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Old 03-20-2012, 04:07 PM   #1
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RV generators

How many watt generator is necessary to run ac when without electricity? I have read a 4000 will. Advice needed.
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Old 03-20-2012, 04:34 PM   #2
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4000 should suffice . 30 amp plug ?
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Old 03-20-2012, 04:49 PM   #3
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Best way I can tell you is to look at the starting amps needed to cycle the AC on (So say it takes 18 AMP) and multiple that by 120. That will give you the amount of watts you will need..... Then factor in other items that will be running at that time.

So 18 AMPS x 120 Volts = 2160 Watts at Start Up...

Most AC units will have a bigger hit at start up.

I have heard smaller campers with AC getting away with 3000 watts, but that was on a 13,500 BTU system.
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Old 03-20-2012, 04:55 PM   #4
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Look here http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...aws-17300.html
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Old 03-20-2012, 05:06 PM   #5
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BOLIY Pro3600Si & Pro3600SiE

That will do it. Best bang for the buck. Do your research.
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Old 03-20-2012, 05:15 PM   #6
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At least a 3000 (like a Honda) on up will run the A/C with no problem.
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Old 03-20-2012, 05:22 PM   #7
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You have to be careful.... Lots of people forget to factor in start up draw

So make sure 3000 watts is not 3000 watts surge or peak, it is 3000 watts run.

People always freak when they get a surge in their system..... I will tell you a low voltage drop will fry electronics and motors WAY quicker then a surge.

I can tell you this from experience. I run sound for several rock bands and I have seen systems get cooked because of low voltage....
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Old 03-20-2012, 05:57 PM   #8
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The generator I am looking at has 4000 surge watts/ 3300 constant.
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Old 03-20-2012, 06:24 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tincup13
The generator I am looking at has 4000 surge watts/ 3300 constant.
You should be in good shape to run the camper. Obviously be aware of what you are running..... Microwave, plus blender, plus AC, plus toaster..... would be trouble...
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Old 03-20-2012, 07:17 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tincup13 View Post
How many watt generator is necessary to run ac when without electricity? I have read a 4000 will. Advice needed.
My Yamaha 3000 (in normal mode) runs my 15K AC and all other AC items (except microwave) simultaneously. To run the microwave, I just switch off the AC while we cook with it then turn the AC back on.
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Old 03-20-2012, 08:55 PM   #11
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Our MH has two roof a/c units but is only set up for 30A service. Running the generator is necessary if it's hot enough to need them both.

Our generator is an Onan with 5.5 KVA output and doesn't seem to breathing hard with both a/cs and a coffee maker. Most times we don't need dual a/c, so it hasn't been exercised much.

BTW, the 5500 was in the rig when we bought it used.
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