Forum Discussion

elderberries's avatar
elderberries
Explorer
May 11, 2015

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 EU2001 generator. However, I don't see any 30 amp outlet on the honda, and while I've looked at 30 amp RV adaptors, they all seem to need to start with a 30 amp outlet on the generator itself.

Can anyone give me the simple answer on this? If I want to run my RV's AC without being in an RV park, what kind of power and adaptors do I need to bring with me?

Thanks in advance!
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 11, 2015
    Somewhat relevant answer: Although the question has been asked many times, in my 12 years of dry camping I can count on one hand the number of times I see anybody actually running air with an outboard generator. If it's that hot out, people are outside. Whether these people actually have the generator capacity to run it is unknown.

    More relevant answer: You'll need 2 eu2000s in parallel to run an air. In fact, I can even run my MW oven for about 30 seconds at the same time.
  • 77charger's avatar
    77charger
    Explorer
    May 11, 2015
    dont mess with anything less than a 3k.A 3k will start them easier and 100 percent of the time unless something is wrong with your a/c or the compressor shuts off and you try to restart within a couple of minutes.

    I like my eu3000.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    May 11, 2015
    Turn off EVERY LAST A.C. load in the rig.

    Cross your fingers and toes

    Start the unit's fan first

    Then continue on to start the compressor

    It may or may not start without killing the generator. A hard start air conditioner kit may or may not work to help the AC to start.

    Once the AC starts it has to keep running. Solid.

    If it shuts off a five minute wait to re-start will be mandatory. High head amperage requirement will toss a knockout punch to the generator. Stall.

    Was this unspecific enough? Not trying to be cute, this is the reality of an answer.
  • jrnymn7's avatar
    jrnymn7
    Explorer
    May 11, 2015
    The honda eu2000i is rated at 1600w/13.3a continuous. You should also allow for start up current.

    What a/c unit are we talkin' about here? model, btu's, etc.
  • Sandia_Man's avatar
    Sandia_Man
    Explorer II
    May 11, 2015
    Better to go with at least a 3000 watt generator for reliable power to run your AC under most conditions. Honda, Yamaha, and Champion all make inverter generators capable of running your AC. The Champion 3K watt inverter is a good choice and is more economical of the three, why pay through the nose for something you'll use a few times year.
  • dbbls's avatar
    dbbls
    Explorer
    May 11, 2015
    Your Honda will only produce 1600 watts continously, therefore it will probably not run your AC. You will need a 3000 watt generator, or another 2000i Honda. If you get another 2000,get the Companion and parallel cables.This will have a 30 amp outlet and will give you the full 30 amp service.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    May 11, 2015
    elderberries wrote:
    I feel like this question must have been asked a million times ...


    It has. :R

    and I was hoping to run the AC off a Honda EU2001 generator.

    Can anyone give me the simple answer on this?


    Simple answer - don't bother trying, go with at least a 3000 watt inverter genset. But FWIW, contrary to popular opinion it is possible to run a 13.5K BTU roof mounted A/C with an EU2000i BUT there are tricks to it ... but it's not "simple". My advice - go with the larger genset.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    May 11, 2015
    Single Honda 2000 gives maybe 16 amps. A 30 amp connector would be cosmetic only unless you run two in parallel. Dog bone 15/30 adapter is fine. Your dealer, WalMart, or Amazon all have it.

    Give it a go but it will be marginal at best. Hottest days will be more difficult, high elevation reduces generator power. Need 3000 to 4500 watts to run the air in all conditions.

    Honestly I am looking for hookups if I need air 24/7.
  • philster49's avatar
    philster49
    Explorer
    May 11, 2015
    I just bought a Champion 3100/2800 for my trailer. Nice quality, not too heavy (88 lbs, pretty quiet and great price. It should run your AC and other accessories and has an economy mode for longer time between fill-ups. Got it for about $750 on Amazon.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,194 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 29, 2025