Just ordered Champion 2500 dual fuel. AC?

[Half Ton Heavy]

I see very little so far on this generator. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Champion-Po...9&gclsrc=3p.ds

I see it replaces a 2000 watt that otherwise seems identical, I can only surmise that since it has the same pusillanimous 79cc engine as the 2000 (start watts on both) that they are just spinning the new one faster to get more energy out of it. I plan on only running propane, so 15% cut there too. I have no idea if my 2506 has the 13500, or the 15000 ac unit installed, I guess the only way to find out is pop the cover?
At any rate, just wondering if anyone has actually used this for the ac? Not any guesses one way or the other, but actually have the 2500 champion and use it. My plan B, and there may be no way around it, is slap a micro-air soft start in the ac.
I see some moderate success with the Westinghouse 2500 being able to run the ac, but that unit has a 98cc engine, and thus seems maybe more capable. Who knows? Place your bets, more to follow!

[SeaDog]

running an AC is not the same as starting an AC on hot days when cycling a compressor can draw 3 times the running amps to start. Even with shedding equipment some things are still on and drawing power like your converter when you are starting your AC. I use two small generations in parallel when running the AC. Saving a couple of nickels on fuel and spending a hundred on something to make a little single work while limiting my equipment use seems less then ideal. JMHO

[ysidive]

Originally Posted by Half Ton Heavy

I see very little so far on this generator. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Champion-Po...9&gclsrc=3p.ds

I see it replaces a 2000 watt that otherwise seems identical, I can only surmise that since it has the same pusillanimous 79cc engine as the 2000 (start watts on both) that they are just spinning the new one faster to get more energy out of it. I plan on only running propane, so 15% cut there too. I have no idea if my 2506 has the 13500, or the 15000 ac unit installed, I guess the only way to find out is pop the cover?
At any rate, just wondering if anyone has actually used this for the ac? Not any guesses one way or the other, but actually have the 2500 champion and use it. My plan B, and there may be no way around it, is slap a micro-air soft start in the ac.
I see some moderate success with the Westinghouse 2500 being able to run the ac, but that unit has a 98cc engine, and thus seems maybe more capable. Who knows? Place your bets, more to follow!

I would suggest to bite the bullet now, instead of later... Why spend money to install a fast start when you can just spend a couple of hundred dollars or less for a slightly larger inverter generator.... I have the 3200 start up 2800 continuous watts and I am able to run my 15000 btu AC with no problem... They do not weight a lot more, but you get a lot more power... My generator is not dual fuel, but I am very happy with my purchase...

[Half Ton Heavy]

I understand locked rotor surge, and see that some 2500 watt gens overcome it, and others struggle.
I absolutely do not want a heavier gen set, this one weighs less than 40 lbs, and will fit on the backseat floor of my truck.
A 100 lb generator is not in my future, nor is a gas can.
Just wondering if anyone has attempted this yet.

[Waterops1]

Given the small size of that inverter generator and then reducing it even further by operating on propane, I’d be surprised if it would start a small AC unit even if it had some soft start device. You’re still likely to have some parasitic loads, small as they may be, that will eat a little more of your available power.

[ckeeling]

You have decided to make this work. A lot of good intelligent people have tried to encourage you that it isn't going to work. Champion says it isn't going to work. It's like going bear hunting with a switch. Good luck!

[aircommuter]

It will depend on your elevation also. My 2500 Onan built in runs my A/C easily.
You could add a delay relay for the fan on your A/C, they usually draw about 3 amps.

[jbflag21ds]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6b_9kQ_l_g

Here is a LoLoHo review of that unit.

[Half Ton Heavy]

Well shucks. Maybe I wont open the box.
https://youtu.be/g6b_9kQ_l_g

Might have to go with a Honda 2200 after all.

[Half Ton Heavy]

Originally Posted by jbflag21ds

Here is a LoLoHo review of that unit.

Lol. Same time!

[Half Ton Heavy]

Guess I have to order a 100 pounder...

[jbflag21ds]

I just picked up a 3400 dual fuel yesterday

[Half Ton Heavy]

Originally Posted by ckeeling

You have decided to make this work. A lot of good intelligent people have tried to encourage you that it isn't going to work. Champion says it isn't going to work. It's like going bear hunting with a switch. Good luck!

It does work for the Honda 2200 unit. My thought was the champ 2500 might do it. The video above says no. I was trepidatious because of the much small engine in the champion product and was therefore looking for folks that had direct experience. Thanks for your condescending input though.

[jbflag21ds]

Originally Posted by Half Ton Heavy

It does work for the Honda 2200 unit. My thought was the champ 2500 might do it. The video above says no. I was trepidatious because of the much small engine in the champion product and was therefore looking for folks that had direct experience. Thanks for your condescending input though.

Are you using gas or lpg with your Honda? Remember that review he was using lpg so output is lower than you Honda on gas.

Also the price difference may make it worth buying 2 units and a parallel kit versus the 2200 Honda by itself.

This is especially true if you would have trouble lifting the larger 100lb 3400 unit

[Walholler]

Two of the Champion 2500W inverter generators paralleled together will run a 15K AC. If each only weighs 40 lbs., your still below that 100 lbs. that you fear. I own two Honda 2200W generators paralleled together that ran our 15K AC for 10 days without being shut down during the aftermath of Hurricane Laura. I just ordered and received a Champion 2500W, gas only, that I plan to use to run a fridge & freezer if we are hit with another hurricane this year. I am considering on ordering another Champion 2500W and the paralleling kit. Being without electricity in the hot and humid south is not my ideal of fun.

[boogiejack75]

Originally Posted by Half Ton Heavy

I see very little so far on this generator. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Champion-Po...9&gclsrc=3p.ds

I see it replaces a 2000 watt that otherwise seems identical, I can only surmise that since it has the same pusillanimous 79cc engine as the 2000 (start watts on both) that they are just spinning the new one faster to get more energy out of it. I plan on only running propane, so 15% cut there too. I have no idea if my 2506 has the 13500, or the 15000 ac unit installed, I guess the only way to find out is pop the cover?
At any rate, just wondering if anyone has actually used this for the ac? Not any guesses one way or the other, but actually have the 2500 champion and use it. My plan B, and there may be no way around it, is slap a micro-air soft start in the ac.
I see some moderate success with the Westinghouse 2500 being able to run the ac, but that unit has a 98cc engine, and thus seems maybe more capable. Who knows? Place your bets, more to follow!

I have seen multiple reviews that have successfully used this generator to run an AC unit WITH the Maxair soft start. Doubt you can without the soft start.

[Richard W Eason]

We bet on the Champion 2500 for our 13.5k, for the same reasons, and it works just fine. I installed the soft start before even trying it. You need to turn off the A/C before using the electric teapot, a small concession for lugging 60 extra pounds. Also, I can add a second unit if we decide we need to later.

I use propane only, and found it hard to start. Champion sent me a new carburetor, and the instructions were very specific about marking the choke linkage. So, I suspected a choke issue, and found that the choke was not closing completely. I adjusted the cable linkage and it starts easily now. (I have a spare carburetor in case anyone needs one).

[Half Ton Heavy]

Originally Posted by Richard W Eason

We bet on the Champion 2500 for our 13.5k, for the same reasons, and it works just fine. I installed the soft start before even trying it. You need to turn off the A/C before using the electric teapot, a small concession for lugging 60 extra pounds. Also, I can add a second unit if we decide we need to later.

I use propane only, and found it hard to start. Champion sent me a new carburetor, and the instructions were very specific about marking the choke linkage. So, I suspected a choke issue, and found that the choke was not closing completely. I adjusted the cable linkage and it starts easily now. (I have a spare carburetor in case anyone needs one).

Well dangnabbit now I have to reconsider my reconsider! I already cancelled the order!
Thanks so much for your post! Yes, I knew I would need to load shed to use the ac. No problem there, used to doing that with use of my inverter too.

So, Lowes had the 3400 for $950 using their credit card. Now no longer in stock. Amazon had it for about $1100, but now is $1600. Lowes has the Honda for $1000, but add $300 for propane conversion (and toss warranty out the window) and add $300 for soft start. So into that for $1600.

How long have you used the ac with the 2500? Hot day performance? Comfortable with the noise? Would love anymore feedback you have. I assume you get an overload light for a second on start. Do you stage the sequence by starting fan first then ac?

You have me thinking...

We bought the trailer slightly used, and I have no idea if it is a 13.5 or 15K ac. I am out of town for work, but need to get up there and pull the cover and find out. Regardless, if I go with anything smaller than the 3400, will add the soft start, I think that is a given.

[Half Ton Heavy]

Now I see this one on Lowes...
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Firman-Whis...ec_product_id3
Hmm.

[mnoland30]

Richard, i'm curious what altitude you're running at?