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Old 03-23-2012, 02:44 PM   #1
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Generator for Denali 311BH

Hey Guys,

Looking to pick up a generator for my 2012 Denali 311 BH. It has 3 TV's and a 15,000 BTU AC unit. Looking at some Yamaha generators on sale at my local RV shop. My generator options are:
- 2000W for $1200
- 2400W for $1800
- 3000W for $2400

I don't necessarily need to run the AC unit here in Alberta (may need it twice in the summer but I can schedule powered sites during those weekends probably). So, really focusing on the 2000W and 2400W units. My big question is, will the extra 400W be worth the extra $600 with this unit?

Thanks, JC
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Old 03-23-2012, 03:04 PM   #2
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Re: Generator for Denali 311BH

Remember, that unless you are going to run it on propane, your refrigerator is another big draw. Your microwave is as big or more of a draw than the refrig......I would say that leaving yourself some margin of safety would be a good thing to have. Not providing enough steady current to appliances is not good for them at all.....Go at least with the middle option.....
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Old 03-23-2012, 03:31 PM   #3
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Re: Generator for Denali 311BH

Yeah, that's what the RV store recommended but of course I figured they might be trying to upsell me. They only suggested the big bad 3000 unit if I planned to run my AC as well. Thanks!
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Old 03-23-2012, 04:57 PM   #4
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Re: Generator for Denali 311BH

Quote:
Originally Posted by thejean
Yeah, that's what the RV store recommended but of course I figured they might be trying to upsell me. They only suggested the big bad 3000 unit if I planned to run my AC as well. Thanks!
Have you seen the Yamaha and Honda generators that can be wired together for over 3k power? These can be had for (usually) less than $2,000 for both when you can catch them on sale. The wiring harness to couple them is an extra cost option.
I've heard the Honda run and it is VERY quiet.....
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Old 03-23-2012, 05:34 PM   #5
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Re: Generator for Denali 311BH

There's a 2000W Hyundai on kijiji locally right now for $475. Very tempting because based on some other forums (http://www.campingpa.com/forums/ubbthre ... rator.html) I have been reading, it looks like you can run your AC no problem even with a 2000W unit, you just need to remember to turn off the AC if you use your microwave or hair dryer.
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Old 03-23-2012, 06:42 PM   #6
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Re: Generator for Denali 311BH

JMHO...... Listen to both of them run at idle AND full load (there are videos of both on YouTube....but listen in person too).
At least from the videos I listened to the Hyundai sounds pretty LOUD......again, you don't want the sound of the generator to be so loud as to affect the camping experience out there in the nice, quiet woods, right?
I have heard the Honda.....shhhhhhhhh!
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Old 03-23-2012, 08:42 PM   #7
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Re: Generator for Denali 311BH

Yeah, I understand that the Honda and the Yamaha are the quietest ones out there so will probably go with one of those.
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Old 03-24-2012, 02:29 AM   #8
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Re: Generator for Denali 311BH

Dealer tells me I can go around 5 days (I have two 6V batteries) without recharging - I can live without microwave, TV's and AC the 10% of the time I'll be dry camping. Do you think a generator is even necessary in this case?
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Old 03-24-2012, 03:39 PM   #9
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Re: Generator for Denali 311BH

Quote:
Originally Posted by thejean
Dealer tells me I can go around 5 days (I have two 6V batteries) without recharging - I can live without microwave, TV's and AC the 10% of the time I'll be dry camping. Do you think a generator is even necessary in this case?
That is a question only you can answer......worst case, ask how long it would take with the truck running and hooked up to your batteries to recharge them enough to get by for another day or two.....would any of your outlets in the trailer work on battery only?
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Old 03-24-2012, 05:34 PM   #10
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Re: Generator for Denali 311BH

Fair enough. Just trying to decide because the Yamahas are on sale but I probably should use the trailer a bit before making a decision. I'd be very surprised if we went somewhere for more than a long weekend without service. Although, the converter in my trailer is 65amp and I have dual alternators in my truck so charging that way could be fairly quick.
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Old 01-10-2013, 10:00 PM   #11
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Your truck does not charge the trailer batteries via the trailer's converter. It can only provide charge via your trailer's electric plug to the truck which does not provide much current. Plus it is very inefficient to use a 6.7 liter diesel engine to recharge a battery. Our first few years camping in a TT were without a generator, but the TT had a 100 watt solar panel. We never ran out of battery during our long weekend trips on a single group 27. The microwave and air conditioner were never used since we had no AC power! Now our current trailer has has 280 Watts of solar charging and I also have a Yamaha 2400. The gen can run the MW no problem and the AC ok if we aren't too high in elevation and have no other loads (converter shut off via breaker). This summer we camped once at >6000' and >90° F and the gen faulted several times trying to run the AC. Just borderline able to run it. The AC is a 13,500 btu unit.
Our LCD TV only takes about 50 Watts to run. I would say the 2400 could easily run everything at once in your trailer, except for the AC. I don't have any experience with a 15k btu unit, but if a 2400 is marginal for a 13.5k unit (as is my experience), then I recommend the 3000. They start getting really heavy and unwieldy at this point.

Edit: wow! I just realized this thread is almost a year old! Do did you make a choice and how is it working for you?
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Old 01-11-2013, 07:52 AM   #12
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Check out the Powerhouse Generators. Thats what I'm looking at JC. Just waiting for them to go on sale at Cosco on line.

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Powerhouse® PH3100Ri Inverter Generator with Remote StarterPowerhouse® PH3100Ri Inverter Generator with Remote Starter

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Item # 292677
Features:

3100 peak watts, 3000 running watts, 6.8 HP, 270 cc OCV 4-stroke engine, Remote electric start to 22.8 m (75 ft.), Also key start or recoil start
Your Price$1,349.99Add to Cart

The estimated delivery time will be approximately 10 - 15 business days from the time of order.


The item was added to your wish listPowerhouse® inverter generator combines quality, performance and great features for an unbeatable value. A remote start gives you the convenience of starting your generator from up to 22.8 m (75 ft.). Powerhouse®’s inverter technology takes the raw power produced by the generator and converts it into clean power, safe enough for all your sensitive electronics. An added benefit is the ability of these generators to produce 120 V 60 Hz current at various engine speeds. This saves fuel at slower speeds and low load conditions but with the power for full speed and output when needed. Quiet and portable, the PH3100Ri is an excellent choice for the RV or cottage owner.


Features:
  • Peak watts: 3100
  • Run watts: 3000
  • Remote electric start to 22.8 m (75 ft.), key start, or recoil start
  • 6.8 HP, 270 cc OCV 4-stroke gasoline engine
  • Powerful enough to run a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner
  • Gas tank capacity: 16.6 L (4.4 gal.)
  • Run time: 17.8 hours at 25% load
  • One 5-20R 20 A duplex outlet
  • One L5-30R 30 A twist lock outlet
  • 12 V external charging system
  • Single-phase inverter supplies clean power for sensitive electronics
  • Noise level at 7 m (23 ft.): 65 dB at full load
  • Overload reset switch
  • Low-oil emergency shut-off
  • Automatic choke
  • External and internal breaker protection
  • Fuel gauge
  • Hour meter
  • Fold-away padded pull handle
  • 4 swivel wheels (2 locking)
  • EPA, CARB, and CSA compliant
Included Accessories:
  • Oil jug
  • 12 V charge cable
  • Spare spark plug
  • Spark plug wrench and handle
  • Manual
  • Keys and remote
  • Oil drain extension
  • Spare 10 A glass tube fuse
  • Battery
Specifications:
  • Dimensions (L x W x H):60 cm x 45 cm x 52.1 cm (23.6 in. x 17.8 in. x 20.5 in.)
  • Weight: 58.5 kg (129 lb.)
Warranty:
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  • 1 year for commercial use
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Old 01-11-2013, 08:00 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ewarnerusa View Post
Your truck does not charge the trailer batteries via the trailer's converter. It can only provide charge via your trailer's electric plug to the truck which does not provide much current. Plus it is very inefficient to use a 6.7 liter diesel engine to recharge a battery. Our first few years camping in a TT were without a generator, but the TT had a 100 watt solar panel. We never ran out of battery during our long weekend trips on a single group 27. The microwave and air conditioner were never used since we had no AC power! Now our current trailer has has 280 Watts of solar charging and I also have a Yamaha 2400. The gen can run the MW no problem and the AC ok if we aren't too high in elevation and have no other loads (converter shut off via breaker). This summer we camped once at >6000' and >90° F and the gen faulted several times trying to run the AC. Just borderline able to run it. The AC is a 13,500 btu unit.
Our LCD TV only takes about 50 Watts to run. I would say the 2400 could easily run everything at once in your trailer, except for the AC. I don't have any experience with a 15k btu unit, but if a 2400 is marginal for a 13.5k unit (as is my experience), then I recommend the 3000. They start getting really heavy and unwieldy at this point.

Edit: wow! I just realized this thread is almost a year old! Do did you make a choice and how is it working for you?
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