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Old 08-25-2016, 03:43 PM   #1
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Will a Honda EU2000 generator power an a122?

What the title says. I already have the generator and shopping for a pop up. I'm wondering if it'll power the A/C. Also will it fit in the storage box or will I have to creative where to store it.
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Old 08-25-2016, 04:56 PM   #2
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Will run air conditioning OR microwave (not both) at lower altitudes. Likely not to run a/c above 5000ft. Of course, once you are above 7500ft, air conditioning is rarely needed. :-)

Assume you mean 122s or 122bh, straight A122 doesn't have the forward storage or porch.

We get electric campsites for lower altitudes during summer. No generator, no gas to carry or babysit.

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Old 08-25-2016, 05:05 PM   #3
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Depends. If the AC is 13K maybe . If it is a 15K probably not at, least will have issues restarting after a normal cycle.

13.5K AC spec :Full load amps:14.9 Cooling
Honda 2000 spec: 120V 2000W max. (16.7A) 1600W rated (13.3A)
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Old 08-25-2016, 05:09 PM   #4
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A 2000 will not run an ac you don't have enough start up watts. If you look at honda charts they recommend two in parallel. Later RJD
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Old 08-25-2016, 05:37 PM   #5
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On topic and not trying to hijack the tread started by zimm17. Thanks ahead of time.
I just talked to my dealer about a genny for my TT, a Flagstaff 27 BEWS and for the home in the event of long term power outages.
He recommended a minimum of 5000 watt to run the 15K AC. Also he recommended a unit with an invert-er and a 30 amp plug. Seems that the units with no inver-ter have a cyclic power delivery that is not liked by sensitive electronics, like computers and flat screen TVs and they go Tango Union at a later date.
My problem (like zimm) is storage. I have a cover on my truck bed with only 20" of clearance. That would be my first choice of place to carry the generator for security. I am having a hard time finding a unit that will fit those dimensions. Alternate sites would be one of the compartments on the TT (anyone have a genny in a similar size compartment?) or mount to the back bumper of the TT or inside the TT.
Any ideas?
Thanks, RMc
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Old 08-25-2016, 05:43 PM   #6
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From one major RV parts vendor for 15K AC
  • Minimum Generator Size:
  • 1 Dometic Air Conditioner3.5k Watts
  • 2 Dometic Air Conditioners5.0k Watts
A good choice is two Honda 2000's in parallel.. When AC is needed you take two. When AC not needed you take one. Easy to stow and carry.
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Old 08-25-2016, 05:52 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wheels Down View Post
On topic and not trying to hijack the tread started by zimm17. Thanks ahead of time.
I just talked to my dealer about a genny for my TT, a Flagstaff 27 BEWS and for the home in the event of long term power outages.
He recommended a minimum of 5000 watt to run the 15K AC. Also he recommended a unit with an invert-er and a 30 amp plug. Seems that the units with no inver-ter have a cyclic power delivery that is not liked by sensitive electronics, like computers and flat screen TVs and they go Tango Union at a later date.
My problem (like zimm) is storage. I have a cover on my truck bed with only 20" of clearance. That would be my first choice of place to carry the generator for security. I am having a hard time finding a unit that will fit those dimensions. Alternate sites would be one of the compartments on the TT (anyone have a genny in a similar size compartment?) or mount to the back bumper of the TT or inside the TT.
Any ideas?
Thanks, RMc
Two Honda 2000's run in parallel will run your 15K AC plus they're only 16.7 inches high.

Your dealer is right about being an Inverter.... however.... you don't need a minimum of 5000 watts to run one AC.

Did he just happen to have 5000 watt genny for sale?




ON EDIT: I was typing when Flybob already answered your question.
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Old 08-25-2016, 08:09 PM   #8
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The OP asked about a small A-frame. The Cool Cats in the smaller A-frames are less than 10K. Yes, they have been tested to run on 15 amp and 20 amp home circuits and 2K generators by members of this forum.

I don't have a generator, but my A-frame stays in the garage and is plugged into a GFCI socket controlled by a 15 amp circuit breaker (I just checked to confirm). That circuit will run the Cool Cat and the converter and a small shop vac plugged into one of the A-frame outlets without issue. I don't try to run the microwave at the same time as the Cool Cat.

The cooling load is considerably less than a canvas pop-up because of the reduced volume, and the higher insulation value of the walls and roof.

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Old 08-25-2016, 11:10 PM   #9
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I run my 10K Cool Cat with my Honda eu2000 no problem, although I have not tried doing that above 5000' altitude. It puts out 16 amps which is more than enough to start the Cat, watch TV and a few lights. If I was going to run the microwave, I would turn off the Cat for a few minutes.
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Old 08-26-2016, 07:48 AM   #10
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Sorry for the post and run. I know zimm and myself appreciate the info.
Flybob, the Honda 2000 in series will work but the fuel tanks are tiny and would need to be filled every 3-5 hours I'm guessing. And for the money I can get close to that with one single unit (see below).
RubyDually, thanks for the clarification on the invert-er. That will be foremost in my model selection. And yes, you are correct the dealer did mention a Yamaha 5000 they had in stock at the dealership. I checked it out and the unit is too tall and pricey.
My search has narrowed down to this unit:
Electric Generator Depot - Powerhouse PH3100Ri 3100 Watt Inverter Portable Camping Power Generator
I'm hoping this will fill the order for running my AC , TV and some lights. If I need the microwave, that will happen without the AC on. This unit is not too heavy (129 lbs.) and not too tall (20.5"). And the price is reasonable. I think we have a winner! The dealer did recommend running the refer and water heater on propane. Makes sense.
Am I on the right track here?
Thanks, RMc
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Old 08-26-2016, 09:11 AM   #11
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Why buy a heavier and louder model when a Honda 2000 at 46lbs will do the job? There are kits available for extended run that allow the Honda to run for days. Also, the Honda is an inverter genset which is best for sensitive electronic devices.

I would only consider the larger unit if you are buying a larger RV that has a 13.5 or 15K A/C. The A Frame 10K Cool Cat does fine with the Honda or Yamaha smaller genset.
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Old 08-26-2016, 03:29 PM   #12
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I have a 128s and for $600 got a brand new in the box Honda 3000EU. Too heavy to lift in and out every time I go camping so I had a welder put a hitch on the back and bought a rack, put it in and locked it in place. It stays where it is regardless of weather or storage. Runs everything at the same time and is so quiet that it can't be heard during a conversation 20 ft away. I considered two 2000s but the noise of two is more than I can bear.
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Old 08-26-2016, 03:36 PM   #13
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I have a Yamaha 2400 watt generator,it will run a 13,500 BTU air conditioner.They are as quite as a Honda.They cost around 1300.00.
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Old 08-27-2016, 01:55 PM   #14
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Simple answer from a guy with actual aframe experience. Yes, the honda will work fine. I bought a Ryobi as I saved a few over the honda, but you'll be ok.

I run my trailer off a 15 amp circuit in my garage through the factory cord and a heavy 25 ft extension cord, and the AC works just fine.

These cool cats dont pull much, but they work great. mine has only ever struggled when it was 95 out and in full sun.
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Old 08-27-2016, 03:36 PM   #15
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These cool cats dont pull much, but they work great. mine has only ever struggled when it was 95 out and in full sun.
X2

I haven't had mine in direct sun, but I have been in 95 degrees in the shade. It cooled the A-frame to 70 degrees without running full time. I do direct the Cool Cat vents upward, and crack open the Fantastic Fan cover (leave fan off) to help move the cool air upward. I love the fan/vent roof angle because I can leave it cracked open in any rain, and no rain comes in. Just got to remember to close and lock the vent when we fold down.

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Old 08-27-2016, 06:27 PM   #16
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One nice thing about the Cool Cat is that it turns on the fan first, then kicks in the compressor a few seconds later. This lets the genny kick up the rpm when the fan comes on, which allows for more starting volts for the compressor.
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Old 08-27-2016, 06:51 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Vic View Post
Why buy a heavier and louder model when a Honda 2000 at 46lbs will do the job? There are kits available for extended run that allow the Honda to run for days. Also, the Honda is an inverter genset which is best for sensitive electronic devices.

I would only consider the larger unit if you are buying a larger RV that has a 13.5 or 15K A/C. The A Frame 10K Cool Cat does fine with the Honda or Yamaha smaller genset.
My gen is not heavier and can run 15000 btu gen and is still under $1300 and db is the same as a Honda which now are ovr priced. Later RJD
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Old 08-27-2016, 08:38 PM   #18
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Aceinspp, what make and model is your generator?


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Old 08-28-2016, 11:03 AM   #19
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Originally Posted by Flybob View Post
From one major RV parts vendor for 15K AC
  • Minimum Generator Size:
  • 1 Dometic Air Conditioner3.5k Watts
  • 2 Dometic Air Conditioners5.0k Watts
A good choice is two Honda 2000's in parallel. When AC is needed you take two. When AC not needed you take one. Easy to stow and carry.
This is my choice also, I have two Yamaha 2000 watt generators with the parallel cable and most of the time I just rotate my generators on trips and it is a lot easier to move since each is around 50lbs.
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Old 08-29-2016, 10:06 AM   #20
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I rented a Honda 2000 last year just to see if it would work. It did run the CoolCat AC in my 122BH, but not in eco mode. This was at about 3000ft elevation.
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