Information about a generator

[dpisano]

We just purchased a 2025 GD Imagine 2970-RL. I would appreciate any recommendations on what size generator we would need to fully operate our trailer. In case of a power outage. Looking toward buying a Honda. We are new to the camping with a trailer world. Really looking forward to a new adventure in camping.

Thanks,
HockeyRick

My AC units fire up while plugged into my garage with an adapter and then trips our 15A breaker pretty quickly. That said, while running at the campground in our 2950RL, with some lights and small electronics running, AND the AC unit, we consistently use right at 2250 or 2300 Watts total measured by our meter. Doing the math, at 115V, would be 20A, which is why the circuit breaker trips at the house when I forget to turn the AC off while plugging it in to charge the battery or get lights to pack it up. A nice quiet 3000 watt inverter generator should do.

 

[FordmanNJ]

Late to the party on this one. I have run a Predator 3500 Inverter generator for the last 8 or 9 years. Just regular oil changes. I use it for around 30-50 hours every year for a boondocking trip. I do fire it up on a regular basis to keep things smooth and running. Never an issue. I have the 9500 inverter for my home back up. Use a generator inlet on my house when my electrical contractor updated the panel.
Pretty much everyone I know in my camping circle uses either 3500 or 5000 watt Predator. One guy has a 7 or 8000 watt monster Honda for his trailer. However he has owned it for 20 years and he is also a contractor. So it I am pretty sure it was a business purchase.

 

[COGrandDes]

Lots of great options here depending on what you want to run and the configuration. I've had the (2) Honda EU2000s in the past when I had a 30A fifth wheel and they work well. We then moved to the 50A in the last two fivers, so I upgraded to the Yamaha 6300 and love it. Sure, it's big (~200 lbs) but I load it into the bed of the truck from a winch in my shop for the season and leave it till I winterize the camper in late fall. I added a remote start kit and when we need it (which is not often any more with the solar and lithium batteries), it's easy to fire up whenever. It is pretty fuel efficient, quiet, and runs everything pretty much concurrently on the camper including the two AC units and etc. I have added two soft starts to our AC units as well. I got tired of lifting any of the generators in/out of the storage compartments so this works great for us. I've thought of propane models and like the cleaner fuel, but I don't like the deration of the output at high altitude. That's something to keep in mind depending on where you camp.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[huntindog]

Lots of great options here depending on what you want to run and the configuration. I've had the (2) Honda EU2000s in the past when I had a 30A fifth wheel and they work well. We then moved to the 50A in the last two fivers, so I upgraded to the Yamaha 6300 and love it. Sure, it's big (~200 lbs) but I load it into the bed of the truck from a winch in my shop for the season and leave it till I winterize the camper in late fall. I added a remote start kit and when we need it (which is not often any more with the solar and lithium batteries), it's easy to fire up whenever. It is pretty fuel efficient, quiet, and runs everything pretty much concurrently on the camper including the two AC units and etc. I have added two soft starts to our AC units as well. I got tired of lifting any of the generators in/out of the storage compartments so this works great for us. I've thought of propane models and like the cleaner fuel, but I don't like the deration of the output at high altitude. That's something to keep in mind depending on where you camp.

Good luck in your decision.

Propane genertors ALWAYS produce less power than their gas powered cousins. Gasoline has a higher energy density than propane. Both fuels motors will need to be derated for altitude due to less oxygen....So the propane motor would take a double hit on it's rating.
Propane does have a huge benefit for an occasional user.... No carburator to gum up.... But the more you use a generator, the less sense propane makes

 

[COGrandDes]

Propane genertors ALWAYS produce less power than their gas powered cousins. Gasoline has a higher energy density than propane. Both fuels motors will need to be derated for altitude due to less oxygen....So the propane motor would take a double hit on it's rating.
Propane does have a huge benefit for an occasional user.... No carburator to gum up.... But the more you use a generator, the less sense propane makes

Totally agree with everything you said. I restore old muscle cars, build engines, and look at engine dyno reports regularly. The performance losses due to the reduced O2 levels here in CO are real! Accounting for the losses in whatever model you choose is important.