any recommendations for a good one for my 30 amp camper? Going to set it up at lease which doesn't have power and want to be able to run the a/c when it gets hot

Honda EM5000SX 5,000 W

You should post a budget. Because loud and heavy will get the job done, but if you plan on moving it a lot or worry about the noise it changes things.

TacosaurusRex said:

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You should post a budget. Because loud and heavy will get the job done, but if you plan on moving it a lot or worry about the noise it changes things.

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probably loud and heavy -!not looking to spend a lot because on relative scale won't be used much 2-3 weeks a year at the most. Small 18' trailer with small fridge and small a/c so shouldn't pull a heavy load

Honda 2200i.
47 pounds and will run 8 hours on a gallon of gas. If it's enough to run your camper, best there is.

Use the Champion 3500 watt on mine, same 30 amp. Always starts easy, handles it ok, not that terribly loud, not nearly as pricey as a Honda.

And is a plug converter for standard 3 prong safe to use with a generator?

I would agree that the Honda 2200 is the best there is, but there is a very good chance that one unit by itself will not run your camper, especially if you want to run the microwave when the A/C is on.

You don't have to get "loud and heavy". The Champion 3500 already mentioned is not as loud as a common contractor genset, but it will run a camper w/one A/C unit. Yes, it is not as quiet as a Honda or Yamaha, but they are a lot cheaper, and they do work quite well. I don't know what they cost nowadays, but I know that it wasn't all that long ago that you could buy them for around $359.

If you really want to splurge, get either a 5k Honda, or two Honda 2k units with a connector cable. IMO buying two 2k units makes more sense, as lifting two of these once is still a lot easier than lifting one 5k unit. Also, if you have two 2k units and one goes down, you will still have power. If you have just one 5k unit and one goes down, you have no power. And lastly, two 2k units w/cable will be cheaper than one 5k unit. Or at least they used to be. Just something else to consider.....

C

You really need to consider fuel consumption in all of this.

Loud and heavy will work but it's going to suck fuel.

I've got a 7500 kw sitting in my garage but it's worthless because it burns a gallon an hour and holds 5 gallons. You need 24 gallons to make it through a day.

I've got two Honda 2000s that burn a gallon every 6ish hours running the 15,000 BTU AC on my old RV. Have a 5 gallon extended run tank so I could go over 12 hours running both.

Had two tanks and would switch them out.

I don't have an RV anymore but the dual Honda 2000 was by far the best system out there

If I were you I'd bite the bullet on the lesser 2,000 watt inverters like Predator and Westinghouse. It's about half the Hondas and for your minimal usage should be fine.

If you want a cost effective 5000 or 9500 watt unit the ones at Harbar Freight aren't bad. Plenty good for weekend camping, I have the 5000 now, 5000 is probably all you need for a 30amp rv

They have a 5000 watt for $1099
https://www.harborfreight.com/5000-watt-dual-fuel-super-quiet-inverter-generator-with-remote-start-and-co-secure-technology-epa-71367.html


9500 watt for $2299
https://www.harborfreight.com/9500-watt-super-quiet-inverter-generator-with-co-secure-technology-epa-71365.html

Here you go. Dual fuel and inverter so quiet. Generac brand $999

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Generac-5200-3900-Watt-Dual-Fuel-Inverter-Generator-Fully-Enclosed-Case-and-Easy-To-Use-Electric-Start-with-Battery-Included-8945/333569289

AgDad121619 said:

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And is a plug converter for standard 3 prong safe to use with a generator?

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Yes, I use the converter to go from standard 3 prong to the 3 pront twist lock on my generator when hardwire power isn't available.

Mas89 said:

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Honda 2200i.
47 pounds and will run 8 hours on a gallon of gas. If it's enough to run your camper, best there is.

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Honda 2200i won't run a camper electrical system (grounding issue) let alone the AC. I have one for other purposes and tried it on the camper to see if it would run lights, etc. Nope.

AgResearch said:

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Here you go. Dual fuel and inverter so quiet. Generac brand $999

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Generac-5200-3900-Watt-Dual-Fuel-Inverter-Generator-Fully-Enclosed-Case-and-Easy-To-Use-Electric-Start-with-Battery-Included-8945/333569289

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This looks like a pretty good deal on a 5200 watt inverter generator .. this guy will power a couple small Rv AC units and some lights

fullback44 said:

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If you want a cost effective 5000 or 9500 watt unit the ones at Harbar Freight aren't bad. Plenty good for weekend camping, I have the 5000 now, 5000 is probably all you need for a 30amp rv

They have a 5000 watt for $1099
https://www.harborfreight.com/5000-watt-dual-fuel-super-quiet-inverter-generator-with-remote-start-and-co-secure-technology-epa-71367.html


9500 watt for $2299
https://www.harborfreight.com/9500-watt-super-quiet-inverter-generator-with-co-secure-technology-epa-71365.html

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I have the 5000 watt. I wasn't expecting much out of it, but it is extremely quiet and works well.

I run mine off propane.

A friend I hunt with runs his small camper and it's a/c with a 2200i Honda. Plenty of online videos also.
I have a 2200i and a Honda eu3000is but the 3000i Honda weighs around 135 pounds so it is heavy. We ran the 2200 for a week after beryl last summer and it ran a 6kbtu window unit, and a full size frig and freezer.
Neighbor used our 3000 but it uses much more gas per day

Tumble Weed said:

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fullback44 said:

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If you want a cost effective 5000 or 9500 watt unit the ones at Harbar Freight aren't bad. Plenty good for weekend camping, I have the 5000 now, 5000 is probably all you need for a 30amp rv

They have a 5000 watt for $1099
https://www.harborfreight.com/5000-watt-dual-fuel-super-quiet-inverter-generator-with-remote-start-and-co-secure-technology-epa-71367.html


9500 watt for $2299
https://www.harborfreight.com/9500-watt-super-quiet-inverter-generator-with-co-secure-technology-epa-71365.html

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I have the 5000 watt. I wasn't expecting much out of it, but it is extremely quiet and works well.

I run mine off propane.

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Yep, I've been pleased with my 5K. I've only run it off propane so far.

Also, if you're not in a rush for one, you should be able to eventually catch a sale or coupon where HF knocks $200-$300 off that price.

And for the smaller budgets...$433
Wen 5600/5000W dual fuel

P=IV
P=30A * 120V = 3600W sustained output. Anything more would trip breakers of course. That's the load you must power with as much on as your electrical system will allow. Usually the AC and fridge gets close to that, and you may have to turn off AC to reliably use a large microwave if you also have lights and such on. Both the AC and fridge will require a power surge at start. The operating load should be at a lower amperage, so you need a generator with a surge capacity of at least 3600W and that can sustain probably 3000W or more at bare minimum. A minimally sized generator will be running nearer its max output and rpm's and will be louder and west out faster and be less fuel efficient so to really size properly I would increase the wattage by 1.5 or so. You probably want a generator around 4800-5200W max output and sustained output around 3500W or in that ballpark if you can. You can get away with smaller but it will be a louder experience or you might have to juggle power usage like mentioned before to keep the current draw down to the capacity of a smaller generator.

Inverter generators cost more but they are far more quiet and more fuel efficient.

Most RV fridges are absorption fridges that do not have an in-rush current since there is no compressor. It's just a heating element that turns on and off. The one on my camper draws around 350W when on.

If I were the OP, I'd just get the Harbor Freight 3500W or 5000W inverter and call it a day. I've seen people on FB groups having 10k hours on theirs with no problems.

Forgot about that. I removed the fridge in mine when it failed and replaced it with a conventional compressor unit that is a/c only. Yeah, and if you go harbor freight, or any gen, do it pretty soon (China tariffs!)

Well I was hoping to check our inventory for you Op and find a small 3.6kw or 6kw used gen unit for sale. It looks like the smallest we have right now is a towable 20kw. So, if you want to power your camper, a buddy's camper, and camp, you are golden this way and for only several grand more than you were planning on spending.

Ah yes, OB style points for you!

Predator 3500. I've had one for ~4 years now and it runs my camper at deer camp. We have 2 others as well out there, they all run great and get the job done. Quiet, pretty fuel efficient as well. I can run my camper for 8-10 hours on a single tank of fuel, which is plenty to run it overnight while I'm sleeping. It's moving to my cabin once I get it finished up as well.

Can buy it at Harbor Freight direct or you can find them on marketplace for good prices if you are patient and move quick when they do pop up.

Thanks for all great responses - I actually have an energy storm 2000 but it doesn't have the input cords for the dual generator plug so I doubt I can make it work. Got a lot of good options and several in my price point

schmellba99 said:

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Predator 3500. I've had one for ~4 years now and it runs my camper at deer camp. We have 2 others as well out there, they all run great and get the job done. Quiet, pretty fuel efficient as well. I can run my camper for 8-10 hours on a single tank of fuel, which is plenty to run it overnight while I'm sleeping. It's moving to my cabin once I get it finished up as well.

Can buy it at Harbor Freight direct or you can find them on marketplace for good prices if you are patient and move quick when they do pop up.

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for clarification , this is the standard generator not the inverter at Harbor Freight? -$479

LRHF said:

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Ah yes, OB style points for you!

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I did actually check our inventory to see if I could offer up any used generators at least. Brought it home with the 20kw though.

AgDad121619 said:

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schmellba99 said:

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Predator 3500. I've had one for ~4 years now and it runs my camper at deer camp. We have 2 others as well out there, they all run great and get the job done. Quiet, pretty fuel efficient as well. I can run my camper for 8-10 hours on a single tank of fuel, which is plenty to run it overnight while I'm sleeping. It's moving to my cabin once I get it finished up as well.

Can buy it at Harbor Freight direct or you can find them on marketplace for good prices if you are patient and move quick when they do pop up.

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for clarification , this is the standard generator not the inverter at Harbor Freight? -$479

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This is the inverter

https://www.harborfreight.com/3500-watt-super-quiet-inverter-generator-with-co-secure-technology-epa-71358.html

I bought my first one used for $400, came across another one for $180 (it isnt running so its a project). My buddy bought his first one for $500 and his backup one for $250 and we have been running the crap out of it lately.

AgDad121619 said:

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any recommendations for a good one for my 30 amp camper? Going to set it up at lease which doesn't have power and want to be able to run the a/c when it gets hot

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I got this set up for my rv. It's easier to tote two light ones than one big one. Also clean inverter power. Still available

https://texags.com/forums/50/topics/3524916

TacosaurusRex said:

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LRHF said:

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Ah yes, OB style points for you!

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I did actually check our inventory to see if I could offer up any used generators at least. Brought it home with the 20kw though.

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I appreciate you checking - used generator would be perfect for my planned use.

AgDad121619 said:

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TacosaurusRex said:

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LRHF said:

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Ah yes, OB style points for you!

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I did actually check our inventory to see if I could offer up any used generators at least. Brought it home with the 20kw though.

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I appreciate you checking - used generator would be perfect for my planned use.

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Not a problem. If you decide to wait, or for some reason decide you want something different shoot me something right before rifle season. That is generally when we open our fleet up the most for retail sales. If you were looking for a used skid, back hoe, or UTV for the property, that timeframe would be a good time to shop for something like that too.

If you're around Houston I have a 6,250 starting 5,000 running watt Briggs & Stratton that is taking up space after I upgraded to a whole house setup. Has about 50 hours run time. Asking $250

Edit to add I also have a 20' 30 amp cord to throw in

schmellba99 said:

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AgDad121619 said:

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schmellba99 said:

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Predator 3500. I've had one for ~4 years now and it runs my camper at deer camp. We have 2 others as well out there, they all run great and get the job done. Quiet, pretty fuel efficient as well. I can run my camper for 8-10 hours on a single tank of fuel, which is plenty to run it overnight while I'm sleeping. It's moving to my cabin once I get it finished up as well.

Can buy it at Harbor Freight direct or you can find them on marketplace for good prices if you are patient and move quick when they do pop up.

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for clarification , this is the standard generator not the inverter at Harbor Freight? -$479

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This is the inverter

https://www.harborfreight.com/3500-watt-super-quiet-inverter-generator-with-co-secure-technology-epa-71358.html

I bought my first one used for $400, came across another one for $180 (it isnt running so its a project). My buddy bought his first one for $500 and his backup one for $250 and we have been running the crap out of it lately.

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This is what I have and it runs my camper fine. Pretty sure I bought from the cartel off FB Marketplace. They told me to go to a storage facility, 3 guys showed up and opened a locker with ~200 generators big and small. They were on the phone with someone the whole time, they loaded it up, I sent the money through Venmo and then we left without anyone getting killed.
Quite the experience

I bought a Wen 3600i for boondocking. It has a 30amp receptacle and runs our AC just fine. It's relatively lightweight and I can easily get it into the truck bed without help. There are plenty of YouTube videos about it, and I think Wens are Chinese knockoffs of Hondas. After watching videos comparing Wens and Predators I went with the Wen. No problems with it yet but it only has about 40 hours on it.

Word of advice though, don't buy it off Ali Express

Ummm interested in the towable! E-mail in profile