Thinking about picking up a small "tailgate" generator to take on the road. Recently we were boondocking for a few days and had to run my large, noisy propane generator to recharge my domestic batteries.
My converter/smart charger says it will quickly charge my batteries to 90% in a couple of hours - that's why I want to use it as opposed to a separate charger. That would be about a quart of gas using what I have in mind. I would simply plug it into my 120v input line.
I am looking at a generator that generates 1000 watts continuously (small dimensions are very important to me).
My question: my 70 amp converter/charger states the input is 1250 watts. Would it be harmful to the converter to provide only 1000 watts? (a 60 amp converter uses 1000 watts) I would only be charging the batteries, nothing else, neither 120v nor 12v.
Thanks for your thoughts.

We are looking at doing something similar .

A 1000 watt inverter generator would be overworked . I would probably look at a 2000 to 2500 for your needs .
Champion makes a dual fuel line that have good reviews . We are considering buying the 3450 dual fuel inverter generator . There are several manufacturers . A friend of mine uses a Predator Inverter Generator from Harbor Freight. I'm wanting one that will run on propane and run at least one air conditioner . Easy to do with the Easy Start installed on the air conditioners .

Westinghouse also looks promising for an inverter generator.

I have the Predator 3500 and it sits in the rack on the back of the coach. Suzie made a nice canvas cover for it so it stays on the rack full time. It's much quieter than the Onan and burns about 1/5 the gas. The 2000 is smaller and even quieter, but overloads pretty easy.

In my case size matters. Think very small guys. It's going to be mounted on a shelf attached to the underside of the rear bumper, between my scooter rack and the bumper.

If the converter is only charging the batteries, my guess a 10 amps draw at most, is the input current into the converter still 1250 watts - or is the 1250 watts only when the full 70 amps is demanded on the converter (i.e. a lot of other 12v demands)?

It would be interesting to run a test to see just how many amps your converter is pulling .

You could always go down in size on your converter . A 70 amp converter is overkill in most cases . I believe ours is a 45 amp . I'll probably change it out to a Progressive Dynamics 9260 in the near future .

Understood. An alternative 60 amp converter's input is only 1000 watts. Problem is I upgraded my converter 2 years ago. Is the 1250 watts input drawn by my converter only when it's operating at it's maximum output draw of 70 amps, and therefore less than 1250 watts when merely charging the two domestic batteries?

The 1250 watts should be when it is at maximum output . I will have to research it more . I can check the amp draw on ours .

Pirate1923,
Here is what I do: I use a Harbor Freight Tailgater generator. I plug my antique battery charger into the Harbor Freight generator.

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It does not burn up or overload the Harbor Freight Generator that will only put out 6.5 amps. Fill the tank on the Harbor Freight Tailgater and let it run the fuel dry. (Never let any fuel in any generator for more than 3.2 minutes or the alcohol will disintegrate the carburetor on most generators.) If you are boon docking this will get your Light Emitting Diodes enough current to work when the sun sets. It will also be enough power to keep the propane valve open on your propane refrigerator to keep your beer cold. The refrigerator takes 12 volts to keep the propane valve open.

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This will work until you run out of gas mix to put in the Tailgater.

Have you found a small inverter generator that you are considering ?

The ones I've seen online seem to be very close on physical size whether it be 1000 or 2000 watts .

Harbor Generator Tailgater generator is a 2 stroke engine. LOUD, smelly, poorly regulated output, have to use 2 stroke oil to mix with gas. I have 3 of them that I used for just powering lights at a remote site. I would never use them for any "sensitive" electrical or electronic devices!!!

If you want to get maximum charge and charge with good battery life a smart charger is a must. If it is truly a smart charger it can be set for a charge rating compatible with your batteries. Further, the charge rate could be adjusted lower to reduce demand on the generator.

Wow, my mind is swirling. Here we go.

First, great that many have a similar interest in a tailgater - nice not being the usual outlier.

Great advice as to the fuel issues. I recently have been using ethanol-free fuel in all my numerous small engines, purchased locally. Check this site for availability. Presently paying $4 per gallon in PA.

https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=PA
Select your state.

The HF "tailgater" two-stroke has a poor reputation, probably because owners are unwilling to perform preventive measures as described. The manager at my local HF told me that every one of the two-strokers he sold were returned.
I have 10 3/4 inches width for a generator according to my desired placement.
Presently looking at the HF SKU 57063, 1400 watts, and the Generac 76711, 1200 watts. They are apparently the only available within my size limitations.
Again, I merely want to charge my two domestic batteries via the converter/charger, nothing else. I plan to run a electrical lead from my 120v power line compartment to the planned area of the generator, and when needed plugging into the 120v inlet line and generator to charge the domestic batteries
I plan on asking a friend electrician if he can measure the draw on the converter when merely charging the batteries. Will inform.

Here is one that I am considering for small power needs. It can be tied into the on board propane tank .

The dimensions are a little smaller than the Harbor Freight one you listed .

https://alpgenerators.com/prod...1000-watts-blue-gray

Why not solar panels on the roof. I have 480 watts of solar, mppt controller and 300 ah of lithium battery. If I got a small generator it would be 2200 watts. Big enough for the A/C. Many available for under $500.

Merely using my coach as a weekender. Hopefully, in time extended trips will be enjoyed. At that time solar panels will be desirous. On the rare occasion I operate the AC the large propane generator is warranted. I have two small 12v box fans I find quite effective and use very little power. In the meantime solar and batteries will get more technologically advanced.

I merely want to jolt my domestic deep cells a couple of hours. And add-in a small tailgater will power any transportable power tools around my property.