Has anyone ever used a Champion 3500watt generator for their LQ horse trailer? Questions are - can you run the A/C, 6 cubic ft Refrigerator, and maybe the microwave and some lights? It's a recoil start... would that work with pre-wired set-up?
Posted 2010-05-24 7:32 PM (#120513 - in reply to #120511) Subject: RE: RV Generators
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
That 3500 watt genset is probably good for 2800 to 3000 watts continuous load. It could probably be prewired. Is your trailer 30 amp or 50 amp? A generator model number would be very helpful. Here's a list of the wattage draw from various RV Appliances.... http://www.funroads.com/rv-repair/generators/loadmanagement/
If I were to try to run a LQ, I would want a genset with at least a 4000 watt continous output.... 5500 watt wouldn't be too much.
One more thing, how loud is that 3500 Champion...?
Posted 2010-05-25 11:07 AM (#120533 - in reply to #120511) Subject: RE: RV Generators
New User
Posts: 3
If possible, add up the total number of watts you need and then multiply by 1.25 (or even up to 1.5) to determine the appropriate generator size. For example, if you needed to run 1,500 watts, you need a generator that will continuously run 1,875 watts (or up to 2,250 watts).
Posted 2010-05-25 11:49 AM (#120540 - in reply to #120511) Subject: RE: RV Generators
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Advance NC
Thanks Everyone! We saw this generator on sale at Tractor Supply and wondered if it would work as an "emergency" type back up generator for us. We typically hook up to power at the horse shows with our 30amp. We had another trailer with a nice Onan 4000, which was great, but very expensive for the one time a year we would need it. We don't want to pay that kind of money for a back up/emergency type generator.
Any suggestions on a less expensive 30amp plug generator?
Posted 2010-05-25 12:34 PM (#120544 - in reply to #120511) Subject: RE: RV Generators
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 330 Location: northeast Texas
We bought that Champion generator at Tractor Supply about 2 months ago. We have a 30 amp and it pulls the AC, 6.0 fridge and all just fine. I do turn off AC to use the microwave. Our AC cycles just like the house and it works fine. That particular generator, while not as quiet as, say, a Honda EU3000 is still not horrible. You can still hold a conversation with it running fairly close. We seldom use the gen as when camping we usually have a hookup or dont need the AC, which is the only time we would run it. If we are running ours because its that hot and we dont have a hookup then everyone else is running one too so no one really minds. LOL You probably wont get as many mad people at a horse show compared to camping as show people tend to be in the trailer as opposed to sitting out under the awning at camp. When camped primitive I use mine periodically to charge batteries. I seldom use the microwave. We like to grill. But I will say the gen starts very easily on the first pull. For the money if you dont really use one much it is a great buy. If you want to camp primitive and run the gen alot then you should buy a more expensive super quiet one. My .o2 only. LOL
Posted 2010-05-25 1:48 PM (#120550 - in reply to #120511) Subject: RE: RV Generators
New User
Posts: 3
Good motors are Honda, Subaru, or Briggs & Stratton. "Made in China" may be a lower quality generator.
I recently bought a Black Max (Coleman) with a Honda motor (with a voltage regulator), 7,000 running watts, 8,250 surge watts at Sams for $999. I searched all over the place and that was the best deal I found.
RV Generators
