Generator

The question might be a little late, but.... I have a new champion generator with 4000 peak, and 3500 constant amps of power being delivered tomorrow. I estimated that i would be able to run the whole rp172 with this set up. The a/c and fridge run at about 2150amps constant. I figure the microwave puts me close @ 1000 to run it, but even that leaves me 350 amps theoretically. I suppose if i call for hot water i might pop the circuit, but i doubt all this happens together very often.  comments?? Am i good with this unit? what do you use. Do you use these louder type generators? rated for 68 dbls at 23 feet? I would want to use this in state parks that don't always have hookups. Is it a keeper? or send it back.

I use a Generac IX 2000, reasonably quiet and meets most my needs, can't run the convection microwave and AC at same time, but only use when power is not available, just a good back-up generator. Not familiar with the champion, personally think it is more than you need for running a Pod in a campground but may make sense when boon docking.

I have a Yamaha 2400iSHC. I got it because it has one of the lowest noise levels around for an inverter/generator its size.  It runs my air con, and everything else, just not at the same time.  If the air con, or an electric heater, or the microwave is on, that's it, at least in terms of larger appliances.  I have been caught going over the limit, which shuts off the generator, but it's been my forgetfulness, rather than any need for simultaneous use.  It's rated 53 dBA / 60 dBA at 1/4 load / Full Load.  The scale isn't linear, so this is quite a bit quieter than your Champion.  People still complain, which is understandable.  I was a tent-camping snob who really resented generator noise until I got the Pod a few years ago.

It's important to understand that generators aren't allowed everywhere and they aren't allowed during certain hours in other places.  I've seen people break all kinds of campground rules, but this is the one that seems to get more enforcement, hands down, than any other.  People don't like the noise.  You probably won't either for that matter.

4000 watts is overkill for the pod, unless you're going to insist on running the air con and the microwave at the same time. Even then, I think 3000 watts will do.  And as you've seen from other replies, the noise level can't be overstated.  I really recommend the Yamaha or a Honda at something at or a little under 3000 watts.  Hondas, and I think now some Yamahas, will let you run two 2000 watt generators together, for a total of 4000 watts.  You can run one by itself or two together.  Any time you are hauling around 3000 watts or more of generators you are hauling a lot of weight.  A 3000 or 4000 watt generator takes a pretty good man to move by himself.  I guess that's the big argument for 2 x 2000 watt generators.  I can handle my Yamaha 2400 as long as I keep telling myself to lift with my legs not with my back....

Yamahas and Hondas are more expensive than Champions, per watt.  You're paying for the low noise level, the (at least alleged) quality, and the name.  I don't regret my purchase at all.

TT

Champion 68 dba, Honda eu2000i 53 dba to  59 dba, that is about 1/2 as loud than the Champion.

You are right Keith, I have camped in Provincial parks where gen are only aloud mornings and evenings except for the camp host he ran his gen all day long.