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Old 07-21-2017, 02:31 PM   #1
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Generator(s) to run 15k A/C?

If I can run the 15K A/C, I can run any other individual appliance that we have (except maybe the clothing dryer).

I believe I've read that I need 3,500 watts of power for a 15K A/C. Presumably, that eliminates the Honda/Yamaha 3000 inverter generator.

Leads to me consider a pair of 2000s or see if I can parallel a 2000 and a 3000 together.

Thoughts?
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Old 07-21-2017, 02:45 PM   #2
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Check the boondocking threads, there was recently discussions about generators and air conditioning. I don't know what size airconditioners they had. I can't lift much larger than the 2000 watt, so that's a plus for me.
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Old 07-21-2017, 03:03 PM   #3
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Get one 2000 watt genny and an Easy Start and you should be good to go.
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Old 07-21-2017, 03:06 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ependydad View Post
If I can run the 15K A/C, I can run any other individual appliance that we have (except maybe the clothing dryer).

I believe I've read that I need 3,500 watts of power for a 15K A/C. Presumably, that eliminates the Honda/Yamaha 3000 inverter generator.

Leads to me consider a pair of 2000s or see if I can parallel a 2000 and a 3000 together.

Thoughts?
I use the Boliy Gen to run my 15k AC. Gen is 3600 SIE it weight is 75 # very portable has handle an wheels also. Comes with battery start for around $1200 also can add external fuel 6 gal fuel tank. Later RJD
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Old 07-21-2017, 04:24 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by boondocking View Post
Get one 2000 watt genny and an Easy Start and you should be good to go.
I think a 13.5k will work with that setup, but not a 15k.
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Old 07-21-2017, 04:37 PM   #6
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According to their website it will.

Quote from website:

(Q) - Will EasyStart allow me to run my 13.5K, 15K, or 16K compressor on a Honda EU2000i?

(A) - Yes, we have many satisfied EasyStart customers using this Honda generator with all brands of rooftop air conditioners. EasyStart runs these compressors even with the generator in ECO mode.
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Old 07-21-2017, 04:52 PM   #7
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You can Parallel a 3500 and 2800 Champion, both inverter and that will run everything. I have the champion 3500 and it will run my 13.6K AC and TV and that's it. I think two of the 2000 for you would not be enough, but that's me.
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Old 07-21-2017, 06:02 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ependydad View Post
If I can run the 15K A/C, I can run any other individual appliance that we have (except maybe the clothing dryer).

I believe I've read that I need 3,500 watts of power for a 15K A/C. Presumably, that eliminates the Honda/Yamaha 3000 inverter generator.

Leads to me consider a pair of 2000s or see if I can parallel a 2000 and a 3000 together.

Thoughts?
Best information I've seen on this issue is on the Airstream Owners Forum. There are a lot of folks there who claim running their 15K Dometic AC units on 1 Honda 2K generator IF they have a MicroAir Easy Start installed.
Claim is that with the Easy Start, you need 16-18 watts to get the AC running. 14-16 watts ongoing. If I recall correctly, normal max starting amps on the ac without an Easy start, is over 24 watts.
I've also read that it is important to read the specs on generators. Slight changes in wording is important. I recall one post from Mateo (MicroAir engineer) who gave a list of this info. FWIW, according to him, the Honda had the best spec ratings and would be the most reliable for starting AC units.
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Old 07-22-2017, 12:14 PM   #9
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We have a 2018 33ik Silverback with a single 15k ac unit. I purchased two Yamaha 2000 units and the parallel cable. They can run the ac unit and our residential fridge. I like this set up because the units are easy to handle and have more uses for them when not in our unit. The only 3000w unit I considered was the Yamaha because it has a boost feature that gets you to 3500w during compressor start up. I didn't like the weight issue as it would take two people to load. I have no experience with the soft starts. One thing to keep in mind about paralleling the 2000 watts units and this was told to me by a yamaha factory representative. Start one unit first so it becomes the primary then the second unit. The first one needs time to recognize the slave unit in order to provide the full 4000w.
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Old 07-22-2017, 12:15 PM   #10
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Had same issue. Bought 2 Honda 2000. Runs air fine when they are hooked together. If I don't need air I only use one. Bought extended run kit off eBay use boat tank.
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Old 07-22-2017, 12:20 PM   #11
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I ran my 15k AC in my 2016 W&P on a Champion 3000W on Eco mode with no problems. Now I couldn't run my coffee maker or micro wave while doing this.
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Old 07-22-2017, 01:02 PM   #12
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Because you full time, I would get a little extra capacity. I recommend that you look into the champion hybrid. Almost as quiet as the 3100 inverter model and will run the 15k AC for sure. If you have 2 AC units, perhaps 2 soft starts could be added and it could possibly run both. With almost 3 gallons of gas capacity the AC could be run all night without refuel. Worth at least a look. Jay
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Old 07-22-2017, 01:49 PM   #13
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My Honda 3000is generator supports running my 15K AC. The total amps available from the 3000is is 23.6. I measured the draw of both of my ACs in our 2018 Rockwood 8328BS. Running amps were 14 for the 15K and 12.5 for the 13.5K. I can use Eco mode for the 13.5K, but not the 15K. We obviously have to play the balancing act when we want to run another high amperage draw appliance.

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Old 07-22-2017, 04:06 PM   #14
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I have the Firman 3300w inverter. I can run AC (13500BTU) fridge, water heater, lights, TV with no problems. It also has eco-mode with a digital display to show hours used and wattage output. It is quiet, 58db and has wheels and a fold away handle.
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Old 07-22-2017, 04:46 PM   #15
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Every year we boondock on the beach w/(2) $380 WEN 2000W Yamaha clones w/ $40 parallel kit. I like that I can pick one up in each hand to move them or load them (one at a time) into PU bed without help... We only have the 13,500 A/C (w/no soft start) but can run other stuff with A/C just like if we were at a 30A pedestal. (Do not need to retrain wife & kids... A/C off for microwave, 2 skillets, hairdryer, etc. just like on 30A shore power..) This year temps were cooler, so I only ran one at-a-time leaving both connected to 30A parallel cable for convenience. They sit all winter yet start on 1st pull & run all-day without stopping, so quality seems good. I also use them to cut trees on back acreage. Also, if someone cuts my chain & steals them, I'm only out $800....
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Old 07-22-2017, 05:15 PM   #16
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A 15K Dometic AC unit's compressor pulls about 13.8 Amps when running. Using the mighty formula, 13.8A x 110v = just under 1,500 watts. That does NOT allow for start up, though. Honestly, I've run one AC unit for extended periods on a 20A outlet without an issue. What will bail you, though, are things like toasters, dryers, blow dryers and the microwave. Our MH has a 6 KW generators and will run both AC's, the residential fridge and everything else if desired.
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Old 07-22-2017, 07:01 PM   #17
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I have a 29IK Silverback and a 3400 Champion Inverter Generator. At 4500 feet @ 80°F the inverter will trip out on overload (red light) after an hour or so. At 9000 feet I cannot run the AC and the microwave does not work well either. Getting a 11000 watt generator and a hoist before next trip. (Note: the Inverter must be de-rated 3 to 3-1/2% for every 1000 feet above 3000 feet and there is a de-rate when using propane.)
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Old 07-22-2017, 07:04 PM   #18
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I have a 15k coleman ac and run it with my champion 3100 inverter generator.
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Old 07-22-2017, 07:12 PM   #19
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I have a Honda 3000 and have no problems running my 15,000 AC unit in my Fifth Wheel. You just need to
Know the rules of amp's. In my case, I turn off the water heater and heat the water with LP. No microwave and coffe maker at the same time. No toaster and hair dryer either. Now, 3000 is very heavy. These days people are buying two 2,000's and make parallel. I set my Honda in the back of my truck (with help) and stays there when we camp primitive. Good luck
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Old 07-22-2017, 07:20 PM   #20
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This the one I use and plenty for running 15 k AC. And I can load and unload from the back of Pickup bed by my self Later RJD
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