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-   -   Toy Haulers for Comps? (https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=282177)

Mooner 06-01-2020 08:44 AM

Toy Haulers for Comps?
 
For those of you that utilize Toy Haulers for camping / competitions how do you make sure you get electricity? Many competition sites don't offer a 50 amp or even 30 amp plugin for your trailer so how do you run lights and A/C etc?
I'm looking at possibly purchasing one and I wanna get some info from somebody who has experience with this so I can make a good decision.

Thanks! :thumb:

pharp 06-01-2020 08:58 AM

You need a good generator.

Mooner 06-01-2020 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pharp (Post 4326408)
You need a good generator.

Thought about this as well, anyone know, Does Generac offer one with a 30a plugin? This is a solid option if so

Pig_Farmer 06-01-2020 10:56 AM

Most toy haulers either come with a generator or have an option for a built in generator. (Depending on the size). As far as generators go, look into the Cummins P4500I. I got one and it is the bomb. Quiet, great on gas, remote start, and way cheaper than a Honda.

Ron_L 06-01-2020 11:19 AM

I agree with the recommendation on a generator, but make sure that it is an inverter type, and quiet. Most competitions have rules on noice, especially during the quiet hours (typically 11pm-7am), and a construction generator will get shut down.

Honda is the gold standard, but others, like the Cummins that PigFarmer mentioned, the Champion dual fuel (which we use), and even the predator generators from Harbor Freight are good options.

Size depends on what you are running. a 3000W generator is fine for a 30A trailer, but will likely run the AC and a few other small watt things, but probably not the AC and microwave at the same time. If you have a 50A trailer with two AC units, you will need a 7000W generator.

Pig_Farmer 06-01-2020 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron_L (Post 4326478)
I agree with the recommendation on a generator, but make sure that it is an inverter type, and quiet. Most competitions have rules on noice, especially during the quiet hours (typically 11pm-7am), and a construction generator will get shut down.

Honda is the gold standard, but others, like the Cummins that PigFarmer mentioned, the Champion dual fuel (which we use), and even the predator generators from Harbor Freight are good options.

Size depends on what you are running. a 3000W generator is fine for a 30A trailer, but will likely run the AC and a few other small watt things, but probably not the AC and microwave at the same time. If you have a 50A trailer with two AC units, you will need a 7000W generator.

I have a friend with 2 a/c units on his rv and the Cummins runs them both. Wont run microwave and 2 a/c's but will microwave and 1 a/c. The Cummins can also be used in parallel giving you 8KW. Argh, argh,argh, more power. Like Ron said...inverter type.

pharp 06-01-2020 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pig_Farmer (Post 4326470)
Most toy haulers either come with a generator or have an option for a built in generator. (Depending on the size). As far as generators go, look into the Cummins P4500I. I got one and it is the bomb. Quiet, great on gas, remote start, and way cheaper than a Honda.

I like the looks of that. I wanted to get a bigger one for my new trailer. I have had great luck with my Predator 3500 with no issues, but I was running close to a full load with my 15k A/C. I was going to get the Honda 7000, but this actually is more the size I need. I don't need it to run much other than the A/C. Does it have a gas gauge? That is the only thing I have not liked about the Predator.

Ron_L 06-01-2020 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pig_Farmer (Post 4326481)
I have a friend with 2 a/c units on his rv and the Cummins runs them both. Wont run microwave and 2 a/c's but will microwave and 1 a/c. The Cummins can also be used in parallel giving you 8KW. Argh, argh,argh, more power. Like Ron said...inverter type.

Interesting... I wouldn't think that 4500W would be enough to start two AC units. I guess if they are not starting simultaneously it would be fine. It is the compressor startup that is the limiting factor.

It is also possible to install a soft start unit (MicroAir) on the AC unit that will reduce the startup surge.

Pig_Farmer 06-01-2020 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pharp (Post 4326503)
I like the looks of that. I wanted to get a bigger one for my new trailer. I have had great luck with my Predator 3500 with no issues, but I was running close to a full load with my 15k A/C. I was going to get the Honda 7000, but this actually is more the size I need. I don't need it to run much other than the A/C. Does it have a gas gauge? That is the only thing I have not liked about the Predator.

Yes, it does have a gas gauge. 5 gallon tank, I was able to get around 17hrs of use when we went camping during Memorial weekend. I didn't run the A/C much cause we were in the mountains.

pharp 06-01-2020 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pig_Farmer (Post 4326522)
Yes, it does have a gas gauge. 5 gallon tank, I was able to get around 17hrs of use when we went camping during Memorial weekend. I didn't run the A/C much cause we were in the mountains.

Thanks! I think I will go with this one. I am supposed to pick up the trailer in 3 weeks.

mcbrew13 06-01-2020 03:56 PM

I use a toyhauler for comps and camping (love it!). It came with an Onan onboard generator but, it is fairly loud. Most comps around here offer an option to buy extra power over the standard 20A. Depending on the location/time of year, I buy the 30A to run AC. Otherwise, I use an adapter to get down to 20A. It will run everything except the AC.

Ron_L 06-01-2020 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbrew13 (Post 4326583)
I use a toyhauler for comps and camping (love it!). It came with an Onan onboard generator but, it is fairly loud. Most comps around here offer an option to buy extra power over the standard 20A. Depending on the location/time of year, I buy the 30A to run AC. Otherwise, I use an adapter to get down to 20A. It will run everything except the AC.

That’s what we do as well, and if the upcharge is too high I just run the generator :-D

GrillBillie_D 06-01-2020 07:31 PM

When I used my Toy Hauler, I got the Harbor Freight Predator 3500 generator. It runs the trailer pretty good. Just remember things like if the AC is running, you probably can't run the microwave. I also have an onboard 4K Onan but like a few said, it is a little louder. I only use it if I have to. Most comps, I could get 20A power and it would run the AC but not much else. You just have to adapt to what power is available and what you can do with it. If you need to run AC, microwave and coffee pot at the same time, your gonna need a bigger generator or two and link them together. I did find a parallel kit for the Predator (different brand kit), so I can borrow a buddys if I need 50A power.

masque13 06-02-2020 10:40 AM

reading this thread is kind of like in the movie Apollo 13 based on the real life events of trying to figure out how to start the capsule back up when it got close to earth without overloading the electrical system.....lol.

we could do a BBQ version of Apollo 13 where we try to figure out the start up sequence for running 2 ac's, a microwave, satellite tv and charging an iPad........it would be a huge hit, at least in our group.

Mooner 06-03-2020 09:49 AM

Thanks for everyone's feedback, it's greatly appreciated. I did go ahead and pull the trigger on a generator for my travel trailer. Should be a good fit to run a 30 amp cord. It's a cummins 4500I

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