We were interested in getting a generator with our Scamp 13 last year, and called the Scamp folks for a recommendation. They recommended the Honda EU3000i Handi, as it would be able to run the 13,500 BTU Dometic AC. I have to say though, we've never used it... we don't have a truck bed to transport it, and the current tongue weight of the Scamp (310 lbs) runs pretty close to the max tongue weight of the car (350 lbs). We could buy a rear rack, but sway potential seems more trouble than it's worth.
I'm actually thinking of selling it, given our scenario, and getting a Champion 2500 Dual Fuel. It's a bit smaller, could charge the battery on longer trips, and we could store it in the car/scamp while traveling, if we just run it on propane and don't use gasoline in the generator.
Does this all make sense? Does anyone else use a propane generator? If so, how would you recommend I sell our Honda Handi $2K+ generator?
A huge issue for many is how loud is the gen set at working load. Your Honda is likely one of the quieter ones, I know nothing of the Champion. We are in Shenandoah Nat park next month and only are allowed a couple hours a day and at a max of 60DB which very quiet. Non of the Coleman powermate and other lessor type. Even My Harbor freight 2000 inverter generator has a good fuel shut off and cap vent off position . And by emptying the little in the carb I feel confident it can travel in our Outback no different than a good gas can would. But it is a very real and valid safety concern to consider
2019 Scamp 13 standard
I test ran mine for short times with a 2200 Honda. I have now added a soft start to the A/C but still have not tried it for long hot days.
I never run the microwave at the same time OR play with the thermostat, short cycles against high pressure draws high current.
Are there others here running with a 2200 Honda? Note that it is 54 lbs and the 300 is 130 lbs and over twice the price. If I needed extra power I'd buy a pair of 2200s.
I have used my 2000 watt Harbor-freight inverter generator on a 5,000 BTU AC unit with no issues . What is the BTU rating on the OE ac units on the newer Scamps. I think I read 8.5-9,000? I know it would be very close to my limit, and the 2,200 of the honda would add a bit of added capacity especially for higher elevations. The 2,200 are so much lighter than the 3,000. and easy to carry. But both are excellent choices .
2019 Scamp 13 standard
2017 Scamp A/C label
Thanks for the data pic. 13,000 is larger than I would have expected. We cool our 13 with a Climate rite external AC/heat unit thru 2--4" tubes brought thru the rear window and at under 3,000btu , and in all but the harshest temps it does ok. and once the sun goes down it recovers fine and is nearly silent. It is not a perfect solution but fits with our desire to keep lite as practical and we only bring it when the temps are expected to be unreasonable. We had a 13,000 unit in our 26 foot Class "C" motorhome and it was usually enough
2019 Scamp 13 standard