INEXPENSIVE GENERATOR TO CHARGE A 12V BATTERY

[Gary RV_Wizard]

The WFCO 8955 is rated at 940 watts, but that's a worse case power draw and would mean it was putting out the full 55 amps @ 14v.  Still, that's what you need to plan for so a 1000W generator would be minimum and 1200-1500 a better choice.

There are cheap, small generators available. Somewhat noisy and vibrating, but they get the job done. A nice Honda or Yamaha is a superior piece of equipment but cost 2x or 3x the other brands. An inverter-generator will be more quiet under most conditions, so worth the extra cost in my opinion. You can usually find a portable inverter generator in the 1200 watt range for $400-$500. Here's one:

https://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-iGen1200-Portable-Inverter-Generator/dp/B01N2AKRTT

 

[Tom55555]

If you invest in a portable generator meaning hand held. I recommend one you won't outgrow meaning it will run your RV AC.

https://www.amazon.com/Pulsar-G2319N-Gas-Powered-Generator-Capability/dp/B00YFT914I/

 

[wndopdlr]

Years ago I had a little 1.5 HP gas engine mounted on a board along with a belt driven single wire 12-volt alternator. I charged many batteries with it when a 120 VAC source was not available for my charger. As I recall, the only parts I bought for it were the belt and one pulley. The alternator came from a car i was parting out and the engine from a broken farm sprayer pump.

Love the ingenuity!