I am looking at getting a generator for the travel trailer to use at A&M games this fall. Obviously running the AC is a requirement.

Anyone have Pros and Cons or thoughts on using one larger generator, vs. using 2 smaller coupled generators?

I have a metal cage welded to the frame/bumper where I would likely keep the generator.

One Larger
2 connected Smaller ones

I run two Yamaha 2000 generators for my RV. The combined weight is less than the weight of the larger unit. The other benefit is that you can use the small generators for other purposes and they are more portable. In the case of those Champions, you'd also get more combined power.

That said, I'd be more concerned running less than 3,500 watts. Even with my 4000 watt setup it takes every bit of juice to get the AC compressor running and that's with a Hard Start capacitor installed (best RV related 15 bucks you'll ever spend). I know they make other discount brands in 2K watt models that you can run parallel. I'd pass on those Champions. Before I got the Yamahas I ran a 3,500 watt Champion (non-quiet model) and it struggled and blew the breaker frequently.

Definitely go w/2 smaller gensets. As Mr. Fido mentioned, two 50lb gensets are much easier to manage than one 150lb. genset (Honda, in this case). Also, if one fails, you still have another one to use. There will also be times where you will only need one anyway. And in the case of Honda, two 2K gensets costs less than a 4K genset.

Whether or not the two Champions will work will only be found out by trial and error. Two 2k Hondas run the single AC's on both of our RV's without a problem, as did a 3500 Champion. I have read that the two Champions you picked work just fine for starting RV A/C's.

I run the two champions and they work great with one a/c unit. Not as quite as Honda but not bad. I like them for the price. Very reliable.

The amazon reviews indicate that 3100 will run an rv ac. Is it not a sure thing it will?

The new Generac IQ 2000 is cheaper and quieter than the Honda. Grab two of those and you will be good to go!

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The amazon reviews indicate that 3100 will run an rv ac. Is it not a sure thing it will?

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I'm sure it will run it, but, you'll have to get used to doing things like shutting down the AC when you run the microwave, coffee pot, electric griddle, and fryer if you use any of those things. You'll also likely for sure need the hard start capacitor on your AC that I mentioned above. Supco SPP6. It's about a 15 minute install.

You're better off with the dual setup

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The amazon reviews indicate that 3100 will run an rv ac. Is it not a sure thing it will?

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Running it won't be a problem. The potential problem is in *starting* it. The sudden and great current draw of a starting A/C is very large, and can cause some gensets to automatically shut off. If your A/C start-up causes this to happen, you can get an accessory device that eases, or softens the hard start.

I run two Honda 2k's in parallel have have been really pleased with this setup. I also have a 5-6 gal supplemental tank that feeds both generators as the onboard tank is about 1 gal. As mentioned above, both of the 2k's combined weigh less than the 3k and you get a few more rated amps in parallel

Fido - many thanks for the info on the start capacitor, I'll be ordering one soon. Question: does is basically moderate the amperage draw at startup to allow the generators to rev up from eco/idle mode without tripping?

Interested as well.

OP....where did you get cage? I need to do a similar setup on mine.

Any other tips for where I can tailgate? Looks like cheapest are those new lots at $180/game

The previous owner installed the cage/ Looks homemade, but I am very glad I have it for hauling grills, generators, bikes, etc.

Yah the Aggie RV park still has spots. I would bet those sell out pretty quickly for the bigger games.

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Fido - many thanks for the info on the start capacitor, I'll be ordering one soon. Question: does is basically moderate the amperage draw at startup to allow the generators to rev up from eco/idle mode without tripping?

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That's exactly what it does. The run capacitor should already have the post connections on it to plug in directly. It literally took longer to remove the cover and read the directions than install.

We've run 2 Honda 2000s for years and have had no problem. I'd suggest getting a larger gas tank for them.