Newbie Generator Help

DKidneyBean · 06-20-2019, 09:15 AM

Hello

We have a Bullet Crossfire 1900RD with the 13,500 BTU AC.

What size generator would run that AC? I don't imagine running it a whole lot where we'll be camping but would like to have one.

Thank you

Logan X · 06-20-2019, 10:07 AM

You should be able to run the air conditioner with a 3000 watt generator (maybe 3500 watts). I’m a fan of Honda generators, it’s what I have, because of thier reliability. As a cheaper option, I have heard good things about the Predator generator. Just make sure you get an inverter generator designed for RVs. Inverter generators run quietly while open frame construction style generators are very loud.

I have heard of people installing soft start capacitors on thier air conditioner so they can use a 2000 watt generator. Although I’ve heard the soft start capacitor works, I think it voids your warranty. Anyways, that’s a different conversation.

nied · 06-20-2019, 10:34 AM

My son uses a 2200 Honda inverter for his 13.5 AC. It is quiet and handles the load without any problem. I have a 3100 Champion. Works great but quite a bit nosier, about +10dB at full load.

DKidneyBean · 06-20-2019, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nied

My son uses a 2200 Honda inverter for his 13.5 AC. It is quiet and handles the load without any problem. I have a 3100 Champion. Works great but quite a bit nosier, about +10dB at full load.

" nied " Bingo! - This is what I was wondering. So your son has had no problems with the Honda 2200 Honda inverter for his 13.5 AC? I've heard both sides. And wanted to hear more feedback.

nied · 06-21-2019, 03:45 AM

My original RV was a 20' Trail Lite with a 13.K AC. The first year I rented a Honda 2000 and it ran the AC but struggled at startup. If you have a good tool rental business in your area with generator rental and sales, contact them and see if you can bring your RV over and try out some of the units.

nied · 06-21-2019, 03:50 AM

in addition, take a look at the youtube channel for Long Long Honeymoon https://www.youtube.com/user/walkaboutgroup. The couple has reviewed a number of units.

LFord · 06-27-2019, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nied

My original RV was a 20' Trail Lite with a 13.K AC. The first year I rented a Honda 2000 and it ran the AC but struggled at startup. If you have a good tool rental business in your area with generator rental and sales, contact them and see if you can bring your RV over and try out some of the units.

Let's hope you don't bring one of those "rental center" generators to the RV campsite. Typically, "contractor grade" generators are found at those rental centers, and your campsite neighbors probably won't be happy with the noise especially if run at night while they're trying to sleep!

Tooth Ferry · 06-27-2019, 11:31 AM

Reduces starting power needs for your AC . Can run a 15000 on a 2000 Honda. Look it up online.

Canonman · 06-20-2019, 11:27 AM

As stated, it will take a 3,000w generator to start your A/C. Get a good inverter type Generator. These are much quieter (50 to 58dba) than the open frame construction type.
I prefer the single 3kw generator rather than using two, 2kw units linked together. Each option has it's own pros and cons.

Roscommon48 · 06-21-2019, 04:44 AM

actually a new Honda 2200watt generator will run a small a/c. but 2 hondas will be a plus too.

it just depends on what you are looking for and how much you want to spend.

I'd just put refrig on gas and take it away.

Logan X · 06-21-2019, 05:05 AM

Hmm, I didn’t think the Honda 2000 watt would run an air conditioner. I’m going to try it when I get home today.

jsmith948 · 06-21-2019, 06:00 AM

Our Champion 2800/3100 inverter runs our 15K BTU a/c just fine. The Champion weighs 90# full of fuel, so I can still, at 71, hoss it in and out of the truck if needed. A little noisier than a Honda at 58 db but everything is a trade-off.
In "eco" mode, it will run 6-8 hrs on 1.6 gal of gas.

Logan X · 06-21-2019, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logan X

Hmm, I didn’t think the Honda 2000 watt would run an air conditioner. I’m going to try it when I get home today.

I did some quick research on this and found multiple people who blew up the compressor on the AC unit using a 2000 watt or 2200 watt generator. For a 13500BTU AC, it needs something like 2500 or 3000 watts to start and 1500 to 2000 watts for sustained use. I believe the Honda 2000 on provides 1600 watts of sustained power.

I think a 2000 watt or 2200 watt generator is undersized for this task and if it does start the AC, I think there is a substantial risk of damaging the AC unit. JMHO and YMMV.

**JRTJH** · 06-21-2019, 04:05 PM

According to Dometic (What would they know, they only build the air conditioners) the 13.5K BTU and the 15K BTU RV air conditioners require a generator with a minimum of 3500 watts. There are a lot of things to consider besides "what is the minimum size generator to run my air conditioner. You also have a refrigerator that (if set on AUTO) will draw 325 watts (heater circuit) in addition to the 50 watts (approximate power to operate the door heater and control circuits) as soon as you plug in the trailer to the generator. Don't forget that the Converter will also draw around 5-8 amps. At 120 VAC, 8 amps is 960 watts. So, between the refrigerator and the converter, at "plug-in", the load on the generator will be roughly 960+325+50=1335 watts BEFORE the air conditioner is even turned on.

Surely you can turn all that "stuff off" and just run the A/C, but that means no TV, no (or very limited lights, stereo, limited water pump) use as well. Once the trailer battery discharges, then you'll be "in the cool with no lights or refrigerator" so keeping the converter operational and keeping the refrigerator functioning (even on propane, it uses roughly 60 watts).

Can you run a 13.5K BTU air conditioner on a 2000 or a 2200 watt generator? Yes, but not if you want to use the trailer facilities while doing it.

JohnP · 06-28-2019, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logan X

Hmm, I didn’t think the Honda 2000 watt would run an air conditioner. I’m going to try it when I get home today.

Thats what I thought too. I have a 3,000 watt Firman and there were times it struggled to get going at start up so I don't thing a 2,000 can do it.

sonofcy · 06-28-2019, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnP

Thats what I thought too. I have a 3,000 watt Firman and there were times it struggled to get going at start up so I don't thing a 2,000 can do it.

It depends if the AC is a 15,000 or a 13,500. Also as I said, add the easy start module to the AC and the 2,000 can do it just fine.

WDPatterson · 06-28-2019, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonofcy

It depends if the AC is a 15,000 or a 13,500. Also as I said, add the easy start module to the AC and the 2,000 can do it just fine.

If the 13.5 KBTU air conditioner requires 2750 watts to lock the rotor, and 1250 watts to run, you're not leaving yourself much room... Many of these so-called 3000 watt generators are only that at peak... That means they will only pull that load for about 5 to 10 seconds... That's their Surge watt rating, and they're only reliable at supplying that wattage when they're in perfect shape...

I have a microair 364... It does work... But I wouldn't trust a generator that runs less than 3500 run-time Watts... It's just not a good idea to max out your generator, if it won't last very long if you do.. You should have twice the runtime wattage as you're going to use all the time...

Like I said, keep in mind that your refrigerator and other appliances are also running on that AC unless you switch them to propane...

FlyingAroundRV · 06-21-2019, 10:49 PM

My choice would be the Predator 3500 from Harbor freight. They're very quiet and get great reviews by owners. Also, they cost way less than the Hondas.

We would have bought one but it wouldn't fit under the tonneau in the back of our truck so we went for the Champion. It's noisier and cost more, but it fits in the truck.

Dogue · 06-27-2019, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingAroundRV

My choice would be the Predator 3500 from Harbor freight. They're very quiet and get great reviews by owners. Also, they cost way less than the Hondas.

We would have bought one but it wouldn't fit under the tonneau in the back of our truck so we went for the Champion. It's noisier and cost more, but it fits in the truck.

Another contender would be the Northern Tool Powehouse model. It looks like the same unit as the Predator but has a 2 year warranty. Find whichever one is on sale at the time.

majbill · 06-27-2019, 08:03 AM

What's the advantage of running two Honda generators...assuming they would be linked somehow? Also what would be the advantage of two 12v batteries guessing would be connected parallel? That would keep the output the same but does it strengthen the batteries. In series the output would double making it 24v with a 24v output correct?

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