What size generator?

[lgna70]

Hi all,
We've got a 2011 Little Guy 5 wide. We will be doing some camping this summer in places without shore power and we are considering a small portable generator to keep the lights and fan going. We dont really use electrical for anything else. Can you tell me what size generator we might need? I see some for 3000 watts but that seems awfully big - and pricey! Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

[mechmagcn]

Hi all,
We've got a 2011 Little Guy 5 wide. We will be doing some camping this summer in places without shore power and we are considering a small portable generator to keep the lights and fan going. We dont really use electrical for anything else. Can you tell me what size generator we might need? I see some for 3000 watts but that seems awfully big - and pricey! Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

It will mostly depend in whether you will require air conditioning. For my ongoing AK trip I bought a cheap 1000 watt, 2 stroke generator from home depot mostly to charge my battery and run a small electric heater. It has operated for more than 20 hours so far with no problems. I tried it with my 5000 BTU a/c before leaving home and it would run it, but had problems starting the compressor

[Lancie49]

Have you considered a 120w solar panel as a silent, 'set and forget' option ?
Probably cheaper as well, and without the hassles of carrying extra fuel.

Solar panel, regulator, battery (AGM) jobs done.

For 12v only unless you use an inverter.

[Shadow Catcher]

If all you are using is a fan and a few lights then you probably do not need a generator. A good 12V system should be sufficient. BUT part of that equation needs to be conservation, LED lights and perhaps using computer case fans rather than something like a Fantastic Fan. A deep Cycle battery can be charged from your tow vehicle. If you are contemplating an AC unit then a generator will be necessary and that means a 1000 to 2000 watt depending on current draw.

[ioan]

I have this one, it's as quiet as an expensive honda generator and 1/3 of the price:
http://www.amazon.com/Champion-Equipmen ... 47&sr=8-10

They sell the same one, under another brand name, and cheaper at COSTCO.

[linuxmanxxx]

I have a 2500 watt propane and it will run around 15 hrs on a grill bottle on avg and will run my ac and all else in my camper and not messing with gasoline is well worth the slight extra expense it cost.