RV For The Rest Of Us: Review Firman WH03242, Can It Power A 15,000 BTU A/C And Still Make Coffee

There a so many generator inverters out there of various sizes and wattage output. I weighed heavily on less watts and more portability over more watts and increased hernia chances. I go over reasoning, set up, and testing.

[@bamwich57]

My husband couldn’t get it started. He came inside, started this video, said a few choice words then went back out, plugged in the battery and it started right up! Thanks!! 😊

[@AuntLALA]

😂❤

[@hng519]

Mine keeps making weird sound and won’t start

[@ZeroCool_1220]

Can you do a 2nd review of this generator after owning it for awhile? Pros and cons... nice video by the way keep em coming 🤙🏼

[@solden49]

Great video. This was one of the most accurate videos I've seen. 😮

[@johndernberger1961]

The best thing about this generator is it fits under a tonneau cover.

[@BG-vq9fd]

I like the update on generators. I learned a lot about generators after we went 7 days without power caused by an ice storm.

[@mcgilm69]

Another thing to consider is where you plan on using it. Those power output numbers are based on sea level. You lose ~3.5% power output for every 1K feet you go ASL. Firman also offers jetting kits for the carburetor with altitudes starting at 3-6K feet ASL. It also lacks an external fuel level gauge.

[@johnsciarrone7245]

P= i times e so 120 volts and 3000 watts will give you 25 amps of power. You don’t want to purchase a smaller generator than the one you have given the load of your rv. Great informative video. Thanks

[@bgable7707]

Perfect review, I'm looking at this one for all the same reasoned you mentioned. Great review and order of the components

[@XLXLSJM]

Great review. I just bought the same unit from Costco (was not on sale at the time 😮‍💨). Have not used it yet, so your video was a very good tutorial. Thanks.

[@860_HUNTER]

Go back to Costco they will price match to their sale price

[@prepsolar787]

thank for your review on this gen. bought one and already tried it very easy to use love that it has the capability to use gas or propane 👍

[@jondon9963]

Have a similar dual fuel model from Firman for a few years and not sure that I'd recommend. Wait until you need to do some maintenance on the carb. It's impossible to do without taking about 1/2 of the generator and whole carb unit. It's nice and compact looking, but I'd get one with more exposed components if I were to do this again. My genny only runs on propane now.

[@terrycarlson568]

This is a great little gen. It will also run fridges and freezer at the house. Along with the house furnace. Great price

[@kendbmw]

I bought this unit before I even watched your video and I am glad that I did! I got mine online this morning from Costco, but they did not charge shipping! I had a similar Champion model that was destroyed from hurricane Ian flood waters and it had never been used! I won't make the mistake of leaving it at ground level if we have another storm here in South Florida!

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I see it is currently on sale for $599 at Costco starting today.

[@medic95348]

Thank to you I got my Firman generator running tonight. Somehow I missed the part about plugging in the spark plug to the battery. I was on the verge of hauling it back to Costco but instead I'm sitting in air conditioning. Thank you.

[@repete1157]

I did the same thing!!!

[@patriciaf5137]

We purchased this same gen and LOVE everything about it!! It’s quiet too!!

[@gregoldham4424]

How long does your generator last on a full tank with normal use in your setup?

[@AndTodaysProjectIs]

I'll repeat Greg's question Just in case you catch the email question. Do you have any kind of accurate numbers on how long this thing will run on a full gas tank?

[@Elvis_Pond5]

The main problem is securing the generator so it isn't stolen.

[@TheCandidCritic]

Bought the exact same generator around the same time as you. Have about 75 hours on it now and this weekend the spark arrestor was completely clogged to where the generator wouldn't run reliably. I cleaned it out with a wire brush and runs perfect again.

[@shojus]

Good to know that it was easily fixed! Would you say you used it with mostly gasoline or propane?

[@TheCandidCritic]

@@shojus 100% Gas. Not sure if propane would have had the same issue.

[@shojus]

@@TheCandidCritic I was just curious as I am planning to use this generator with propane about 95% of it's life, and only gasoline if absolutely needed. Hopefully running JUST propane won't have any bad effects on this unit. Thanks 4 the reply!

[@TheCandidCritic]

@@shojus Yea, I'm not positive but I'd imagine running on propane would reduce the chance of clogging the spark arrestor. But it was a super easy fix and I still recommend the generator. Plus they're on sale right now at Costco :)

[@dandaly7305]

Pick up a second spark arrestor screen and swap them out, clean the one you took out, always have a clean spare...

[@edhiney8705]

Great video and I too bought the Firman WH03242 for the exact same reasons you did- Including the Kuerig!

[@AndTodaysProjectIs]

Are you able to give any type of semi-accurate info on how many hours this thing will run for on one full gas tank?

[@marcia122487]

​@@AndTodaysProjectIs i just ordered one. Will be getting it soon. Supposedly it should run about 9 hours on the 1.8gallon tank at a certain load. I will teat it and get back

[@nelsondodds2039]

Thanks for the quality content.

[@MrRChitty]

That metal heat sync is the inverter module. Nice video. I am on the fence. It's great price. Somebody did a video comparing the HF 3500 sound compared to this one and the HF one was a tad quieter. Every 3 db's is an apparent doubling of the sound.

[@Nicedesk]

I bought the same generator and am very impressed the the design. Longevity is yet to be determined.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I just ran it for 24 hours on propane. No issues and handled the 15,000btu AC .

[@Nicedesk]

@@ataleofthreecabins1025 👍nice, another KZbinr posted his Alaska use of his Firman for a season -and it held up. He had some good tips on cold weather operation.

[@bonniekoivuniemi2993]

I bought that I love it

[@alkalk8938]

That ground lug is not the ground that the car charger would be needing. What would be needed is called a bonded neutral/ground just like normal house power. There is very few reasons to actuall earth-ground a generator, and in normal use can give a dangerous path for current to follow. Im not an electrician but please do you homework before hammering a ground rod into your campsite!

[@scottcol23]

Just want to say that you did a great job with the review. Im looking at this same generator for my RV and at the home for hurricane season backup power. You can get it certified Factory Refurb for $303 right now. Still has a 2 yr warranty so I dont see an issue. How has it been treating you these past 2 years? Any trouble. I will likely go months at a time without using it so I like the electric start feature.

[@Justin-C]

After a 2+ day outage with a small 800W generator & inverter/5 kWh battery setup assisting, the "not having to count watts" part is important. Had to carefully manage my consumption which meant running in/out a bunch to manually fire it up again and run the generator more than I would've liked. It did the job - I didn't lose any fridge/freezer contents, and had light when needed.. got a 3242 on the way now though. I did have to forego stuff like microwave use and desktop PC use while recharging, but I won't anymore.

[@alwaysrockn2009]

Cool video. Love the dual fuel and cost for this unit but seems loud for the size. I didn’t catch if this was an inverter generator.

[@eljefecitobarca3480]

*100% best **Generater.Systems** I have used. A test for hurricane prep here in Louisiana: three AC units, 5000, 5000 & 8000, 3 fridges, 2 device power setups, 4 flat screens....AND I had 40% of the power meter to spare.*

[@JohnSmith-zk5pq]

500 x the cost per gallon in your area.

[@hubari]

Doubt it

[@marcia122487]

Sounds to good to be true. 3 ac units and 3 fridges??? Its takes about 1400w starting watts for one fridge to start.

[@craftymulligar]

Dont lose your options they say you can tie two 2000 watt generators together for higher wattage. Or carry one in one hand and the other in the other hand.

[@terrycarlson568]

You should follow the break in procedure before running a heavey load

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

No offense intended toward your physical fitness or age but you can get a ramp for unloading from your truck. JD can load it. I think you made a good choice with the Firman.

[@autodidacticartisan]

I'm 26 and fairly ripped and I still use ramps to load my generators. Everyone should

[@koenig12]

At any age this thing is stout. I used to muscle stuff around and after 2 bicep surgeries it's not worth it.

[@deanlevang6031]

Nice. Just yesterday, I ordered the H08051 Duel Fuel model by Firman from Northern Tool (212 pounds). Supposed to arrive next week. We don't camp and I wanted something to connect to my house transfer switch. I'll just use my tractor to lift it, if I take it into my woods.

[@allaboutroofing2]

It's it trifuel? Gasoline, LP or natural gas?

[@Captainpaulbtyhtr]

I bought one , starting sequence is important !!!

[@AuntLALA]

Im in a tent and i bought this just to run a coffee pot 😂

[@AuntLALA]

Stop judging me 😂 ❤

[@davidl7354]

​@@AuntLALA🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@garygarfield1635]

That looks to be an excellent deal on a “quiet” generator for that wattage.

[@allaboutroofing2]

It's not quiet. 😆 It is a good generator tho, but not good for camping, too heavy and too loud.

[@stacyhackney6100]

Thank you

[@johnsciarrone7245]

One more comment. I believe a full propane take will last you about 10 hours depending on the load plus you can always use the tank for cooking. Maybe propane is the way to go?

[@elbeaver0]

3:12 No, not radiator. It's inverter module

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

Great review

[@masdbo]

If you want to get real fancy, install a wired remote control, with solenoid to activate the choke! I should do a how to….

[@ryanpalmer6816]

A few solar panels on the roof would also really help.

[@pb-sv9zt]

Do you still like it after a year? We just purchased this model and are curious about it's longevity. Thanks!

[@marcia122487]

Any update.

[@vickirichards5186]

Thank you for your video I missed attaching the battery.

[@richWitz]

Your not alone

[@daves543]

Great video. Just order one as a supplement to our solar that I installed last year. i love your rolling work table! What is it or where did you get it?

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Costco

[@winstonsmiths2449]

You missed an important issue: easy to connect the battery cable, finding it is another issue.

[@RoughRidersTV]

How much gas did it use while you had it running?

[@AgentOffice]

Do you have eco off when using that much power

[@kennyvalentine5026]

I really like that workbench you were working on could you tell me where you got it?

[@AtotheK907]

Home Depot

[@craftymulligar]

15000 btu ac say average start up is 3500 watts with 1500 running. 3200 running and 4000 start from that generator is on the margin to me. I rather have at least 3500 running to be comfortable on the warranty but im never going to get a 15000 btu ac for my van so whatever is fine for you maybe ok.

[@looneyc8070]

Good video. I've been using a Yamaha 2400 for years. I can run the air.. but If I made a hot cup of coffee, it wouldn't do it. Did you ever move this trailer around your property with your tractor? Sorry If I missed that video.

[@Cartercoak]

Decent generator but the Firman generators have one fatal flaw... their CO2 sensors are HYPER sensitive and constantly shut down the generator if there is any wind whatsoever! VERY frustrating! I eventually had to open up the housing and bypass the sensor.

[@AgentOffice]

What's in the regulator why's it so big

[@terp6097]

Good review, I purchased same gen at costco but have not unboxed yet, so this was helpful for me. Also just bought a TT and was trying to figure out mounting options for rear bumper. Have you looked at mounting/running it from trailer or truck?

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

We just returned from a 6000 mile trip. With record heat out west we needed it for the A/C . I didn’t look into any mounting, as our bunks fold down and made of canvas . Just kept it in the back of the pickup.

[@AuntLALA]

I think all generators have that ground thing. But nobody ever uses it. Thats what i saw in another video

[@petesbeats483]

How long do these generators work? I have been looking at one of these or a generac unit. Are there quality differences?

[@koenig12]

Can you do a video on oil change? I'm not getting it? Doe schism use all 18oz?

[@mazzizmotoring1117]

Great video! We're looking at one ourselves but I can't find whether it can be hooked up in parallel with another unit?

[@MR-gp9ys]

It certainly can be paralleled.

[@jpMcnab]

I've been a long time firman propoent. This model and the similar ones are absolute junk imho. I like their non inverter gens like the 1500w and something like the T07374 ( like 9000w ). They've been good to me. This model.lasted a week of using it 2hrs a day. An hr at a time. Sometimes it'll work fine. Usually it runs for 5 to.10 mins and shuts off.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I just ran it for 24hrs straight on a large propane tank few days ago. The only time I've had it shut down is if the CO sensor triggers which is usually caused in a somewhat confined area like on my tailgate.

[@kingdommusic5456]

exactly , they act as if they work for a while then starts doing intermittent problems , then firman wants you to be phone slave with them, playing hoop jump corporate games and also tries to get more money out of you , its like a complete corporate scam.

[@oscart698]

Can this power a jumper for parties?

[@jeannehenry6315]

Thanks for the helpful video on the exact generator we want for our small travel trailer. We have a hard-wired EMS, do you know what kind of grounding plug we will need to get the generator to work?

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

We use an Rv surge protector. It show open ground but still works fine. If your EMS denies power you could try a neutral grounding plug. I made my own. Our plug-in hybrid would not charge on a generator our large power station unless we used a neutral grounding plug.

[@bonniekoivuniemi2993]

I’m keeping mine in pickup all the time is that ok you think

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I did a good part of the time on our trip out west (several videos on that). Occasionally the CO sensor shut the generator down depending on air flow.

[@lawrence7065]

Oh! Your gonna need a Soft Start.

[@Mi_Tony]

Stumbled across this video after buying one of these a few days ago. It’s supposed to aria e this Friday 4/7/23. Fellow RV’r myself. Wanted some thing that would power the trailer as well as somethings in the house. Mainly furnace and fridge. One question I have tho, how often can I expect to charge the battery. Obviously it will be sitting a lot. Was curious how the electric start would work after sitting a while. Great video. Nice job.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Once every six months without use.

[@Captainpaulbtyhtr]

How many watts can it put out in eco mode ?

[@haleysdad2004]

How did it handle the microwave?

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

We did overload it by using the fireplace and microwave at the same time. Using AC and making coffee OK, Microwave OK, but not all 3.

[@limolover1]

Just bought mine from lowes open box 500 . It's very moody lol I live offgrid I charge my solar gen off it a few hours then shut it off. The co2 sensor is super sensitive and the muffler screen filled with carbon fast. I've had starting issues the last 3 days where it turns over runs a few minutes then just dies .

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Yes, my CO sensor is sensitive too. It would shut down the generator when I leave it in my truck bed wit the cover on, but gate open. Wind blowing just right would blow CO back into the. sensor. Out in the open no issues.

[@drewpark4449]

Has anyone added an extended run cap to this generator to get it to run longer on an external fuel tank? I can't seem to find a cap that fits it.

[@joejohnson2478]

How is that Firman generator you bought holding up? Have you tried running it on propane? The reason that I'm asking is that Costco is offering the same deal, $599 starting March 3, 2024. I had previously bought a dual fuel Westinghouse generator from Walmart but had to return it because it kept shutting down for no reason. My guess is that a faulty carbon monoxide sensor was to blame.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Still going strong. I used it on propane last spring to run my RV as we were rebuilding a home. No issues.

[@fishepa]

Just bought it at Costco today!! Been waiting for it to go on sale.

[@Lendum-media]

Can it be converted to run on natural gas?

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

The do sell Tri- fuel units that include natural gas. They also have carb jets for high elevation. Worth looking into.

[@Jodyrides]

is it strictly 120 V output or is it 120/240 V output? I have a very old craftsman Honda powered 1400 white 120 V generator with two outlets. I’ve had it for decades. Our power went out here with summer storms in a very large area, over 100,000 customers out of power for the utility company. some people were off for over 10 days. I was using my craftsman gasoline 1400 W generator to keep our frozen foods from going bad. My son had a freezer full of meat and other frozen things. I was transferring the generator from my house to his house 2 miles away every 12 hours to keep things frozen. That’s about all we could do with my 1400 W generator was charge cell phones and keep the food frozen. last week, my son bought a brand new Furman large generator, I’m not sure of the wattage, but it is dual fuel electric start with a back up pool starter 120/240 V he installed a transfer switch in his panel board so that the main breaker must be open in order to backfeed his entire house at the panel board with a twist lock cord. he connected his generator to his house, he was running a freezer, three refrigerators, and his whole house, air conditioner, two burners of his electric stove, and every light in the house on. The generator did fine using propane. he was told that if you use propane, only, the maintenance on the generator is greatly reduced, because propane burns so much cleaner.. so now I’m thinking of getting a smaller generator than my son Bought to power my whole house. But I would need 120/240 V output. in the 30+ years that I have had my small 1400 w generator, I have only had to use it two times for power outages to run the refrigerators about one hour, until the thermostat was satisfied, then I would switch to the other refrigerator, and to run a few lights and charge cell phones.. my craftsman generator with the Honda engine is about the same size as the generator you are using in this video.. I am a retired HVAC/electrician. I don’t know what the specifics are in the requirements about the grounding of generators. I know it’s an issue with hot tubs. What I was doing was using car jumper cables from the grounding, log on the generator and connecting it directly to my ground rod in the ground, when I would operate the generator.. my generator was made back in the 1980s,but it probably only has about 50 total hours of running time. I did change the oil after every use, and ran the carburetor completely dry, so that it would restart when I needed it without having to clean the carburetor in the dark, because all the gasoline was left in there… after the widespread power outage that lasted almost 10 days for some people, I’m sure that I would have no trouble selling my old Generator and replacing it with one of these. But I need to know if this model is 120/240 V???

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

120v for this generator, most this size and smaller get 240 by using 2 of the same generators with a special connection between the 2.

[@AgentOffice]

You need 2 for 240

[@taylor_imaging]

why wouldnt the battery charge just being hooked up? i mean it does in every other generator right?

[@AgentOffice]

This keeps it charged is you don't use it

[@AndTodaysProjectIs]

Have you ever tried running it just on a full 20 lb propane tank to see how long it actually runs on that tank while using the A/C full-time?

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

No I haven't. They are currently on sale right now at Costco for $599.

[@AndTodaysProjectIs]

I just bought one and ran it back feeding my 3500 square foot house in Houston for 3.5 days on propane. Consumption was 1.21 pounds of propane per hour on a at least 50% load FYI. Each of my 8 propane tanks (six 20 lb tanks) and two 30lb tanks were weighed in on a digital scale before each was used and after it was pulled... Then logged against the hours used on the meter. Now I wish someone had a run time on gasoline just so I can know the difference.. I prefer not to put gasoline through mine right now personally because I don't want to have to deal with the carburetor lol

[@jrcb61]

Hello, thank you for this review. I just bought this same generator. Not sure about the type of a/c unit your RV uses. Do you think this generator can run a 2,000W window a/c unit? I know it has enough watts, but I am not sure about the compressor, etc. Thank you.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I would think. My Rv A/C peaks around 3000 watts and operates around 2000.

[@jrcb61]

@@ataleofthreecabins1025 thank you!

[@kr5289]

I have a larger generator and the trouble I had was when using the microwave,

[@wilmatitzgreaux5086]

I can purchase this as EBay-reburbished (2 year warranty), free shipping for about $350.00. Any thoughts (from anyone)?

[@Ellifiknow]

I have had a lot of good luck with eBay refurbished products. You will see in the eBay comments for this product that it is often showing up looking scratched up and used for some people and often does not have the AC battery charger. It's about half the price of the lowest price new unit, but I think the biggest concern is how the previous owner broke it in.

[@AgentOffice]

I bought one

[@frenchiechanel64]

How is the noises level on this generator. Could you kindly share please. Because I’m contemplating between firman or solar generator thanks.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

The decibel level is below requirements in campgrounds. We have a hybrid with canvas bunks. We’re able to watch TV and carry on conversations.

[@HoldunReed]

I'm new to travel trailers. I plug directly into my generator (Firman WHO3342), but when I turn on my AC unit, it will trip the 20A breaker inside the trailer. Are you familiar with this issue? Is there a fix?

[@AgentOffice]

Do you have eco off sounds like voltage drop

[@liveworkplayvans]

Have you tried letting it run during rain?

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Yes, but under my tailgate. Got wet, but not directly letting rain fall on it.

[@ChucknRob]

Are you still using this ?? How you like it

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Yes. Still going strong. I used if for several week straight not to long ago with a 100 pound propane tank while rebuilding a hunting cabin.

[@RRmelgar]

To loud man those quiet or super quiet units out there are way to go

[@sherlockholmes1636]

Which on is quite champion or fireman ???

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

The Champion is probably a little quieter, but lower in output wattage.

[@ghostmaverick9473]

1500 watt Ac running on this with a full tank of gas how many hours would you get?

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

It mostly depends on the outside temps and how often the compressor turns on, but 8 to 12 hours.

[@mendocinorider]

Will this run two 15,000 watt acs simultaneously?

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I don’t think so, unless you have soft starts on them.

[@AgentOffice]

Buy a watt meter and test your devices

[@frankmanuel1764]

Does your AC have a soft start installed? My exact same generator won’t start my Coleman Mach 13500 btu AC.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

No soft start, but we make sure nothing else is running until it starts up. Works on gas or propane.

[@frankmanuel1764]

@@ataleofthreecabins1025 thank you! My Firman bogs down and shuts off when I try to run my Coleman Mach 13,500 btu AC on propane. Trying to figure out why when running on propane.

[@aaronshankle5253]

It has less power on propane

[@lynnkent4781]

Just don’t try to use at high altitude without changing jets and the company line on how easy that is to do is not true.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Does that go for the gasoline and propane side. Or is one better at higher altitudes than the other? I would tend to think the gasoline side would be better.

[@JohnSmith-zk5pq]

@@ataleofthreecabins1025 Both have an issue, as it is the lack of oxygen that causes the problem.

[@robertd6925]

Does it have remote start?

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

No, not this version.

[@musicbox4022]

Did your RV surge protector indicate a floating neutral when using the generator? I ended up bonding my floating neutral on my rv generator because I’m switching the neutral on my automatic transfer switch. You should bond the neutral

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

It does.

[@craigflatley7370]

👍

[@AXNJXN1]

And a YEAR later, (as of Oct 9, 2023), this is NOW $100.00 more at Costco…🤦🏼😑

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

It did go on sale for $599 last May.

[@robertosanchez1186]

Do you have a soft start on ac?

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

No. 15,000 btus, works on gas or propane. Most of my use elevation was not a factor.

[@allaboutroofing2]

Respectfully, I'd buy two Honda 2000W generators and wire them together. Much easier to move for especially elderly people and much quieter for your camping neighbors. These are loud and heavy and not really a camping generator IMO. I have both setups btw and the fireman is great for emergencies and back up power but no way I'm lugging a huge generator (I have the trifuel 9500w version) camping and I'm only 40. Also worth noting that these genate really "dirty" power that can damage slightly sensitive electronics. A Honda or Yamaha is sine wave and much cleaner power distribution. On a brand new camper, that's a risky game. It will also likely void the fine print of your warranty.

[@JohnSmith-zk5pq]

"Since it is an inverter generator, it produces a pure sine wave and has less than 3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). " For some reason, I can find the Honda's rating. HUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!! FYI - your 9500w weights TWICE as much as this one. Plus, I am 67 and have no problem "lugging" this generator around. Maybe you should grab your Honda's in each hand and do some squats, or something, being only 41 and unable to lift 100 lbs! LOL I will run mine with clean running propane that is much safer to carry around rather than dirty gas and all the issues associated with a gas powered engine.

[@allaboutroofing2]

@@JohnSmith-zk5pq who hurt you?

[@JohnSmith-zk5pq]

@@allaboutroofing2 Huh??? Never mind. Typical response from someone spewing erroneous BS on something they are obviously clueless about. I feel sorry for you. Sad!!

[@szinski]

@@JohnSmith-zk5pq Honda EU2200i produces a pure sine wave with

[@josephjaramillosr.1234]

You think running two generators at the same time is any quieter.

[@lmullen9478]

Way tooooo loud!When are these companies gonna figure out how to put a muffler on these things??? Nobody wants to listen to that for hours!

[@lawrence7065]

Made in CHINA ?

[@deansynan7424]

What name surge protector and cost of the surge protector?

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

amzn.to/3dacnIV