westexgt Posted January 7, 2005 Report Share Posted January 7, 2005 I have a 24ft enclosed trailer, that I am slowly turning into my own version of a toy hauler. I would like to run a small TV, Microwave, and AC unit, how big of a generator do I need? And there will be a couple small pumps for toilet, faucet, and shower. I have never used a generator, so I am clueless as to what I need. I have found a couple that 4500 watts for around $500, is that a good deal, or do I need bigger? Remember I am on a small budget (full time student), I wish I could just go buy a nice onan, but that won't happen for another year or so. Thanks, Kevin p.s. Whcih color scheme do you guys like? Or should I throw some flames on it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRed350x Posted January 7, 2005 Report Share Posted January 7, 2005 Look at the ratings on the devices you are going to use in the trailer. Every device that hooks up to AC should tell you somewhere how many kwh (kilowatt hours) it uses during normal operation. This will tell you how large of a generator you need. You just have to think about weither each item would be used one at a time, or the additive load if they are used at teh same time. I like the green. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STLBILL Posted January 7, 2005 Report Share Posted January 7, 2005 Hi there: Ditto on finding the right size generator. I like the red or the black/gray. I am not too much for the green. Did you forget about lights? Keep in mind how much fuel you will need for the generator. Maybe you can throw some solar cells on the trailer roof to help. Albeit, solar technology is still pretty pricey. I don't know too many Banshee riders who don't see sunny sandy areas now and again. Ever think about trying to build a regenerative breaking system for trailers? Regards, Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bansheefreak Posted January 7, 2005 Report Share Posted January 7, 2005 what ever generater you get get the quiet one... i think honda sells one... cus it sux when you are in a tent or rv(toyhauler) and some dude next to you has a generater with 450hp or 2hp with open exhaust.. blarring all freakin night.... your neighbors well will ty for it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westexgt Posted January 7, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2005 Well what I was thinking was using about 3 or 4 car batteries, wiring everything up so the generator will kick on when the batteries are low, or have a switch where I can run power straight from the generator. There are mufflers, and things you can do to keep them quiet, which will probably be done. I am going to talk to some people tomorrow who have generators and installed their own living 1/4's, did get a better idea of what I am looking at. Thanks for the help, keep the comments coming. Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Otis Posted January 7, 2005 Report Share Posted January 7, 2005 What color is your truck?...go with the one that closest matches the truck... no flames...way over done..jmo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89Steeda Posted January 7, 2005 Report Share Posted January 7, 2005 I just bought a Yamaha 1000 gen. Quieter than the Honda. $600. Will not run your ac. But will charge your batterys and run some stuff. The 3000 Yamaha is quiet and powerful and expensive. $2000.You do get what you pay for here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUNEDEMON Posted January 7, 2005 Report Share Posted January 7, 2005 You do have some options here, I'll explain through my own experience. I have a Weekend Warrior toy hauler that I bought without the installed generator, WW wanted another $3200.00 for the built it model. I bought a portable 5500W Generac with a 8HP Honda engine brand new at Cosco for around $700 (you do the math, at the time it was all I could afford). Being that it is 5500W it will run my AC, blender, microwave, and wifes hair dryer all at the same time, but it is a bit noisey. My trailer has a 35Ft shoreline connection so when out at Glamis I just drag the generator out away from the trailer (and others camped near us) it works well for me, but my next toy hauler will have a built in unit. Honda has a really nice model caled the EU3000 SUPER quiet, but pricey, and it will not run all of your stuff at once, but will run most of it and re-charge your batteries. You will also want to think about if you are going to run a 30A or 50A servive in the trailer. Regarding batteries, give some thought to running 6V batteries wired in series as opposed to standard 12V's wired in parallel, and possibly an inverter running off the batteries to run some of you electrical. They will give you better service and life. I just made the swith to 2 trojan T105 golf cart batteries in my trailer and last my trip to Glamis I did not need to run the gen to re-charge them. I see you post at glamisdunes.com, try a search in the rv tech forum there, tons of useful info. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress, oh I like the black / grey color combo - won't look dated in 5 years... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ledofthezep Posted January 7, 2005 Report Share Posted January 7, 2005 What color is your truck?...go with the one that closest matches the truck...no flames...way over done..jmo 303130[/snapback] I agree. Although, the 2grays would be pretty slick. I'd stay away from flames on the trailer...not like it's burn'n ass anywhere on it's own anyhow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fixitrod Posted January 7, 2005 Report Share Posted January 7, 2005 Good luck and keep us posted on your progress, oh I like the black / grey color combo - won't look dated in 5 years... 303226[/snapback] Exactly what I was thinking!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boonman Posted January 7, 2005 Report Share Posted January 7, 2005 I like the grey with green. But that's just me.. Fading is somethign to think about however. On the generator thing, Do not get anything under 4500 watts. I would even be inclined to go with 5500. Here's the thing. You can NEVER have enough power. A 5500 will run a small buzzbox welder, and anything you need to run off it otherwise. I have burned up a couple generators, and my advice to you is to not go with a shitty/cheap one. Stick with something heavy duty. Don't get a Coleman power mate, no matter what the price is. Unless it's free. They are cheap, and the generation units are weak. Honda engines are usually quiet, but you can muffle things down for yourself if needed... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRed350x Posted January 8, 2005 Report Share Posted January 8, 2005 We use a generator we took out of a huge ass tour bus for a backup for our house for when the power goes out. It will run a 58" big screen, all the home theater (the necessities) the pump that provides water to our house, all the lights in the living room, and the microwave all at once. If you add anything else, the lights will dim. It was a heavy sucker though. Had to use the MF2810 to move it. Something like 400lbs. The actual generator coil was about the size of half a shee. Ran off a small V-twin. Dunno ratings though. Sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89Steeda Posted January 9, 2005 Report Share Posted January 9, 2005 Remember, the bigger the generator, the more fuel its gonna use. The nice Honda and Yamaha's are sumwhat smart, in that they will idle up and down for the load, to save fuel. Exhaust isn't the only thing that is loud. I have a 4000 Onan that I built a custom exhaust that I could run into a hole in the ground to quiet it down. The exhaust was almost silent, but the gear noise from the generator was just as loud, Kinda like a Pete Jackson gear drive. Again, you get what you pay for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bansheefreak Posted January 9, 2005 Report Share Posted January 9, 2005 well i'm glad everyone agrees that they should not be so loud.. i know not everyone can get the nice ones but when ppl do its nice for there future neighbors... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westexgt Posted January 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2005 Hey guys,thanks for the help. My truck is a pewter Z71, but that will make way for a silver cummins in about a year, if I finish school. hahaha. I am pretty sure I will just do the bright silver on top and charcoal on bottom. Thanks, Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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