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What size (kw) is sufficient?
If you needed a new generator what size would you get? And why?
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13 Replies
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MHO – I would replace with same Kw rating as was engineered and originally installed by the converter.
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50 amp service requires at least a 12K generator. 100amps (50 amps on each leg) X 120V is 12,000 amps. Anything above 12K would be my recommendation.
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The wires and cables on a conversion are sized for the generator originally installed. Replacing the original with a generator of larger output has the potential to exceed the limitations of the original wires and cables.
If the wires and cables were oversized originally no problem, but that needs to be verified.
2000 Featherlite H3-45
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Leesburg, FL -
Small 2-5kw inverter generator or something similar. They’re so much smaller, quieter and lighter. II’d also make it removable and add a fuel drain hose to refill. If boondocking for days/weeks in middle of no where I’d use a long cable and put it far away
I have victron inverters which has power assist and if using above the genset it just uses the batteries to invert. I also have solar so don’t really even need a genset.
My 20kw genset now is over a 1000lbs and like 2x2x4ft so takes a ton of space. Have only used a few times and didn’t even really need it.
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I guess it is all about how you use the generator and coach.
If I am not plugged into shore power or running down the road my generator is running. I never have to worry about power management and can run all 4 A/Cs, all my lights, grill a steak, run the washer and dryer and enjoy the luxury and features my coach provides.
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It’s never made sense to me in why they’d design it so you need to have 2 separate engines running.
With my inverters I can run basically as much as my genset can run (15k vs 18k) so can run all 6 acs. But problem is battery power. Only have 20kwh batteries. To solve that issue I have dc to dc converters that when driving I get 3kw from the 50dn alternator. I could get all 270a (6000w+) if I had more converters or a 24v system. The solar also helps.
All in all I think this is way more efficient as 1hp is almost 1000w so I’m only pulling lime 3 additional hp when fully running which isn’t noticeable at all with these huge engines. Gensets run like 1gph plus maintenance.
Nicest part is everything is on and ready with my coach 24/7. Nothing to turn on or get ready. Plugging/unplugging shore doesn’t shut off power or anything. Problem is if we forget to plug in or a breaker blows we don’t know until we get a low power email.
2000 Featherlite H3-45
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Leesburg, FL -
Certainly would not go bigger as mentioned above wire might not support. Also existing bay and support might not hold more weight
Have to wonder if recent efficiency from LED bulbs, TVs, induction cooktop really helps and therefore less need for the 20kw behemoths. As captain pointed out newer inverters can help bridge the gaps.
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Tvs only use a few watts, same with most other consumer devices including fridges. My fridge only uses 370w on average per day apparently so like 15watts. Cooktops can be 1800w, microwaves 1500w but are only used a bit. Biggest consumer is AC which is about 1500w but without an easy start can use 5000w+ for a few seconds to startup.
Nice part about victron parts is I can see every watt I use and it logs for like 6 months. Have some devices on smartswitches/smart powerstrips to monitor and control remotely too.
I really think a small generator with a huge inverter/battery bay is the way to go. We’re not running 4 ACs at the same time for long
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15 KW ought to run anything you needed.
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Captain … why do you need two separate engines running at the same time?
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I don’t ever use 2 engines at same time. I have DC DC converters on the engine alternator to charge my power banks then inverters power the 120v loads.
With the solar and big batteries I can last a day comfortably. Couple if I conserve power. The genset charges like 1% a minute so just need to run it a bit
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I am interested in your set up. Is that 2 inverters? What are those specs? How many batteries: amps, volts etc.? How many solar panels and what wattage?
thanks for your patience
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I have 2 Victron Quattro 5kw inverters 48v setup in split phase so each leg gets 5000w. 2 sok 48v rack batteries 100ah each 10kw total. 1800w on the roof covering half my roof at a slight angle from the Girard awnings to above the AC units. I’m redoing solar soon to cover it all and will have 4000w+
Victron inverters are the best and are unique. The Quattros each have 2 inputs and 2 outputs and 100amps each so they work as an auto transfer switch from gen to shore to invert all without losing power and they log it all so I know usage.
Victron also has input controls and powerassist so I can have 15a 120v extension cord coming in but still output 240v and let me use the 1800w shore 15a plus 10kw inverter. Same with being on 50a 240v shore instead of 12kw I have 22kw. Whatever isn’t being used just recharges the batteries.
Victron has a cerbogx which is the brains of everything and connects all together so on my phone from anywhere. Can automate and do all kinds of things like auto start generator when batteries are low.
I then have a 3rd inverter same Quattro 5kw but 12v and a pair of 12v rack batteries 400ah each 10kw. This is just for a backup incase main system doesn’t work and it powers some important loads and pulls power from 48g inverter a side.
Then have DC DC converters which take the 24v 50dn alternator power I connected to my chassis batteries and when engine is running it puts 1500w into each battery bank.
So when driving I can run 2 AC units and it uses the engine alternator so I don’t lose any battery charge. A 3rd on a sunny day from the solar.
I just reprogrammed my system so it charges the batteries to 70-80% so when it’s at home it’ll use the solar mainly and keep everything on the use the shore power if batteries get below 70%. Otherwise the solar was just off since batteries are charged.
I love it and everything works flawlessly. RV is on 24/7 and everything always works. When I switch from shore to inverter I just unplug and it doesn’t turn anything off.
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