Generator/Inverter Specific Question.

[BobbyJayco]

Sifted through many posts about what folks use. My specific question is this: Will the Champion 3100/2800 run a 15k AC? I will not be using the microwave at the same time. Light, maybe tv or radio and A/C.

I'm not interested in spending 2k + on 2 Honda 2000's, I do have an opportunity to buy a used Honda 3000is, but the question remains the same, will it run a 15k A/C? The used Honda it needs a battery and runs rough, so I'm thinking that may not be cost effective vs a new or refurb unit from SuperGen.

[Sundancer330]

You will have no problem running the a/c off either generator. If the Honda runs rough it probably needs a good carb cleaning or replacement, they get dunked up from sitting.

[BobbyJayco]

Thanks Sundancer330

[CampNow]

Originally Posted by BobbyJayco

Sifted through many posts about what folks use. My specific question is this: Will the Champion 3100/2800 run a 15k AC? I will not be using the microwave at the same time. Light, maybe tv or radio and A/C.

I'm not interested in spending 2k + on 2 Honda 2000's, I do have an opportunity to buy a used Honda 3000is, but the question remains the same, will it run a 15k A/C? The used Honda it needs a battery and runs rough, so I'm thinking that may not be cost effective vs a new or refurb unit from SuperGen.

I've done quite a bit of side-by-side testing of the Champion 3100 inverter generator, a paralleled pair of Honda EU2000i's and the Honda EU3000iS.

The Champion 3100 inverter generator produces more inrush current than a pair of paralleled Honda EU2000i's, and significantly more inrush current than the Honda EU3000iS. Inrush current is needed to "start" an RV a/c unit's compressor.

In plain-speak, this means a Champion 3100 inverter generator will have significantly more success starting/running 13,500 and 15,000 BTU RV a/c units than the Hondas.

In reality, the Honda EU3000iS typically struggles and fails (especially with the Eco mode on) starting/running quite a few 13,500 BTU a/c units---especially those with LRA's higher than 60 amps or so. Even Honda itself says the EU3000iS will only power more "efficient" 13,500 BTU a/c units. IMO, your chance of successfully (or consistently) powering a 15,000 BTU a/c unit with a Honda EU3000iS is very low.

Success (with any given generator) sometimes depends on the a/c unit. Dometic Brisk Air II 15,000 BTU a/c units are absolute power hogs. Even the Champion 3100 inverter generator can sometimes struggle starting this unit. The Coleman-Mach 15,000 BTU a/c units are generally more efficient, with lower LRA's. Your chance of successfully starting a Coleman-Mach a/c is higher.

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by CampNow

I've done quite a bit of side-by-side testing of the Champion 3100 inverter generator, a paralleled pair of Honda EU2000i's and the Honda EU3000iS.

The Champion 3100 inverter generator produces more inrush current than a pair of paralleled Honda EU2000i's, and significantly more inrush current than the Honda EU3000iS. Inrush current is needed to "start" an RV a/c unit's compressor.

In plain-speak, this means a Champion 3100 inverter generator will have significantly more success starting/running 13,500 and 15,000 BTU RV a/c units than the Hondas.

In reality, the Honda EU3000iS typically struggles and fails (especially with the Eco mode on) starting/running quite a few 13,500 BTU a/c units---especially those with LRA's higher than 60 amps or so. Even Honda itself says the EU3000iS will only power more "efficient" 13,500 BTU a/c units. IMO, your chance of successfully (or consistently) powering a 15,000 BTU a/c unit with a Honda EU3000iS is very low.

Success (with any given generator) sometimes depends on the a/c unit. Dometic Brisk Air II 15,000 BTU a/c units are absolute power hogs. Even the Champion 3100 inverter generator can sometimes struggle starting this unit. The Coleman-Mach 15,000 BTU a/c units are generally more efficient, with lower LRA's. Your chance of successfully starting a Coleman-Mach a/c is higher.

I appreciate this post. Thank you.