Size Generator Questions

[harley0327]

Have the 2017 Flagstaff Superlite with two AC units one in front and one in back. Dealer can't tell me what wattage generator will run them both. Can someone offer some advice and other than Honda what is a good quiet generator that is not huge to buy. We're okay with buying 2 that connect.

[Flybob]

From one major RV parts vendor for 15K AC

• Minimum Generator Size:
• 1 Dometic Air Conditioner3.5k Watts
• 2 Dometic Air Conditioners5.0k Watts

[220Chap]

Yamaha is another good brand. Next tier quality is Champion. I have a Champion 2000 watt. No issues.

Not sure if the larger models (3500 watt) can be paired together.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by harley0327

Have the 2017 Flagstaff Superlite with two AC units one in front and one in back. Dealer can't tell me what wattage generator will run them both. Can someone offer some advice and other than Honda what is a good quiet generator that is not huge to buy. We're okay with buying 2 that connect.

5,000 watts minimum. Might need to go larger if you plan on running anything else. The A/C running isn't the problem it is the start up draw. FWIW I have a 15.5k btu Dometic unit and it pulls a solid 15 amps running that is almost 2,000 watts right there, it can pull double that when it starts up.

You also need to factor in the converter, fridge, microwave, etc. There are a lot of variables to consider.

Aaron

[TURBS]

You'll not find a a reasonably quiet genny that will run both a/c units at the same time.
Both a/c units running at the same time will pull around 30 amps .
Good luck


2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"
2016 nights camped "32"

[5picker]

Originally Posted by TURBS

You'll not find a a reasonably quiet genny that will run both a/c units at the same time.
Both a/c units running at the same time will pull around 30 amps .
Good luck

Yep, two A/C's are going to be taxing any quiet inverter type generator to the point it's running near full load.

Some inverter generators allow a smaller size to be run in parallel with a larger size so you 'may' be able to get enough amps by going with one genny smaller but they are still gong to be loaded pretty heavily.

The Briggs & Strattons allow their 2000w and their 3000w units to be paralleled. I believe a few others do as well.

Two 3000w in parallel would likely run both A/C's.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by TURBS

You'll not find a a reasonably quiet genny that will run both a/c units at the same time.
Both a/c units running at the same time will pull around 30 amps .
Good luck


2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"
2016 nights camped "32"

Honda makes one... but it costs more than my first two RV's did.

I have seen a couple of these on job sites and they are spectacularly quiet compared to what is usually used.

Aaron

[Skyliner]

If you insist on using generator power for two a/c units, then the best cost effective option is to run two 3k generators simultaneously but first ensuring that they are on separate circuits-some wiring may need to be changed. I recommend Boliy generators as being cost effective and the lightest weight of all inverter generators in its class.

If you camp in a dry climate, I'd sell or use the 2nd a/c as a spare and install a turbokool rv swamp cooler in its place. It used very little energy and will allow you to use both a/c and swamp cooler at same time with a quiet 3,000 watt continuous inverter generator.

[RiverPeeps]

Champion is now making a 2800 watt that is parallel kit ready


07 Silverado Classic 2500 HD
15 Flagstaff 26fkws Emerald Edition

http://www.supergenproducts.com/

[Mjdtld]

Hi all. How do the Briggs, Champion and Yamaha 2000 watt inverters compare? I am thinking of going with an inverter rather then with solar.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Mjdtld

Hi all. How do the Briggs, Champion and Yamaha 2000 watt inverters compare? I am thinking of going with an inverter rather then with solar.

Briggs will be louder than the Champion or Yamaha.
Yamaha is top level with Honda.
Champion is best combo of value and quality.
I wouldn't waste money on any Briggs generator.

[SailorSam20500]

As several have stated, the problem isn't running the AC, the problem is starting it.
From research I've done, a 2k genny will run 13.5 and 15k ACs reliably. A 2k genny may or may not START even a 13.5 AC.
Something to think about - and talked about on a number of threads is the "Easy Start" gizmo by Micro Air. They claim, and show their documentation, lots of testing with the Honda 2k to run AC units.
There is a thread around where someone else was trying to run 2 ACs....

[Mjdtld]

Not so much worried about running the A/C. Just want the ability to have the option to run electric or propane for the fridge and water heater and keep the batteries charged. Does this make sense?

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Mjdtld

Not so much worried about running the A/C. Just want the ability to have the option to run electric or propane for the fridge and water heater and keep the batteries charged. Does this make sense?

Not the microwave?

[Mjdtld]

Don't use it much

[SidecarFlip]

Originally Posted by wahoonc

Honda makes one... but it costs more than my first two RV's did.

I have seen a couple of these on job sites and they are spectacularly quiet compared to what is usually used.

Aaron

NICE UNIT. If cost isn't an option that is. Retails for just north of 4500 bucks and can be paralleled to another one for a solid 50 amp output or enough to run half a campground... for $9,000.00 and change.

I want one, or 2...........:

Having said that, my Champiion does just fine for me. Runs like a top.

[SidecarFlip]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Briggs will be louder than the Champion or Yamaha.
Yamaha is top level with Honda.
Champion is best combo of value and quality.
I wouldn't waste money on any Briggs generator.

I'm with you. Briggs don't even make a good lawnmower engine today.

I had a Yamaha 2800I that was 13 years old and I sold it (because I was getting concerned it might start having issues), ran like a watch however. Sold it and bought a new Champ with the money I got from the Yamaha and still had enough left over to take the wife out to a nice dinner.

Champion uses a Lifan engine, same engine that Harbor Freight sells as a Predator. I've had a few (Predator engines) and none ever had an issue, very reliable.

Harbor Freight also markets an inverter unit but it's relatively small, similar to the Honda EU1000 I. Don't know anyone who has used one so I cannot comment on the quality or longevity.

[HONDAMAN174]

Here's another thought to consider: if you are running genny to power a/c, make sure you can hook up an extended run gas tank so you are not filling up every 2 hours. Hondas are pretty easy. champions you have to retro fit- have seen video on you tube. Not sure of Yamaha.

[SailorSam20500]

Originally Posted by Mjdtld

Not so much worried about running the A/C. Just want the ability to have the option to run electric or propane for the fridge and water heater and keep the batteries charged. Does this make sense?

You might be able to get away with a 1k unit! Too bad Honda's version is more expensive than a Champ 2k!

[hbillsmith]

Originally Posted by HONDAMAN174

Here's another thought to consider: if you are running genny to power a/c, make sure you can hook up an extended run gas tank so you are not filling up every 2 hours. Hondas are pretty easy. champions you have to retro fit- have seen video on you tube. Not sure of Yamaha.

The Firman 3300 watt 58db Inverters is on sale for $750 free ship at Newegg.com has 30amp RV plug and 1.8 gal gas tank good for 9 hours runtime. See YouTube for great reviews.