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What size Generator for my RV??

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Old Oct 17, 2007 | 01:01 PM
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txfiremedic's Avatar
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From: The Lonestar State
Question What size Generator for my RV??

OK guys need some advice on what size generator I need. I've pretty much decided to go with another Honda EU series, thats what I've been using and love it. Now that I've gotten a bigger RV with 2 a/c units I need a bigger Gen unit. Which one do ya'll recommend?? I'll need to run:
13.5k ac
15k ac
microwave
1 full fridge
1 mini fridge
3 TV's
DVD's
Surround Sound.

Granted, it won't be often that I run them all at once but would like the capability if I had to.
Thanks!!
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Old Oct 17, 2007 | 04:41 PM
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From: Sarasota, Florida
Pretty easy to figure. Add up the current for the things you want to run, multiply the total current by 120 - - that would be minumum. To run two ac's plus "some" other things will require about 4500 watts. I have 6500 to do the same plus not worry about "other things".
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Old Oct 17, 2007 | 04:44 PM
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From: The Lonestar State
Decided to go with the Honda EM6500, thanks for the reply Bob!!
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Old Oct 17, 2007 | 05:25 PM
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Originally Posted by txfiremedic
Decided to go with the Honda EM6500, thanks for the reply Bob!!
Honda has a EU6500 might want to check that out maybe quieter

kiley
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Old Oct 17, 2007 | 05:28 PM
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From: The Lonestar State
Its only 15db quieter and wasn't available at my local dealer. Thanks for the input!!
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Old Oct 17, 2007 | 05:53 PM
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Only 15 db. (doing logarithms on my hand) For those of you thinking about what 15 db quieter means, thats about 1/32 as loud. A 3 db improvement is half as loud. Or twice as much going the other direction. 2^5 = 32. If my math is incorrect, someone correct it.

I remember when my little brother got pulled over in his Cigarette and given a rather large ticket because his exhaust was "only" 6db over the limit. Or 4 times over the limit. Fortunately for him, the judge tossed the case because the DNR officer didn't follow procedure.
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Old Oct 17, 2007 | 09:02 PM
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I have heard the EU6500 run and it is pretty darn quiet. 15db is quite a bit louder.

Hub
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 12:43 AM
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I walked by a Honda EU6500 on display (running) by a Honda dealer/vendor at DHRA Houston this past weekend. I did a double take because I thought I heard something then I looked down and it was the gen. I could barely hear it standing right over it.

Now compare that to my Honda EB5000 watt generator running in the parking lot. My gen was very annoying. I could hear it across the parking lot.

Get the quietest one you can......you will THANK US later. Trust me. I KNOW.
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 02:41 AM
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From: San Antonio, Texas
Originally Posted by bulabula
Only 15 db. (doing logarithms on my hand) For those of you thinking about what 15 db quieter means, thats about 1/32 as loud. A 3 db improvement is half as loud. Or twice as much going the other direction. 2^5 = 32. If my math is incorrect, someone correct it.
You are correct. When measuring sound, EVERY 3db is double the power or amplitude of the sound waves. 15db is a VERY significant difference in loudness.
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 08:19 AM
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From: The Lonestar State
I realize that now They didn't have an EU6500 at the local dealer, got the EM6500 home and wow, its much louder than the EU3000 we've been using. Oh well, we really only use it a couple times a year at the NASCAR races and there are people everywhere around us using contractor series generators that are much louder. Thanks again for the advice guys!!
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 11:28 AM
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Roughly 3 dB difference doubles sound pressure, but roughly 10 dB difference doubles audible sound levels.
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 02:51 PM
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I know the EU 1000 and 2000 can be plugged in parallel, could that not be done with the 3000. You would of had to buy only one more 3000 and get 6000 watts, just a little less than your 6500 and much better portability.
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Old Oct 18, 2007 | 03:29 PM
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From: The Lonestar State
Yes you can parallel the 3000 but really wanted the 6500, better too much power than not enough
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Old Oct 19, 2007 | 12:25 AM
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Sorry I missed this post. I have a Honda EM5000S and could have told you it's LOUD! Not elcheapo home depot loud as it's really ok during the day while were racing, but I won't run it at night unless I make dang sure NOBODY is around. I'm need to sell it and go with an EU series.
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