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| This FAQ was developed to help users, like yourself, understand the different uses and limitations of using a Kipor generator for RV purposes. Your personal experiences may differ from my own, but this should help give you a basis of understanding to decide on what generator would work best for you. |
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| · 1000w generator - Lights, TV, satellite receiver, furnace blower, small converter (for charging batteries) |
| · 2000w generator - Toaster, coffee pot, small microwave (1000w or less), inverter |
| · 2600w generator - Large microwave, 13,500 BTU air conditioner, toaster and coffee pot at the same time, inverter |
| · 3000w generator - 15, 000 BTU air conditioner, inverter |
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| **Keep in mind that you will not be able to run all of these appliances at the same time! Please refer to my Kipor power usage guide to understand the power required by different appliances** |
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| Generators are typically rated for use at sea level. If a generator claims to be 3000 watts, then it will give you 3000 watts of power at sea level. The rule of thumb here is that you lose 3.5% of power for every 1000ft above sea level. For example: A generator rated at 3000 watts but used at 5500ft would give you (5 X 3.5% = 17.5% reduced wattage output * 3000w = 525w loss in power) subtract this number from 3000w and you get 2475w. |
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| Many people want to run everything with their generator. I understand this, I am an RVer myself. The simple fact is that I am by myself and I don't have room for a large generator. As the power output goes up, so does the weight. If you are young and strong, you can handle heavier, more powerful generators, but if you're not, then try to figure out which one will be large enough to give you the items you need and simply do without the other items. |
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| This is a great question. The reason most people look to a more compact solution is for fuel economy and noise level. I have heard time and again that people just don't like to fire up the big generator to watch tv or listen to music. The portable device can be set outside and pointed away from your rig - reducing noise and vibration, and saving money (fuel)! |
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| 1. Conventional generators create a modified sinewave output. This is also known as "dirty" power. They mimic a Kipor, the best that they can. You've seen them at Home Depot for about $300.00 for 5000w. |
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| 2. Kipor generators create a true sinewave using a built-in inverter. The power that comes out of this type of generator is as "clean" or cleaner than the power you have at home. Because of this, they are more expensive than conventional generators. |
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| 1. Very good question indeed! Let me tell you a personal story or two: I was dry camped and using a 1000w conventional generator in Quartzsite, AZ. I accidentally turned on the hot water heater and it surged the generator. It burned out my TV and my converter! Prior to this, I was using the generator in another location and I kept smelling hot electronics. I couldn't figure out where it was coming from until I went into my bathroom and found out it was the GFCI plug that was "burning" up. I look back and I am now happy that the generator died when it did. Who knows what other damage it would have caused had I kept using it. |
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| 2. Because of their "modified" sinewave output, conventional generators are very hard on certain electronics. Contractors have told me that they burn up hand tools faster. We have invested a lot of time and money in our rigs and they have a lot of very sophisticated electronics within them - hdtv's, inverters, computers, satellite receivers, etc. Be kind to your "home away from home" and get a Kipor generator! |
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| 1. The money you save on gas will make up for the cost differential of getting a conventional generator. |
| 2. Your neighbors will like you! They run very quiet. |
| 3. They are good for electronics and have special circuitry built into them to help protect against power surges and to help keep the voltage very steady. |
| 4. They are reliable and easy to maintain. |
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| We offer a two year parts and labor warranty that is through us. The first thing you need to do is contact us. Usually we can troubleshoot the problem and ship you a part if needed. |
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| 1. Check to see if you have anything running in the "background". I have been caught off-guard by this, myself. Check to see if your inverter or converter is running. They can draw a lot of power. Some models will allow you to turn down the amount of power that is being applied to the batteries. If yours doesn't have this feature, turn it off or unplug it. Otherwise you can wait until the batteries are charged. |
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| 2. You may have gone up in altitude and this is affecting the performance of the device. (see my comments/formula under Power above) |
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| Depending on your rig, you may need an adaptor that goes from your 50A plug to a 30A plug, down to a 20A plug. The 3000w models have 30A plugs built into them. The 6000w model has a 50A plug built into it. We carry the adapters you need in our online catalog. |
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| Check out our support page. |
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