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What size generator to run AC?

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Old Jul 14, 2005 | 10:35 AM
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From: Gretna, Louisiana
Question What size generator to run AC?

Wanting to buy a generator to run the AC (13,500 BTU) in our TT. Not sure what size generator would handle the load? Looking at a honda 3000W run quiet.

67HotRod
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Old Jul 14, 2005 | 10:48 AM
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Lots of conflicting reports out there about what size will startup and run a 13.5 A/C, but most agree that a 3kw unit is preferred. Altitude has a profound effect on the output of a genset, so if a 2kw works at sea-level, don't expect it to work when you are in the Rockies... Honda and Yamaha both make great gens that are super quiet, and the Honda 2kw units can be put in parallel for 4kw. That's nice because they are MUCH easier to lug around than a single 3kw unit. HTH
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Old Jul 14, 2005 | 10:53 AM
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A 3K watt will work but if you run too much other stuff on it at the same time it may not. Also the thing to be careful of is that if the A/C can not get enough power, but enough to actually run you can damage your unit.

I have 2 Honda EU2000's for my toy hauler. It powers the A/C and and my tire warmers for my race bike. While doing that it will power some samll things as well but if I forget to put the refer on propane it will trip the overload on the geny.
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Old Jul 14, 2005 | 11:48 AM
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My Yamaha EF2800i will run the 13.5K BTU unit on the trailer. I just make sure all other AC appliances, especially the HW heater, are turned off. And don't even think about using the microwave.

Jim
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Old Jul 14, 2005 | 12:05 PM
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From: Cypress. Texas 77433
there is a new generator technoligy, cleaner power, and quiet, called robin. I dont have the link, but a search should fine it.
we are thinking of adding a second A/C to the a5er in AZ. I have a 6.5KW colman contracters unit, but is is realy too big. It will fit in the p/u bed.

Davey
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Old Jul 14, 2005 | 12:08 PM
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I use a pair of Honda EU2000i's. Runs the A/C, the TV/Sat and the Microwave. Don't want to try much more then that. They will run about 4 hours at full load. You can build a rig to pull from an external tank and can run them overnight (I'm working on just such a rig).

The EU2000i's are a LOT easier to tote then the 3000. Also, you don't have to spend the big bucks on the parallel RV kit, you can build one yourself for less then $50.00
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Old Jul 14, 2005 | 12:40 PM
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Originally posted by butchera

Also, you don't have to spend the big bucks on the parallel RV kit, you can build one yourself for less then $50.00
Do tell...
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Old Jul 14, 2005 | 01:06 PM
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Let's see 30 amp x 120 volts = 3600 watts You need a generator with the minium of 3600 watts. It's always better to go a tad bigger to prolong service.
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Old Jul 14, 2005 | 01:09 PM
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From: Gretna, Louisiana
rfcom, I figured I can switch the ac off for a few minutes when I need to run something else. Would also give the gen a break. With the wife & two teenage daughters, stopping for one night at a private campground is costing at least $32 a night. Won't take long to pay for the generator.
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Old Jul 14, 2005 | 01:10 PM
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From: Gretna, Louisiana
Tommy93w350, 30 amps would be the very max the TT could draw. I would think you would have to run everything to draw that much current.
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Old Jul 14, 2005 | 01:18 PM
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I use the EF3000iSEB generator by Yamaha. I bought it 3yrs ago for my 21' toy hauler with a 13.5 a/c unit. Worked well, powered everything with no problems. I even used the microwave with the a/c on. Ran it all weekend while at the past 3 AMA Outdoor MX Nationals at Washougal Wa. (100+ Degree temps each time) I could not see coffing up almost $4,500 for an Onan unit. I now use it in my new 27' 5er with a 13.5 a/c unit also.
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Old Jul 14, 2005 | 01:41 PM
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Originally posted by Strick
A 3K watt will work but if you run too much other stuff on it at the same time it may not. Also the thing to be careful of is that if the A/C can not get enough power, but enough to actually run you can damage your unit.

I have 2 Honda EU2000's for my toy hauler. It powers the A/C and and my tire warmers for my race bike. While doing that it will power some samll things as well but if I forget to put the refer on propane it will trip the overload on the geny.
Is this stricksvs from the WERA board? I saw "tire warmers" and figured it was too much of a coincidence. I race an SV in the MA region, at least I did until I highsided at VIR in May. Small world.

BTW, I have a 5th wheel toyhauler with 2 parallel eu2000i's and a 15000 BTU A/C. They work great and are easier to carry around than the single 3K units.

Scott
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Old Jul 14, 2005 | 02:02 PM
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Anyone try the new Yamaha 2400 with AC?
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Old Jul 14, 2005 | 03:36 PM
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From: MA
Originally posted by yycguy
Anyone try the new Yamaha 2400 with AC?
I got one earlier this week, tested it with my 13.5k btu ac, works great. I can probably not run anything else at the same time but that is ok, it is super quiet, the majority of the time I will use it to just charge up the batteries and run the microwave, my hot water heater is propane only.
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Old Jul 14, 2005 | 04:01 PM
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From: Cross, SC
Originally posted by tobyw
Do tell...
Go to your favorite home supply store.

You will need:

Two 10 or 12 gage short extension cords - three prong (I used two foot ones)
A 30 amp RV type receptacle
A box for the receptacle (I got one with a cover)

Cut the female ends off the extension cords. Pop out the two end holes on the box (one on each end and feed the cut end into the box. Strip the ends. Color match the wires (white, black and green) from each cable and connect to the proper place on the receptacle. Button it all up (I used silicone seal).

When you use it, light the gens off and let them stabilize for a couple of minutes. Taking the two male ends of the extension cords, plug then into the gens at the same time (you should hear the gens sync up). Plug the RV cable into the RV receptacle and away you go.


As for the external fuel tank idea, you can look HERE to get ideas.
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