We have a 2024Paradigm 340 RL. We have a private campground on the Ohio River that has 30 amp service but our service has been degraded by floods that occur on average about every 5 years. we are at the point where we need to replace the breakers & boxes because of voltage drop when multiple AC’s are running on the same leg. In order to take some of the stress off the system I’m looking at buying a portable generator that is as quiet as possible & can run at least 1 AC. Looking for info on sizing the generator output, etc. Thanks
Sizing generator to run AC
- Thread starter Dan54
- Start date
BryanValRox
Well-known member
Hi Dan, I guess it really depends on what your actual needs are.
As you know already your coach is set up for 50 amps, and you are hooked 30 amps ,so picking and choosing active loads on the system is not unfamiliar to you.
If you want to size the Gen output for your 30 amp service it would need to be at least a 3600 watt output. (120 volts x 30 amps=3600 watts).
Be careful with surge ratings and continuous output numbers, target the continuous output number within your budget.
You might also need to consider soft starts on your a/c’s(2 max. on 30 amp) if you don’t have them already, for reliable operation in summer months.
If, you don’t plan on sizing for the full 30 amps, just do the math for each load that will be running at the same time and add some cushion to handle the unexpected load and the in rush surges on heavier load devices.
Hope this helps some!
CiscoRaccoon
Well-known member
I have a 310 RL with 3 AC's. I did a lot of research. I chose the Champion 5500 dual fuel (I use propane). I can run two AC's no issues, If I want to use the electric water heater, I turn one AC to off. The microwave is picky, sometimes no issue, sometimes trips generator. I d not have soft starts on the AC, but considering them to have much lower amperage on start up. The one I bought is super quiet too. I carry it is the bed of the PU. Good luck.
I carry a Wen dual fuel 3600 generator. I carry it in my storage bay at all times, but hope to never need to use it.
My last RV had a Onan built in which was very convenient. However in the end I really did not use it much, but it was nice to have power available at all times just in case.
In the RV world we know just in case can happen in bizarre ways. After an episode in early Spring I now carry the dual fuel genset with hoses to connect to RV quick connect. The genset gives me lots of options, when things go south
The portable gives me the ability to be self contained and have AC power at all times. The portable is just not as convenient or powerful as my prior built in Onan.
Wen 3600 Dual fuel genset
My last RV had a Onan built in which was very convenient. However in the end I really did not use it much, but it was nice to have power available at all times just in case.
In the RV world we know just in case can happen in bizarre ways. After an episode in early Spring I now carry the dual fuel genset with hoses to connect to RV quick connect. The genset gives me lots of options, when things go south
The portable gives me the ability to be self contained and have AC power at all times. The portable is just not as convenient or powerful as my prior built in Onan.
Wen 3600 Dual fuel genset
Are you running a straight hose from your quick connect? Have you tested for sufficient propane supply if you’re using a straight hose with no regulator?
I ask because my Westinghouse genset came with a larger diaphragm regulator than the coach uses. Small regulator capacity and a long, small diameter hose may limit your genset rpm and output.
That being said, I’m with you on the options.
Actually I'm running straight hose with a another regulator. Its called a supply regulator I believe? It took a bit to figure it out between proper connections and proper regulator. I had to go to a hydraulic hose shop to cobble all the fittings together.
That said. Connecting to the RV quick connect is not really necessary . You could always just connect to the onboard lp tanks with a extend a stay tee and skip the quick connect drama.
