Will this generator run a 13500 btu ac

ggilbert · 02-16-2023, 09:35 PM

I know I should have done more research but I made a impulse purchase of this reconditioned generator on e bay
FIRMAN W01682F
2000/1600W
E bay add said perfect for RV. And it was 1/2 price of a new one.

Then I got to read online after the fact that it may not run my Dometic AC.
13500 BTU.

Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner, 13,500 BTU - Polar White (B57915.XX1C0)

Does anyone have experience trying to run this ac on a similarly sized generator.

Mangort1900 · 02-16-2023, 10:34 PM

Average watts to start 2000 to 4500 depending on temperature,I have a Honda e3000 and it runs one and has power for other items , if it’s hot and you run the 1000 watt microwave it can be hit and miss,

ggilbert · 02-17-2023, 12:13 AM

The ac is all I’m hoping it will run. While we pack it and change sheets etc.

Shokyle1 · 02-17-2023, 12:31 AM

Install a soft start on your a/c that would help alot.

TaftCoach · 02-17-2023, 06:16 AM

X2 on the soft start. Once started the AC doesn't take much electricity. The issue is the huge spike in current that occurs on start up. Unfortunately the soft start device is about $300 plus install if you aren't comfortable popping the hood on the AC and connecting five wires.

Racinforthefinish · 02-17-2023, 07:15 AM

There is now a softstart that is built in with a surge protector that is just plug and play. No wiring into your AC.
This would probably get you started, It would only run your AC and not much else. https://softstartup.com/products

TaftCoach · 02-17-2023, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racinforthefinish

There is now a softstart that is built in with a surge protector that is just plug and play. No wiring into your AC.
This would probably get you started, It would only run your AC and not much else. https://softstartup.com/products

If you chick on the link it says no longer available for sale. They are working on a 50 amp version. Old inventory may be around.

Racinforthefinish · 02-17-2023, 10:25 AM

Sorry about that. I should have checked. I have the kind I wired into my 13.500 AC . It was not hard to do. My Honda 2000i runs the AC just fine with the TV playing. I wouldn't use much else though.

ggilbert · 02-17-2023, 10:48 AM

those softstarts cost more that I paid for the inverter generator.

ggilbert · 02-17-2023, 11:45 AM

winder if this would work
https://www.ebay.com/itm/11314214317...MakeTrack=true

ggilbert · 02-17-2023, 09:23 PM

Seller said they would let me refuse delivery and refund my order.

What inverter generator would you all recommend for occasional use. Aka budget friendly model.

Shokyle1 · 02-17-2023, 10:05 PM

I have a champion 3500 running watt that starts my 15k a/c with no problem. It has been very reliable.

garywilson · 02-17-2023, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shokyle1

I have a champion 3500 running watt that starts my 15k a/c with no problem. It has been very reliable.

x2

ARoamer · 02-18-2023, 09:16 AM

Champion dual fuel 2400 watt will start and run one 15k AC on propane but the genny won't start it in eco mode, it has to be running at speed. Never tried it on gasoline.

ggilbert · 02-18-2023, 09:22 AM

How many starting watts are needed

videoarizona · 02-22-2023, 01:01 PM

Honda 2200i.
Then buy the propane conversion kit from Hutch Mountain. Can run on gas or propane.
The Easy start for the AC is also recommended. I know you don't like the costs, but you do get what you pay for.

The Honda is very reliable. Quiet and light. A 20 lb propane tank is cheap. I bought all the of above. Yep, it was money! But I've been very pleased for the past two years. Not one problem.

Route 66 Traveler · 02-22-2023, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by videoarizona

Honda 2200i.
Then buy the propane conversion kit from Hutch Mountain. Can run on gas or propane.
The Easy start for the AC is also recommended. I know you don't like the costs, but you do get what you pay for.

Yes that will run the AC if you also have a SoftStart, but not much else. If you want to run your electric water heater, microwave or your wife's hair drier the 2200i won't cut it. Using it on propane will also decrease it's output wattage as well.

Look at the 3500 watt champions, more power and a LOT cheaper.

videoarizona · 02-22-2023, 02:22 PM

What hair dryer? We are camping. My better half is very good at conserving water and power.

And if I'm using the generator, I'm sure not running the water heater on electric.

I use the generator to do two things: Charge battery, Run AC if it's warm enough to do so. And then usually only at night. And the 2200 Honda will do both at same time.

Everything else runs on 200amp lithium battery and/or propane.

But that's just us.... We Like the challenge. Which boondocking is....and it's a fun challenge!

But if Mr. Gilbert is not into that, then I agree with you. Get the larger Champion.

Skyline · 02-22-2023, 02:52 PM

If your generator has parallel ports you can by another connect them together and double the output. That will solve your problem. If your not running the ac you can use one generator and save on fuel.

Route 66 Traveler · 02-22-2023, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by videoarizona

What hair dryer? We are camping. My better half is very good at conserving water and power.

Having been married for 58 years I give her what she wants, and she gives me what I want. When on a trip she prefers to wash her hair with soft water and fluff it dry with her hair drier. So we always travel with the water tank topped off with 65 gallons of soft water and enough power to supply her hair drier with 19 amps of electricity.

My generator is a 3500 watt Predator from Harbor Freight. It has been flawless for the past 5 years and can run everything in our trailer. I did install a SoftStart and the RV Airflow modification to the AC that made a huge difference in performance.

Our boondocking days are now few and far between. We both now prefer all the comforts of home while on the road.

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