Generator

[Cmprman]

Is there a reasonably priced generator that will power a 50A camper that you don't need a forklift to put in the bed of pickup truck? Most I've researched weigh nearly 200Lbs.

 

[garyb1st]

Why not two smaller units with a parallel system? That way you can have more power when you need it and save money on fuel when a smaller unit is all you need.

 

[DonTom]

Is there a reasonably priced generator that will power a 50A camper that you don't need a forklift to put in the bed of pickup truck? Most I've researched weigh nearly 200Lbs.

Perhaps something like my two mentioned here. 58lbs each.

And they work very well. Total of 7,600 watts continuous, 9,200 watts "starting".


-Don- Reno, NV

 

[John From Detroit]

Why not two smaller units with a parallel system? That way you can have more power when you need it and save money on fuel when a smaller unit is all you need.

Depending on how you "parallel" there is a danger.

Now if you do a true parallel of a 120 volt generator Say a pair of Yahama 3600i's You get 60 amps... BUT... The two legs are same phase and thus the neutral is hauling 60 amps.. NOT GOOD as it's rated 50.

If you put one on each leg.. The neutral gets "complex" but and might hit 60 amps. (Odds lower)

Now if you parallel generators DESIGNED to supply 120/240 Ignore this post

 

[DonTom]

a pair of Yahama 3600i's You get 60 amps...

60 amps of capacity doesn't change the load in the RV. So what difference does it make?

Besides that, even if you did draw 60 amps, shouldn't cause a problem as CBs are rated 20% under the true capacity and wiring is at the full capacity of 60 amps in a 50-amp anything, AFAIK.

Just in that case, you will really be at the full capacity.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[Firstime RVer]

Either way you're gonna have to deal with some serious weight.
Paralleling generators will do the job but I expect each would weigh in 50 lbs each, or more. Just make sure you check the run time on a full tank of fuel or propane.
I tried paralleling a couple of 2000 watt champions and the power output was fine at 30 amps, they just couldn't run for more than 5 hours on a full tank at half load. Aside from that the setup was a bit of a pain as well. They were pull start.
In the end I got a cummins onan 4500i with remote start that would run for 9 hours at half load. At 100 lbs I figured that a short ramp to a cargo carrier did the trick, for loading and unloading.
Make it easy on yourself and give some thought to how you plan to use them and the best way to load/unload them and set them up.

Safe travels and all the best.

 

[DonTom]

They were pull start.

With the two I have, there are three ways to start them. Wireless remote, push button on the genny or the pull cable. I normally use the wireless remote. Couldn't be easier.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[Kirk]

generator that will power a 50A camper

While there are some good suggestions, if you really want the same power supply as you would get from a 50A RV outlet, the answer is not in the suggestions as what you want is a 120/240V output of 50A per leg. While such is available, they are both heavy and expensive.

 

[Domo]

As @Kirk says, you'll want two 50 amp legs. Motorhome manufacturers have already done the calculations and wattage is very tied to weight in today's world.

 

[John From Detroit]

That is 12,000 watts of power.. I would suggest a crain in the pickup.

My 50 amp RV the generator was only 5500 watts and got the job done. Also it was 120 volt. each leg was set to 30 amps so you ran ran the air conditioner OR the microwave on one leg and OR the water heater on electric on the other (Propane was an option for the water heater)

 

[old RV guy]

That is 12,000 watts of power.. I would suggest a crain in the pickup.

My 50 amp RV the generator was only 5500 watts and got the job done. Also it was 120 volt. each leg was set to 30 amps so you ran ran the air conditioner OR the microwave on one leg and OR the water heater on electric on the other (Propane was an option for the water heater)

Yep, I have a Honda 6500, it’s got wheels, but you ain’t picking it up.

 

[DonTom]

While there are some good suggestions, if you really want the same power supply as you would get from a 50A RV outlet, the answer is not in the suggestions as what you want is a 120/240V output of 50A per leg. While such is available, they are both heavy and expensive.

The answer is what I have using this: