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Best generator for having an AC chamber after losing power

HappyCamper2024
HappyCamper2024 Member Posts: 44
in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Hey y'all. I'm considering buying a generator so that in the event we lose power due to storms we can have a little chamber of coolness and maybe a fridge, at least for short periods. I suppose we might occasionally use it when boondocking but that's not the main purpose. 

What size generator should I be looking for? Any suggestions? Quiet equals good.

Has anyone done this? What's reasonable usage and how much gas would it take to run it for 4 hrs or so? I have a 2023 320s.

Thanks much.
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Comments

  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,527
    There are lots of posts about generators with several suggestions.  

    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
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  • TourDeForth
    TourDeForth Member Posts: 128
    edited July 2025
    I’ve run my AC on a Yamaha 2800 Inverter generator no problem. I also ran it off an Ecoflow delta 2 with an extra battery but that only lasts about 2 hours running the AC. I’ve also got a HarborFreight 3500 watt inverter generator, it’s very very quiet, but bigger than the Yamaha. Both gas generators lasts 8 hours easily running the AC (but that depends on how hot it is and how often the Air Conditioning compressor comes on.)
    2023 T@B 320s Boondock, 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 2016 Toyota Tundra 1794 4x4
    John, Northern California
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  • HappyCamper2024
    HappyCamper2024 Member Posts: 44
    Thanks Tour, that's helpful!
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  • HappyCamper2024
    HappyCamper2024 Member Posts: 44
    I'm debating a wen 3600 dual fuel, which is 50lbs and $500. I see the Honda 2200 and EU2200i for $1100-1200. Huge price difference.

    I know Honda is the quietest. Has anyone ever heard one of these Wen generators? Are they really that significantly louder? I'm also looking at sound baffling techniques. 

    It would be nice to run both the AC and fridge (RV fridge mainly, but I guess the big one if that's an option) if we lose power, which is why I'm thinking 3600. However, noise is a bummer. But so is spending an extra $700.

    I doubt I'd use the generator at a campground much if ever. I suppose I might use it boondocking occasionally. 

    Any thoughts?
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  • Maxcamp
    Maxcamp Member Posts: 352
    edited August 2025
    A 2300 watt generator should run ac and electric fridge on 320s.  We did wire in a soft start for ac but tested first without it.
    Infrequently used four years now and possibly never again.
    400 ah batteries and 2000w inverter lets us cool things for an hour or two after driving.



    2021 T@B 320S Boondock/ 2012 Tacoma 4 cylinder truck / 2023 Tacoma 6 cyl. truck

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