AC Overloads 3100 Watt Generator

marbles · 08-16-2017, 11:08 AM

I have a 2008 Jayco 24RKS. We have never used the AC in camp because we always camp where it is cool and comfortable.
For the first time, we are headed to an area that is a little warmer. The eclipse is forcing us to be with the crowds of Idaho.
I just bought an almost new Champion 3100 and have installed the high altitude jet because we live at 4,500 feat elevation and tend to only go higher. I also added the SUPP6 Hardstart Relay from Supco. That is what I ordered but there is no name on the soft start capacitor unit. The AC is from RV Products.

Why does the AC overload the generator when I turn it to cool? I get 120v AC in everything until the compress kicks on. Then the overload light on the generator comes on and the 120v line drops. I have turned off the breaker for the microwave, inverter and the water heater.

What am I doing wrong? Did I buy the wrong hard start relay? How do I know which one to buy?

Thank you for your assistance.
Jeff

bdreinv · 08-16-2017, 11:25 AM

Altitude may have some effect! I know my 3000 wont start my 15k needs 2900 watts to start it.

Nukeneck · 08-16-2017, 11:34 AM

Are you using the 30 amp outlet on the generator and not one of the two standard 15 amp outlets? I live at 4750 feet in Nevada and with the Supco capacitor, I was able to fire up the 13.5 AC with my Champion 2000w inverter. Outside temp will also affect the genny

oldmanAZ · 08-16-2017, 11:46 AM

We have a Champion 3100 we bought new. We live at ~3,600ft and without the high altitude jet, runs fine at the house to run the trailer's 13.5 AC. We ran the generator primarily to charge the batteries all last summer in 'economy mode' without a problem at ~7,800ft.

As a test, we tried the AC briefly at ~7,800ft last summer with the 'economy mode' off and it started our 13,500btu AC without a problem without the high altitude jet. BUT, it didn't run for more than a couple of minutes due to the CG generator restriction hours.

Subaru297 · 08-16-2017, 12:27 PM

Try turning off your converter at the breaker as well. Also make sure your refrigerator is on gas not auto.

Our 2000W Champion will run our 13.5 A/C unit pretty well with the hard start capacitor installed.

SloPoke · 08-16-2017, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subaru297

Try turning off your converter at the breaker as well. Also make sure your refrigerator is on gas not auto.

Our 2000W Champion will run our 13.5 A/C unit pretty well with the hard start capacitor installed.

I would turn off all of the breakers in the trailer except the AC - and try again.

Your Generator is actually rated a max of 2800 running watts.

A Fridge on AC runs 325-400 watts
Most 13.5k AC units use 1700 watts in the running state, but can pull 50Amps at startup / stabilization.

You "should" be able to run just the AC on the generator, unless that starting capacitor is the wrong type for that AC unit.

BCK · 08-16-2017, 03:56 PM

Maybe a dumb question but do you have the eco switch shut off? The inrush current is high enough it will trip out on overload in eco mode. I can run my 13.5K AC with a 2000 Honda in run mode.

Vicr · 08-17-2017, 07:43 PM

Should have bought a Honda. They don't fudge their specifications.

Screwby · 08-17-2017, 10:13 PM

I have no issue running my 13.5k A/C with my 3100 Champion Duel Fuel. Make sure your not in eco mode.

Another Honda owner bashing on Champions, don't be mad you paid twice as much for a generator with the same capabilities. Oh wait, you can't run on propane, my bad. I've had both, and Yamaha as well, Hondas were once the King, they got too comfortable. Super nice generators but no way worth twice the cost anymore.

bdreinv · 08-18-2017, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Screwby

I have no issue running my 13.5k A/C with my 3100 Champion Duel Fuel. Make sure your not in eco mode.

Another Honda owner bashing on Champions, don't be mad you paid twice as much for a generator with the same capabilities. Oh wait, you can't run on propane, my bad. I've had both, and Yamaha as well, Hondas were once the King, they got too comfortable. Super nice generators but no way worth twice the cost anymore.

I have to agree been running Honda's for twelve years.Selling my 2000, buying the Predator 3100 Inverter Harbor Freight 647.00.I need two 2000's to start my 15k AC.Not worth a grand more to me!

PonyExpress · 08-18-2017, 11:41 AM

its going to be real interesting in a year or so to see how the cheap inverters are holding up.

I think the old saying "you get what you pay for" is going to come into play.

I just don't see a Harbor Freight $699 3500 watt inverter generator being able to hang with the big dogs in the long run.

but if they actually do last, the upside would be, that it will force Honda and Yamaha to lower their prices.

Time will tell.

vcbice · 08-18-2017, 12:19 PM

Our old trailer had a 13k AC on it that I ran with a Yamaha 2400 genset. It just barely did the job. The work around was simple.

At the thermostat turn the fan from AUTO to ON. Yes, the fan will run all the time. Then turn on the AC. This way the fan and compressor are not trying to start at the same time. And, don't have anything else running on 110V.

FYI, if you have a low battery the convertor will be drawing a bit of current too. Make sure it is charged before turning on the AC.

You might want to check to be sure the soft start capacitor was installed properly as well.

Screwby · 08-18-2017, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PonyExpress

its going to be real interesting in a year or so to see how the cheap inverters are holding up.

I think the old saying "you get what you pay for" is going to come into play.

I just don't see a Harbor Freight $699 3500 watt inverter generator being able to hang with the big dogs in the long run.

but if they actually do last, the upside would be, that it will force Honda and Yamaha to lower their prices.

Time will tell.

Agreed, but for half the cost I'm game to try. I don't like cheap tools, I don't skimp on equipment. I like the rule of buy once cry once usually. Unfortunately I think the game has caught up to Honda. If my generator that is half the cost only lasts half as long then I'm fine with that. There is always something new coming down the pipeline. With all the reviews and all the testing it seems Champion isn't just a "cheap" generator that's going to crap out in a couple years. Add the fact I can run on propane and I'm sold.
If I had a disposable income I'm still not sure I could justify Hondas at this point.

EDIT: The Honda "equivalent" of my generator is more like 3x the cost....

vcbice · 08-19-2017, 12:07 PM

Same feeling here. Plenty of people using Champion's and the other brands and few complaints.

IF I were going to use it every day for hours a day then I might spring for a Honda. Otherwise the Champion looks like the best buy for me. "Neighbor" had the Ryobi's and likes them. He does search and rescue communications and they haven't failed him in the year he's had them.

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