what size generator do i need just got a  Jayco Jay Flight 31BHS talk to a Autorized dealer and he said sence

there is only 1 ac 3,000 watts minimum will be fine I just want to get every ones oppion where I got it from

she said as long as the generator pules at least 30 it wont trip breakers(ok ding ding ding 30 what she hasnt

been returning our calls lol Im also going to refer bk to the old rot website forum butt any info will help

BP,

This topic is one with which I have direct experience--previous Hobbi20 did not have a genset. 

Short answer: if your RV has a 3-prong power cord (30-amp), and 'watts' = voltage times current, you need 120V x 30-amps = 3600watts CONTINUOUS.   If your RV has the 4-prong power connector (50-amp), you need 50 x 120 = 6,000watts CONTINUOUS.  The key is the continuous rated power of the generator, which is usually quite a bit less than the 'PEAK' number. 

Also, make sure the generator has the actual RV plug on it--you can use an adaptor to change from the RV plug to the 120V standard household plug, but you are dropping from 30-amps to 20-amps (or 15-amps...depends on the adapter).  A lot of the inexpensive generators will say "3,000 watts" but come only with two standard household 3-prong plugs.  That's the way to tell.  A generator with the 30-amp, 120V RV plug on it is a good way to tell you have one that will work and work well; some even come with the 4-prong 50-amp RV plug (I have an extra one of those--new and never used).  Using the cheaper ones with only 120V plugs will likely not be able to power your appliances AND the A/C unit.  BTW--some of the generators will come with a 3-prong 220V plug which is NOT compatible with your RV--the RV plug won't fit for good reason!

Happy hunting and good luck with the new unit!

Rockett

A buddy of mine has a 3,500 watt gen I dont plan on runing the ac a whole lot he says its gas  need it mostly for lights and a radio

BP, when I bought one for my old camper I was told so many differing thoughts and ideas it was driving me crazy. I will say though.... for what little price diference you may save now getting the smallest one that will handle your trailer it's welll worth the extra few bucks to upgrade now than to have one that was "almost" big enough. I ended up buying a 6500 watt sears and it had no problem pulling my 32 foot BHS with two fridges, air and anything else I threw at it. And although it wasn't as quiet as the hondas are it wasn't bad.