This is going to be a little long, but I think you need the background info.I finally bought an inverter generator. Based on other people saying the Wen 2000I ran their 13,500 ac I got one.It is for emergency use and, sometimes, being able to stop for lunch and leave the dog in air conditioned comfort.I understand that what works for 1 person might not work for another.It worked perfectly for almost 2 hours then went into overload.I kept trying different scenarios, turning things off etc.Last try, all breakers were off except main, and a/c.it ran about 45 mins, and overloaded again.I couldn't get it to stay on, even with the ref off.If I did turn ref on (on LP), it tripped immediately.Is there anything else I can do , to try and make this work, or just lick my wounds and know I need a 3000I?Thanks for any help you might have.

Did your 12v charging system kick into "boost" or somehow otherwise increase output, thus increasing draw?

If you are really needing the AC, such as protecting your pet from the heat, then yes, you need to go to 3000. Although some will say a 2000 works for them, to run the AC, it is just asking too much, in most cases.Jerry

I never could get my EU20001 to run my 13,500 BTU Air Conditioner.I have read some add a HARD START CAPACITOR to the RV Air Conditioner which helps big time. I have no info on the start capaitors - you will need to search google for that... Roy Ken

Did your 12v charging system kick into "boost" or somehow otherwise increase output, thus increasing draw? That was one of my thoughts.I made sure I had it off, and gen still went into overload.It doesn't overload immediately, might last an hour.I thought the ref, running on lp, only needed 12v for the control boards, but it seemed like that tripped the overload immediately.A/C is a necessity in extreme south FL in the summer.We were in a campground a couple weeks ago and a storm knocked out the power.Luckily, not for too long, but it got me thinking, I need a backup plan to run my a/c.I'll go back and search the threads about hard start capacitors.

1st a 2000 watt ginny is barely marginal for a A/C unit, 2nd you will probably need to add a hard start kit to the A/C. Most likely the A/C tried to restart and the load was just too much for the ginny.

help from the electrical wizards | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

mich800
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
I can run my AC with the 2000 but it can be hit or miss. I would not rely on it. Sometimes I have no problem. Sometimes I need to turn everything off including making sure the water heater is not on electric (mine has a switch on the heater outside), converter, fridge, etc. Other times I just cannot get it to work.

Remember the 2000 is rated for 1600 watts. So draw more than that for an extended time and it will overload. This is typically my problem. It does not necessarily cut off at start up. But on long extended pulls when it is hot outside and it is constantly running.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
I think I have pretty much read every post on gen sets and certainly don't remember "Based on other people saying the Wen 2000I ran their 13,500 ac I got one" a multitude of folks saying this. I was under the impression that you pretty much need a 2400 or up to do this successfully. a lot of folks here evidently use 2,000's in pairs.
bumpy
dockmasterdave
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
After reading up on the hard start capacitor mod, it sounds like this might work.
Any words of warning, or is this pretty much a safe mod for a novice?
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jun 30, 2016
You could upgrade the converter in the RV to a hybrid inverter/charger such as the Magnum 3000. That would allow the air conditioner to draw power from the generator and surges would be taken care of by the battery bank.
tvman44
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
1st a 2000 watt ginny is barely marginal for a A/C unit, 2nd you will probably need to add a hard start kit to the A/C. Most likely the A/C tried to restart and the load was just too much for the ginny.
dockmasterdave
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
Did your 12v charging system kick into "boost" or somehow otherwise increase output, thus increasing draw?

That was one of my thoughts.
I made sure I had it off, and gen still went into overload.
It doesn't overload immediately, might last an hour.
I thought the ref, running on lp, only needed 12v for the control boards, but it seemed like that tripped the overload immediately.
A/C is a necessity in extreme south FL in the summer.
We were in a campground a couple weeks ago and a storm knocked out the power.
Luckily, not for too long, but it got me thinking, I need a backup plan to run my a/c.
I'll go back and search the threads about hard start capacitors.
RoyB
Explorer II
Jun 30, 2016
I never could get my EU20001 to run my 13,500 BTU Air Conditioner.

I have read some add a HARD START CAPACITOR to the RV Air Conditioner which helps big time. I have no info on the start capaitors - you will need to search google for that...

Roy Ken
MFL
Nomad II
Jun 30, 2016
If you are really needing the AC, such as protecting your pet from the heat, then yes, you need to go to 3000. Although some will say a 2000 works for them, to run the AC, it is just asking too much, in most cases.

Jerry
Fire_Instructor
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
Did your 12v charging system kick into "boost" or somehow otherwise increase output, thus increasing draw?

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