What size generator do we need?

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   Yamaha makes a 2400w generator that will start and run the AC.  It's about as quiet as a Honda or Yamaha 2000w generator.  Except for starting the AC 2000 watts is enough for everything else.  Where you camp also affects how much noise you might want to make.  Most other brands and most larger generators will make a lot of noise.  Aside from your own aural comfort your neighbors will appreciate your low decibel choice of a Honda or Yamaha.  

If you are camping where you don't need to care about the noise I'm pretty sure 3000 watts will cover just about everything you are likely to want to do in a Pod.

Think about how you are going to haul this thing and its gasoline around.  It's no small consideration, especially when your TV is something like a Rav4.  And unless you can leave it where it is when you haul it you need to think about how you're going to move it to and from where you use it.  A 3000w generator can weigh more than a lot of people care to lift in and out of things.

TT

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Tars Tarkas Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Location: Near Nashville Online Status: Offline Posts: 1446	Topic: What size generator do we need? Posted: 24 Mar 2014 at 10:25pm
	Yamaha makes a 2400w generator that will start and run the AC. It's about as quiet as a Honda or Yamaha 2000w generator. Except for starting the AC 2000 watts is enough for everything else. Where you camp also affects how much noise you might want to make. Most other brands and most larger generators will make a lot of noise. Aside from your own aural comfort your neighbors will appreciate your low decibel choice of a Honda or Yamaha. If you are camping where you don't need to care about the noise I'm pretty sure 3000 watts will cover just about everything you are likely to want to do in a Pod. Think about how you are going to haul this thing and its gasoline around. It's no small consideration, especially when your TV is something like a Rav4. And unless you can leave it where it is when you haul it you need to think about how you're going to move it to and from where you use it. A 3000w generator can weigh more than a lot of people care to lift in and out of things. TT
	2010 176 FJ Cruiser

Boomertype Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 12 Jan 2014 Location: Seattle Online Status: Offline Posts: 108	Posted: 24 Mar 2014 at 1:40pm
	Welcome to the group! Lots of folks use the Honda 2000 generator. It weights 46+ pounds dry and add another 8 pounds for gas. Add 8.5 pounds for every galloon of gas you carry with you. The bigger question is - what do want the the generator to provide power for? How long will you be using it once you fire it up. Plus do you really want to listen to a generator even though it's a "quiet" generator. Also remember if you are dry camping and carry a full tank of water (300 lbs.)and may have to drive away with a full black and gray water tank (550 Lbs.), you have an extra 600-700 pounds of fluid. You will be rapidly exceeding your Rav4's 3500 lb. capacity. And that's a real safety and stress issue on your Rav4.

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059	Posted: 24 Mar 2014 at 1:36pm
	If you will be camping in a standard campground w/o hookups, usually you aren't allowed to run the genset overnight. It isn't a problem in disbursed camping (found more often in the west). You'll need a bigger genset if you want to run two large-amperage appliances at one time, like the A/C and microwave, but that will use more fuel all of the time. You don't have to go as big if you are ok with turning the A/C off while you nuke dinner, and that saves gas. There are two basic types of generators. Inverter-generator and standard generator. The later always runs at 3600 rpms no matter how much load is put on them, they are loud, and they use a lot of fuel. The newer inverter-generators will go to idle when there is no load or a light load, and often run well below 3600 rpms even with a full load. The housing and exhaust is also designed to be quiet. As a result they are much quieter and use less fuel most of the time.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

Camper Bob Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 26 Sep 2011 Location: Portland Oregon Online Status: Offline Posts: 913	Posted: 24 Mar 2014 at 1:00pm
	Congrats. I guess the first question I would ask is why you think you want or need a generator. If you are going to campgrounds with full hookups there isn't a need for a generator. If your camping includes areas without a hookup, you are pretty self contained with the battery up front. Of course you won't be able to use the microwave or A/C but depending on where and what type of camping you intend to do, would decide if you need a generator. I personally have a Honda 2KW which should handle all of your electrical needs if used judiciously. Won't run the A/C, however, many have been able to get the A/C going with a 2KW generator. Others will suggest that if price is a concern, there are other manufacturers, but I prefer the long life and dependability of the Honda products. I'm sure many others will chime in with their thoughts. Safe Travels.
	Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder

FrogCouple Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 23 Mar 2014 Location: California Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Posted: 24 Mar 2014 at 12:07pm
	Hi everyone! We are the proud owners of a new 2014 178 RPod weighing in at 2820 pounds! Delivery is expected any day now and we are excited to take it out for our first time! We will be towing it with our 2010 Rav4 V6. We are glad to come across this forum with so much helpful information from everyone. Currently we are looking at purchasing a generator and really don't know what to buy, does anyone have any tips for us, size, weight, etc. etc. Thank you so much