Will a generator damage my A/C unit?

[Stryker]

I've heard that running my A/C on a regular household outlet can damage the rooftop A/C unit due to the lost/low voltage by the time it gets to the unit.

I'm planning on using my 3500w generator on a future trip so that I can run the A/C while dry camping. The generator has a 30amp "RV" plug outlet. Is there anything I should be concerned with when using my generator to power the A/C?

BTW- I use this generator on my house with a GenTran switch when the power is out.

Thanks in advance for any input!

[NWJeeper]

No problem at all. The issue you are talking about is loss of amperage/voltage over a long run of wire. Where this can be an issue is if you try and put your generator 60 feet away and run a small power cord to your shore power cord on the RV. It is possible to loose power over a long run. If the RV is plugged directly into the generator you should be fine. However be carefull as not all generators are rated the same. The El Cheapo budget generators will say they are "3500w" but if you look at the fine print they are rated to "3500" surge watts and only 2500w continuous. This is definately not good. You want a true 3500w generator that has a higher surge. I have never seen an RV with anything less than a true 3500w generator installed for running the A/C. Usually they are Onan 4kw gensets.

[camprat]

Stryker one the best thing you can do is just get a volt meter you can plug in to a outlet , they sell at Camping World (15$). If your voltage drops below 110 you have a problem. NWJeeper was right on all counts. this will help you keep a eye on things. you know stuff happen!

[LadyWindrider]

It probably won't hurt your AC if, as others have stated, your voltage stays correct. Just make sure you use a short cord so it only hurts your ears, and not your neighbors.

[SaskCampers]

3500w is not really required, a GOOD 3000 watt unit like a Honda will easily power these units. The thing to remember is you get what you pay for. We have run our A/C and used a coffee maker at the same time. The only time the generator failed to run the A/C was when our brake lanyard somehow got pulled and discharged the battery so the converter was charging a totally flat battery and powering the brakes so when we tried to start the A/C for some reason 3kw wasn't enough and the genny went into overload and shut down the output.

And on top of the ability to run yor unit you will also be doing the neighborly thingu and not distrubing your neighbors with a loud obnoxious genny.

[NWJeeper]

Originally Posted by TheSasks

a GOOD 3000 watt unit like a Honda will easily power these units.

This is the key statement here! John makes a good point. You do get what you pay for in generators.

[acadianbob]

Do your camping neighbors a favor (and yourself) by getting a quiet generator like a Honda, Yamaha, etc. NOT the construction variety that will wake the dead.

[Stryker]

Sounds great guys! Thanks for the replies! We are renting a house in the mountains with several other families this Labor Day weekend. There's not enough room for everyone inside, so those of us with trailers and RV's are bringing them along. Normally, I wouldn't bring a generator with me to a campground, but in this case we don't have any neighbors to bother.

[camprat]

Stryker I have two Honda EU 2000i. I have to run both for my AC (15k BTU), with my converter off. When it get 95-100+, The other times just one with no AC . What I like about the Honda there 46 lbs, run 5-7 hr avg. on gallon of gas & you can hear whats going on. If you are the one setting up all the time. I think about the weigh, some of the 3000watt run 130lbs +

[revrnd]

Originally Posted by camprat

some of the 3000watt run 130lbs +

The Honda EU300i weighs 78 lbs dry.

[Acara]

I run my TT on a generator more often than I run it on shore power.

No ill effects to date (for several years)..... other than the damage to my wallet for $3.00/gallon A/C

Just make sure you invest the money on a good cable (if your running the genny a long way off from the trailer (to reduce noise while yr sleeping).......

I've seen folks melt cords/connectors by trying to go cheap on the cords ...... so make sure it's 10-gauge, or rated as your genny recommends (or just keep the genny within the length of your installed TT cord and deal with the noise).