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Old 05-27-2016, 07:04 AM   #1
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Hard Start Cap?

I'm camping this weekend and will be bringing along two Honda i2000 inverter generators with a parallel cable. I have a 13,5 a/c unit... Do I need to install a hard start capacitor before running the a/c unit? This camping trip is a 1-time thing (not having access to 30amp), so I don't want to go through the hassle if I don't absolutely need it.
I have access to 15amp power, but the run is about 150', so I didn't want to try and run the A/c using standard power cords. Was figuring the two honda's would be better?
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Old 05-27-2016, 07:49 AM   #2
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I have the same setup and it works just fine. My hard start capacitor is sitting in a cabinet until I find the wires to hook it up to.
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Old 05-27-2016, 07:50 AM   #3
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You should be ok with the two Hondas and no hard start. I run two Yamahas with our 15k unit and it works great. I did add a hard start last year but went the first year without one. I find the two Yamahas to be quieter and use less fuel than the onboard Onan 4K unit.


You might find it better to switch off the eco mode when starting up the AC unit.
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Old 05-27-2016, 10:14 AM   #4
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Devils advocate... A hard start cap is rather cheap and easy to install. I wasn't going to put one on our rig until I found the one I bought for our last camper. Installed it just because we had it and the ac seems to start faster. Not a very scientific answer I know but for the few $$ and it reduces the load on the gen sets then to me it would be worth it to me in the long run.
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Old 05-27-2016, 10:22 AM   #5
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You should be just fine for this weekend without the hard start cap.
If you are short on time, don't sweat it.
I do agree though if/when you have an opportunity, install the cap.
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Old 05-27-2016, 04:31 PM   #6
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Thanks for the responses. Just going to roll with it this time. Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday.
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