Toy Haulers for Comps?

Mooner

Mooner

is one Smokin' Farker
Joined
Jul 18, 2006
Messages
802
Reaction score
48
Points
0
Location
Southeast Missouri
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:
 
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 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.
 
Ron_L said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
Pig_Farmer said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
Pig_Farmer said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
pharp said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
Pig_Farmer said:
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.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I think I will go with this one. I am supposed to pick up the trailer in 3 weeks.
 
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.
 
mcbrew13 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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

OnanP4500i_quick_spec_sheet_TB_79160.1576770469.png
 
Pig_Destroyer said:
I have a 3500w inverter generator. Only one A/C unit on mine.
Click to expand...

My 3500 will run everything, but I am thinking maybe the 4500 will work a little better since it will be running at lower capacity...but I have been nothing but happy with my 3500W.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Jason TQ
Ordered a Grilla Grills Mammoth
2
Replies
22
Views
2K
TravelingJ
T
bonz50
smoker size/builders
Replies
19
Views
1K
Connor_Macleod
C
D
Help w/ Estimates for Food for 125 ppl
Replies
6
Views
786
PGarSD
P
J
New offset options - OC?
Replies
6
Views
648
bned
B
C
LSG Mini IVC questions
Replies
3
Views
374
Inthewoods
I
Back
Top