Hi! RV Camping Trip!

CA

Carlqua

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Sep 13, 2018
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Hey guys, I'm hitting up this forum because I just have a few questions about a trip we're about to have using my aunt's RV and there's no better place to get first-hand advice and experience than in a forum!

So we're going on a drive, going to explore the roads and some of the natural landscapes of Nebraska, probably going to check out the national forest there and we're thinking we may be camping for a while.
Since we're not expecting there to be any power outlets and such things, we're thinking of looking for a generator to keep the electronics alive while we're out there so I'm just wondering if you guys have any tips on what a good generator for an RV camping trip is?

Just thinking I may be missing out if there are different fuel types and stuff to consider so, yeh, just wanna get an idea on what you guys think!
 
The key thing to look for in a generator is it to be quiet, no loud lawn mower like contractor generators.  If budget is a concern a lot of people have said good things about the $499  Harbor Freight 2000 watt inverter generator https://www.harborfreight.com/engines-generators/inverter-generators/2000-watt-super-quiet-inverter-generator-62523.html 

I think they also make / made a smaller cheaper 900 watt model, though that one might be marginal for your use depending on type of RV, size of converter (battery charger), etc.

The Champion 2000 watt also has a good following see https://www.amazon.com/Champion-2000-Watt-Stackable-Portable-Generator/dp/B0041K09D8

Though personally I will stick with my Honda inverter generator, though it costs nearly twice as much.
 
If you want to run the air conditioner you need at least a 3000 and as they said NOT an open frame loud one. If you aren't running the air you can get by with a 2000. You are looking for an inverter type generator but be aware that some are called inverters now that are still open frame and loud. you are looking for something that is about 54 decibels or so. 68 db isn't just a little more than 54 db

I have heard of people vandalizing loud generators so do yourself and everyone else a favor and buy the right thing.

Some places have generator hours so be aware that that could be an issue
 
Thanks guys for your responses, some nice help insights there.

The noise didn't cross my mind actually so I'm glad you made me aware of that because the last thing we want is a constant rattling and rumbling when we're trying to relax!
I'm not expecting it to be completely silent of course. So QZ you say around 54 decibels is a good noise level.

She's got a coachmen freelander, think its a 2005 model or maybe 2008 :/ not sure. It's a great big thing but it's cozy enough for the trip!
We're going up there next May JudyJB, so I doubt we'll be using the AC too much as I don't think it gets too hot up in Nebraska until June/July.

The Harbor Freight 2000 that you linked Isaac seems pretty good. Also, I actually saw a champion portable generator but it was a 3400 (https://heattalk.com/best-propane-power-generators/) and just like QZ says maybe I should go above 2000, just in case I do need to switch the AC on. They're saying the Champion 3400 is pretty quiet too and also includes a 140v RV outlet so it seems pretty much built for what I need. What do you guys reckon?
 
If you don't mind spending the money I'd buy the 3400 Champion I think it might come in electric start too. It may be Overkill but it would retain a good deal of value if you ever wanted to sell it. a 3400 Champion is what a lot of RV people would opt for if they want to run the air conditioner and not buy a $2,400 Honda.

you can run a 13500 BTU AC on a 2000 watt Honda but you have to install a 350 dollar micro air start kit in the air conditioner which course is probably not practical in your situation.

It's one of those things where you have to answer the question will I run the air conditioner, yes or no, if your answer is maybe then you need the one that will run the air conditioner. I think my Honda 3000 is 52 decibels iirc at 1/4 load. The champ 3400 is 59 db at 1/4 load.  But the Honda is 135 pounds not sure about the champion so be sure it's not too big to handle
 
2005 Coachman class C /  NO onboard Genny??  My old 89 19' Class C Coachman had a Onan 4000 standard..  JM2?  ~~  YMMV
 
The Champion 3400 inverter generator would probably work well, though would be overkill if you are not running the air conditioner.      59 dB is    considerably  louder than 54dB, though still relatively quiet also in the still of the night sound travels much more than in the day in a busy area.    Also note there is a lot of wiggle room in reporting the way dB are measured.

I second the question about any modern class C not having a built in generator, they have been standard equipment in almost all motorhomes for the last 40+ years.  Perhaps there is one there that just need to be serviced, has a gummed up carburettor, etc.
 
Isaac-1 said:
I second the question about any modern class C not having a built in generator, they have been standard equipment in almost all motorhomes for the last 40+ years.  Perhaps there is one there that just need to be serviced, has a gummed up carburettor, etc.
Click to expand...

Not too sure about that really, my Aunt didn't mention it she just asked me to ask around about a generator, I told her I can ask online so here I am. I'll call her tomorrow and see if it already has a generator preinstalled, maybe it had an issue with it :s
 
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