How to set up for Generator use in a A192HW with Cool Cat 10,000 BTU/1/5hp

ronmon · 10-11-2015, 08:42 PM

Were getting it ready for BoonDocking (no shore power), water, or septic. Trying to get more info on using a 2-2.2Kw genset setup so it will power the AC (with a small mod to add a hard start capacitor to the Heat Pump to start it - running it uses 1/2 the power - staying under genset capacity).

We have not tried the Generac 2 Kw yet to see what it will do but want to make sure it will work before purchasing it (cost $500 at Costco).

Dometic has at hard start part number Dometic 3108425.012 is a little pricey at $65 + 25 shipping (its easy to install) with 3 wires. Supco has a PTC unit with 2 wires for less than $15 but not sure which after market one to purchase - (Supco SPP6? SPP4 is hard to find) that would match the specs of the Dometic 3108425.012? Dometic and the RV dealer a closed book on this.

With this mod i believe the 2 to 2.2 Kw Generac will power the unit with AC on once all batteries are charged and the fridge has been cooled.

Anyone else thinking about this and have a tried and true solution?

--Ron

mark0224 · 10-11-2015, 09:27 PM

I went with the Champion 3100 $800 runs everything in my camper without changing AC so far appears to good. AC is 13.5k btu start its showing a draw of 2000 watts and running only 1600 watts which leaves 1200 watts to spare. I might put the hard start cap in later just so I can use other things while running AC and not stress the gen. Was worth the money will run my house If power goes out this winter too.

Sc00ter · 10-11-2015, 10:13 PM

Use a kipor 2000 watt inverter. Won't run the ac but will run everything else quietly. Lightweight and it fits nicely in the front storage compartment. Will also run our furnace at home in case of a power outage.

**bikendan** · 10-12-2015, 01:54 PM

Have read that the General is noisier than other 2000w inverter generators.
But since it's Costco, you can always take it back.
Personally, Costco's Smarter Tools 2000w inverter generator, with the Yamaha engine, is a better generator and can be paralleled.

Sc00ter · 10-12-2015, 02:03 PM

That is a deal! $600 ea for the gens and $60 for the pigtail. 3600 watts would easily run our 15k btu ac unit. I like it!

rsdata · 10-13-2015, 01:40 PM

HARD START CAP FROM AMAZON SPP6
SUPCO HS6 (SPP6) Hard Start Relay Capacitor: Heat Pump Hard Start: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

ordered and got mine in two days w Prime
installed easily on 13.5 Coleman Mach unit

run it with a Predator 2500/2200 inverter genset... it would NOT run without the hard start cap installed

abdiver · 10-14-2015, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan

Have read that the General is noisier than other 2000w inverter generators.
But since it's Costco, you can always take it back.
Personally, Costco's Smarter Tools 2000w inverter generator, with the Yamaha engine, is a better generator and can be paralleled.

I agree, I got 2 of costco Smarter Tools 2000w generators with the parallel cable and love them. I need both to run the AC but one works fine with the microwave and recharging the battery. And a plus is lower weight each and quite operation.

aceinspp · 10-14-2015, 10:20 AM

For less than $1100 you can by a Boliy 3600SI with battery start plus free shipping and about as quite as a Honda. Runs my 15,000 btu ac. Later RJD

Palletbob · 10-15-2015, 02:38 PM

The manuel for my a128s recommends a gen set out put of 2.7 kw.

ronmon · 10-20-2015, 05:05 PM

I got a amp meter and created a meter loop and started measuring amps with various appliances on. see attached generator sizing analysis. i think i was conservative w/o going super safe. For my 2015 Rockwood A192HW with 10K BTU A/C - appears a 2600 to 2800 watt generator will power the A/C and Refrigerator at the same time. May have to swap out to run things we don't run all the time such as the Coffee Pot, Microwave, and Hair Dryer. Any one else do an analysis or measurements.

ronmon · 10-21-2015, 07:37 PM

I am looking for a generator which can sustain 16 amps or 2000 watts. any suggestions which have proven personally for you?

Gramps42 · 10-22-2015, 07:02 PM

I love my Honda eu3000 inverter It runs everything but the drawback is it weighs 143 pounds and is very difficult to move without a dolly. I only bought it because I got it for $600 brand new. Better to get 2 2000 watt generators. I have to roll mine up a ramp and tie it down to travel.

retiredtechnician · 10-22-2015, 11:38 PM

A Honda eu2000i will probably start and run your 10,000 BTU Air Conditioner, unless it’s an older unit. I’ve read that the eu2000i won’t start a 13,500 BTU Air Conditioner, so I thought I’d give it a try on our 2016 Flagstaff Micro Lite 21FBRS.

Conditions (Wanted to give it a fighting chance):
2014 Honda eu2000i Generator (NOT on ECO Mode)
Fuel: TRUFUEL (Expensive, but no fuel gum-up)
1300 ft altitude
95 F Ambient Temp
Air Conditioner had been off for 15 minutes.
Shut all AC Breakers off except the Air Conditioner.
Started Air Conditioner Fan on LOW first, then started Air Conditioner.

The Air Conditioner started right up. I then put fan on HIGH and turned on other breakers (Refrig and Water Heater on gas, didn’t try on AC).

The Honda isn’t the cheapest, but it seems to have more reserve starting power than most other comparable size generators. If you can borrow an eu2000i, it might be worth the time to try it before buying two generators.

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