If you are going to run AC, then 3kw is barely enough.  However,
judicious use of your other appliances will allow you to use the AC.
You won't be able to use much else. Run the reefer on gas.  

With fuel prices the way they are going, I dont blame you for not
wanting to over do it. I was in the delima about what to buy and
considering the weight of the Honda 3500 watt unit compared with
the. But I wound up with two EU2000i and a parallel kit. Why, I can
lift one of these a lot easer than the big one. I can run only one
with the echo throttle on and it will slow down to a speed only
requiring for the amount of power draw. If I want to run the AC I do
have to parallel both units.

If you're wanting to save money, have an easier time setting up, and have
more generating capacity  - all at the same time - get 2 Honda EU2000s + the
parallelling cable.

That A/C, by itself, may require virtually all of an EU3000's output and
leave little surplus to run anything else. The pair of EU2000s will supply
4KW vs. the EU3000's 3KW.

A pair of EU2000s weighs significantly less (and may require less space)
than a single EU3000.

A pair of EU2000s will cost less than a single EU3000.

One thing you DON'T want to do is to get a "contractor" generator - unless
you *enjoy* making enemies. <G>

Yeah leave it at home!

dont.bother@ga.prestige.net wrote in message
<1maig1dig32a2eoupd8om6041nl99epq37@4ax.com>...

Startup current for electric motors greatly exceeds their run current.
I was running a 70w bar fridge on a 750w peak generator and every time the
fridge started the generator would really grunt.

My Honda SX5000i will run the a/c and everything else but it does make a bit
of noise.    I leave it inside the camper shell with the exhaust directed
out the back and that keeps the neighbors happier.   Unless they happen to
be outside.    I have been thinking about building a sound dampening box for
it.   I got the 5000 because it will run the a/c without straining but I
don't run the Mr. Coffee at the same time.

On the other hand, my EU2000 is very quiet.    It is quite nice for charging
up the batteries and running the tv but the Mr. Coffee is about all it can
really handle (1750w).    Forget about the a/c.    I've thought about
getting a second 2000 and the parallel kit for them but the fuel consumption
would mean going outside and refueling both every 3-4 hours on full load.
About 16 gallons per 24 hours.    And the cost for the 2nd 2000 and the
parallel kit is too close to what I can get a 3000 for.

I have read that the Honda EU3000 will run most rooftop a/c units (but
probably nothing else at the same time).    They are quiet, like the EU2000
(I've heard one), have a fuel capacity of 3.4 gals, and a run time at full
output of 7.2 hours (according to Honda).    That will just about give you a
full nights sleep in the truck stop with the a/c running.    If I were
full-timing, I believe I would invest in the EU3000 and mount it in the
truck bed.    Another consideration of generators is:  spare containers of
gasoline.   To run a generator 24 hours you will need a couple of 5-gallon
containers of gasoline standing by.    You don't want to refuel them while
operating.    I like the metal "safety cans" for dispensing gasoline and I
ground the can to the generator and the ground.

Hope this helps.

Ralph

What ever you do skip the $400 Coleman pulse 1850. It is loud. Spen the
extra $$ and get a honda EU2000 or EU1000. Long after the price is forgotten
the quality will remain.
If you do decide you want to go the cheap route, please let me know and I
will sell you mine for $200.

BTW: Onan makes a quiet and reliable generator but it must be installed on
to your trailer/RV.

Ed