looking at generators

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TorreyM

Fri May 20, 2016 8:03 am

I wanted to get thoughts on what sized generator we would need. Trailer is 7x10 - pretty small. No A/C, which is a necessity here in Charleston, SC but we figure with that small of a trailer, we could just run a portable A/C unit and that would be fine. So we would have an 11 cu. freezer, either a Swann or a Hatsuyuki HF-500E, 2.5 gallon hot water heater, portable A/C unit, one light and a small speaker and Ipad. Have never owned or used a generator and just really have no idea how much power we need to run. Wondered what sized generator others were using and what suggestions they had.
ddurrett

Tue May 24, 2016 7:08 pm

In my trailer, I run an AC, shave ice machine, freezer, fridge, lights only when necessary, hot water heater (almost never use it), and I very rarely will charge my computer on a Champion 3500 watt generator from Tractor Supply. No problems as of yet. Using it about 30 hours a week. It is loud, though.
Loveshaveice

Wed May 25, 2016 1:43 am

I usually don't have a need for a generator but I like to buy a new Yamaha or Honda. They are really quiet and fuel efficient.
uom2001

Wed Jun 01, 2016 5:58 am

I have 2 Ryobi 1800/2400 generators and use a parallel kit to double the power. They are relatively quiet and support my Hatsuyuki ice shaver and I also have an AC built in on top of the trailer. If I don't use my AC then running 1 generator is enough. Honda's are the best but these have been doing fine.
Benchkey

Sun Dec 04, 2016 4:52 pm

I'm a fan of slower speed generators. Onan stands out as superior generators. Often used in mobile homes and on construction trucks. The are quiet and efficient. The slower speed causes fewer maintenance problems and an exceptionally long life. Of course they are quite heavy having lots of cast iron and steel, but if permanent mounting is possible, I'd give them a solid look.

Yamaha and Yamaha are also excellent units.

About the KWH, I'm a fan of a little overkill. 8-10 KW would allow you to run everything at the same time, and since hot water is a premium in a small water heater, the larger KWH would not restrict your hot water needs. The A/C unit could run as well.

Another factor on sizing. Portable generators are not light and if you have back problems, it might not be the best approach that's why I favour a permanent mounted unit. With the Onan you can have an inside switch installed to turn it on and off, no pulling chords. Also a permanent mount unit is difficult to steal.

With any motor, a hobs meter is desirable. This allows you to perform manufacturer maintenance and oil changes are prescribed intervals. A nice steel weather cover with a lock is also desirable as no one can then easily do harm to the unit. Have a weather cover that is on hinges and has pneumatic lifts attached and you will do maintenance without any reservation.

Fuel is also a factor, Diesel is much more economical and today diesels are nearly as quiet as quality gas or propane units.
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