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.

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.

 

A note that I posted a Yamaha 2400 for sale in the Flea Market section yesterday.

From a good camping neighbour point-of-view, you're pretty much limited to the very quiet (and rather expensive) Hondas or Yamahas.  Forget any idea you may have of purchasing a contractor-grade generator from Costco for $499 - your neighbours will lynch you.

Recommended models for running your air conditioner with ease:

- http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/honda-eu3000i-handi-portable-generator-carb-compliant/48710 - Honda EU3000i or http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/honda-eu3000is-generator-carb-compliant/34963 - Honda EU3000is

- http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/powerproducts/products/modelhome/475/0/home.aspx - Yamaha 2400iSHC

A bit noiser and a little bit less reliable (but a lot cheaper):

- http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/powerhouse-ph3100ri-portable-inverter-generator/67060 - Powerhouse PH3100Ri

It is also possible to swap-out the start capacitor on your air conditioner and run with a smaller generator (running at max load or near max load, which means considerably louder).  This generally works, although the start load increases on hot days and you may find a 2000 watt generator tripping its breaker as the air conditioner cycles.

OK, so how and when do I secure this thing? I would probably only run it when I'm in or around the Pod, so that's not a big deal unless the perp is much bigger than me. But how about when I'm not using it? Just throw it in the back of the TV? That seems to make the most sense. Chain it up? Too what? Chain my guard cat (8 lbs. but tough as nails!) to it?

So who has actually, really, not second hand story had their genny stollen and what were the circumstances?

Thanks!

fred

Edit: you can see this in one of the pictures here, along with a pic of the chains running to the truck.  http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3689&PID=35302&title=my-generator-mount - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3689&PID=35302&title=my-generator-mount

I use a masterlock cable and usually loop it through my genny's frame and up an over the crossmember at the rear of the trailer frame.  On occasion, I've looped the cable through the "A" at the trailer tongue or around a large tree.

To be honest, I've never been too concerned about theft while in a campground.  I do try to store the generator out of site to passerby's and always secure it to something, tho.  But, I'm not worried that someone will break out an axe and chop down the tree I've chained my genny to.

I've read of this exact thing happening on another forum.

 

There's always someone who's camped more than the other guy, but I've camped a good bit.   I don't think I've ever even heard of thieves where I camp.  Not that I leave my stuff just lying around either....

 

TT

Yikes.  Not good at all.

Oh well, I guess that's why I carry insurance.

Ya know, I did a whole bunch of online reading yesterday and today 'bout this. What I came away with was that theft is pretty rare in most camping areas. Mostly kids stealing coolers full of beers or joy riding unlocked bikes. Not that I intend to tempt anyone by leaving nice stuff around but I'm not convinced the difference between 3/8" braided steel or 3/4" case hardened chain will really matter. Somebody's got a 18v. cutting wheel and they're gonna get it.

More of the crime I read about was domestic in nature. Something about husband and wife and backing trailers and hand signals, walkie talkies, and screaming that didn't end well.

Bottom line, I'm guessing there is more of a bio-hazard worry in campgrounds than there is theft.

fred

Look at the 4th post down @ 11/25/12 07:21am

Always start the generator, let it warm up for a minute or two to a nice, comfortable idle and then plug in your trailer.  When it comes time to shut down, turn off the air conditioner and unplug (or turn off) any appliances that are actively using a significant amount of power, and then unplug the trailer from the generator.  Give the generator a minute or two to settle/idle and then you can hit the generator's off/kill switch.

The idea is to never do anything abrupt.  Let the generator warm up and idle down.  Equally, don't expose your electrical equipment to unnecessary surges/brownouts.  For example: make sure that the air conditioner is turned off when you plug-in the r-pod, and make sure that its turned off before you unplug the r-pod.  Small power drains, like the microwave or television being plugged-in but turned-off, are fine.  I do suggest unplugging laptops or expensive electronics while connecting/disconnecting your trailer from any power supply.

I have a long-time thread around here discussing smaller options.  The best solution I had found to-date was the Coleman Polar Cub, but recently read about the Coleman Mach 8 which is 2 inches shorter.  Both are 9200 btus, which I feel is exactly where it should be for the pods.  The big A/Cs are oversized for the pod's area so they don't dehumidify like they should (since they don't run long enough).  The Mach 8 should solve both problems - dehumidification and the ability to run from a smaller genset.