Generator Recommendations

[Too Tall]

This is what I'm using. Runs my 13.5 AC.

Westinghouse WH2400i | Digital Inverter Generator | Free Shipping

[donalles]

Looking for advice... Last year we upgraded to a Flagstaff V-Lite W30FKSS, but I did not upgrade the generator that powered the 13K BTU A/C in our previous trailer. Current generator (Sportsman LP) is rated at 3,250/4,000 peak, but was not able to run the 15K BTU A/C in the new unit. As I read the specs, it will take at least 3,500W continuous & 4,250W at start-up.
So, we need to upgrade, but to what? There are great deals right now on a Champion dual-fuel Model 81925 3800W/4750W. By the specs, this should run that A/C, right? We will use it only if it's really freakin' hot on a boondock, and of course for charging. (I understand and accept the extra noise.)
Please tell me if you've had any negative experiences with Champion or this model, of if you have any doubts that it will run a 15K A/C unit. Thanks!

[aceinspp]

Well I run my 15,000AC with my Boliy 3600si and nothing else. You do have to take it off econo mode. Its about as quite as the Honda and weighs 75 # Electric start and cheaper than two Honda's with free shipping. I also have the extended fuel system. Later RJD

[Skyliner]

Originally Posted by aceinspp

Well I run my 15,000AC with my Boliy 3600si and nothing else. You do have to take it off econo mode. Its about as quite as the Honda and weighs 75 # Electric start and cheaper than two Honda's with free shipping. I also have the extended fuel system. Later RJD

A great generator that I use camping too. Mine doesn't have the extended external tank and will probably buy a new one just for that feature.

[jbovard]

I've got the Power Houses you are looking at. They are heavy but with that weight you get remote battery start and a fob. Buddy has the honda, it's quieter and lighter, he gets up to go start it. The wife found collapsible carts at Costco, I ratchet strap the generator on and now it's more manageable. One will run everything but the A/C. Bought two, the other I roll away from camp in the trees and use for the Traeger or parallel if for some reason the a/c needs to run. I've had them 3 seasons without issue.

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by jbovard

I've got the Power Houses you are looking at. They are heavy but with that weight you get remote battery start and a fob. Buddy has the honda, it's quieter and lighter, he gets up to go start it. The wife found collapsible carts at Costco, I ratchet strap the generator on and now it's more manageable. One will run everything but the A/C. Bought two, the other I roll away from camp in the trees and use for the Traeger or parallel if for some reason the a/c needs to run. I've had them 3 seasons without issue.

I'm considering the Powerhouse 3100......yay or nay?......decible level vs Honda EU3000i etc....

[jbovard]

rracer5,

Look at the reviews on amazon to compare the various powerhouse models. The 2100's I have came with the sandstorm from the dealer. I could have opted for the on board but that meant $3000 instead of $1200. I've had good luck with mine. Plug change and royal purple change each season and I exercise them every 6 weeks during winter.

To be honest, where I camp most often, those little plastic wheels on the 3100 and the 2700 would be rendered useless in a weekend or two. The carts attached to mine have razor scooter wheels on them and they are two small in diameter at times.

I feel best bang for the buck if you go with this brand would be two 2100's with a parallel kit. Good features, versatility and redundancy as well. Devise a lightweight means to cart them around. It works pretty darn good for me.

[donalles]

I have a simple question: has anyone researched the wattage it takes to start and run a 15K BTU A/C unit?

There are many, many choices for this type of 2000-level inverter... Amazon has dozens. There are also some that are Honda powered and Yamaha powered with other brand enclosures.

[HONDAMAN174]

Dometic owners manual states minimum of 3500w for a 15k unit



2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

[emm-dee]

Most of the generators, especially the Honda and Yamaha models, can be found on the internet at prices equal to and usually slightly less than Amazon. I just got the dual Honda 2000 system along with the connect cable, covers and three 12 gauge extensions for about $350 less than Amazon (don't forget the $125-$150 sales tax you have to pay for Amazon).

The dual feed extended six gallon tank is scheduled for Monday delivery. Gotta have that because I found with constant use the normal fuel runs out in about 11 hours. That's winter (electric heaters) so I think summer with constant AC will cut that back to 9-10 hours. The extended tank should last close to 40 hours.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by donalles

I have a simple question: has anyone researched the wattage it takes to start and run a 15K BTU A/C unit?

There are many, many choices for this type of 2000-level inverter... Amazon has dozens. There are also some that are Honda powered and Yamaha powered with other brand enclosures.

There is NO 2000w inverter generator that can start a 15k a/c, unless you parallel it with another matching one.

[donalles]

Forgive me... I meant in a parallel setup!

[BeautyRV]

I have a 2015 Surveyor with a 13.5k A/C and two 30 lb propane bottles. Is there a reasonably priced propane inverter generator that will handle this A/C load effectively?

[donalles]

The Champion 73536i, 1700 Running Watts/2000 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Inverter available for $499 on Amazon seems to have a great (functional) form factor over the suitcases -- the parallels will stack and the parellel kit affixes to the stack like it's built in. I'm pretty serious about these unless I hear otherwise.
Any experience or thoughtful opinions?

[boondocking]

Originally Posted by donalles

The Champion 73536i, 1700 Running Watts/2000 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Inverter available for $499 on Amazon seems to have a great (functional) form factor over the suitcases -- the parallels will stack and the parellel kit affixes to the stack like it's built in. I'm pretty serious about these unless I hear otherwise.
Any experience or thoughtful opinions?

Excellent generator, as quiet and reliable as a Honda at 1/2 the price. Mine hibernate for 6 months over winter and then in the spring they start on the second pull, after that it is a one pull start every time until they hibernate again.

Two with the parallel kit run my 15k AC no problem with room to spare.

[BeautyRV]

Thanks.
How noisy are these units?

[boondocking]

53db @ 23ft for the Champion 73536i

[prof_fate]

I got this at costco. home depot has it in camo for $600.
PowerStroke 1,700W Running/2,100W Peak Inverter Generator

As for how loud... many factors contgribute to that - load being one. Another is where it's positioned - 35' away from your camper in a forest? Not an issue. Under your bedroom window with another camper 10' away? They're all gonna be annoying from the reflected sound.

Listed (on home depot site) at 63db 'operational'...so I assume under a load.
Can't be run in parallel if that's an issue.
Has a 12v outlet and comes with cord/clips to charge a battery. Handy.

[donalles]

I saw this unit at Costco yesterday -- no parallel capability.

[donalles]

Thanks... now just looking for a sub $499 price on them. So far, Home Depot and Amazon offer at $499.