Forum Discussion
j-d
Jul 27, 2016Explorer II
Wish I could find the article I saw a few years ago about running MARINE A/C on a Honda 2000 with various start kits. Marine is 120-VAC like RV but heat exchange is to water instead of air. I think the water pump is powered separately from the A/C so it doesn't figure into current draw, but the indoor blower probably does.
They described the Honda 2000 as a "potent little unit" for its ability to run A/C. I don't remember which start kits they used other than that that pricey Dometic one did best.
Aside from the article, there's debate over which SUPCO device to use. Chris Bryant has the most experience with those here, from his professional RV repair business, and recommends the "e" series such as SPP6e. Says it's nearly as effective as the "Starting Relay" kits that control the starting capacitor. SUPCO, on the other hand, says to use their standard PTCR - controlled one such as SPP6 if you're using a Generator. Their explanation is that the PTCR type gives the generator more time to respond to the sudden load increase of a compressor start. And that the "e" series takes the start capacitor out of play too soon. Chris, OTOH, remains adamant for the SPP6e.
The idea of Fan Delay is to make more generator resource available to Compressor Start. You can run Fan without Compressor, but not Compressor without Fan, so you need to be sure the fan delay is brief. Fan running before Compressor Start would be better than starting both at once.
It seems the Honda has more "grunt" than other small generators with similar ratings. Yamaha 2400 should do better than Honda 2000 but maybe not for starting a compressor.
I hate to see you in this situation. If it was mine,
1. Get a PTCR start kit with the right rating for Dometic
2. Add a Fan Delay
3. Run the Yammie with any "ECO" mode OFF
They described the Honda 2000 as a "potent little unit" for its ability to run A/C. I don't remember which start kits they used other than that that pricey Dometic one did best.
Aside from the article, there's debate over which SUPCO device to use. Chris Bryant has the most experience with those here, from his professional RV repair business, and recommends the "e" series such as SPP6e. Says it's nearly as effective as the "Starting Relay" kits that control the starting capacitor. SUPCO, on the other hand, says to use their standard PTCR - controlled one such as SPP6 if you're using a Generator. Their explanation is that the PTCR type gives the generator more time to respond to the sudden load increase of a compressor start. And that the "e" series takes the start capacitor out of play too soon. Chris, OTOH, remains adamant for the SPP6e.
The idea of Fan Delay is to make more generator resource available to Compressor Start. You can run Fan without Compressor, but not Compressor without Fan, so you need to be sure the fan delay is brief. Fan running before Compressor Start would be better than starting both at once.
It seems the Honda has more "grunt" than other small generators with similar ratings. Yamaha 2400 should do better than Honda 2000 but maybe not for starting a compressor.
I hate to see you in this situation. If it was mine,
1. Get a PTCR start kit with the right rating for Dometic
2. Add a Fan Delay
3. Run the Yammie with any "ECO" mode OFF
About Technical Issues
Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,323 PostsLatest Activity: May 15, 2020