Generator(s) to run 15k A/C?

[JohnNJean]

Microair has tested their Easystart unit with both the Honda and Champion 2000 watt inverter generators. The Honda will start a 15k AC unit, the Champion won't.

I have a Champion 3000 watt non-inverter generator that I run on LP and it starts a 15k AC unit with no problem.

Microair's product support is second to none. Unfortunately, there is no price advantage to buying a Honda 2000w and the Microair Easy Start. Might as well buy 2 Champion 2000w units and parellel them.

[Whitaker]

It's just as much about amperage than it is about wattage. Your genny has to be capable of carrying 30 amps to run your AC. I have a 3500 watt genny with a surge of 4000 watts but it won't run AC very long. It seems to kick the breaker on the generator.

[woodyrock1]

I have two Honda 2000's paralled for my 5er' that work great.

[JohnNJean]

Originally Posted by Whitaker

It's just as much about amperage than it is about wattage. Your genny has to be capable of carrying 30 amps to run your AC. I have a 3500 watt genny with a surge of 4000 watts but it won't run AC very long. It seems to kick the breaker on the generator.

My 15k AC pulls 13 or 14 amps on startup and it decreases after startup.

[B and B]

I would seriously look at a Powerhouse 4 kW Fuel Injected Generator. It does a great job on my 15 k AC units, yes I have run 2. Just make sure you lock the fans on and start one at a time. I leave the Fridge on Propane and nothing else is running except maybe a TV.

[Wobbles]

The OP has possibly determined the brand he is looking by the size(s) he mentioned. I thought the answer he was looking for was this.

"or see if I can parallel a 2000 and a 3000 together"

There or so many choices and solutions that I am a bit overwhelmed.

[Boborc]

Just saw this this morning. Yes I know it is a Harbor Freight. I beleive it is a new model and I have notice HB moving to better quality stuff recently (how much better?). But the few reviews on it are great and the say runs a 15k A/C.
https://www.harborfreight.com/3500-W...1_c3017a&sfid=

[ependydad]

This is all good stuff. I think I'm pretty well set on a pair of 2000s from Honda. I know there are other brands for cheaper.

I'm interested in the Microair Easy Start. I'm going to reach out them for some discussions.

I was curious if anyone was paralleling different size generators but it seems that's off-the-wall enough that others aren't. I've read on some other forums that it seems possible, but I don't know that I'm up for experimenting nor if I even need the 5000 combined watts.

[Micro-Air]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I'm interested in the Microair Easy Start. I'm going to reach out them for some discussions.

I'm subscribed to this topic, so feel free to post your questions here .

[pibi]

I have a honda e3000 and starts my 15k air without any trouble.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Micro-Air

I'm subscribed to this topic, so feel free to post your questions here .

I've been doing some reading and am wondering about your recommendation for a generator to go with a 15K Dometic A/C. We travel the country and enjoy spending time in 4-6,000' (much higher than that and I start to complain).

If I can get away with a single Honda EU2000i, that would be great. But if I'm going to have issues running the A/C, then I should plan on a pair of them and paralleling the setup.

The more that I read about the Micro-Air EasyStart, the more impressed I am.

[Wobbles]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I've been doing some reading and am wondering about your recommendation for a generator to go with a 15K Dometic A/C. We travel the country and enjoy spending time in 4-6,000' (much higher than that and I start to complain).

If I can get away with a single Honda EU2000i, that would be great. But if I'm going to have issues running the A/C, then I should plan on a pair of them and paralleling the setup.

The more that I read about the Micro-Air EasyStart, the more impressed I am.

If you go there "Micro-Air EasyStart" please let me/us know.

[SailorSam20500]

Ependydad one thing that might make a difference, do you plan on running the gen(s) on gas or propane?

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Wobbles

If you go there "Micro-Air EasyStart" please let me/us know.

Sure will! You know I'll blog about it, too.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by SailorSam20500

Ependydad one thing that might make a difference, do you plan on running the gen(s) on gas or propane?

Gas, almost definitely.

If I did propane, I would assume that I'd need to parallel 2 of them.

[Dan50]

Originally Posted by bikendan

I think a 13.5k will work with that setup, but not a 15k.

I am able to run one of my 15k using my Yamaha 2400 genny and the Easy Start with no problem.

[B and B]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I've been doing some reading and am wondering about your recommendation for a generator to go with a 15K Dometic A/C. We travel the country and enjoy spending time in 4-6,000' (much higher than that and I start to complain).



If I can get away with a single Honda EU2000i, that would be great. But if I'm going to have issues running the A/C, then I should plan on a pair of them and paralleling the setup.



The more that I read about the Micro-Air EasyStart, the more impressed I am.

Doug. Remember high altitude harder starting a poi lye loss of power with gasoline. Hi test helps. I run a 4 kW powerhouse with fuel injection. This runs 15 k btu no issue. Also everything else I require.

[67L48]

Two notes. First, note the peak vs. nominal rating. The Honda 2000 doesn't put out 2000W continuous. It produces 1600W. Generators always have 2 ratings: peak (which will be the model number and the labels) and nominal (which will be de-emphasized). Nominal is the most important number. Size your generator on that. If you figure you need 1750W of power, then a so-called 2000W generator probably isn't big enough.

Second, note the altitude. I think most are rated at 500'. Then, you lose around 3% of power for each 1000' above 500'.

So, let's assume you need 1550W. Honda 2000 fits perfect at 1600W continuous. But, you're going to be camping around Denver at 5500-6500'. So, you lose 15% or more. Now, you're only getting ~1350W. Your generator is now probably underpowered due to altitude.

Rejetting helps, but the key issue is lack of oxygen. Jetting won't put more O2 in the atmosphere.

Good luck.

[dbledan]

Originally Posted by 67L48

Two notes. First, note the peak vs. nominal rating. The Honda 2000 doesn't put out 2000W continuous. It produces 1600W. Generators always have 2 ratings: peak (which will be the model number and the labels) and nominal (which will be de-emphasized). Nominal is the most important number. Size your generator on that. If you figure you need 1750W of power, then a so-called 2000W generator probably isn't big enough.

Second, note the altitude. I think most are rated at 500'. Then, you lose around 3% of power for each 1000' above 500'.

So, let's assume you need 1550W. Honda 2000 fits perfect at 1600W continuous. But, you're going to be camping around Denver at 5500-6500'. So, you lose 15% or more. Now, you're only getting ~1350W. Your generator is now probably underpowered due to altitude.

Rejetting helps, but the key issue is lack of oxygen. Jetting won't put more O2 in the atmosphere.

Good luck.

Well covered.

Propane also lowers these numbers on dual fuel models.