Generator to run my RV's AC - what do I need?
I feel like this question must have been asked a million times, but I'm a newbie and can't seem to find the answer. I have a new Wildwood X-Lite 26' trailer, and I was hoping to run the AC off a Honda...
Forum Discussion
Your AC will draw 14.9 amps, a bit more than the Honda 2000 puts out, so you'll need more power.
Or do what I did. Replace your ac with Dometic's High efficiency ac & run it with just the 1 Honda 2000. Works fine for me with judicious use of the other electrical stuff.
I have the Honda 2000 & it powers my high efficiency 13.5 dometic ac just fine. For less money than a second Honda and connector cord you could replace your ac with the high efficiency model.
Here's the real numbers for my high efficiency unit and operating it:
Dometic's 459530 Hi-Eff 87 lbs. The specs: compressor loaded amps=8.6 fan loaded amps=2.5 Total FUll load amps=11.1 amps.
Within one Honda 2000 output of over 13 amps.
Here's my actual numbers:
I fired up my new Honda 2000 & plugged the Kill-a-watt meter into it. 126 volts. Then I plugged in my motorhomes 30 amp power cord with the proper adapter. I did not bother turning the breaker off to the converter based on my earlier analysis. The draw was 2.6 amps. Then I turned the AC fan on low. 4.5 amps. Then I turned the AC on and it went to 11+ amps and slowly climbed to 12.5 amps and had no problem running. In my motorhome the AC was nice & cold & the battery was being charged. All lights worked fine. I switched the eco on & had no problem. I switched the AC fan to low let it run for 1/2 hour. The draw then was 11.5 amps. Sweet. This high efficiency AC is worth every penny!
Air temp = 87 (hotter than before)
interior motorhome temp 95+
Gen only = 126.6 volts.
With my MH plugged in & converter left on = 126.2 volts 2.73 amps, 176 watts.
Turning the AC fan on to LO = 125.6 volts, 4.34 amps, 416 watts.
Adding the AC compressor
= 123.8 volts, 11.1 amps, 1210 watts. These slowly went up to 11.52 amps & 1250 watts.
Turned the fan on HI = 123.2 volts, 12.5 amps, 1381 watts. These numbers slowly drifted a bit higher.
Turned the fan back to LO & let it run 15 minutes. Nice & cool inside. 123.2 volts, 12.49 amps, 1400 watts, less than the 1600 watts continuous rating of the Honda.
My elevation is only 750 feet. Most people know at higher elevations the genny loses some hp so plan accordingly.
My solution won't work for some people, but it does for me.
Or do what I did. Replace your ac with Dometic's High efficiency ac & run it with just the 1 Honda 2000. Works fine for me with judicious use of the other electrical stuff.
I have the Honda 2000 & it powers my high efficiency 13.5 dometic ac just fine. For less money than a second Honda and connector cord you could replace your ac with the high efficiency model.
Here's the real numbers for my high efficiency unit and operating it:
Dometic's 459530 Hi-Eff 87 lbs. The specs: compressor loaded amps=8.6 fan loaded amps=2.5 Total FUll load amps=11.1 amps.
Within one Honda 2000 output of over 13 amps.
Here's my actual numbers:
I fired up my new Honda 2000 & plugged the Kill-a-watt meter into it. 126 volts. Then I plugged in my motorhomes 30 amp power cord with the proper adapter. I did not bother turning the breaker off to the converter based on my earlier analysis. The draw was 2.6 amps. Then I turned the AC fan on low. 4.5 amps. Then I turned the AC on and it went to 11+ amps and slowly climbed to 12.5 amps and had no problem running. In my motorhome the AC was nice & cold & the battery was being charged. All lights worked fine. I switched the eco on & had no problem. I switched the AC fan to low let it run for 1/2 hour. The draw then was 11.5 amps. Sweet. This high efficiency AC is worth every penny!
Air temp = 87 (hotter than before)
interior motorhome temp 95+
Gen only = 126.6 volts.
With my MH plugged in & converter left on = 126.2 volts 2.73 amps, 176 watts.
Turning the AC fan on to LO = 125.6 volts, 4.34 amps, 416 watts.
Adding the AC compressor
= 123.8 volts, 11.1 amps, 1210 watts. These slowly went up to 11.52 amps & 1250 watts.
Turned the fan on HI = 123.2 volts, 12.5 amps, 1381 watts. These numbers slowly drifted a bit higher.
Turned the fan back to LO & let it run 15 minutes. Nice & cool inside. 123.2 volts, 12.49 amps, 1400 watts, less than the 1600 watts continuous rating of the Honda.
My elevation is only 750 feet. Most people know at higher elevations the genny loses some hp so plan accordingly.
My solution won't work for some people, but it does for me.
