Generator Sizing for RVs with Josh the RV Nerd

Thank you for the video. Just a couple of things for your viewers, research the exact generator and know your a/c unit. For example, there are other videos where someone can't run diddly on a 3400 watt propane generator, and another one where someone runs a 15K btu with a Firman 3300 watt without any soft start stuff added to the a/c. I think one of the best resources for gen set comparison is Long Long Honeymoon, where they seem to be able to run their 13.5K btu a/c and other appliances pretty well with the 3,000 watt category. Something to keep in mind with the dual 2000 watt generators, is you will be doing routine maintenance on two generators instead of one. So if you are like me and you'd rather go to the dentist than perform yearly lawn mower engine maintenance, then maybe two generators will take the "recreation" out of Recreational Vehicle.

100% best Generater.Systems I have used. A test for hurricane prep here in Louisiana: three AC units, 5000, 5000 & 8000, 3 fridges, 2 device power setups, 4 flat screens....AND I had 40% of the power meter to spare.

Every time I think of something I need to understand to prepare for my trailer, I search to see if you have anything on it, and yep here you are again!!! Cheers

Thanks Josh. I have waited a long time for someone to talk about this.

We have used the youtube.com/post/UgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQL… for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!

Josh, once again You've made a complicated subject like generators so easy to understand. Thanks

Great video and also also a great comment by Mr. Greg Hall.

Great information, I and my wife have been watching you for a few months now as we save and decided on what we want in a small couples camper for our small family. You constantly speak about the starter packs in your walk through videos that you guys (include?) With each new purchase. I have seen the informative videos you have done on the recommend items such as surge protector, water pressure valve, water hose, ect. But I haven't seen anything about a full starter pack and everything that may or may not be included with it. Thanks for the great information, videos and honesty.

Excellent video. RE: AC and portable generators I’d add if your gen has econo-throttle feature that allows the engine to throttle back when there is no load, turn that off when running the AC. It takes the engine up to a second to rev up when a load is detected, and ac compressors do not like voltage droop. Also if your gen struggles with the AC, make sure the fridge is on LP mode and not auto, and temporarily shut off the breaker for the RV’s converter/charger. Turn it back on later when it cools off to charge the batteries if needed. The converter can pull a couple hundred watts depending on battery state. Personally I use an RV to go ATVing, trip to the coast, and other activities and I’m gone during the day. If it’s 112f out in the desert, I’d be up in the high mountains or at the coast where it’s cooler. Even if I go where there is a power hookup, I don’t want to have to sit in the RV hiding from the heat

Hello, thank you for the great video and great information. My situation is a little bit different as I own a much older "canned ham" style camper which currently has a 5000btu window A/C unit in it. I would like to upgrade to a 8000btu as the 5000btu can struggle to keep the small camper cool if we're in direct sunlight. I was looking at some of the smaller generators because I don't feel like I need a huge amount of power. My camper is 14ft and pretty much just runs lights, 2 mini fridges and of course the A/C. I'm a single parent and am working with a budget so I need something economical and price friendly. I have used my dads 5500 watt generator to go boondocking, but as you said it's more trouble loading it in and out and storing it than it's worth. I to also usually run some string light around the outside of the camper at night when the A/C isn't having to work as hard. Would for example the ryobi 1800 watt running 2300watt start up inverter generator work for my needs, or should I save a little more and jump up to a 3400watt inverter generator? Any information from anyone would be of great help. Besides the afore - mentioned electronics we sometimes use a small 24"tv and blu-ray player, and phone chargers. Most of our time is spent outdoors fishing or that sort of thing. Also I wanted to mention I don't have any pumps for water or anything like that. None of that stuff is hooked up in my camper, it's very primitive.

Josh, Thank you for these videos. You are very knowledgeable! Love your info!

I use the harbor freight 3200 running,4000 peak to run my air conditioner, tv, charger for phones, and tablet and it does just fine. I also have a 100' extension cord, 8 gauge wire, with the 30 amp plugs so I can put the generator in an area that absorbs the sound.

You make this so simple, the same with the vid on batteries! And I’m an electrician ! Thank you!

Great video. One thing to mention is a inverter generator is much more quite than a regular generator and a little more money but worth it

Thanks for the simple explanation. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks man. great video

Great break down! Two 2k watt Honda generators should do it! Thanks! 💯❗✊😄

I run two 3500 watt Predators with a 50 amp parallel kit to run both my a/c. It an option for the big 50 amp rigs.

A couple of points I didn't hear you mention. First, a 2000w generator likely only provides 1600 "running" watts. Second, for every 1000' of elevation, you lose 3.5% of potential output. Lastly, another hidden big draw is your Charge Convertor that charges your house batteries when connected to shore power or a generator. Also, getting a Micro-Air "Easy Start" allows you to run 13,500 and even 15k BTU AC units with simply one Honda 2000 at around 3,000' elevation. I installed them on both my trailers and ran my AC for about 30 minutes with no problem. I did turn off my Charge Controller, however.

Great video as always Josh A few points to add. In some states (like NY) our state camp grounds have generator hours which typically are 9-11am 4-7pm. So if you plan on doing lots of state camping in this case running the AC in the summer becomes a challenge so keep that in mind as well when buying a generator. We have a small 2200 unit to keep everything topped off but with limited hours cooling may be challenging if you have a big unit depending on your campground. So point here is before buying one is figure out what type of camping you will be doing. I know people that only go to full hookups, I also know people like myself that do all state camping no hookups and then there are folks that go on land and camp with no restrictions. Just a few things to keep in mind so you don't end up spending lots of money on something you can only use at specific times. Depending on the type of camping spending the money on a battery bank or extra batteries with a solar panel might be better. Really depends on the user. Just wanted to share some thoughts on stuff I know I didn't think about when buying mine. Happy camping

Very good video, I have a Firman 3300. It has 3000 running watts and when starting up our 13k btu a/c the idle does max out and then settles. You are so right in that aspect and a e-z start for my a/c would be helpfull. I can run a/c and refrigerator on electric but wouldn't try no other appliances. Love the video and thank you for sharing. Happy camping😊