Generator for TT (15k BTU AC)

[chaps2018]

I have searched the forum and posted before but hoping to get more responses.==========

I am getting ready to pull the trigger on two Honda EU2000's. In my previous posts I have noted many of you use the hondas and are pleased with them. I have two questions for the forum--

1-on paper it will support the 15k btu ac, do any of you have any real life experience with this using two EU2000's with this ac?

2-Any of you using the Yamaha's 2000w gens in parallel?

Of course, any other comments related to either brand/RV usage would be appreciated.

[dagmandt]

I have the Honda EU2000 and I believe a 13,500 BTU AC unit and it powers it without issue while using lights and watching TV (12v TV and LED lights). It doesn't appear to struggle at all, I'd think 1,500 more BTUs would be handled easily with what is left. I do ensure everything is off before I turn the AC on though just to be sure. Then turn on the other items as needed. The microwave is off-limits when the AC is running.

[TDI-Minnie]

The AC draw at startup is very high. You should have at least 4000W peak, or damage to the AC will eventually result.
It's just like plugging your RV in to a 20A residential outlet. The AC may come on (or not), but it's not good for any part of the systems.

[dagmandt]

Originally Posted by TDI-Minnie

The AC draw at startup is very high. You should have at least 4000W peak, or damage to the AC will eventually result.
It's just like plugging your RV in to a 20A residential outlet. The AC may come on (or not), but it's not good for any part of the systems.

I'm not necessarily questioning your statement but am curious how this will damage the AC. As I see it, it is merely the compressor that is the major draw... if it starts up it starts up... if it doesn't then the breaker trips on the generator. As I said, I'm curious because I'm not an expert...

[timetogo]

I wouldn't buy two 2,000's to run a 15K AC. For convenience I'd buy a generator rated for the job with remote start.

[TDI-Minnie]

I'm no expert either, but from what I've read, there is an initial peak draw required to quickly start the compressor. If this is insufficient, damage to the compressor can eventually result. I assume it's also hard on the start capacitor as well. But that's just what I've been able to gather.

Originally Posted by timetogo

I wouldn't buy two 2,000's to run a 15K AC. For convenience I'd buy a generator rated for the job with remote start.

Are there issues with turning a generator on/off while there is a load? I thought this was a no-no.

[timetogo]

Originally Posted by TDI-Minnie

I'm no expert either, but from what I've read, there is an initial peak draw required to quickly start the compressor. If this is insufficient, damage to the compressor can eventually result. I assume it's also hard on the start capacitor as well. But that's just what I've been able to gather.



Are there issues with turning a generator on/off while there is a load? I thought this was a no-no.

I don't shut my generators down under load.

[TDI-Minnie]

So do you unplug before shutting it down? That's what I've been doing because it seems like there is always some load from battery charging and refrigerator "auto" setting between gas and shorepower.

[timetogo]

No, I don't unplug, I just shut off what I can.

[dcarver]

Originally Posted by dagmandt

I have the Honda EU2000 and I believe a 13,500 BTU AC unit and it powers it without issue while using lights and watching TV (12v TV and LED lights). It doesn't appear to struggle at all, I'd think 1,500 more BTUs would be handled easily with what is left. I do ensure everything is off before I turn the AC on though just to be sure. Then turn on the other items as needed. The microwave is off-limits when the AC is running.

Are you saying you only have ONE Honda EU2000 for your AC?

[dagmandt]

Originally Posted by dcarver

Are you saying you only have ONE Honda EU2000 for your AC?

Yes, that is correct. The one EU2000 runs my air just fine. My AC starts up fine with 110v/15A breaker supplied power as well when plugged in at home.

[Lac]

Check to see if your AC unit has a "Hard Start" capacitor. There are a variety of hard start capacitors available at a reasonable price and I in most cases its a DIY project. The hard start capacitator provides extra juice to get the AC started.
The compressor only needs that extra juice to get started, after that the stock run capacitor is plenty and having too much boost can overheat the compressor.
Hope this helps.
Coops

[TDI-Minnie]

That's great advice. May be a good solution if you already have the genny.
Otherwise, this is effectively why you want something like a 3500/4000 peak unit.