Air Conditioning and the Honda EU2000i

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by CraigBean7672

@ Garbonz - your post sounded as if you might have tried other capacitors before this one. If so, which ones? I just installed the Supco SPP6 and a fan delay @ 9 sec and did notice an improvement over stock setup. It was a simple 2 wire but would be interested if this one is even better (some mixed reviews on the internet about the SPP6). I'm running a Coleman-Mach 15k.

Thanks!

I have the dometic supplied HS cap. Note that this device is a compressor control device that uses a microprocessor to control the startup process and not a just a HS capacitor. But don't quote me on that, there may be a storage capacitor involved, but its more than that.

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by twags

I was looking at the 3T soft starter from MicroAir and on the installation there's a note that you have to change to a relay, do you have any info on that.

Terry

I don't think so, or at least I did not. The impression I got was that for RV type AC units it was a very simple 4 wire install and bypasses the start capacitor and PCTR. I posted the wiring diagram for my dometic unit as an example.

From their Emails to me I quote:

"EasyStart is VERY different than a hard start kit. It is a highly-sophisticated, self-learning, active and real-time controlled starting device as described in its specification sheet. It can attain up to 70% starting current reduction, while the best hard start kits can perhaps attain only 20%."

AND

"We are mostly familiar with the different thermostatic controls sold by Dometic in their rooftop systems. None of them that we are aware of use a triac to control power to the compressor. The note in the EasyStart installations that talks about triacs was targeted primarily to the Dometic/Cruisair brand marine A/C systems that did at one time use a triac to switch the compressor on and off. The only other item that I would suggest you look for in your Penguin rooftop is what is called a start assist or “PTCR”. This device is typically wired across the run capacitor, which is exactly where you installed the hardstart. Chances are you may have already removed the start assist if there was one. If not, make sure you take it out before you install the EasyStart. The run cap of course must be retained."

[Kingair]

Has anyone tried this on the 2504s

http://youtu.be/p2K0ptvYb6Q

[rcla2014]

I was looking at another thread, (can't find it now), so I am posting this here. I have read the posts on this thread and have one question. Can all this AC starting problem be remedied with 2 Honda EU2000i's hooked up in parallel?

I know the original poster wanted to not carry an extra generator but I don't mind. If anyone knows the answer, I would appreciate it.

I have a Forest River Wildwood 27rkss and I believe I have a 13.5k A/C.

[Flybob]

Yes
You should have no issue with two 2000i's in parallel as long as you don't run microwave at same time

[rcla2014]

Thanks FlyBob!

[rcla2014]

Originally Posted by Flybob

Yes
You should have no issue with two 2000i's in parallel as long as you don't run microwave at same time

Do you know if one EU3000i would do the trick and could run both the A/C and microwave at the same time?

[doc73]

I run a 13.5 AC with two eu2000's paralleled. I run the whole trailer just fine with it all going. I do shut off the electric element on my hot water heater to save that draw.

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by rcla2014

Do you know if one EU3000i would do the trick and could run both the A/C and microwave at the same time?

Nope. What size AC? Later RJD

[rcla2014]

Originally Posted by aceinspp

Nope. What size AC? Later RJD

13.5k

[rcla2014]

Originally Posted by doc73

I run a 13.5 AC with two eu2000's paralleled. I run the whole trailer just fine with it all going. I do shut off the electric element on my hot water heater to save that draw.

Thanks Doc.

[elind]

I have run my two Hondas 2000 in parallel with a 15k AC and used the microwave by mistake. It kept on ticking.

[jason_sos]

I bought and recently installed one of these in my Dometic 15kBTU Brisk Air II, and it works amazing. Highly recommended! I have a Power House PH4000Ri/E inverter generator that I'm running it off, and before I installed it, the generator would frequently stall when the A/C compressor kicked on. Now, it barely revs up. Very easy install - took maybe an hour total, including getting the ladder and carrying the tools and stuff I needed up to the roof. Micro-Air gave me a custom schematic of how to install it, since they hadn't made one up yet for my particular A/C unit.

[FrayAdjacent]

This is the kind of info that is very useful! I recently bought a 2015 194HW a-frame, and have been looking at generators. I'm in Texas, and could possibly end up boondocking in the summer, so I want me some AC!

I was seriously considering the Harbor Freight Predator 3400, which is a damn nice generator... but the size may be too much. I read a few threads here, and saw that some people found a 2000W generator wouldn't reliably start their AC units. I read more, and found threads like this.

So I ended up buying a Westinghouse 2200W generator (I'll have it next week), and will more than likely buy one of these Easy Start units in the spring time. I think the setup will be more than adequate. The Westinghouse gen has a long runtime on a tank, which is one thing I considered heavily in shopping. Most of the other models I found would do 6 hours or so at 50% load. Sure, one could rig a remote tank for more fuel, but that's more bits to cart around and doddle with.

I'll post a review of the generator after I get it and run it a bit. I think it should do fine!