portable generators

[Z1 owner]

I'm looking into buying a portable generator for those days where we can't find a hookup or when we stop at rest stops to nap while on the road and want to power up the TT. Since I believe the A/C unit needs to draw 30 amps to run it may be impractical to have A/C while stopped but still be able to use the A/C outlets for the smaller appliances.can anyone recommend a reasonably priced generator?

[bdwillie]

As railroad buffs my DW and I from time to time dry camping near railroad tracks. We picked up a black max 3600 continuous 4250 watt surge/start genny from Sams Club for 299.99. Has a 30 amp rv plug on it's panel. Runs the AC just find. Havent tried ac and microwave at same time, didn't need to yet. I set the genny in the bed of the truck. Not as loud as I thought it would be, but not as quiet as a honda, but we seldom have anyone near us when we use it

[Z1 owner]

Thanks for the reply and that would probably work great when parked at rest stops in the summer to rest and so the little ones can watch a little tv...

[Lloyd]

AC draws closer to 15 amps, not 30. Least ways that's what mine draws.


Edited by: Old Farmer

[Z1 owner]

Hmm, I thought I read somewhere that my AC needed 30 amp service. You bring up a good point and if I can get away with 15 amp service that would be great.

[Lloyd]

You probably have a 30 amp breaker panel , which is probably the reason it's stated that way. That 30 amps is suppose to supply your whole camper. If that's the case, when you look at your breaker panel you will find the main breaker is 30 amps, AC should have a 15 amp breaker, like wise the micro. If it's like every other one, they will have other stuff added to those breakers. Which causes them to trip every so often.

OH, don't count on the fact that a small genny putting out 15 amps is going to run your AC. It requires considerable more 15 amps when it starts.

Edited by: Old Farmer

[longhauler]

I have a Honda EU3000is and it works great, but it will set you back about 1800 dollars. The Honda's are well worth the money in my opinion. It will run 15 to 24 hours on 3.5 gallons of fuel depending on the generator load.