,500 minimum. I have a 3,500 rate but that's Peak (3,000 regular apparently) and I can't start the AC. Even though it's an easy start type of AC. I'm just a hair short of required. The ideal way is to actually try it at a generator dealer like Honda or Yamaha. Drive in with the trailer and hook one up to test it. I only suggest Inverter Generators as they are better if you plan on powering electronics like laptops and tvs. I think you can link 2 Honda 2,000's and get the required power but best to check.

For two AC's I'm guessing you may need bigger yet!
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Old 08-03-2015, 07:15 PM   #5
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Use this site as a reference: Generators - Champion Power Equipment
The smaller ones have standard 30 Amp (one AC) RV outlets. It isn't until you get up to 7500 Watts where you see a 50 Amp (two AC) RV outlet. That should tell you what the generator company thinks. Have not seen an inverter in the 7500 range. It will take a big one to run two AC's. Televisions, even large flat screens, are not that much more of a load, just a couple of hundred watts at most.
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Old 08-03-2015, 07:30 PM   #6
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I have a onan 5500 watt gen. wish I had a 7500 when running 2 two airs a TV and micro wave Ocassionaly. Camping in the desert 105. Too hot to ride dirt bikes in the afternoon so we have lunch and watch a movie. And pray the gen stays running.
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Old 08-03-2015, 08:44 PM   #7
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Yamaha makes a 6300 watt Inverter generator but it's pricey. I'm pretty sure that would power all your needs.
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Old 08-04-2015, 10:26 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Randy68 View Post
I have a onan 5500 watt gen. wish I had a 7500 when running 2 two airs a TV and micro wave Ocassionaly. Camping in the desert 105. Too hot to ride dirt bikes in the afternoon so we have lunch and watch a movie. And pray the gen stays running.
I hear ya. With our 32' TT, we only have 1 a/c and the 5,500 Onan works just fine. We close off the garage during the day, allowing for better cooling but with just, the bedroom suffers when our playing in the desert with the family.
Cal City, Red Mtn, Dove Springs, Lucerne Valley to name a few. Never down south to Glamis or that area.
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Old 08-04-2015, 07:43 PM   #9
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Congrats on the new camper.

We have a Westinghouse WH7000EC, 7000/8500 watts. It has a 30 amp generator plug and 4 15 amp household houtlets on it. Electric start works well and a 6.6 gallon tank will last about 10 hours on average.

Here in the Texas heat, I can run both AC units, 2 TVs, and a Xbox at the same time, along with all the other little things. I do switch the main AC unit to fan when we need the microwave. I've only tripped the generator's circuit breaker once, when in addition to the AC units and TVs I was using an electric griddle and someone tried using the toaster. Unplugged the toaster, flipped the breaker and all was well.
It's a bit noisy, but after sitting in the sun all day watching my teenage son's baseball team play, it's worth it to have the AC.

Good luck and happy camping!
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Old 08-04-2015, 07:56 PM   #10
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Sportsman, 7,000-Watt Propane Gas Electric Start Portable Generator, GEN7000LP at The Home Depot - Mobile

I picked this up last year after we lost power at our park. I like the propane Fuel. And price. I bit noisy. But I'll be inside. Have not used it yet. It did start quite easily.
Gary
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Old 08-04-2015, 09:55 PM   #11
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Nice looking unit. At 80 db, I'd think you wouldn't create too much noise.
I like the reduction of carbon monoxide and 8 hr run time.
Let us know how it works once out on the road.
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