Using Generators to Power RV At High Altitudes

Updated 07/31/2019 | Published 07/29/2019

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Question:

2x2000 Watt EF2000iSv2 Combo to support off grid high altitude camping Im new to off the grid type camping. I have two Yamaha EF2000iSv2 with connecting pigtail giving me what I think is a combined 30amps to power a Keystone Cougar 5th-wheel RV. On our last, we camped at 7000ft altitude typically camp at 6500- 8500 altitude in Colorado. The goal is to power EVERYTHING within the RV to include the 13,500BTU AC unit. But the two generators struggle with just the microwave. I did not dare try the AC. I see people use the term High Altitude carb kits on the web for those who camp at those elevations. Is there a high altitude kit for Yamaha generators? Should I pursue this option or ditch what I have for something bigger?

asked by: CharlesM

Expert Reply:

When you get to higher elevations (typically right in the range where you recently camped - 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level) generators do have a tougher time running efficiently due to a few factors but mainly because the lower oxygen density requires more airflow for the mix of air and fuel. Many generators are indeed compatible with separate "high altitude" kits that allow them to run to the best of their ability in this environment.

We don't currently carry Yamaha generators so I don't have too much knowledge on their products but we do have these kits available for our brand units like the etrailer 6,000-Watt Inverter Generators # 333-0003-2-0007 that can be paired with the High Altitude Jet # 333-330717003.

With all of this being said, I think you would struggle to power everything in your RV with your current setup even at a normal altitude. Based on my research your Yamaha EF2000iSv2 generators each have a running watt rating of 1,600 - giving you a total of just over 3,000 running watts when they're wired in parallel. Just for reference a typical microwave requires around 1,450 running watts, so almost half of your entire power supply. An air conditioner usually requires around 3,500 starting watts and 1,800 running watts.

You will likely need something larger like the etrailer.com generators mentioned above or even something bigger like the 10,000 watt Firman # 333-H08051. For off-grid camping I also recommend having a battery bank of some kind that you can keep charged using a solar panel kit like # 34273837.

I have attached a couple short videos and some great articles on generators and solar panels that you might also find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R