Forum Discussion

AmericaOverland's avatar
Aug 19, 2014

Portable AC unit to use in travel trailers

Hello!

I am looking for some way to keep myself cool through the summer in Texas, since I cannot handle a 3.5Kw generator by myself, and where I am going for 11 days next month does not have hookups of any kind. I will be working for at least 4 of these days (work weekends and might work elsewhere during the week, but chances are I have to stay in my trailer during the week).

What AC options do I have that would run off a much smaller generator? It doesn't have to be a roof-mount AC? Is there something that sits on a table or a counter?
  • To get the size you need in a portable the electrical draw will be the same as your roof AC. If you can not handle the weight of the bigger generator look at two smaller units with a parallel kit.
  • Due to startup current requirements, I don't think you can go much larger than 5000 or maybe 6000 btu and still use a 2k watt generator. So you would be looking at room AC units or maybe a portable wheeled AC (I saw some at Lowe's the other day but didn't look at how many btu they were). The ones on wheels exhaust the hot air through a hose that you put through a window or other opening. They don't work nearly as well though as a traditional room AC.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    I have brought along my 5000BTU House Window A/C unit on my tent camping trips and it would run just fine on my 2KW Honda Generator.

    Even the 8000 BTU Window units would be under the maxiumum watts draw from the 2KW Honda type generator.

    Try it out before you commit...

    Roy Ken
  • there are previous threads on stand alone aCs but I don't remember if current draw was ever discussed.
    bumpy
  • friends company has portable ac units they hook up in service vans, the girls working in the vans say its great, go to e bay type in portable ac unit.