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jmac2009's avatar
jmac2009
Explorer
Feb 03, 2014

Generator to run AC

This Friday I take ownership of a new 2014 Forest River Silverback 33RL. My wife and I plan to go off grid for most vacations to get away. The 33RL has two AC units, a 15,000 BTU in the main room and a 13,500 in bedroom. I am trying to find a solution to running only ONE generator at a time at night but not have to carry or manhandle a 150 to 200 lb generator.

Wow, I would have thought that finding a small portable generator to run a 13,500 BTU AC generator at bedtime and that could be combined to run in parallel with another for running a 15,000 BTU AC during the day would be simple. Wrong. The best would be to have two generators so one can be backup at night. I can live with more heat during the day but I have to have a cool room to sleep.

After searching the web, I don’t seem to be able to find a solution with all inverter generators on the market. When will someone design a 2500-2800 to run a 13,500 and then combine another 2500-2800 to run a 15,000 RV AC?

Am I missing something

39 Replies

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  • Coach-man's avatar
    Coach-man
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2014
    For my money I would go with the Honda! They are very reliable!! After hurricane Andrew in South Fla I purchased a honda generator in case of another "power outage". In 2004 in Central Fla where we moved to we had 3 hurricanes one after the other, I got out the Honda a tried to start it, it would not kick, after all it was 14 years since it ran. Then I realized that I did not turn the key to "ON", it started immediately!!! WOW I will never buy a different brand of generator! That to me was amazing!!!!!
  • stevekk's avatar
    stevekk
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2014
    I have a new Yamaha 2400 and it runs my 13.5 AC fine.
    But my big complaint is the noise. It is really loud.
    You might have the neighbors complaining.
  • jmac2009's avatar
    jmac2009
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2014
    the bear II wrote:
    Do an internet search for a remote start on a Honda 3000. I've seen them advertised in RV magazines and found the company with an internet search a few years back. They had a parallel kit to hook two 3000s together.

    The remote start saves you having to run outside in the cold or heat.


    Yes, I found that 1 Honda EU3000i can run a 13,500 AC and it can run parallel with another Honda EU3000i which I sure can run the 15,000 BTU AC but wow, $2300 each. However the 3000i is only 80 lbs to move around which is doable.
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2014
    Do an internet search for a remote start on a Honda 3000. I've seen them advertised in RV magazines and found the company with an internet search a few years back. They had a parallel kit to hook two 3000s together.

    The remote start saves you having to run outside in the cold or heat.
  • waltbennett's avatar
    waltbennett
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2014
    We've two Yamaha 2400is generators that can be hooked together (their older models), but I usually just run one. It'll power the AC, big TV (40") and some lights all at once. If we're going to be boondocking for a while in heat, I'll bring the second and have 30 amp capability. Each weighs about 80 lbs so I can move them about without a lot of hassle.
  • Fire5er's avatar
    Fire5er
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2014
    We use two Honda EU2000i generators with Companion Kit with Parallel Cables. They run our 15000 BTU AC unit (Coleman unit) in the living room of our 5er.

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