Is 3000W genny enough?

My new Champion 3500/4000 wouldn't start my 15K AC at 5000 ft but my 4K Onan onboard would. I'd be surprised if a 3100 gen would run a 15K AC at any altitude. Remember to account for about 3 percent power loss per 1000 ft of altitude gain.

If you have to lift them to move them... for certain, a pair of Honda EU2000I's at 48 #'s each is easier than one big EU3000i or Honda 3000 Handi.

I never thought my question would ignite such a spirited debate. Thank you all for the input. Now I know 3000W may or may not be enough power and Honda, Yamaha or Champion may be the way to go and either 2 2000's or 1 3000 is the best solution.

2oldman wrote:

SoundGuy wrote:
.. can't even remotely compete with the Honda's ability to maintain it's full surge rating for up to 1/2 hr. Having owned two EU2000i gensets I know for myself the EU2000i can meet a surge load that no other inverter genset in this class can

My 2-Honda 20000i in parallel have no problem starting my 13.5 in Eco mode. When the a/c cycles they drop back to a nice purr.

That's the same as my two Champion 2000 (parallel) have no problem running the 15k unit on my trailer.

SoundGuy wrote:
.. can't even remotely compete with the Honda's ability to maintain it's full surge rating for up to 1/2 hr. Having owned two EU2000i gensets I know for myself the EU2000i can meet a surge load that no other inverter genset in this class can

My 2-Honda 20000i in parallel have no problem starting my 13.5 in Eco mode. When the a/c cycles they drop back to a nice purr.

The OP asked, "Is 3000 watts enough?"

Maybe not, but the Champion 3500/4000 generators provide almost exactly the same power available in most campgrounds. Yes, you can hear it run. Same as you can hear two generators running at full throttle or built in units. None are totally quiet. My traveling buddies don't allow any generators. They also travel where air conditioning is not needed.

SoundGuy wrote:

The point? - he asked, I answered. :)

Thank you, now we know.

Not to stoke the fire, but I live outside of Phoenix, AZ and can start/run my 15k AC in 110 degree summer weather. I have had the Champion (2800 continuous 3100 peak) for over a year and have had no issues even at 5000ft - didn't need it at that elevation, but wanted to see what it could do for a test. The benefits of the Champion is cost, output and noise level. I sold my EU2000i after my buddy and I tested them side by side. Noise level is nearly identical. It is heavy, but has wheels and two big handles so you could get someone to give you a hand lifting it. I can tell you the Honda would not start the AC ever, and when the heater was on in the trailer the Honda would trip every now and then when we tried to use the microwave.

Boon Docker wrote:
Get a couple of Champion 2000 (sound level 53db @ 23 ft.) and parallel kit.

SoundGuy wrote:
- those Champs will be working just as hard as a pair of EU2000i would. :R

Boon Docker wrote:
They will be working just as hard at 1/2 the price.

What is your point??

The OP needs to be able to reliably start a larger 15,000 BTU A/C and if he wants that reliability under varying temperature and elevation conditions he needs a genset with as much surge capability as possible. The Champ 2K unit suffers the same drawback as the Yamaha EF2000iS - an engine that's 20% smaller than the EU2000i - and as a result can't even remotely compete with the Honda's ability to maintain it's full surge rating for up to 1/2 hr. Having owned two EU2000i gensets I know for myself the EU2000i can meet a surge load that no other inverter genset in this class can, the Champ included. Obviously the OP is free to choose whatever he wants but the devil is in the details and if he doesn't pay attention he could easily find the choice he makes won't handle the task he has in mind. The point? - he asked, I answered. :)

SoundGuy wrote:

Boon Docker wrote:
Get a couple of Champion 2000 (sound level 53db @ 23 ft.) and parallel kit.

- those Champs will be working just as hard as a pair of EU2000i would. :R

They will be working just as hard at 1/2 the price.

What is your point??