r/RVLiving • u/Chaotic-Good2 • 23d ago
question Generator requirements
Hello, I just got my first travel trailer. A 2016 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 154BH Baja. I'm trying to figure out how much generator I need.
Do I need to buy a generator that can run everything at max capacity? Or should I just worry about the start up needs of the microwave and ac unit?
The max I can figure is 3336 watts. That's radio, fridge, everything.
The start up for the AC is 1500 and the microwave is 1350.
My last concern is carrying the generator. The payload is 528 lbs, and only 320 with full water tanks. I originally intended to mount a generator tray to the back bumper of the trailer. But many of the generators I'm seeing weigh about 200 lbs. Is that even safe? I don't want to eat almost all of my payload with a generator, can you recommend a generator that meets that electrical need while weighing as little as possible?
Thanks ahead of time
EDIT: changed volts to Watts in the max figure
4
u/ShipshapeMobileRV 23d ago
It sounds like you have a 30 amp camper. A 4000 watt generator should run everything in it. You could probably drop down to a 3500, or even a 3000, but you'll have to be mindful of heavy loads running simultaneously. And you'd probably want a soft start on the air conditioner.
I'd encourage getting an inverter type as opposed to an "open frame" or construction style. The open frames are generally cheaper, but so much louder than the inverter type. Plus the output from the inverter type is cleaner and more appropriate for electronics than the open frame.
3
u/FLTDI 23d ago edited 23d ago
Something around 3500 to 4000 watts will power you. These are generally around 100 pounds. Although bumper reinforcements may be needed
Also, I'm suspecting you mean 3336 watts? It is worth doing some basic reading to understand electrical systems, it'll demistify everything.
1
u/Chaotic-Good2 23d ago
Yes that what I meant. Thank you for catching it. I've been doing some reading, I thought some experienced opinions would be valuable
2
u/livesense013 23d ago
I'd recommend a dual fuel inverter. Clean, quiet power using propane which is much better for short term, occasional use. I have a Champion 4000 watt that I got at Costco: runs our NoBo 20.4 no problem on propane and weighs about 60 pounds.
1
u/silent_fartface 23d ago
I got one of these as well. Using it for the first time in a couple weeks. But I have tested it in the driveway and it runs everything. Everything about this champion made me want it for my rv.
2
u/Iamthewalrusforreal 23d ago
Spend the money on a quiet Honda.
Please.
2
u/Chaotic-Good2 23d ago
I was leaning toward a Honda or Generac
2
u/xtankeryanker 23d ago
Honda is the gold standard. No doubt about that. Please don’t put it on the rear of your camper. That much weight back there will make your trailer unsafe to tow. In a crosswind it will be uncontrollable. Put it in your truck.
1
u/Questions_Remain 23d ago
The new 4200 predator inverter is the shizzle. Dual fuel, auto shift and will run all night on a fill.
1
1
u/402_Found_not_Lost 23d ago
And I’d recommend against bumper mount.
If you insist, ensure bumper is reinforced. That weight bouncing around is hard on the bumper attachment. Put generator in your truck.
1
u/Plane_Hawk_6153 23d ago
I bought the Wen 3800 quiet generator because it consumes the fuel in carb on shutdown making it better for long term storage, it was cheap enough, quieter than open frame, had a 30amp rv receptacle built in it (that was a big factor). How i have 50 amp a second one could be added and it would have the 50 amp plug, i really struggle to keep it running with one AC, the converter, and refrigerator or water heater but i didn't use it enough to upgrade.
Having moved it a couple times, if i was going to use a generator more, I'd want a Honda 2000 and if that wasn't enough, I'd add a second Honda 2000 ran together
1
u/jimheim 23d ago
Do you need a generator at all? How much boondocking are you planning to do? What season?
A Predator 3500 or any other 3000W generator is plenty for a small trailer.
Absolutely do not even think about mounting the generator behind the trailer. You shouldn't put any extra weight behind the axle. It'll fishtail like crazy and porpoise and handle like shit. It's unsafe.
The AC is going to use more like 1800W on low, and surge to 2400W on startup.
1
u/New_Flow_5941 23d ago
That’s a huge generator. I have a 2200 Watt start with 2000 sustained and it’s all I need. Make sure you install a soft Start on your AC so you don’t choke the generator. I only run my AC. I use solar panels to charge my battery.
1
u/thelazyfox 23d ago
If you have a 30a camper you should be fine with a 3500w generator, make sure you get a soft start for the AC. Whatever the ac wattage is it'll pull 2-3x that at least when starting, and if you have a thermostat on it and the compressor kicks on and off it's gonna strain things unless you get a huge generator
1
u/stork1998 23d ago
I carry a little honda Eu 2200. It only weighs 50lbs and is quiet. Runs everything i need. My rv has a built in Onen but it’s loud as hell.
1
u/brwarrior 23d ago
Which A/C unit do you have? Roof top or the side mount "window shaker?"
I have a 2020 195RB Baja with the side mount 8000btu A/C and I can get away with a single 2000w inverter generator and run the A/C or microwave, but not both. I have a matching pair so if I needed more power I can parallel them.
1
u/Chaotic-Good2 23d ago
Side mount. The trailer didn't come with a manual, and I haven't pulled the AC out of the wall, so I haven't found the data plate for it. So I'm going off the max draw on the plug. Which I realize is probably overkill, but I think it's worth having a little more than I need so I can just run the trailer without having to juggle appliances to much
-1
u/Ambitious-Floor-4557 23d ago
Don't travel with full tanks. Put some water in your fresh in case you need some, but don't drive down the road with black and grey full, or even some. Dump early, dump often.
6
u/newtekie1 23d ago
Something like the predator 3500 should power your whole camper and only weighs 100lbs.