I need HELP!!!: What size generator

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What size generator

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16117
Printed Date: 20 May 2026 at 8:46pm
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Topic: What size generator

Posted By: Gbr1955
Subject: What size generator
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2025 at 9:40am

I just bought a 2011 rp177. Has a ac 13500. What size generator do I need?

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George Roth

Replies:

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2025 at 10:12am

It depends on what your power usage will be aside from your AC. If you are only going to use AC and it has a soft start mechanism, you can get by with something as small as a 2000 watt inverter generator. If you are going to be running the AC and microwave and other appliances, you will need a 3500-4000 watt unit. Figure out what your power usage is going to be and size accordingly.

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Honda SCL500

Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2025 at 5:20pm

+1

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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2025 Ford Transit Camper van
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 31 Jan 2025 at 8:33pm

If you are careful to not try to run too much at once, a 3,000 watt generator should be adequate. If weight is an issue, two 2,000 watt generators run in parallel will be easier to lift. If you plan on running a dual-fuel generator on propane (which is what I do), remember that it won't generate quite as much power when running on propane. However, it avoids having to carry gasoline.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2025 at 11:08am

It might also depend on the charge status of your batteries when you turn on the AC. If your batteries are down when you startup the generator the AC may not start because of the load from the battery charger.

Posted By: _WW_
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2025 at 8:37am

I have a 179 from 2016.

My Microwave would bog down a 2000 generator and the AC would kill it.

This cured the problem.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1Q4K2G7?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

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2014 RAM 1500
2016 R Pod 179

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2025 at 9:09am

I had installed one of these in our (former) RP-179 to allow use with a Generac 2k generator. It is expensive, but worth getting and installing. You will notice a significant difference in AC startup as it doesn't have that sudden 0-100% but ramps up the speed of the compressor so that you barely hear it start. You just notice the cool and that it doesn't bog down the 2k generator.

https://www.microair.net/collections/easystart-soft-starters/products/easystart-breeze-soft-starter - https://www.microair.net/collections/easystart-soft-starters/products/easystart-breeze-soft-starter

The reason it works is that it cuts the initial current surge that the AC draws when starting up. It won't make up the deficit of a cheap generator, but a quality generator will work.

I have not installed one in our current Grey Wolf because we had gotten a larger generator because I wanted one that could run on propane. If I still were using the 2k generator, I would have gotten and installed one in the GW also.

Caveats: A 2k generator will still bog down if you try to run too much at once. You can run the AC or the convection microwave, but not at the same time. If the battery is low and the converter is trying to bulk-charge it, that also may be too much draw to run the AC at the same time but if the battery is full enough to use float, then it will work.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS