Experience with generators in campgrounds anyone?

[bamagirl-HILO]

Hello Everyone.

So my questions are regarding dba ratings at campgrounds and hard start capacitors (?).

We are leaving for a cross country trip soon and are in need of a generator for our 13,500 A/C unit. To be honest, I REALLY can't afford to spend 2K and up for a 3000-3500 genny, so I am looking at Champion brand generators. I have found a dual fuel 3500 suitcase model that boasts a 58 dba at 23 ft. They have good reviews and are within our price range. Does anyone have any experience with this brand in a campground? I know that National Park Service campgrounds have a dba limit on generators, so I am trying to be very conscious of these ratings.

Also, is it worth it to install a hard start thingy (capacitor ?) on my A/C unit? I have a Duo-Therm by Dometic model no. 600315.321. It is my understanding that by installing one, it will reduce the initial load needed to get the A/C to run. Am I correct? I'm thinking that if I install one, then the size and dba rating of the generator I will need will decrease. Is this correct thinking?

Anyway, any info you guys could offer is helpful. As I said, my funds are limited somewhat. I have looked on sites and just can't afford to put out the cash for a Honda or Yamaha genny. I know they are the "best" and quietest, but ah well, funds are what funds are. LOL!

Thanks guys!

 

[Garry-HILO]

Hello Everyone.

So my questions are regarding dba ratings at campgrounds and hard start capacitors (?).

We are leaving for a cross country trip soon and are in need of a generator for our 13,500 A/C unit. To be honest, I REALLY can't afford to spend 2K and up for a 3000-3500 genny, so I am looking at Champion brand generators. I have found a dual fuel 3500 suitcase model that boasts a 58 dba at 23 ft. They have good reviews and are within our price range. Does anyone have any experience with this brand in a campground? I know that National Park Service campgrounds have a dba limit on generators, so I am trying to be very conscious of these ratings.

Also, is it worth it to install a hard start thingy (capacitor ?) on my A/C unit? I have a Duo-Therm by Dometic model no. 600315.321. It is my understanding that by installing one, it will reduce the initial load needed to get the A/C to run. Am I correct? I'm thinking that if I install one, then the size and dba rating of the generator I will need will decrease. Is this correct thinking?

Anyway, any info you guys could offer is helpful. As I said, my funds are limited somewhat. I have looked on sites and just can't afford to put out the cash for a Honda or Yamaha genny. I know they are the "best" and quietest, but ah well, funds are what funds are. LOL!

Thanks guys!

Your message states you are leaving "soon" on a cross country trip. If soon is in a month or so, you might be hard pressed to find an area where you would actually need A/C.

 

[bamagirl-HILO]

Hi Garry.

We are leaving at the beginning of March from Florida headed west. Our trip will be 6 months long so yep, we are going to require A/C at some point. I just want to be prepared.

 

[Treeclimber]

bamagirl, Are you not staying at campgrounds with shore power? I'm lazy, so I've never used a genny while camping. I trust you know THAT A/C will keep you cold! We always kept it on low cause it froze us out. I'm jealous of your venture. Please keep us posted.
We met a really nice couple in Panama City who were returning from a 5 month circumnavigation of the US. That's what I wanna do someday. Have Fun!
Tree

 

[JackandJanet]

bamagirl - one other thing about campgrounds and generators is usage hours. The National Park and Forest Service campgrounds limit generator usage to a morning interval that usually runs from about 8-12, and then an evening interval from about 6-9 PM. These times may vary, but I've never seen one of these campgrounds having continuous generator hours.

- Jack

 

[RichR]

I have never seen db levels mentioned at any campground I've been to, only hours. Probably a good many people have no idea what the noise level their generator has. Therefore, a nighttime ban period.

 

[hilltool]

I've done trips the last couple of years with anelderly dog that needs AC. So- if it is going to be hot I opt for elcetrical hook-ups campground sites- that said- a 3500 watt should run your AC but unless you are truly boon docking then the "useage hours" restrictions are certainly going to apply.