How much generator for 15000 BTU A/C?

[Twisties]

Everything I'm reading suggests that the 15000 BTU A/C will need about 3500W to start.

I was looking at a pair of Champion Power Equipment 2000-Watt Ultralight Portable Inverter Generator, 100478's but then did my math on altitude.

Sounds like 3% loss per 1000'. We will be at 4500-8000' regularly, although granted at 8000' we may not need A/C. If I am getting this right then, somewhere between 4000-5000' the two 2000 W peak power Champions would fail to start the A/C. At 5k' we will certainly still want A/C.

So, now I'm looking at a pair of WEN 56225i Super Quiet 2250-Watt Portable Inverter Generator with Fuel Shut-Off which nominally give me 4500W peak, and should provide 3500 to about 8k' at a cost of about $200 more.

Just looking for some actual on the ground experience here. Do I have this right, or would the 4000W peak Champion pair get the job done, say at least to 7k'?

[ChuckS]

I am currently using two Honda 2000s paralleled for boondock docking needs...I can run ONE 15K btu air conditioner with these two while also powering converter to charge batteries and run 12vdc items in fifth wheel..

This also includes a 55” TV set on, sound system and overhead ceiling fan all running during AC operation.

Plenty of overhead power left, once AC starts generators idle back down to almost eco mode speed. Been using this system for 7 years now. If not running AC we just run one of the two Honda 2000s...

Light weight , fuel efficient, can run one 8 hours easily on tank of fuel.

[foldbak]

I use a 4K Onan works great.

[Wyldfire]

We use a Champion 3100 remote start with no issues.

[bsmith0404]

Get an Onan P4500i and you will have all the power you need for 1/3 the cost of two Hondas

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1163/1976/products/p4500i__22581.1559311785.1280.1280_large.jpg?v=156 0363353

[Twisties]

Get an Onan P4500i and you will have all the power you need for 1/3 the cost of two Hondas

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1163/1976/products/p4500i__22581.1559311785.1280.1280_large.jpg?v=156 0363353

That looks like a great choice, but at 98 lbs I will have trouble handling it. It's going to need to ride in the bed of the truck and get deployed when needed. So, the pair of Champion Ultra lights at 38 lbs each is darned attractive. As well, most of the time, I'd only need one, so that extends service intervals, in calendar terms, and is probably more fuel efficient. Even with the pair of WENs I'm at 48 lbs each, which I can manage. Still for price and specs and name brand, that's a heck of a deal.

[Wyldfire]

That looks like a great choice, but at 98 lbs I will have trouble handling it. It's going to need to ride in the bed of the truck and get deployed when needed. So, the pair of Champion Ultra lights at 38 lbs each is darned attractive. As well, most of the time, I'd only need one, so that extends service intervals, in calendar terms, and is probably more fuel efficient. Even with the pair of WENs I'm at 48 lbs each, which I can manage. Still for price and specs and name brand, that's a heck of a deal.

They look nice. The only draw back I see is no 30 amp RV ready plug. After using small Honda generators for years only took one trip with the 3100 Champion to realized how much nicer it was to have the RV ready plug on the generator. B
No apdator, no vibrating out.

[JRTJH]

They look nice. The only draw back I see is no 30 amp RV ready plug. After using small Honda generators for years only took one trip with the 3100 Champion to realized how much nicer it was to have the RV ready plug on the generator. B
No apdator, no vibrating out.

The "pair of 2000 watt generators" (regardless of brand, Honda, Yamaha or Champion) require an accessory adapter to connect the two generators electrically. The adapter has a 30 amp RV plug and allows the connection to the RV. If only one generator is being used (15 amps) an adapter plug is required to connect the RV 30 amp cable to the generator 15 amp plug.

The parallel kit has both an RV 30 amp and a locking 30 amp plug on the faceplate of the parallel kit.

The "new suitcase style" Champion generators also can be connected to increase the output. That parallel kit is different, but also includes both types of 30 amp plugs on the kit faceplate and permits stacking the generators.

[roadglide]

I would buy or build a rear bumper rack for a 3500 generator . I think your cougar bumper will carry a 150 lb generator.

[foldbak]

Or you could

[Twisties]

I would buy or build a rear bumper rack for a 3500 generator . I think your cougar bumper will carry a 150 lb generator.

It can carry 250 lbs, but GVWR is an issue. We only get 1900 and some lbs of carrying capacity. We bought it, drove it home empty, and have been loading it at home. We have no idea where we are with weight. There is a public scale about 15 miles away, but access to our place is challenging, and I don't want to go out until we are ready to go and stay out... Our house sale is supposed to close the 9th, so we will leave then and head past the scale.

We are planning on solar, 4 batteries, inverter.... about 300 lbs IIRC, plus a full water tank is roughly 500 lbs. So we only have maybe 1100-1200 lbs to play with. The plan then is to keep the generators, tools, and some other heavy stuff in the truck, which has a huge empty back seat and bed plus about 2000 lb of payload to spare, after the trailer, fuel and we ourselves are accounted for.

[roadglide]

I may be mistaking but you truck takes near 2000 lbs off the cougar . I’m only really concerned with axel weight That comes under the 14 k for my impact . I have never unloaded my trailer on a cat scale and don’t care to. I’m Positive it’s over the 16500 I’m sure I’m dumping 3000 plus some in the truck . Weight in at a cat scale your not going to over load you dodge with your cougar.

[Roscommon48]

Two of any types of 2000+ generators will work just fine. Make sure you connect them properly. of course you can always go bigger too.



don't overthink it.

[Twisties]

Thanks everybody! Sounds like a pair of 2000's will do the job! You've saved me $200 and more importantly, 10 lbs each.

Time to get these ordered.

As for weight, Cougar says the hitch weight of our unit is 1545 lbs. I know that goes up some when the trailer is loaded, but even if it's 2000 lbs at the hitch, I have about 4600 lbs payload on the truck. So, after fuel, wife, trailer and me about 2000 left. I hear you about the axles. IIRC about 1000 lbs of the payload are on the front axle, and the rest is on the rear, so it can take something 3600 lbs. It's dark and raining right now, but I'll check the door tag later to verify. Ram website and documentation just says the total payload, so if the axle rating is available, it's on the door.

[flybouy]

"Ram website and documentation just says the total payload,"

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain! That rating on the website is typically an "up to" rating for a truck that rarely exists in the configuration necessary to get that rating.

The truth can be found on your trucks door sticker.

[firestation12]

If you haven't heard of Micro-Air Easystart start/run accessory, it can greatly reduce the starting amps of your a/c unit by almost half. I have switched my microwave and television 120 volt circuits to be powered from battery/inverter to reduce the generator load and be able to use them when the generator is off during quiet times.

[Twisties]

"Ram website and documentation just says the total payload,"

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain! That rating on the website is typically an "up to" rating for a truck that rarely exists in the configuration necessary to get that rating.

The truth can be found on your trucks door sticker.

Yes, well we were very careful about it when we chose the truck for this purpose, and with plans for most likely a trailer such as we have, but with intent to be able to tow one up to at least 15k lbs if we did so decide.

Ram has a vehicle specific look-up tool on the web. It is accurate and runs off of the VIN. However, I did check the door before we took delivery, and again just now. The GVWR is 12,300 lbs. The front is 6000 lbs and the rear is 7000 lbs. The rated tow capacity of this vehicle is 20,100 lbs, but it wouldn't have the payload capacity to handle a 5'er of that weight, and we wouldn't want it at capacity.

With Sharon and I in the truck, luggage and some tools, a full tank of fuel and the empty trailer (straight from the dealer, it had one third of a tank of fresh water that they left in it) and hitch we weighed 5200 lbs on the front, 5100 lbs on the rear and the trailer weighed 7850 lbs. Consequently, as I say, we have payload on the truck to spare, and 1900 of that can be on the rear axle. On another occasion, with just me in the truck and a full tank the empty truck weighed 8050 lbs.

The trailer is where we are concerned about weight.

[Daryles]

Some people like the harbor freight predator generators. Supposed to be as quiet as the hondas.
Also maybe a rear carrier for them.

[flybouy]

Yes, well we were very careful about it when we chose the truck for this purpose, and with plans for most likely a trailer such as we have, but with intent to be able to tow one up to at least 15k lbs if we did so decide.

Ram has a vehicle specific look-up tool on the web. It is accurate and runs off of the VIN. However, I did check the door before we took delivery, and again just now. The GVWR is 12,300 lbs. The front is 6000 lbs and the rear is 7000 lbs. The rated tow capacity of this vehicle is 20,100 lbs, but it wouldn't have the payload capacity to handle a 5'er of that weight, and we wouldn't want it at capacity.

With Sharon and I in the truck, luggage and some tools, a full tank of fuel and the empty trailer (straight from the dealer, it had one third of a tank of fresh water that they left in it) and hitch we weighed 5200 lbs on the front, 5100 lbs on the rear and the trailer weighed 7850 lbs. Consequently, as I say, we have payload on the truck to spare, and 1900 of that can be on the rear axle. On another occasion, with just me in the truck and a full tank the empty truck weighed 8050 lbs.

The trailer is where we are concerned about weight.
Didn't realize you were using VIN specific site. Sounds like you've done your due diligence well! We rarely see that when someone buys a new rig.

[ChuckS]

Whatever you decide to go with regarding generators don’t hang them off the bumper. It is not strong enough ... either carry in fifth wheel or in bed of truck.

I went with the two generator setup because I know there will be a day when my ability to lift heavy items ends. Plus I can and often do only run one generator.

I’d also highly suggest that whatever generator you purchase start off with a mix of Seafoam in the tank and Always keep Seafoam in the tank. That way you won’t have to worry about carbs gumming up and you don’t need to winterize.

Seafoam is the smartest thing you’ll ever add to your fuel on small gas engines

[LHaven]

As for weight, Cougar says the hitch weight of our unit is 1545 lbs. I know that goes up some when the trailer is loaded, but even if it's 2000 lbs at the hitch, I have about 4600 lbs payload on the truck.

Make sure you check the weight limit of the physical hitch itself. 1500 is a pretty popular number.

[Twisties]

Make sure you check the weight limit of the physical hitch itself. 1500 is a pretty popular number.

Yes, thanks. B&W Companion on Ram pucks.... We're more than good there. :-)

[LHaven]

Oops. I assumed you had a TT, not a 5er.

[sonofcy]

Everything I'm reading suggests that the 15000 BTU A/C will need about 3500W to start.

I was looking at a pair of Champion Power Equipment 2000-Watt Ultralight Portable Inverter Generator, 100478's but then did my math on altitude.

Sounds like 3% loss per 1000'. We will be at 4500-8000' regularly, although granted at 8000' we may not need A/C. If I am getting this right then, somewhere between 4000-5000' the two 2000 W peak power Champions would fail to start the A/C. At 5k' we will certainly still want A/C.

So, now I'm looking at a pair of WEN 56225i Super Quiet 2250-Watt Portable Inverter Generator with Fuel Shut-Off which nominally give me 4500W peak, and should provide 3500 to about 8k' at a cost of about $200 more.

Just looking for some actual on the ground experience here. Do I have this right, or would the 4000W peak Champion pair get the job done, say at least to 7k'?

IF you install a soft start kit, a 2,000 watt will start and run a 15,000. If NO soft start you can run but not start.
Here is a link to the soft start kit
https://amsolar.com/rv-inverter-accessories/98-easy?rq=soft start

[travelin texans]

[QUOTE=ChuckS;371512

I’d also highly suggest that whatever generator you purchase start off with a mix of Seafoam in the tank and Always keep Seafoam in the tank. That way you won’t have to worry about carbs gumming up and you don’t need to winterize.

Seafoam is the smartest thing you’ll ever add to your fuel on small gas engines[/QUOTE]

I totally agree!
The worst thing you can do to small engines is use ethanol blend gasoline so adding Seafoam to ALL small engine fuel tanks, as well as any container you haul fuel in, is a must these days.

[tmason]

I have a 13500 watt air conditioner with the soft start that works great at sea level with my 2000 watt honda,however at 3000 ft. elevation it overloads trying to run just the air con.

[kayakjim]

IF you install a soft start kit, a 2,000 watt will start and run a 15,000. If NO soft start you can run but not start.
Here is a link to the soft start kit
https://amsolar.com/rv-inverter-accessories/98-easy?rq=soft start

I have been thinking of using a soft start kit. I currently connect two Honda EU2200IS generators. I was using two 2000's but they were about 15 years old and were developing problems.

Has anyone used the soft start kit? In my old(er) age I am getting tired of changing oil for two generators and keeping track of hours on each of them. I need about 5 amps free for my progressive dynamics charger. I can do without lights etc when the AC is on.

[sonofcy]

I have been thinking of using a soft start kit. I currently connect two Honda EU2200IS generators. I was using two 2000's but they were about 15 years old and were developing problems.

Has anyone used the soft start kit? In my old(er) age I am getting tired of changing oil for two generators and keeping track of hours on each of them. I need about 5 amps free for my progressive dynamics charger. I can do without lights etc when the AC is on.
The link I gave you is from one of the top Solar Providers. Some people want to run the A/C on battery-inverter power. It won't run long (3 to 4 hrs) but having the soft start kit cuts down on the start up surge. Similar concept to the RV refrigerators, mine only uses 3 amps MAX. I don't know what a 'normal' residential fridge uses at start up but if a 2,000 watt generator won't handle it then it must be about 15 amps since 15 amps X 120 volts = 1,800 Watts.

[ObiRich]

I have a Champion 4000/3500. I can guarantee you won't start that AC above 5000'. We live at 4500 and it just barely will. Tried it at 6000' and it dies.

[sonofcy]

I have a Champion 4000/3500. I can guarantee you won't start that AC above 5000'. We live at 4500 and it just barely will. Tried it at 6000' and it dies.


Get the dealer to change the jets for 5,000 ft

[RET.LEO]

If you haven't heard of Micro-Air Easystart start/run accessory, it can greatly reduce the starting amps of your a/c unit by almost half. I have switched my microwave and television 120 volt circuits to be powered from battery/inverter to reduce the generator load and be able to use them when the generator is off during quiet times.
BINGO!!!!
Best addition you can add.

[kayakjim]

Get the dealer to change the jets for 5,000 ft
FYI Changing the jet only reduces the fuel for a leaner mix and does NOT increase Wattage or HP. This is why the jets are smaller for high elev. Less air less gas.

[Roscommon48]

the answer to the start of this thread....get a couple of 2200 watt hondas and your good to go.

[duh1]

I needed a generator to run equip in a 2910bh with an ac. Smaller than the one you are describing..a 13500 series. I tried three different increasingly powerful system and settled on the. Champion 3400 98 lb system. It will run everything and have used at 6000 ft. It starts Every time on second pull, is a tad louder than a Honda and I can handle by myself. To to altitude then to home depot buy the 3400 and put some gas in it and see if <it. Runs the ac. And frog. Home depot will take it back if it does not work. I did this with two smaller systems and they never had a problem with it. Try one a d see
Glen.