Novice 101 question about wattage information....

[Rgpracer]

I am wanting to buy a generator for my 230RL, but now my brain hurts.....I know that EVERYONE except for me knows how to compute how much wattage each appliance in camper uses so I can buy an appropriate or fair size generator......but I don't.
I have an extra 30 amp ac unit on mine but I just know what to get.
Microwave, ac and on......will someone please explain.

As close as I can GUESS, I am thinking of something around 3000(ish).

Thanks to all in advance.
Ray

[MoonShadow_1911]

I am wanting to buy a generator for my 230RL, but now my brain hurts.....I know that EVERYONE except for me knows how to compute how much wattage each appliance in camper uses so I can buy an appropriate or fair size generator......but I don't.
I have an extra 30 amp ac unit on mine but I just know what to get.
Microwave, ac and on......will someone please explain.

As close as I can GUESS, I am thinking of something around 3000(ish).

Thanks to all in advance.
Ray

Ray,

Without knowing what you want to run, and for how long, a good ballpark estimate would be a 3500-4000 watt RUNNING generator, this will handle the AC; you will have to turn off the AC to use the microwave though. The peak power will be between 4000 and 6500 watts. This will be true for either a 30 or 50 amp coach. You just have to be judicious with your power usage.

You also will want to convert the AC capacitor to a soft start device. What those do is ramp up the power surely, so it's not a huge hit when the condenser and pump kick on. It will also most likely prolong the life of the AC unit.



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[Canyonlight]

I am wanting to buy a generator for my 230RL, but now my brain hurts.....I know that EVERYONE except for me knows how to compute how much wattage each appliance in camper uses so I can buy an appropriate or fair size generator......but I don't.
I have an extra 30 amp ac unit on mine but I just know what to get.
Microwave, ac and on......will someone please explain.

As close as I can GUESS, I am thinking of something around 3000(ish).

Thanks to all in advance.
Ray

Ray - GDRV Owners Manuals have a page stating amps for both the 120V and 12V systems along with the most often used electrical items. At the top of the page is a simple formula watts divided by volts = amps. You can determine which of these items you may use all at the same time to help determine how big (watts) of a generator you may wish to buy.

I think it may be page 103 of your Owners Manual. Here's the link to the GDRV Owners Manual page where you can identify yours and look online if you do not have your paper version.

Dan

[Scramjet]

I am wanting to buy a generator for my 230RL, but now my brain hurts.....I know that EVERYONE except for me knows how to compute how much wattage each appliance in camper uses so I can buy an appropriate or fair size generator......but I don't.
I have an extra 30 amp ac unit on mine but I just know what to get.
Microwave, ac and on......will someone please explain.

As close as I can GUESS, I am thinking of something around 3000(ish).

Thanks to all in advance.
Ray

Generally you can run one big item (about 1500 watts) with the 2000-2200 watt generator. Such as a hair dryer or electric water heater or electric fireplace or microwave but not your AC. You would need a 3000 W generator to run an AC. You will have to be careful with a 2200 W generator determining how many appliances you have on at one time. There is some parasitic draw at all times and the converter or electric fridge can draw some power (wattage) at any time. Here are some examples that I got for my rig;

AC Appliances
Converter 700
Elec water heater 1500
TV 80
AC 1500 (but much more at startup called inrush current)
Microwave 1500
Fireplace 1300
AC Fridge 375

DC Appliances
Power vent fan 50
LED light single 5
LED awning lights 40
Fridge on gas 10-20
Water pump 70
Furnace fan 75
Parasitic 5

There will always be limits on what can run simultaneously with a generator. Hopefully this helps.

Brian

[LV Naturist]

I am wanting to buy a generator for my 230RL, but now my brain hurts.....I know that EVERYONE except for me knows how to compute how much wattage each appliance in camper uses so I can buy an appropriate or fair size generator......but I don't.
I have an extra 30 amp ac unit on mine but I just know what to get.
Microwave, ac and on......will someone please explain.

As close as I can GUESS, I am thinking of something around 3000(ish).

Thanks to all in advance.
Ray

Ray, First, Thank you for your service! Just a couple of quick points. If you want to invest in a generator, do not buy a "utility" type generator. These are more for a construction site where workers plug in saws and the like. The problem is they usually only put out 15 - 20 amps per leg. So even if the genny is rated at 4500 watts, your limited by the circuit breakers on the plug. Look for a genny that is set up for RV use. Also, look for an inverter genny, they are much kinder to your electronics.

As for wattage, I ran a 30 amp RV off a Champion 3200 watt generator with success. Some caveats, I only had 1 A/C, but it was a 15k BTU unit, so it did draw quite a bit. I could run the A/C and most other things except the microwave and electric water heater at the same time.

Believe it or not, the generator linked below is quite popular and is set up for an RV (note the 30 amp plug on the control panel).

https://www.championpowerequipment.c...tart-inverter/

John

[Rgpracer]

You guys are awesome......
Thank you so much.

[RickLight]

One last wattage thought.

Virtually every time you power your rig, genny or shore, your battery charger will begin at its highest output. If the supply is at all limited that is not the time to switch on the AC!

[goodoz]

I am wanting to buy a generator for my 230RL, but now my brain hurts.....I know that EVERYONE except for me knows how to compute how much wattage each appliance in camper uses so I can buy an appropriate or fair size generator......but I don't.
I have an extra 30 amp ac unit on mine but I just know what to get.
Microwave, ac and on......will someone please explain.

As close as I can GUESS, I am thinking of something around 3000(ish).

Thanks to all in advance.
Ray

As you ponder your wattage requirements and get that figured out, think about other future upgrades you might make...like a battery bank and inverter/charger. The hybrid I/Cs will use battery power to supplement shore power (or generator) for short periods to provide some serious power and allow you to travel with a much smaller genny. Of course, this solution would not be for running a 2nd AC all day long...but 25 minutes, or so, to get your rig cooled down. Good Luck!

[Wicked ace]

I am wanting to buy a generator for my 230RL, but now my brain hurts.....I know that EVERYONE except for me knows how to compute how much wattage each appliance in camper uses so I can buy an appropriate or fair size generator......but I don't.
I have an extra 30 amp ac unit on mine but I just know what to get.
Microwave, ac and on......will someone please explain.

As close as I can GUESS, I am thinking of something around 3000(ish).

Thanks to all in advance.
Ray

This is from practical experience. My 260RD is slightly larger but is outfitted about the same. Our trailers aren't power hogging monsters, appliances, A/C lights etc all similar if not the same so the electrical load is the same. I'm not sure about your model but mine has a 50 amp connection only because it's prepped for a second A/C unit otherwise I get along fine on a 30 amp outlet at the pole. I have gone several days running my generator to charge the battery and keep the A/C and 'fridge going through the heat of the day. I have found it to be more than adequate to run everything. It is a bit heavy to lift into the bed, I use a ramp as I am 65 YO now and realizing I'm not the strong man I used to be. This Champion is pretty quite and if I leave it in the PU bed barely noticeable when running. I have put an A/C soft start( https://www.softstartrv.com/ ) on my A/C unit but because I feel it is easier on the compressor.
https://www.championpowerequipment.c...fuel-inverter/

[Rgpracer]

This is from practical experience. My 260RD is slightly larger but is outfitted about the same. Our trailers aren't power hogging monsters, appliances, A/C lights etc all similar if not the same so the electrical load is the same. I'm not sure about your model but mine has a 50 amp connection only because it's prepped for a second A/C unit otherwise I get along fine on a 30 amp outlet at the pole. I have gone several days running my generator to charge the battery and keep the A/C and 'fridge going through the heat of the day. I have found it to be more than adequate to run everything. It is a bit heavy to lift into the bed, I use a ramp as I am 65 YO now and realizing I'm not the strong man I used to be. This Champion is pretty quite and if I leave it in the PU bed barely noticeable when running. I have put an A/C soft start( https://www.softstartrv.com/ ) on my A/C unit but because I feel it is easier on the compressor.
https://www.championpowerequipment.c...fuel-inverter/

Thanks WickedAce......excellent info.