I am in the process of a major transition of my RV lifestyle.I will be buying an Arctic Fox 29Y. Wife insists that we have a generator to run the AC. We often camp in forest service/state park/boondock where no electricity is available. We also do camp in RV parks with full hookups.Standard is a 13.5k BTU AC. Optional is a 15K.I am strongly leaning toward the Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start, largely for the ability to run on propane. I have figured out a way to transport it/store it, and move it around.I will also install a Supco SPP6, Relay Start Capacitor 120-288V to assure the starting of the AC.Will this generator and capacitor run the 15K? or should I stick with the 13.5k?The trailer is total 30' long. Is there much of a difference inside between the 13.5k and the 15k? It seems like such a small difference, 13.5 to 15, that the coolness difference would be noticeably felt inside. What am I missing?Finally. I am unfamiliar with the capacitor thingy. Where does that install? At the AC? Is it difficult?Any comments/advice will be much appreciated!!!FYI....moving FROM FW TH with 5.5k generator on board.

If the Champ has enough surge rating, you may want to try it first sans the capacitor.

My Champion 3100 (gas only) genny will start and run my 15K AC trailer with just the converter operating. If there are other concurrent loads (ie hwh, microwave, coffee maker), the generator will overload and trip. You have to be diligent when prioritizing usable amperage from your generator. These Champions are nice little machines though.

I would definitely look into an EasyStart capacitor or other soft-start system. The main reason is that this puts a lot less wear and tear on both the generator and the A/C's compressor due to the brief undervoltage. That way, you don't have to worry if the generator can handle 60 locked rotor amps that are thrown in its lap, and a 3000+ watt generator can handle the running load without issue.

“Wife insists that we have a generator to run the AC. We often camp in forest service/state park/boondock”Please camp away from me.

Thanks for the quick replies. Still would like to hear more.From my perspective, it is easy to say "Starting the AC, turn everything off" and also managing the load...only 1 other electric(110) device (MW, coffee maker, hair dryer, etc) running at the same time as the AC.What I am hearing is that, once started, the specified generator will run the 15k AC and 1 other electric(110) device at the same time.

AC size and generator size - advice please | Good Sam Community

amxpress
Explorer
Jan 18, 2018
I have a Champion 3400/4000 surge gas genny going on 6 years. I've only replaced the pull string along with maintenance.
It handily runs my 15K A/C and any lights & TV. If I only run my 13.5K in the bedroom, I can also run the fantastic fan in the bathroom on high, which DW likes after my visit there.
I wasn't aware of the power output loss when running one on propane, interesting...
Awesome generator.
Ltrip
Explorer
Jan 18, 2018
SidecarFlip said: Also, keep in mind that running the Champ on propane derates it, I think, about 15%

Please don't take offense..... Where is that documented?
Is it a gut feel, common knowledge, or somehow tested and validated.

That might be a concern if I go with the 15k rather than the 13.5.

Propane seems so much more convenient than dealing with a gas can.

Thank you!
guidry
Explorer
Jan 18, 2018
Ltrip wrote:
Propane seems so much more convenient than dealing with a gas can.

There are a whole lot more gas stations that propane stations. Some gas stations are open 24hrs, I've never seen a propane station open 24hrs. Yes, you already have propane on board, but you will go through propane quicker and then you may have nothing to cook and heat with. Gas cans are easy to carry in the bed of your truck.
badsix
Explorer
Jan 18, 2018
TurnThePage wrote:
I bought the 3400 with remote start last year, and am VERY satisfied with it so far. It starts and runs my 13.5K BTU A/C with ease, much easier than the Yamaha EF2800i I used before. I added the Supco SPP6E to my Coleman MachIII A/C years ago, which helped a lot, but I would opt for one of the new easy start systems if I was doing it again. I think one of them is called Micro Air Easy Start, or something like that. It would give you much more flexibility with your AC. By the way, I would opt for the 15K A/C also.

On edit: We LOVE the remote start feature on ours, which isn't available with the dual fuel option. It makes life extremely easy.

also have the 3400 with remote start, love it.
Jay D.
TomG2
Explorer
Jan 18, 2018
It does not matter if you hook up ten Hondas, the camper is most likely wired for 30 amp service. (30 amps is about the output of a 3600 watt generator)
2oldman
Explorer II
Jan 18, 2018
TomG2 wrote:
It does not matter if you hook up ten Hondas, the camper is most likely wired for 30 amp service.
Oh yeah. A/c plus any other high draw appliance is about maxxed out.
TomG2
Explorer
Jan 18, 2018
2oldman wrote:
TomG2 wrote:
It does not matter if you hook up ten Hondas, the camper is most likely wired for 30 amp service.
Oh yeah. A/c plus any other high draw appliance is about maxxed out.

I assume that you are agreeing with me. It does little good to have a bank of ten little generators if the main breakers only allow 30 amperes of service.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jan 18, 2018
TomG2 wrote:
I assume that you are agreeing with me. It does little good to have a bank of ten little generators if the main breakers only allow 30 amperes of service.
Yes. That's why I stopped at 3.
Ltrip
Explorer
Jan 18, 2018
I said: SidecarFlip said: Also, keep in mind that running the Champ on propane derates it, I think, about 15%

Please don't take offense..... Where is that documented?
Is it a gut feel, common knowledge, or somehow tested and validated.

I answered my own question!! This is direct from the Champion website:
Using gasoline, the 192cc Champion engine produces 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts, and will run for 7.5 hours at 25% load. It produces 3060 starting watts and 2790 running watts, and will run for 14.5 hours at 25% load when using a 20-pound propane tank.

And I noticed, they have 3 versions: 3100W, 3400W and 3500W. Not sure why they would have 3 so similar.

Thanks!!
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jan 18, 2018
3400 Watt shoudl do it but as I recall the Champion 3400 is an open frame contractor type (Read that LOUD) a 3,000 watt inverter or better yet 3600 might be a better choice.. Inverter types are lighter, More fuel efficient, and quieter both audio and electronically .