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Old 11-09-2014, 07:21 PM   #1
b.d.keathley
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what size generator for 2 15k btu ac's

Wantin to buy a generator. I have two 15k btu generators and need a 50 amp power outlet. The generators I look at that that are above 5500 watts all the way up to 15000 watts all have a 30 amp 240volt outlet. I don't see how that works being that I need a 50 amp outlet. The volts look okay but the adaptor would be the 30 amp cord which im sure would melt if they were both running. Any thoughts?? Im looking at Lowes and Home Depot.
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Old 11-09-2014, 07:52 PM   #2
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You won't find anything on the shelf that will have 50 Amps at lowes or depot. You can special order from there but know that lowes has to make 27% on a special order so you could find the same generator cheaper elsewhere. And for the price they ask for the 50 amp unit you would be better off to Check with Onan and just get the camper style one instead. Yeah there is no cart but I am sure it could be arranged to get one


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Old 11-09-2014, 08:12 PM   #3
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The Dometic owner's manual for air conditioners has a chart listing the power requirements for each of their units. Generally speaking, they state that for 15K BTU A/C's, generator requirements for one unit is 3500 watts and 2 units is 5000 watts.

You're not going to find a generator in the 5000 watt range with a 50 amp plug. There are some adapters that would allow you to use the generator's 30 amp plug and 20 amp plug to power your RV. That would (should) give you the entire 5000 watts provided the generator is wired to accept your adapter/power cord.
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Old 11-11-2014, 05:42 AM   #4
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Adapter

See pic, they are readily available, online or I've even seen them at Walmart or Camping World.
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Old 11-11-2014, 06:46 AM   #5
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My parallel kit came with a twist-type 30A plug, but no cord. ;-( I made one with a spare 50/30 adapter I had. The two 2000's will run the bedroom's 13,500, but not the living room's 15,000.
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Old 11-11-2014, 03:49 PM   #6
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On the Home Depot site, they show a generator that might fit your needs:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Champion-...1534/203649714
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Old 11-11-2014, 05:58 PM   #7
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One thing to note about champion generators. They have a low oil cut off switch that will kill the engine of it gets low on oil. This is a great thing but from the service industry we see many of these go out rather quickly and the generator won't start but for a second. Champion will not replace under warranty as it cost so much in labor to fix this If you are out and it does not start AFTER you make sure you have enough oil you can unplug the switch and the gen will run just fine. I have seen several come back with this issue and the customers are not happy they bring them in and we show them that knowing they could have had power for the rest of there trip or job they needed the generator for. Other than that they have proven to be good units so far from the service side of things and champion has been good to work with


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Old 11-12-2014, 02:08 PM   #8
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15k

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Originally Posted by Desert185 View Post
My parallel kit came with a twist-type 30A plug, but no cord. ;-( I made one with a spare 50/30 adapter I had. The two 2000's will run the bedroom's 13,500, but not the living room's 15,000.
I would bet if you put an extra start capacitor on the 15K it will start without problem with your 2X Honda setup. I did this a couple of years ago and made a big difference. My Boliy starts and restarts our 15K.
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Old 11-16-2014, 05:16 PM   #9
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My 5500 onan will run both ac's and the microwave at the same time - if the microwave starts last. Most and 5kw or larger will run both 15k ac's - start one and let it run for 5-10 seconds so the generator can stabilize, then start the other. Get whatever adapter is required to make a 50 amp plug off the generator. If you truly want 50 amp 240, you are 12kw+ generator (and massive overkill). electricgeneratorsdirect.com has a lot of generators to compare. Remember, the NON inverter type generators tend to be a lot louder (and cheaper) then the inverter type. If anyone is anywhere near you with the loud generator running, you wont be making friends..
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Old 11-16-2014, 09:35 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jje1960 View Post
I would bet if you put an extra start capacitor on the 15K it will start without problem with your 2X Honda setup. I did this a couple of years ago and made a big difference. My Boliy starts and restarts our 15K.
When I tried it the fridge was on electric. Might work if the fridge were on propane.
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