Re: [A/S] generator

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Kirk,
 That genset should be plenty big enough to run everything in your A/S,
including the A/C. Yes, you need an adaptor so you can plug your 30-amp
RV plug into the 20-amp household-style receptacle on the generator, but
you should already be carrying one of those. Most folks have one in case
they can only find a 20-amp source.

Note that the twistlock receptacle on the genset is probably for 240
volts and is NOT what you want to plug your power cord into!

You didn't ask, but I'll give you my opinion of folks who use
hardware-store gensets with their RVs: I don't like 'em very much. Those
things are NOISY. Moreso, they're probably unnecessary for most camping
situations. If you can learn to get by without the coffeemaker and
microwave, your batteries alone should provide all the power you need
for a couple of days *if they're good*. 

Add a couple of 50 or 75 watt solar panels and you'll be self-sufficient
in warm weather; I seldom "plug in" during summer months, even if power
is available. Winter is different because the panels don't make nearly
as much power and you'll use more (to run the furnace).

If you're truly alone in that "remote area", go for it, otherwise, for
the sake of other campers, please look at other alternatives. If you
absolutely must have a generator, Honda and others make very quiet
units. If you don't have to run your A/C, a 1000-watt outfit will be
plenty, especially if equipped with a 12VDC output for battery charging.
I'd think that 3KW would be enough to run your A/C, but haven't tried
it; the starting surge 
on an A/C is pretty substantial.

                                        <<Jim>>