How big a generator do I need for a small camper with a refrigerator, lights, and an air conditioner?
Question:Running a line to the camper would cost over $700 so buying a quiet (hopefully propane) generator seems like a better idea but I don't know how to size it.
Answers:
the cost of the generator plus fuel for year would be way more than 700 dollars .i would just have electric run there ...but if you would rather have generator.. i would recommend you get a 5 kw generator so you could add more as frig +lights +a/c could possibly use as much as 2.4 kw.this way you could add a few more items as t.v. or other small electric items.should not use more than 75% of generator output or you could damage voltage regulator
2800 watt or above will work fine
This all depends upon the size of your a/c and the frig.
Add ALL the watts for all these appliances and then get what you need. No answer can be given without knowing the wattage of what you have.
: )
You can't buy a quiet generator for $700, forget propane! If it is a permanent installation, (three years or more), run the electricity, you won't be sorry!
Check out your local Honda dealer. The Generators are VERY quiet but are normally gas powered. They are very efficient. Look at the plates on your devices you want to run and look for the AMP draw. Add all the totals and mutiply by the voltage 120/220V and divide the answer by .80. That will be the min size generator you require.
Amps X Volts = Watts
You can only load a genny up to 80% or it will trip out so ...
ie
20Amps X 120V = 2400 Watts / .80 + 3000W
You require a 3K genny for this example.
If you can run the line for 700 then do it. You will spend that much or more for the generator if you are planning on using propane. In fact, you could spend close to a thousand on a generator to handle a fridge and an AC unit.
I agree if you are talking about a trailer that will stay in place run the power lines. AC does not run well off a gen. The start up amps is very high for a short time and can trip the breaker on the gen.
You will be much happier with permanent power rather then a gen.
None are quiet. If there are other campers around I can guarantee it wont ever run again after the first night. If they wanted to hear noise they would have stayed home.
More Related Questions & Answers...