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Old 05-10-2022, 08:53 AM   #1
jjf1putt
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Generators

We have rarely used a generator in the past- I know very little about power. We have a 2019 Montana High Country 331RL. I currently have a very heavy generator in the belly. We haven't used it yet. I am getting a bit old to be lifting this thing in and out. What suggestions do people have in regard to portable generators to run the 331RL. Any suggestions and help are appreciated.

Thanks John and Barb
 
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Old 05-10-2022, 09:07 AM   #2
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I have a 3781RL and use a WEN 3800 to power my coach. I installed soft starts in both AC units and with that can run everything with no issues. The only draw back is you will need to turn off one AC to use the microwave or hair dryer. They do make a larger one that may suit you better.
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Old 05-10-2022, 09:09 AM   #3
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What does a soft start cost? I also have two units.
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Old 05-10-2022, 09:11 AM   #4
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hello what you want to run in your rv. i have this https://www.amazon.com/Generac-G0071...030886594&th=1 to small to run the air unless i installed soft starts. i only wanted it to charge my batteries and run a few things inside. it is portable but still heavy. many on here use the predator from harbor freight and keep them in the truck bed, here is a link to the soft starts https://www.softstartrv.com/?msclkid...41a5caf967575b
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Old 05-10-2022, 09:12 AM   #5
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John,

Twin 2000 watt units are much lighter and easier to handle. They can be hooked in parallel when you need more power. Honda is the gold standard.
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Old 05-10-2022, 09:17 AM   #6
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They run a few hundred each and take an hour or two to install. Great addition and allows you to run your AC units on less.
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Old 05-10-2022, 09:55 AM   #7
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Thanks- I am looking into this option- Do you use soft starts?
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Old 05-10-2022, 10:08 AM   #8
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I went to the soft start link- They have a surge protector and softStart combo- would you recommend something like this? I would want it for A/C and microwave plus appliances. AS stated, I do not use the generator that often, but plan to in the future.
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Old 05-10-2022, 11:06 AM   #9
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Look at Micro Air soft starts, who also make the Micro Air thermostats. Looks like they are $300-350 each. We have them on ours and also their thermostats. Works great and easy to install.
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Old 05-10-2022, 12:42 PM   #10
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This is the one I use and highly recommended it.

Hughes Autoformers PWD50-EPO, 50 Amp Spike Power Watchdog with Shut Off, Portable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PMJ2K95...WYYAQNYK8G82FS
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Old 05-10-2022, 09:18 PM   #11
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John, it’s nice to not have to worry about electricity, but as an RVer we need to know what we want to run and how much power it consumes. The soft starts are great if you are wanting to use your AC, but with the price of fuel that is going to be expensive. We have them and they are nice. We can run one AC with a 20 amp service. We also use two Honda 2000’s in parallel. This allows us to run two AC’s. But, it isn’t the same as 50 amp. Only you can determine what you want to run and how you will use it. We mainly use ours to recharge our batteries. The nice thing about having twin 2000 watt generators is they are scalable. You can run one or both depending on needs. They also are much lighter. There are a number of manufacturers out there. We have had both Hondas over ten years. We are also fans of the Hughes Watchdog. It is Bluetooth and if it does it’s job, the module is user replaceable. Best of luck.
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Old 05-11-2022, 09:15 AM   #12
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Thanks for the info! I am taking all of this in and will talk to my guy who stores my 5th wheel as he is a mechanic also. Thanks again!
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Old 05-15-2022, 01:22 PM   #13
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For what it's worth, using one small generator, a SoftStart will NOT run one 15,000 btu ac on my 330RL High Country. The ac plus inverter (8 amps) exceeds the capacity of a small generator. (at near sea level)

Keep in mind that for every 1,000 feet of altitude your generator power is reduced another 2% (5,000 feet = a 10% loss). Out West, a small generator wouldn't even run our microwave. SoftStart won't fix that.
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Old 05-15-2022, 01:45 PM   #14
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2021 Fall Rally Video

The 2021 Fall Rally was our first, and we found it to be much more than what we expected…..First in Class! We plan to attend again this year. Attached is a video of the event that I prepared for family and friends, however if this years event is going to be your first you may find this helpful. This is only the second video that I have produced, so you may find that I have a lot of room for improvement! https://youtu.be/KieW3CQSKK0. Hope this works.

All the volunteers did a great job.
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Old 05-15-2022, 01:53 PM   #15
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Oops…wrong spot and I do not know how to move it to a new post.
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Old 05-15-2022, 05:45 PM   #16
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My neighbor is an anal electrical engineer. His research went to the Husky Mountain soft start and put 2 on his 5er. I have one. I have 2 Champion 2000 watt generator that I can run together but usually only use 1. One will run my res fridge and the 1 AC. Same with 110 house current. If you get the HM unit get it with Bluetooth.
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