Hi Folks,
I hope someone can help me here with a plain answer. I have read Victron's generator Best Practices WP/post but I am looking for some practical answers. I have a Multiplus 3000/12V and 8 cells of 280A LIFEPO4 which will be connected into 4P2S to get 12V bank of 8 cells. I will be traveling this fall up north in BC/Alaska, and most likely will be limited to cloudy conditions for days, hence a need for a generator to top-up the battery bank. Due to various reasons (weight, size, space and available stock) I am limited to smaller size generator options from 2000W to 3000W. I know this is below recommended size, but I am not planning to use it to run a load while charging the battery, except maybe a hydronic heater. But I will need to top-up the battery for about 3-4 hours a day (on average). Since my solar build is not ready yet and I will be boondocking in remote areas, a generator is the only option I have. Travel-wise, a Champion dual-fuel 2000W/1600W running would be ideal, but I can stretch into getting a 3000W Generac with 30 Amp/120v plug, if this is the absolute minimum. Another appealing option is the new Yamaha 2200W with 30 Amp plug, but I doubt it will be in stock before I have to depart. I have very minimum of power usage since it's a travel Van, not a live-in. Some LED lights, 2 pumps, a hydronic heater, a small fridge, and USB chargers are the only things I will be using while on the road. What is the minimum size of the generator that can work for me under these conditions? Is any of the listed above acceptable options? My main concerns are Multiplus compatibility and (a cold-weather start and duty cycle. But that is probably a question for another forum.)
Thanks a lot in advance.