Portable generator/inverter advice/suggestions needed

There are dual fuel suitcase generators that are half the price as the Honda and will work just fine. WEN, Westinghouse, Generac, Predator, etc..

I've had a Ryobi for over 10 years with no problems.

Also, little known tip. Many of the 2200 watt 120V inverter generators can be paralleled with each other regardless of brand (ie Predator with Generac). Generally so long as the voltages match it's possible.

First OP, most of those places get cool at night. You shouldn't need much AC during the day as you don't want to be inside an RV much. So that's something to remember. Are you from Arizona? People from the south its hard to comprehend, but honestly all of those places you could live without an AC 95% of the summer especially at night. So keep that in mind.

Personally, it wouldn't be the worst idea to just buy a used Inverter generator like a Ryobi or champion, run the frick out of it, and then sell it. For a 5 month trip I wouldn't sweat it.

You will need to change the oil if you run it 8 hours a night every night, and change it often. So keep that in mind, is having extra parts on hand.

ETA: I'd be shocked if you need more than 1 AC and more than a standard 2200W inverter can provide during the evening of summer.

Remember you'll need enough gas to run it all night also, most generators only hold enough gas internally for 5-6 hours of run time.

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I'd do a Predator 3500. If you put soft starts on the AC's it should run both of them. Quiet and fuel efficient with a large enough tank to where you won't be filling it up constantly.

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I have soft starts on both A/C's.

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The 5000 would give some additional capacity but that's getting a little bit big to handle by yourself. If you have someone that can help you load it in and out of the truck or if you have a rack you can leave it on at the back of the RV, that would be a good option too.

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I know the perception of Harbor Freight products are that they are low quality but the reviews here and online rate the Predator 3500 and 5000 are very highly. There is not a huge weight difference between the two (102 lbs. vs 110 lbs., both I can handle solo) and the 5000 will give me plenty of headroom for not a huge cost difference ($300). A buddy told me both go on sale frequently and since I won't need to pull the trigger for a couple months I can watch for discounts at Harbor Freight between now and then. Thanks to all for your suggestions!

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I’d go with two smaller ones and run them in parallel. Yes it will be a bigger pain to refuel etc but they will be easier to move around and you will also have one available if the other one craps the bed. As others have said non ethanol fuel if possible and run them dry if they will be stored for a while. They are pretty easy to work on so may not be a bad idea to take some sea foam and welding tip cleaners with you in case the carb gets gunked up.

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Good info, two 2000 watt Predator generators are currently $500 ($100 off) at Harbor Freight and only 49 lbs. each. The 2500 watt Predator weighs 46 lbs. and is currently $630 but a friend says they discount it frequently as well. Definitely an appealing option as they will be easier to transport and move around as I will be moving around pretty frequently on the trip. Summer of 2027 is CN (Alberta, BC and the Yukon) and Alaska (primarily Denali & Katmai National Parks).