Generator

Welcome.  We'll be doing the same trip this summer for 3 1/3 weeks (we did 3 1/2 weeks across the southern states last summer), starting in MD and heading out to the Utah, Arizona, Colorado area.  We spent around 6 nights in Wal-mart parking lots and truck stops, running our generator for ~12 hours each time to run the A/C and the microwave (not at the same time, mine isn't big enough).  If you only need to charge batteries you could go with a smaller genset, 1000 watts, which will be cheaper to buy and operate.

There are 2 major types of gensets now.  One is the old-style "construction screamer" which runs at a full 3600 rpms at all times even if there is no load on it at all.  The other is the newer inverter-generator style, which will run at an idle with no load and slowly ramp up as load is applied.  Most don't run at 3600 rpm even under a full load so they are much quieter at any load.  They also use a lot less gas.  Downside is while a cheap construction screamer is a few hundred bucks you'll spend four figures for a Honda or Yamaha.  If you will run it a lot you'll make your money back in gas saved with an inverter-genset... and if you are running this in a campground your neighbors will thank you.

Here is how I mounted mine to my truck for last year's trip:  http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3689&KW=&PID=35205&title=my-generator-mount

I just took a look, there are many cheap Chinese-made versions made now, just be prepared that you won't be able to get parts or service if it breaks.  For the price that really doesn't matter if you get 1000 hours out of it.  Usually they are fairly loud compared to the Honda or Yamaha units.

I would get the 2000 watt version and not the 500 watt version.  The converter - the device in campers which convert 120 volts AC to 12 volts DC and charges the battery - has a very high start-up surge when it is plugged in and will probably shut down the 500 watt model.  

My usual recommendation is to plug in the camper for 2 hours every 2nd or 3rd day for a quick charge, but once a week you need to top off the battery properly with a long charge - overnight if you have an outlet available, or at least 6 hours if you are using the generator.  The fridge's control board does need 12 volts even when running from propane, yes.

I always have the minority opinion when it comes to generators.  I have 4 generators of various sizes, but the two largest ones are too heavy for RV use and I use them primarily for power outages. The other two are a Dometic LW3000 which is electric start almost as quiet as Honda and is capable of running our pod's air conditioning, as long as the water heater and microwave are not used, and a small 1000 watt model from China.   The Dometic is sized right for dry camping unless you need one that will run all night without refilling.  But, for me, it is too heavy for me to comfortably lift from the TV to the pod.  Fortunately, we prefer campgrounds with full services.

The 1000 watt model is the most versatile for me.  I can easily carry it from home to where our pod is stored, and it will power any small power tool I take.  Plug a battery charger into it, and it will charge the pod's battery fairly quickly.  I normally just plug it into the pod (cord adapter required) and then I can even take a break and watch TV.  These generators are normally on sale for around $100 and probably won't last as long as a name brand, but at that price I consider them disposable should mine eventually fail.  I have had mine for 3 years, use it about twice a month, but the hours of use are still low.

As Keith-N-Dar said, to each his own.  Read all the responses you receive, then buy what you think is most appropriate for your needs. 

Bob

I bought mine at Home Depot a few years ago.  The China models are available from several sources but I noticed that Harbor Freight has one on sale now.  Another way to charge your battery is simply to start your TV (pod plugged into it).  This has been mentioned before on this forum and I have used this method several times in the past. 

The China generator has served me well.

Bob

Good point, Doug!

Bob