Running AC on generator - Questions

GrumpyDad · 07-16-2018, 06:03 AM

While I'm not that new to towing (on my third trailer now), I am a total newbie to the world of trailer AC. Got a new 2018 trailer over the last winter, and didn't ask any questions about the AC. Surprisingly in the huge stack of information about the various components, there's nothing on the AC unit, not even the manufacturer name. Just a handwritten note on the build sheet that it's a 15k BTU unit. Running on shore power, the AC units cools the trailer off amazingly fast.

Most of my camping is boonbocking up here in the mountains of Canada. So if I want AC, I need it to run off the generator for an hour or two in the evening while the kids go to bed and the air cools off. I'm in the market for a new generator as well, as my old cheap one died recently.

So, my questions are:
1) I've heard some newer AC units have a built in "soft start" feature from the factory, how would I find out if mine has this?
2) is the factory soft start as good as the MicroAir "easy-start" that I've heard is the best aftermarket solution?
the bonus question is 3) aside from a quality Yamaha or Honda 2000w x2 parallel setup, what's a good cheaper alternative for someone who values quiet operation? There's so many "other" branded inverter generators on the market these days.

33 RLDS · 07-16-2018, 06:43 AM

I have installed a Micro air soft start in my 15K unit and can run it with my Yamaha 2400 iSHC (2000 watts running). If I need to run other stuff as well, I bring my Champion Dual fuel 3400 (3060 running watts) Yamaha is about 75 lbs and Champion just over 100 lbs.
Both are reasonably quiet.

As far as factory installing a soft start I have not heard that.

Pfflyer · 07-16-2018, 06:50 AM

I have used 2 Northern Tool Powerhorse generators for about three years and they still start the first pull.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...3983_200623983

2edgesword · 07-16-2018, 06:54 AM

I'm not sure if the words quiet and cheap go together when it comes to generators

.

I have Yamaha 2400ISHC that runs my 13.5K BTU A/C but I don't think it will run a 15K BTU. It struggle to start the 13.5K unit and trip the circuit protection device on the generator every now and then. I added a motor start capacitor (made by Supco) to help provide the extra boost of power to consistently start the generator and that solved the intermittent start up problems. Note that the added capacitor was in addition to the oval shaped capacitor, which I believe is the motor run capacitor, that was already on the unit.

I don't have any personal experience with the Micro Air but based on what I've read it will run a 15K A/C with a 2000 watt generator.

Hivoltage98 · 07-16-2018, 08:50 AM

Honda makes the eu2800 that would have no problem running the ac. You could do a harbor freight generator and it might last a while but it’s not a Honda.

GrumpyDad · 07-16-2018, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2edgesword

I don't have any personal experience with the Micro Air but based on what I've read it will run a 15K A/C with a 2000 watt generator.

Seems to me, a guy would save money and aggravation buying the MicroAir unit and a smaller Honda generator instead of messing around with the larger noisier generators too.

Marine71-76 · 07-16-2018, 12:45 PM

We just had an Onan 7000 installed - it will run both of our A/Cs, the residential fridge and anything else DW wants (like her coffee maker!) without having to shut down either one of the A/C units. Not the noisiest we have heard and it does exceed federal park sound requirements.

No room in the bed of the truck so portables were not an option - besides I am getting too old to keep moving them in/out.

zuley · 07-16-2018, 12:57 PM

Just copied this from another RV site I frequent:
https://mozaw.com/quiet-rv-generator/

Good review of a couple of different generators and the sound levels under load.

01tundra · 07-16-2018, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrumpyDad

Seems to me, a guy would save money and aggravation buying the MicroAir unit and a smaller Honda generator instead of messing around with the larger noisier generators too.

That's what we did, our EU2200i will run the A/C on high cool with all of the overhead lights on in eco mode. Haven't pushed it to see what else we can turn on yet.

RAurand · 07-16-2018, 02:32 PM

I run my AC on a Yamaha 2000 no problems. HOWEVER, I have also installed a Micro-Air Easy start. I even tried running a regular 120 volt 20 amp extension cord from my trailer plug with 20 amp adapter and plugged it into the 120 volt/20 amp outlet of the Yamaha and my AC started with no problems.

I highly recommend the Micro Air.

GrumpyDad · 07-16-2018, 02:43 PM

I found the local distributor for MicroAir, and while us Canadian pay more for things, it's about the same as using the coupon code I found for the microair site, after shipping, duty, taxes, and currency conversion. Good thing all Canadians are rich . . . .sigh.

I'm 90% sure I'm getting one of these.

SkyBound · 07-16-2018, 03:56 PM

Look at the Champion 3400W inverter generator. It's more than enough to start and run my 15K AC with no soft start, even at higher altitudes (where the gennys make less power). The remote start is sweet! Up to 80 feet away, one push of the key fob and I'm up and running with AC power without even leaving the trailer.

RAurand · 07-16-2018, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrumpyDad

I found the local distributor for MicroAir, and while us Canadian pay more for things, it's about the same as using the coupon code I found for the microair site, after shipping, duty, taxes, and currency conversion. Good thing all Canadians are rich . . . .sigh.

I'm 90% sure I'm getting one of these.

You will not regret it!

SkyBound · 07-16-2018, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrumpyDad

I found the local distributor for MicroAir, and while us Canadian pay more for things, it's about the same as using the coupon code I found for the microair site, after shipping, duty, taxes, and currency conversion. Good thing all Canadians are rich . . . .sigh.

I'm 90% sure I'm getting one of these.

Isn't that the truth eh? Things on Amazon in the US are nearly half the cost of things on Amazon Canada, factoring in taxes and currency conversion. It's absolutely shameful what this country has come to, and I haven't even seen the whole of it at the ripe age of 33. I buy almost everything in the US and have it shipped to family down there, then go pick it up on a visit. I have no guilt or shame withholding my business from these stupid Liberals when it's clearly a rip off!

Kim Gass · 07-16-2018, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01tundra

That's what we did, our EU2200i will run the A/C on high cool with all of the overhead lights on in eco mode. Haven't pushed it to see what else we can turn on yet.

Try the toaster and the coffee maker. One at a time. I was surprised how heavy they draw.

GrumpyDad · 07-16-2018, 04:55 PM

A 2-slice toaster is about 700w. Coffee maker is likely close to that. And that a long steady draw too. I can eat cold bread.

ALJO · 07-16-2018, 05:27 PM

Cosco Canada has the Champion Generator/Inverter 3100/2800 watt on sale for
cad 845.00. Nice quiet unit and runs the 15K easy.

**Midnightmoon** · 07-16-2018, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALJO

Cosco Canada has the Champion Generator/Inverter 3100/2800 watt on sale for
cad 845.00. Nice quiet unit and runs the 15K easy.

Rural King here in the states have them listed for $699.99 online or in stores.

RAurand · 07-16-2018, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrumpyDad

A 2-slice toaster is about 700w. Coffee maker is likely close to that. And that a long steady draw too. I can eat cold bread.

That is why I actually have (2) 2000 watt inverter Yamahas. I run them in parallel when I need to run more stuff. BUT, It is easier to maneuver (2) 50 pound generators around than (1) 130 pound generator.

GrumpyDad · 07-16-2018, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALJO

Cosco Canada has the Champion Generator/Inverter 3100/2800 watt on sale for
cad 845.00. Nice quiet unit and runs the 15K easy.

Probably cheaper in-store, that price on the website includes shipping.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

Rural King here in the states have them listed for $699.99 online or in stores.

Don't worry us Canadians are rich . . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAurand

That is why I actually have (2) 2000 watt inverter Yamahas. I run them in parallel when I need to run more stuff. BUT, It is easier to maneuver (2) 50 pound generators around than (1) 130 pound generator.

Yes, that's very true, plus when you have smaller needs, you can just run one. It's a great and flexible system. Those inverter yamahas are around $999 each up here though, and the similar hondas are a couple hundred bucks more each, so it's more expensive then the cheapie Champion.

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