How much generator for 15000 BTU A/C?

[LHaven]

Originally Posted by Twisties

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]

Originally Posted by LHaven

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]

Originally Posted by 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'?

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-acce...8-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]

Originally Posted by sonofcy

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-acce...8-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]

Originally Posted by kayakjim

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[RET.LEO]

Originally Posted by 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.

BINGO!!!!
Best addition you can add.

[kayakjim]

Originally Posted by sonofcy

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.